Vehicle control apparatus and method

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle control apparatus and method. The vehicle control apparatus may be configured to execute an automatic car wash standby mode based on recognition of entry of the vehicle into the car wash by the camera sensor, on the basis that the speed of the vehicle is a threshold speed or lower, the gear of the vehicle is set to be a P gear or an N gear, and the distance sensor recognizes that the distance between the vehicle washing brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance. It is determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car washing mode by at least one of sensing moisture by a rain sensor or sensing shake of the vehicle by a sensor sensing shake of the vehicle, and the automatic car washing mode is executed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0137803 filed on October 16, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control device and method, and more particularly, to a technology for controlling a vehicle wash mode. Background Art

[0004] With the development of the automobile industry, car washing has gradually become an industry. In particular, with the emergence of automatic car washing machines that clean vehicles in a short time, the model of the car washing industry has changed.

[0005] Recently, vehicles can perform various operations by electronic control. For example, the operation of wipers, the opening and folding of exterior rearview mirrors, or the opening and closing of windows can be electronically controlled.

[0006] Therefore, when a user uses an automatic car washing machine, phenomena such as operating wipers, opening exterior rearview mirrors, or opening car windows may occur during the automatic car washing process due to the user's lack of experience.

[0007] In recent vehicles, users can set a car wash mode that activates features such as turning off the wipers, folding the exterior mirrors, and closing the windows.

[0008] However, the user must select this car wash mode, which is inconvenient. Therefore, drivers who are inexperienced in using vehicles are not familiar with the settings of the car wash mode, and the same problem can easily happen again.

[0009] Therefore, when drivers use an automatic car wash, a technology that can easily execute the car wash mode is needed. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art while maintaining the advantages obtained by the prior art.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle control apparatus and method that allows a user to conveniently execute an automatic car wash mode by automatically identifying a car wash site and notifying the user whether to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure also provides a vehicle control apparatus and method for improving accuracy in determining whether a vehicle enters a car wash by utilizing a transmission, a distance sensor, a rain sensor, and a sway sensing sensor of the vehicle.

[0013] One aspect of the present disclosure also provides a vehicle control apparatus and method for preventing damage to a user or a vehicle by executing a function that is preferentially required before a car wash starts in an automatic car wash standby mode even when a user does not execute an automatic car wash mode after a vehicle enters a car wash.

[0014] An aspect of the present disclosure also provides a vehicle control apparatus and method for preventing an operation according to an automatic car washing mode from being changed when washing a vehicle by continuously sensing whether an operation state according to execution of the automatic car washing mode is maintained.

[0015] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and a person skilled in the art in the art to which the present disclosure belongs should clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned herein through the following description.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle control device includes a memory storing program instructions and a processor executing the program instructions. The processor can be configured to: execute an automatic car wash standby mode, which determines whether it is necessary to execute an automatic car wash mode for operating functions required for the vehicle before the vehicle is washed based on the recognition of the vehicle entering a car wash by a camera sensor; in the automatic car wash standby mode, it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode based on at least one of the vehicle speed being a threshold speed or lower, the vehicle gear being set to the "P" gear or the "N" gear, the distance sensor recognizing that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within the threshold distance, the rain sensor sensing moisture, or the sensor sensing the shaking of the vehicle sensing the shaking of the vehicle, or any combination thereof; and execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0017] In an embodiment, based on executing the automatic car wash mode, the processor can execute at least one of the folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing of the door glass, closing of the sunroof, turning off the rain sensor, locking of the automatic swing door handles, locking of the electric tailgate, locking of the electric sliding door, locking of the EV charging door or locking of the front trunk, or any combination thereof.

[0018] In an embodiment, in the automatic car wash standby mode, based on determining that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor may provide a notification for identifying whether to execute the automatic car wash mode through at least one of a display or an audio component or any combination thereof.

[0019] In an embodiment, based on the recognition that the user does not execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor may not execute the automatic car wash mode, and based on the recognition that the user executes the automatic car wash mode, the processor may execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0020] In an embodiment, in the automatic car wash mode, the processor may release the automatic car wash mode based on the recognition that the vehicle's start is turned on again after being turned off, or in the automatic car wash mode, release the automatic car wash mode based on the recognition that the vehicle's gear is set to "D" gear or "R" gear.

