Vehicle control device and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a vehicle control apparatus and method. A vehicle control device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by including a distance sensor that detects a distance between a vehicle and a collision surface, and a processor that detects the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface by the distance sensor in a case where the vehicle falls, when the detected distance is greater than or equal to a preset first reference distance, it is determined that a fall accident has occurred in the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device and method, and more specifically, to a vehicle control device and method for determining whether a vehicle has been involved in a falling accident or a flooding accident, and taking appropriate safety measures in the event of a falling accident or a flooding accident. Background Art

[0002] When a vehicle is driving or parked in an area with a high risk of falling, such as near a cliff or the seaside, there is a possibility that the vehicle will fall. On the other hand, when a vehicle falls near the seaside or the riverside, the vehicle may sink after falling. In the event of such a falling accident or sinking accident, the survival rate of the driver and passengers is very low, so it is required to develop a technology for protecting the driver and passengers from a falling accident or sinking accident.

[0003] On the other hand, in the past, development has focused on technologies related to passenger rescue or escape, such as sending rescue signals and securing escape routes, but there is actually a lack of technology to protect drivers and passengers from falling accidents or sinking accidents themselves.

[0004] The background art of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0020928 (2016.02.24). Summary of the invention

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, its purpose is to provide a vehicle control device and method for determining whether a vehicle has been involved in a fall accident or a submersion accident, and taking appropriate safety measures when a fall accident or a submersion accident occurs, thereby protecting the driver and passengers from the accident.

[0007] Solution to the problem

[0008] A vehicle control device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a distance sensor, which detects the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface; and a processor, which, in the event of a fall of the vehicle, detects the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface through the distance sensor, and determines that the vehicle has fallen if the detected distance is greater than a preset first reference distance.

[0009] The present invention is characterized in that the vehicle control device also includes: a vehicle speed sensor, which detects the speed of the vehicle; and an acceleration sensor, which detects the acceleration of the vehicle, and the processor determines that the vehicle has fallen when the speed of the vehicle in the direction perpendicular to the collision surface is greater than a preset reference speed and the acceleration of the vehicle in the direction perpendicular to the collision surface is greater than a preset reference acceleration.

[0010] The present invention is characterized in that the vehicle control device also includes: an external airbag module, which includes at least one cushion that expands toward the outside of the vehicle. In the event of a fall accident, the processor determines whether the distance detected by the distance sensor is less than a preset set distance, and activates the external airbag module when the distance detected by the distance sensor is less than the set distance.

[0011] The present invention is characterized in that it also includes: a gyro sensor that detects the inclination of the vehicle, the processor predicts the area of ​​the vehicle that collides with the collision surface based on the inclination detected by the gyro sensor, and activates the cushion corresponding to the predicted area.

[0012] The present invention is characterized in that it also includes: a GPS, which detects the position of the vehicle. When a fall accident occurs, the processor detects the position of the vehicle through the GPS, generates accident information including information related to the detected position, and sends it to the outside.

[0013] The present invention is characterized in that the vehicle control device also includes: a state sensor, which detects the state of the medium constituting the collision surface. When the distance detected by the distance sensor is less than a preset second reference distance, the processor detects the state of the medium through the state sensor, and when the state of the medium is liquid, determines whether the depth of the medium is above a preset reference depth. When the depth of the medium is above the reference depth, it is determined that the vehicle has been submerged in water.

[0014] The present invention is characterized in that the vehicle control device further comprises: an external airbag module including at least one cushion that expands toward the outside of the vehicle, and the processor activates the external airbag module in the event of a flooding accident.

[0015] The present invention is characterized in that the vehicle control device also includes: a GPS, which detects the position of the vehicle. When a water flooding accident occurs, the processor detects the position of the vehicle through the GPS, generates accident information including information related to the detected position, and sends it to the outside.

[0016] A vehicle control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle control method executed in a computing device including a processor, and is characterized in that it includes: in the case where the vehicle falls, a step of detecting the distance between the vehicle and a collision surface by means of a distance sensor; and in the case where the detected distance is greater than a preset first reference distance, a step of determining that the vehicle has had a falling accident.