[0021] In an embodiment, based on the automatic car wash mode being released, the processor may return at least one of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, door glass, sunroof, rain sensor, automatic swing door handles, electric tailgate, electric sliding door, EV charging door or front trunk, or any combination thereof, to a state before the automatic car wash mode was executed.

[0022] In an embodiment, the processor may re-execute the automatic car wash mode based on the recognition that a state corresponding to at least one of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors being folded, door glass being closed, sunroof being closed, rain sensor being turned off, automatic swing door handles being locked, electric tailgate being locked, electric sliding door being locked, EV charging door being locked, or front trunk being locked, or any combination thereof, is not maintained.

[0023] In an embodiment, based on executing the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor can execute a first function, which includes folding the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing the door glass of the 1st row, closing the sunroof or closing the wipers, or at least one of any combination thereof, and based on executing the automatic car wash mode, execute a second function, which includes locking the automatic swing door handle, closing the door glass of the 2nd or more rows, locking the electric tailgate, locking the electric sliding door, locking the EV charging door or locking the front trunk, or at least one of any combination thereof.

[0024] In an embodiment, in the automatic car wash standby mode, based on the recognition that the vehicle's start is turned off, the processor can determine that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode by operating a timer within a preset time period, based on the vehicle's speed being a threshold speed or lower, the vehicle's gear being set to "P" gear or "N" gear, recognizing through a distance sensor that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance, sensing moisture through a rain sensor, or sensing vehicle shaking through a sensor that senses vehicle shaking, or at least one of any combination thereof.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle control device includes a memory storing program instructions and a processor executing the program instructions. The processor executes an automatic car wash standby mode, which determines whether it is necessary to execute an automatic car wash mode for operating a function required for the vehicle before the vehicle starts to be washed based on recognition of a vehicle entering a car wash by a camera sensor, and in the automatic car wash standby mode, based on recognition that a door of the vehicle is opened and a first operation of a key of the vehicle is recognized, the automatic car wash mode is executed.

[0026] In an embodiment, in the automatic car wash mode, based on a second operation of recognizing a key of the vehicle, the processor may release the automatic car wash mode.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle control method includes: executing an automatic car wash standby mode by a processor, the automatic car wash standby mode determining whether it is necessary to execute functions required to operate the vehicle before the vehicle is washed based on the recognition of the vehicle entering a car wash by a camera sensor; in the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor determines that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode based on at least one of the vehicle speed being a threshold speed or lower, the vehicle gear being set to "R" gear or "N" gear, recognizing through a distance sensor that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance, moisture being sensed by a rain sensor, or vehicle shaking being sensed by a sensor that senses vehicle shaking, or any combination thereof; and executing the automatic car wash mode by the processor.

[0028] In an embodiment, executing the automatic car wash mode by the processor may include: based on executing the automatic car wash mode, the processor executes at least one of the folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing of door glass, closing of the sunroof, closing of the rain sensor, locking of the automatic swing door handles, locking of the electric tailgate, locking of the electric sliding door, locking of the EV charging door or locking of the front trunk, or any combination thereof.

[0029] In an embodiment, the vehicle control method may further include: in the automatic car wash standby mode, based on the determination that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode, providing, by the processor, a notification for identifying whether to execute the automatic car wash mode through at least one of a display or an audio component or any combination thereof.

[0030] In an embodiment, executing the automatic car wash mode by the processor may include: when it is recognized that the user does not execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor does not execute the automatic car wash mode, and when it is recognized that the user executes the automatic car wash mode, the processor executes the automatic car wash mode.

[0031] In an embodiment, the vehicle control method may further include: in the automatic car wash mode, the processor releases the automatic car wash mode based on the recognition that the vehicle start is turned on again after being turned off, or in the automatic car wash mode, the automatic car wash mode is released based on the recognition that the gear position of the vehicle is set to "D" gear or "R" gear.

[0032] In an embodiment, in the automatic car wash mode, the processor cancels the automatic car wash mode based on the recognition that the vehicle's start is turned on again after being turned off, or cancels the automatic car wash mode in the automatic car wash mode based on the recognition that the vehicle's gear is set to "D" gear or "R" gear. It can include: the processor returns at least one of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, door glass, sunroof, rain sensor, automatic swing door handle, electric tailgate, electric sliding door, EV charging door or front trunk, or any combination thereof to the state before the automatic car wash mode is executed.

[0033] In an embodiment, execution of the automatic car wash mode by the processor may include: based on the recognition that a state corresponding to at least one of the folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing of door glass, closing of the sunroof, closing of the rain sensor, locking of the automatic swing door handle, locking of the electric tailgate, locking of the electric sliding door, locking of the EV charging door or locking of the front trunk, or any combination thereof, is not maintained, executing the automatic car wash mode again.

[0034] In an embodiment, an automatic car wash mode in which a processor determines whether it is necessary to perform functions required to operate the vehicle before the vehicle is washed based on recognition of the vehicle entering a car wash by a camera sensor may include: based on the automatic car wash standby mode being executed, the processor executes a first function, the first function including at least one of folding the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing the first row of door glass, closing the sunroof, or closing the wipers, or any combination thereof; and the processor executes the automatic car wash mode may include: based on the automatic car wash mode being executed, the processor executes a second function, the second function including at least one of locking the automatic swing door handle, closing the second or more row of door glass, locking the electric tailgate, locking the electric sliding door, locking the EV charging door, or locking the front trunk, or any combination thereof.

[0035] In an embodiment, in the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor determines that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode based on the vehicle speed being a threshold speed or lower, the vehicle gear being set to "R" gear or "N" gear, the distance sensor identifying that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance, the rain sensor sensing moisture, or the sensor sensing the shaking of the vehicle, or any combination thereof. At least one of determining that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode may include: in the automatic car wash standby mode, based on the recognition that the vehicle start is turned off, the controller operates a timer within a preset time period, based on the vehicle speed being a threshold speed or lower, the vehicle gear being set to "P" gear or "N" gear, the distance sensor identifying that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance, the rain sensor sensing moisture, or the sensor sensing the shaking of the vehicle, or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a vehicle control system including a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a flowchart showing a fail-safe logic of a process for determining whether it is necessary to execute an automatic car wash mode and a method for releasing the automatic car wash mode in a vehicle control device or method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a process for maintaining an operation state according to an automatic car wash mode in a vehicle control device or method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for executing an automatic car wash mode outside a vehicle in a vehicle control device or method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 7is a flowchart showing a process in which an operation according to execution of an automatic car wash standby mode and an operation according to execution of an automatic car wash mode are respectively operated in a vehicle control apparatus or method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0044] Figure 8 A computing system related to a vehicle control device or method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Description of reference numerals:

[0046] 100: Vehicle control equipment

[0047] 110: Processor

[0048] 120: Memory

[0049] 200: Vehicle control system

[0050] 210: Vehicle control equipment

[0051] 222: Camera sensor

[0052] 224: Distance sensor

[0053] 226: Rain sensor

[0054] 228: Shake sensor

[0055] 230: Transmission

[0056] 242: Display

[0057] 244: Audio components

[0058] 250: Operation output unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each figure, it should be noted that the same or equivalent components are represented by the same reference numerals even when the same or equivalent components are shown on other figures. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions are omitted so as not to unnecessarily confuse the main points of the present disclosure.

[0060] When describing components according to embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (A), (B), etc. may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and these terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the constituent components. In addition, the expression "at least one of "A", "B" or "C" or any combination thereof" may include all "A" or "B" or "C" or AB or BC, AC or ABC as a combination".

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. These terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field, and unless clearly defined in this application, should not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0062] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 8 Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0063] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the vehicle control apparatus 100 may include a processor 110 and a memory 120 . Figure 1 The configuration of the vehicle control device 100 shown is illustrative, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 100 may further include Figure 1 Components not shown.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the memory 120 may store commands or data. For example, the memory 120 may store one instruction or two or more instructions that, when executed by the processor 110, enable the vehicle control device 100 to perform various operations.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the memory 120 may include a nonvolatile memory (read only memory (ROM)) and a volatile memory (random access memory (RAM)).