[0017] The present invention is characterized in that the vehicle control method also includes: a step of detecting the state of the medium constituting the collision surface by a state sensor when the distance detected by the distance sensor is less than a preset second reference distance; a step of determining whether the depth of the medium is above a preset reference depth when the state of the medium is liquid; and a step of determining that the vehicle has been submerged in water when the depth of the medium is above the reference depth.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention can simultaneously sense a falling accident and a flooding accident, and take appropriate safety measures according to its sensing results, thereby protecting the driver and passengers from the accident.

[0020] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, when a fall accident or a flood accident is sensed, the present invention can provide support to enable rapid rescue of the driver and passengers by sending information related to the location of the accident to the outside (for example, an accident management center).

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the external airbag is activated when a fall accident is detected, thereby alleviating the impact generated when the vehicle collides with the collision surface.

[0022] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention can increase the buoyancy of the vehicle and prevent the vehicle body from being submerged in water by actuating the external airbag when a flooding accident is sensed.

[0023] On the other hand, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1is a block diagram showing a structure of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a first flow chart showing a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is a second flow chart illustrating a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Description of Reference Numerals

[0028] 100: Vehicle control device 101: Vehicle speed sensor

[0029] 103: Acceleration sensor 105: Gyro sensor

[0030] 107: Distance sensor 109: Status sensor

[0031] 111: GPS 113: External airbag

[0032] 115: Communication interface 117: Memory

[0033] 119: Processor DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The vehicle control device and method according to the embodiment of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the process, for the clarity and convenience of the description, the thickness of the lines or the size of the components shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated. In addition, the terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions in the present invention, which may vary depending on the intention or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, these terms should be defined based on the overall content of this specification.

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a vehicle speed sensor 101, an acceleration sensor 103, a gyro sensor 105, a distance sensor 107, a state sensor 109, a GPS 111, an external airbag module 113, a communication interface 115, a memory 117, and a processor 119. Figure 1 In addition to the components shown, various components may be included, or some of the components described above may be omitted.

[0037] The vehicle speed sensor 101 can detect the speed of the vehicle in various directions (eg, XYZ axes) and output information related to the detected speed to a processor 119 described later. Information related to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 101 can be used to determine whether the vehicle falls.

[0038] The acceleration sensor 103 can detect the acceleration of the vehicle in various directions (eg, XYZ axes), and output information related to the detected acceleration to the processor 119. The information related to the acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor 103 can be used to determine whether the vehicle falls.

[0039] The gyro sensor 105 can detect the inclination of the vehicle in various directions (e.g., XYZ axes) and output information related to the detected inclination to the processor 119. Information related to the inclination of the vehicle detected by the gyro sensor 105 can be used to predict the collision area of ​​the vehicle colliding with the collision surface.

[0040] The distance sensor 107 detects the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface, and outputs information related to the detected distance to the processor 119. Among them, the collision surface may refer to the ground or water surface that collides with the vehicle. The distance sensor 107 may be implemented by at least one sensor included in an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) such as a camera, a laser radar, a radar, an acoustic sensor, and a light sensor. For example, the distance sensor 107 may be implemented by a laser radar, in which case the distance sensor 107 may irradiate a laser pulse to the collision surface, receive a laser pulse reflected from the collision surface, and calculate the ToF (Time of Flight) of the received laser pulse, and measure the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface based on the calculated ToF. Information related to the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface detected by the distance sensor 107 can be used to determine whether the vehicle has had a fall accident.

[0041] The state sensor 109 detects the state of the medium constituting the collision surface, and outputs information related to the detected state to the processor 119. The state sensor 109 may be implemented by at least one sensor included in an ADAS such as a camera, a laser radar, a radar, a sonic sensor, and a light sensor. For example, the state sensor 109 may be implemented by an ultrasonic sensor, in which case the state sensor 109 may irradiate a preset ultrasonic signal to the collision surface, receive an ultrasonic signal reflected from the collision surface, and analyze the received ultrasonic signal to detect the state of the medium constituting the collision surface.

[0042] The characteristics of the reflected signal may be different when the medium constituting the collision surface is solid or liquid, and the present invention can use this fact to detect the state of the medium constituting the collision surface. Information related to the state of the medium constituting the collision surface detected by the state sensor 109 can be used to determine whether the vehicle has been flooded (sinking).