[0067] According to an embodiment, the memory 120 may be implemented as a single chipset together with the processor 110, and may store various information related to the vehicle control device 100. For example, the memory 120 may store information about the operation history of the processor 110. For example, operations or functions according to an automatic car wash mode may be stored in the memory 120.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may execute an automatic car wash standby mode by determining whether it is necessary to perform functions required to operate the vehicle before the vehicle is washed based on recognition of the vehicle entering a car wash by a camera sensor.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the camera sensor may include cameras such as an internal camera, a front camera, a rear camera, a mono camera, and a stereo camera, which may capture or sense the surrounding environment of the vehicle.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may identify whether the vehicle enters a car wash by using car wash information. For example, the car wash information may include data related to the shape of a car wash, an automatic car wash machine, etc. In detail, the car wash information may include data about major car washes or automatic car wash machines at home and abroad. In addition, the processor 110 may receive car wash information stored in an external server, or receive car wash information stored in the memory 120 to identify whether the vehicle enters a car wash.

[0071] For example, the processor 110 may compare the exterior image of the vehicle recognized by the camera sensor with the car wash information stored in the memory 120 to recognize whether the vehicle enters the car wash.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may learn the car wash information using the car wash image recognized by the camera sensor. For example, when the car wash recognized by the camera sensor is a car wash not included in the car wash information, the car wash recognized by the camera sensor may be updated in the car wash information based on the car wash mode being operated by the user.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the automatic car wash standby mode may include a mode for determining whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode. For example, when it is recognized that the vehicle enters the car wash, the car wash may be executed. Therefore, it may be determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may determine that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode based on at least one of the vehicle's speed being a threshold speed or lower, the vehicle's gear being set to "P" gear or "N" gear, identifying (through a distance sensor) that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance, sensing moisture through a rain sensor, or sensing vehicle shaking through a sensor that senses vehicle shaking, or any combination thereof.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the threshold speed may include the speed at which a vehicle enters a car wash or a car washing machine to be washed. For example, the threshold speed may include the low speed at which a vehicle enters an automatic car washing machine. As a specific example, the threshold speed may be set to 10 km / h.

[0076] According to an embodiment, when the gear of the vehicle is set to the "P" gear or the "N" gear, the processor 110 may determine that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode. As another example, even when the gear of the vehicle is not only set to the "P" gear or the "N" gear but also set to a gear that can stop the vehicle, it may be determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode. In detail, even when the auto hold function of the vehicle is operated, it may be determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0077] According to an embodiment, when it is recognized through the distance sensor that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance, the processor 110 may determine that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0078] For example, the distance sensor may include a sensor that senses the distance between the vehicle and surrounding objects. As another example, the distance sensor may include a sensor that senses surrounding objects approaching the vehicle. As a specific example, the distance sensor may include a parking assist system (PAS) sensor.

[0079] For example, a car wash brush may include a brush for washing a vehicle. Specifically, it may include a car wash brush for an automatic car wash machine.

[0080] For example, the threshold distance may include a distance at which a car wash brush approaches the vehicle to wash the vehicle. As a detailed example, the threshold distance may be set to a distance including 0. Then, when the distance between the vehicle and the car wash brush sensed by the distance sensor is 0, it may be recognized that the car wash brush contacts the vehicle, and it may be determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0081] According to an embodiment, when the gear position of the vehicle is set to the "P" gear or the "N" gear, and the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is identified by the distance sensor as being within a threshold distance, it is determined that it is necessary to perform the automatic car wash mode. For example, when the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is identified by the distance sensor as being within a threshold distance while the gear position of the vehicle is set to the "D" gear or the "R" gear, it can be determined that the vehicle has an accident. However, when the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is identified by the distance sensor as being within a threshold distance while the gear position of the vehicle is set to the "P" gear or the "N" gear, it can be determined that the car wash brush contacts the vehicle to wash the vehicle.

[0082] According to an embodiment, when moisture is sensed by a rain sensor, the processor 110 may determine that it is necessary to execute an automatic car wash mode. The rain sensor may sense water droplets on a windshield or an outer panel of a vehicle. As a detailed example, the rain sensor may include a sensor that emits infrared rays and senses wavelengths between infrared rays that hit a glass window and return to the sensor. Then, when water droplets accumulate on the vehicle window, the rain sensor senses diffuse reflection and may sense moisture on the vehicle window.

[0083] According to an embodiment, when shaking of the vehicle is sensed by the sensor sensing shaking of the vehicle, the processor 110 may determine that it is necessary to perform the automatic car wash mode.

[0084] For example, the sensor sensing the shaking of the vehicle may include a radar sensor sensing movement or shaking in the room. As a detailed example, it may include a rear occupant alert (ROA) sensor. In detail, when the shaking of the vehicle is sensed when the car wash brush washes the vehicle, the processor 110 may determine that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0085] According to an embodiment, when the processor 110 determines that it is necessary to execute the automatic car washing mode in the automatic car washing standby mode, it may execute the automatic car washing mode.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the automatic car wash mode may include a mode for operating functions required for the vehicle before the vehicle is washed. For example, even when the vehicle is washed by an automatic car wash machine, it may include a mode for operating functions of the vehicle to prevent vehicle damage such as damage or scratches to the vehicle or damage to the user due to washing water flowing into the vehicle interior.

[0087] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 may perform a function of the vehicle to prevent damage from occurring when washing the vehicle, such as damage to the vehicle or damage to the user due to wash water flowing into the interior.

[0088] For example, when executing the automatic car wash mode, the processor 110 can execute at least one of the folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing of the door glass, closing of the sunroof, turning off the rain sensor, locking of the automatic swing door handles, locking of the electric tailgate, locking of the electric sliding door, locking of the EV charging door or locking of the front trunk, or any combination thereof.

[0089] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 may fold the exterior rearview mirrors of the vehicle to perform control so that the exterior rearview mirrors are not automatically unfolded when the vehicle is being washed.

[0090] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 may turn off the rain sensor to perform control so that the wipers do not automatically operate even if moisture is sensed while the vehicle is being washed.

[0091] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 can perform control by locking the automatic swing door handle so that the automatic swing door handle does not automatically open when the vehicle is washed. The automatic swing door handle may include a door handle that is usually hidden in the door but pops up when used by the user.

[0092] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 can perform control by locking the electric tailgate so that the trunk door does not automatically open when the vehicle is washed. The electric tailgate may include a trunk connected to a motor, and the trunk door may be automatically opened or closed by using a button or by action.

[0093] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 may perform control so that the sliding door does not automatically open when the vehicle is washed due to the locking of the electric sliding door. The electric sliding door may include a door connected to a motor, and the door may be automatically opened or closed by using a button or by action.

[0094] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 may lock the EV charging door to perform control so that the EV charging door is not automatically opened while the vehicle is being washed.

[0095] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 may lock the front trunk so that the front trunk is not automatically opened when the door is washed due to the locking of the front trunk. The front trunk may include a cargo loading space in the engine compartment at the front side of the vehicle.

[0096] According to an embodiment, all the above functions executed according to the automatic car wash mode can be executed simultaneously or sequentially. As another example, only the functions that need to be operated can be selected and executed. In detail, when the automatic car wash mode is executed when the door glass is open and the sunroof is closed, only the function of closing the door glass can be executed.

[0097] According to an embodiment, in the automatic car wash standby mode, based on determining that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor 110 may provide a notification for identifying whether to execute the automatic car wash mode through at least one of a display or an audio or any combination thereof.

[0098] For example, when it is determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode in the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor 110 may provide a notification of executing the automatic car wash mode to the user through a display or audio. In this example, the display may include a touch-type display.

[0099] As a detailed example, a notification for selecting whether to not execute the automatic car wash mode may be provided. In other words, when the user chooses not to execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor 110 may not execute the automatic car wash mode. Conversely, when the user chooses to execute the automatic car wash mode, or does not make a selection, the processor 110 may automatically execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0100] For example, processor 110 can ask the user whether to execute automatic car wash mode through a pop-up window on the display. In this case, the user can choose whether to execute the car wash mode by touching the pop-up window.

[0101] As another example, the processor 110 can ask the user whether to execute the automatic car wash mode through audio. In this case, the user can select whether to execute the automatic car wash mode through voice.

[0102] According to an embodiment, when the user does not agree to execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor 110 may not execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0103] According to an embodiment, when the user agrees to execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor 110 may execute the automatic car wash mode. In this case, the processor 110 may execute the automatic car wash mode when the user selects to execute the automatic car wash mode, or may automatically execute the automatic car wash mode when the user does not make a selection. In other words, when the processor 110 determines that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode, and there is no selection that does not agree to execute the automatic car wash mode within a specific time period, the processor 110 may automatically execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0104] According to an embodiment, in the automatic car wash mode, the processor 110 may release the automatic car wash mode based on recognizing that the start of the vehicle is turned on again after the start of the vehicle is turned off.