[0043] The GPS 111 may detect the position of the vehicle and output information related to the detected position to the processor 119. The information related to the position of the vehicle detected by the GPS 111 may be used to perform safety measures after a fall accident or a flood accident occurs.

[0044] The external airbag module 113 may include at least one cushion that expands toward the outside of the vehicle. The cushion may be stored in a folded state in front, rear, or side of the vehicle. For example, the cushion may be provided at the headlight, rear light, or filler of the vehicle. The cushion may expand and unfold according to the control of the processor 119 in the event of a fall or flooding accident. A material with high buoyancy may be used to expand the cushion.

[0045] The communication interface 115 may perform communication with the outside according to the control of the processor 119. The communication interface 115 may perform communication with various types of external devices (eg, an accident management center) according to various types of communication methods.

[0046] The memory 117 may store various information required during the operation of the processor 119. In addition, the memory 117 may store various information calculated during the operation of the processor 119.

[0047] The processor 119 can be operatively connected to the vehicle speed sensor 101, the acceleration sensor 103, the gyro sensor 105, the distance sensor 107, the state sensor 109, the GPS 111, the external airbag module 113, the communication interface 115 and the memory 117. The processor 119 can also be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU), an MCU (MicroController Unit) or a SoC (System on Chip), and can be configured to drive an operating system or an application to control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the processor 119, perform various data processing and calculations, execute at least one command stored in the memory 117, and store the execution result data in the memory 117.

[0048] When the vehicle falls, the processor 119 detects the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface through the distance sensor 107, and determines whether the detected distance is greater than a preset first reference distance. When the detected distance is greater than the preset first reference distance, it can be determined that the vehicle has fallen. That is, the processor 119 can determine that the vehicle has fallen when the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is greater than a predetermined distance at the time when the vehicle starts to fall.

[0049] The processor 119 may determine that the vehicle is falling when the speed of the vehicle in the direction perpendicular to the collision surface (e.g., Z axis) is greater than a preset reference speed and the acceleration of the vehicle in the direction perpendicular to the collision surface (e.g., Z axis) is greater than a preset reference acceleration. That is, the processor 119 may determine that the vehicle is falling when the vehicle moves in a direction approaching the collision surface at a predetermined speed and acceleration.

[0050] In the event of a fall accident, the processor 119 can compare the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface detected in real time by the distance sensor 107 with the preset set distance, thereby determining whether the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is less than the set distance, and can activate the external airbag module 113 when the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is less than the set distance. That is, when the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is less than the preset distance when a fall accident occurs, the processor 119 can activate the external airbag 113 to mitigate the impact generated when the vehicle collides with the collision surface.

[0051] The processor 119 may set the set distance in consideration of the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface at the time when the vehicle starts to fall, etc. For example, the farther the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is at the time when the vehicle starts to fall, the longer the set distance may be set by the processor 119. The processor 119 may operate the external airbag module 113 in the form of supplying sufficient gas to the airbag instantly or supplying a given amount of gas over a given period of time.

[0052] The processor 119 can predict the area of ​​the vehicle that collides with the collision surface based on the inclination detected by the gyro sensor 105, and activate the cushion corresponding to the predicted area. In the case where the external airbag module 113 includes multiple cushions, the processor 119 can activate only the cushions provided in the area predicted to collide with the collision surface among the multiple cushions. In this way, the present invention can more effectively mitigate the impact generated when the vehicle collides with the collision surface by activating the cushions provided in the area predicted to collide with the collision surface.

[0053] In the event of a fall accident, the processor 119 can detect the position of the vehicle through the GPS 111, generate accident information including information related to the detected position and the type of accident, and send the generated accident information to the outside (for example, an accident management center) through the communication interface 115. That is, the processor 119 can provide support by quickly generating an SOS CALL including information related to the accident location and the type of accident when a fall accident occurs so as to enable rapid rescue of the driver and passengers.