[0105] For example, even after executing the automatic car wash mode, the user may need to release the automatic car wash mode. In this case, the user can release the automatic car wash mode by turning off the start of the vehicle and then turning it on again.

[0106] According to an embodiment, in the automatic car wash mode, the processor 110 may release the automatic car wash mode based on recognizing that the gear position of the vehicle is set to the “D” gear or the “R” gear.

[0107] For example, even after executing the automatic car wash mode, when the user sets the gear of the vehicle to the "D" gear or the "R" gear, the processor 110 may determine that the user will release the automatic car wash mode. In this case, the processor 110 may release the executed car wash mode.

[0108] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash mode is released, the processor 110 may return at least one of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, door glass, sunroof, rain sensor, automatic swing door handles, electric tailgate, electric sliding door, EV charging door or the vehicle's front trunk or any combination thereof to the state before the automatic car wash mode was executed.

[0109] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed when the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors are deployed, the door glass is opened, and the sunroof is closed, the processor 110 may be operated to fold the exterior rearview mirrors and close the door glass, and keep the sunroof in a closed state. Thereafter, when the automatic car wash mode is released, the processor 110 may be operated to deploy the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors again, open the door glass, and keep the sunroof in a closed state.

[0110] For example, the processor 110 may store the status of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, door glass, sunroof, rain sensor, automatic swing door handles, electric tailgate, electric sliding door, EV charging door, and front trunk in the memory 120, and return these statuses to the status before the automatic car wash mode was executed when the automatic car wash mode is released.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may sense an operation state according to the execution of the automatic car wash mode. For example, the processor 110 may monitor whether a state corresponding to at least one of the folding of the exterior rearview mirror, the closing of the door glass, the closing of the sunroof, the closing of the rain sensor, the locking of the automatic swing door handle, the locking of the electric tailgate, the locking of the electric sliding door, the locking of the EV charging door, or the locking of the front trunk, or any combination thereof, is maintained.

[0112] According to an embodiment, when it is recognized that the operation state according to the execution of the automatic car washing mode is not maintained, the processor 110 may execute the automatic car washing mode again. For example, when it is sensed that the door glass is opened due to a user's misoperation or mistake even though the automatic car washing mode is executed and the door glass is closed, the processor 110 may execute the automatic car washing mode again to close the door glass.

[0113] In detail, when the vehicle's exterior mirrors are folded, the door glasses are closed, and the sunroof is closed according to the execution of the automatic car wash mode, the processor 110 can sense whether the folding of the vehicle's exterior mirrors, the closing of the door glasses, and the closing of the sunroof are maintained while the vehicle is washed.

[0114] For example, when it is sensed that the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors are deployed, the door glass is opened, or the sunroof is opened before the automatic car wash mode is released, the processor 110 can execute the automatic car wash mode again to fold the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, close the door glass, or close the sunroof.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the processor 110 may be operated while distinguishing between an operation according to the automatic car wash standby mode and an operation according to the automatic car wash mode.

[0116] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash standby mode is executed, the processor 110 may first execute a function that needs to be operated first to prevent damage to the vehicle or the user before executing the automatic car wash mode.

[0117] For example, when the automatic car wash standby mode is executed, the processor 110 may execute a first function including at least one of folding the exterior rearview mirror of the vehicle, closing the door glass of the first row, closing the sunroof, or closing the wiper, or any combination thereof. The operations included in the first function may be changed according to the settings of the system or the user. In addition, it may be operated differently according to the direction in which the vehicle is washed.

[0118] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 may execute the remaining operations not included in the first function according to the automatic car wash standby mode among the functions required for the vehicle before the vehicle starts to be washed.

[0119] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor 110 may execute a second function, which includes at least one of locking of an automatic swing door handle, closing of the second or more rows of door glass, locking of an electric tailgate, locking of an electric sliding door, locking of an EV charging door, or locking of a front trunk, or any combination thereof. The operations included in the second function may be changed according to the settings of the system or the user. In addition, considering the first function according to the automatic car wash standby mode, the operations not included in the first function may be included in the second function.

[0120] According to an embodiment, in the automatic car wash standby mode, even if the start of the vehicle is turned off, the processor 110 may determine whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode. For example, even if the start of the vehicle is turned off, energy required to determine whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode may be provided. In detail, power may be provided to the processor 110, sensors, etc.

[0121] According to an embodiment, in the automatic car wash standby mode, even if the start of the vehicle ignition is turned off, the processor 110 may determine whether it is necessary to perform the automatic car wash mode by operating a timer within a preset period of time.

[0122] For example, the preset time period may include a time period for the processor 110 to determine whether it is necessary to perform the automatic car wash mode, and may be set in consideration of the car wash mode. As a detailed example, the preset time may be set to 10 seconds.

[0123] For example, in the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor 110 may determine that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode based on at least one of the vehicle's speed being a threshold speed or lower, the vehicle's gear being set to "P" gear or "N" gear, identifying (through a distance sensor) that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance, sensing moisture through a rain sensor, or sensing vehicle shaking through a sensor configured to sense vehicle shaking, or any combination thereof.

[0124] Therefore, when it is determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode even after the start of the vehicle is turned off, the processor 110 may execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0125] According to an embodiment, in the automatic car wash standby mode, the user can execute the automatic car wash mode outside the vehicle by using the key of the vehicle. For example, as a first operation, when the user presses a button on the vehicle key, the processor 110 can execute the automatic car wash mode. In this example, the first operation may include an operation of pressing a specific button on the vehicle key using a specific rule. As a specific example, the automatic car wash mode can be set to be executed when the user presses a lock button or an unlock button set on the vehicle key for 5 seconds outside the vehicle.

[0126] For example, in the automatic car wash standby mode, when the door of the vehicle is opened, the processor 110 can determine that the user has gotten out of the vehicle. In addition, when the operation of the key of the vehicle to execute the automatic car wash mode is recognized, the processor 110 can execute the automatic car wash mode. As another example, the processor 110 can determine that the user has gotten out of the vehicle by various methods other than opening the door of the vehicle.

[0127] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a vehicle control system including a vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] According to the embodiment, the vehicle control system 200 includes a vehicle control device 210 , a camera sensor 222 , a distance sensor 224 , a rain sensor 226 , a shaking sensing sensor 228 , a transmission 230 , a display 242 , an audio component 244 , and an operation output 250 . Figure 2 The configuration of the vehicle control system 200 shown in FIG. 1 is illustrative, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control system 200 may further include Figure 2 Components not shown.

[0129] According to an embodiment, Figure 2 The vehicle control device 210, camera sensor 222, distance sensor 224, rain sensor 226, and sway sensing sensor 228 shown in FIG. 1 may perform the same or similar functions as the vehicle control device 100, camera sensor, distance sensor, rain sensor, and sway sensing sensor. For example, the vehicle control device 210 may include a processor and a memory.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the transmission 230 may refer to a device that converts the power generated by the engine into necessary rotational force according to the speed and transmits it. For example, the user can change the gear of the vehicle by using the transmission 230. In detail, the gear may be set to "D" gear to move the vehicle forward, to "R" gear to move the vehicle backward, to "N" gear to stop, or to "P" gear to park.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the vehicle control device 210 may sense a gear position of the vehicle changed by the transmission 230 , and may determine whether to execute the automatic car wash standby mode or the automatic car wash mode based on the sensed gear position of the vehicle.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the display 242 or the audio component 244 may provide a notification related to the vehicle to the user. For example, in the automatic car wash standby mode, the vehicle control device 210 may provide a notification for identifying whether to execute the automatic car wash mode through the display 242 or the audio component 244 based on the necessity to execute the automatic car wash mode. As a specific example, a pop-up window for a notification asking the user whether to execute the automatic car wash mode may be displayed on the display 242, or the user may be asked by voice through the audio component 244 whether to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the operation output unit 250 may perform output related to an operation according to an automatic car wash standby mode or an operation according to an automatic car wash mode. For example, the operation output unit 250 may manage outputs for operations of an exterior rearview mirror, a door glass, a sunroof, a rain sensor, an automatic swing door handle, an electric tailgate, an electric sliding door, an EV charging door, a front trunk, etc. of the vehicle.

[0134] In a detailed example, when the vehicle control device 210 executes the automatic car wash mode to execute the folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing of the door glass, closing of the sunroof, turning off of the rain sensor, locking of the automatic swing door handles, locking of the electric tailgate, locking of the electric sliding door, locking of the EV charging door or locking of the front trunk, the execution command can be transmitted through the operation output unit 250.