[0054] The processor 119 can compare the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface detected in real time by the distance sensor 107 with the preset second reference distance to determine whether the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is less than the second reference distance, and can detect the state of the medium constituting the collision surface through the state sensor 109 when the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is less than the second reference distance, and can determine whether the depth of the medium as a liquid is greater than the preset reference depth when the detected state of the medium is a liquid, and determine that a flooding accident has occurred when the depth of the medium as a liquid is greater than the reference depth. That is, the processor 119 can confirm whether the collision surface is solid (e.g., the ground) or liquid (e.g., the water surface) through the state sensor 109 when the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is less than a given distance. In addition, the processor 119 can confirm whether the depth of the medium as a liquid is greater than a given value when the collision surface is a liquid, and can determine that a flooding accident has occurred in the vehicle when the depth of the medium as a liquid is greater than a predetermined value.

[0055] The processor 119 can detect the depth of the medium as a liquid by using various sensors equipped in the vehicle. For example, the processor 119 can detect the depth of the medium as a liquid by measuring the time required for the ultrasonic signal to be reflected by the bottom surface of the medium as a liquid and return through the state sensor 109. On the other hand, the method of measuring the depth of the medium as a liquid is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various well-known technologies can be used.

[0056] In the event of a flooding accident, the processor 119 may activate the external airbag module 113. That is, the processor 119 may deploy at least one cushion included in the external airbag module 113 to increase the buoyancy of the vehicle to prevent the vehicle body from being flooded.

[0057] In the event of a flooding accident, the processor 119 can detect the location of the vehicle through the GPS 111, generate accident information including information related to the detected location and the type of accident, and send the generated accident information to the outside (e.g., an accident management center) through the communication interface 115. That is, the processor 119 can provide support by quickly generating an SOS CALL including information related to the location and type of the accident when a flooding accident occurs so as to enable rapid rescue of the driver and passengers.

[0058] Figure 2 is a first flow chart showing a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The following references Figure 2 , the process of processor 119 determining whether a falling accident has occurred is explained.

[0060] First, the processor 119 can determine whether the vehicle is falling (S201). At this time, the processor 119 can determine that the vehicle is falling when the speed of the vehicle in the direction perpendicular to the collision surface (e.g., Z axis) is greater than a preset reference speed and the acceleration of the vehicle in the direction perpendicular to the collision surface (e.g., Z axis) is greater than a preset reference acceleration.

[0061] When the vehicle is falling, the processor 119 may detect the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface through the distance sensor 107 ( S203 ), and determine whether the detected distance is greater than a preset first reference distance ( S205 ).

[0062] When the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is greater than the first reference distance, the processor 119 can determine that the vehicle has fallen (S207), generate accident information including information related to the position of the vehicle detected by GPS111, and send it to the outside through the communication interface 115 (S209).

[0063] Next, the processor 119 may detect the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface through the distance sensor 107 ( S211 ), and determine whether the detected distance is less than a preset set distance ( S213 ).

[0064] When it is determined that the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface exceeds the set distance, the processor 119 may return to step S211.

[0065] On the contrary, when it is determined that the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is less than the set distance, the processor 119 can activate the external airbag module 113 (S215). At this time, the processor 119 can predict the area of ​​the vehicle that collides with the ground based on the inclination detected by the gyro sensor 105, and activate the cushion corresponding to the predicted area.

[0066] Figure 3 is a second flow chart illustrating a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The following references Figure 3 , the process of processor 119 determining whether a flooding accident (sinking accident) has occurred is explained.

[0068] First, the processor 119 may detect the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface through the distance sensor 107 (S301). Step S301 may be performed after step S201.

[0069] Next, the processor 119 may determine whether the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface detected by the distance sensor 107 is less than a preset second reference distance ( S303 ).

[0070] When the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface exceeds the second reference distance, the processor 119 may return to step S301.

[0071] On the contrary, when the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface is less than the second reference distance, the processor 119 can detect the state of the medium constituting the collision surface through the state sensor 109 (S305), and determine whether the detected state of the medium is liquid (S307).

[0072] When the state of the medium constituting the collision surface is liquid, the processor 119 may determine whether the depth of the medium as liquid is greater than a preset reference depth ( S309 ).

[0073] When the depth of the liquid medium is greater than the reference depth, the processor 119 determines that a flooding accident has occurred (S311), and can activate the external airbag module 113 (S313). At the same time, the processor 119 can generate accident information including information related to the position of the vehicle detected by the GPS 111, and send it to the outside through the communication interface (115).

[0074] As described above, a vehicle control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention can simultaneously sense a falling accident and a flooding accident, and take appropriate safety measures according to the sensing results, thereby protecting the driver and passengers from the accident. In addition, a vehicle control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention can, in the case of sensing a falling accident or a flooding accident, provide support by sending information related to the location of the accident to the outside (for example, an accident management center) so as to enable rapid rescue of the driver and passengers. In addition, a vehicle control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention can, in the case of sensing a falling accident, mitigate the impact generated when colliding with the collision surface by activating an external airbag. In addition, a vehicle control device and method according to an embodiment of the present invention can, in the case of sensing a flooding accident, prevent the vehicle body from being submerged in water by activating an external airbag to increase the buoyancy of the vehicle.

[0075] The implementations described in this specification may be implemented, for example, by a method or process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the features discussed may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., an apparatus or program). An apparatus may be implemented by appropriate hardware, software, and firmware, etc. The method may be implemented, for example, in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to a processing device including a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. The processor also includes communication devices such as computers, cellular phones, portable / personal information terminals (personal digital assistants: "PDAs"), and other devices that facilitate information communication between end users.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, this is only exemplary, and those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments can be made accordingly. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined according to the attached patent claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device, characterized in that: include: a distance sensor that detects the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface; as well as A processor detects the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface through the distance sensor when the vehicle falls, and determines that the vehicle has a falling accident when the detected distance is greater than a preset first reference distance.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle control device further includes: a vehicle speed sensor, which detects the speed of the vehicle; and an acceleration sensor, which detects the acceleration of the vehicle. The processor determines that the vehicle has fallen when the speed of the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the collision surface is greater than a preset reference speed and the acceleration of the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the collision surface is greater than a preset reference acceleration.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle control device further includes: an external airbag module including at least one cushion that expands toward the outside of the vehicle, When a fall accident occurs, the processor determines whether the distance detected by the distance sensor is less than a preset distance, and activates the external airbag module when the distance detected by the distance sensor is less than the preset distance.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vehicle control device further includes a gyro sensor for detecting the inclination of the vehicle. The processor predicts a region of the vehicle that collides with the collision surface based on the inclination detected by the gyro sensor, and operates a cushion pad corresponding to the predicted region.

5. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle control device further includes: a GPS, which detects the position of the vehicle, When a fall accident occurs, the processor detects the position of the vehicle through the GPS, generates accident information including information related to the detected position, and transmits the accident information to the outside.

6. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle control device further includes: a state sensor that detects a state of a medium constituting the collision surface, When the distance detected by the distance sensor is less than a preset second reference distance, the processor detects the state of the medium through the state sensor, and when the state of the medium is liquid, determines whether the depth of the medium is above a preset reference depth, and when the depth of the medium is above the reference depth, determines that the vehicle has been submerged in water.

7. The vehicle control device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The vehicle control device further includes: an external airbag module including at least one cushion that expands toward the outside of the vehicle, The processor activates the external airbag module when a flood accident occurs.

8. The vehicle control device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The vehicle control device further includes: a GPS, which detects the position of the vehicle, When a flooding accident occurs, the processor detects the position of the vehicle through the GPS, generates accident information including information related to the detected position, and transmits the accident information to the outside.

9. A vehicle control method executed in a computing device including a processor, characterized in that: The vehicle control method comprises: In the event of a vehicle falling, a step of detecting the distance between the vehicle and the collision surface by means of a distance sensor; and The step of determining that a fall accident has occurred in the vehicle when the detected distance is greater than a preset first reference distance.

10. The vehicle control method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The vehicle control method further includes: When the distance detected by the distance sensor is less than a preset second reference distance, a step of detecting a state of a medium constituting the collision surface by a state sensor; In the case where the medium is in a liquid state, determining whether the depth of the medium is above a preset reference depth; and The step of determining that a water immersion accident has occurred in the vehicle when the depth of the medium is greater than or equal to the reference depth.

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