[0135] However, this is merely a simple example, and the vehicle control device 210 may directly perform output related to the corresponding operation without going through the operation output portion 250 .

[0136] according to Figure 2In an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle control device 210 may determine whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode through the camera sensor 222, the distance sensor 224, the rain sensor 226, the shaking sensing sensor 228, or the transmission 230. In addition, the vehicle control device 210 may provide a notification to the user regarding whether the automatic car wash mode is executed through the display 242 or the audio component 244. When the automatic car wash mode is executed, the vehicle control device 210 may perform operations such as folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing of the door glass, and closing of the sunroof through the operation output unit 250 to prevent the user or the vehicle from being damaged by the car wash brush or washing water.

[0137] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 7 A vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0138] In the following, it can be assumed that Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100 executes Figures 3 to 7 In addition, Figures 3 to 7 In the description, operations described as being performed by the device may be understood as being controlled by the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100 .

[0139] Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle control method may be executed by a vehicle control device.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the vehicle control device may retain the car wash platform data required to identify the vehicle entering the car wash (S310). Alternatively, the vehicle control device may receive the car wash platform data from an external server.

[0141] For example, the car wash platform data may include data related to the car wash. Specifically, it may include data such as videos or images related to the shape of the car wash or automatic car washing machine.

[0142] As another example, the vehicle control device may learn the car wash platform data identified by a camera sensor, etc. as big data. For example, when the user executes the automatic car wash mode after the vehicle enters a car wash that is not included in the car wash platform data, the corresponding car wash information may be trained on the platform data.

[0143] According to an embodiment, when the start of the vehicle is turned on and the setting of the automatic car wash mode is activated, the processor may execute a process for executing the automatic car wash standby mode or the automatic car wash mode (S320). For example, the user may activate the automatic car wash mode in the user setting mode (USM) of the vehicle, and when the automatic car wash mode in the USM is activated, the processor may execute a process for executing the automatic car wash standby mode or the automatic car wash mode. Therefore, when the user does not want the vehicle to automatically execute the automatic car wash mode, the user may not activate the car wash mode in the USM.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the processor may identify the car wash platform through the camera sensor (S330). For example, the processor may identify whether the form of the car wash platform identified through the camera sensor matches the saved (i.e., stored) car wash platform data. In addition, when the form of the identified car wash platform matches the saved car wash platform data, the processor may determine that the vehicle enters the car wash.

[0145] According to an embodiment, when the processor determines that the vehicle enters the car wash through the camera sensor, the processor may identify the car wash brush through the camera sensor (S340). For example, the processor may improve the accuracy of the determination of whether the vehicle enters the car wash by identifying whether both the car wash platform and the car wash brush are identified through the camera sensor. However, this is only a simple example, and even if the processor satisfies any one of the identification of the car wash platform through the camera sensor or the identification of the car wash brush through the camera sensor, it may be determined that the vehicle enters the car wash.

[0146] According to an embodiment, when both the car wash platform and the car wash brush are recognized by the camera sensor, the processor may determine that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode. Therefore, the processor may execute the automatic car wash standby mode (S350).

[0147] According to an embodiment, in the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor may determine whether the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance as identified by the distance sensor (S360). The distance sensor may include a sensor that senses the distance between the vehicle and surrounding objects, and the threshold distance may include a distance at which the car wash brush approaches the vehicle to wash the vehicle. As a detailed example, the threshold distance may be set to a distance including 0, and when the distance between the vehicle and the car wash brush sensed by the distance sensor is 0, it may be identified that the car wash brush contacts the vehicle and it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0148] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within the threshold distance, the processor may provide a notification to the user for identifying whether to execute the automatic car wash mode (S370). For example, a notification to execute the automatic car wash mode may be provided to the user through a pop-up window on the display or an audio sound.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the processor may provide a notification for selecting whether to execute the automatic car wash mode, and may also provide a notification for identifying whether to agree to automatically execute the automatic car wash mode. This is just a simple example, and the processor may provide the user with a notification on whether to execute the automatic car wash mode through various types of messages.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the user can select whether to execute the automatic car wash mode (S380). For example, the user can select a pop-up window displayed on the display, or select whether to execute the automatic car wash mode through voice recognition.

[0151] According to an embodiment, when the user selects to execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor may execute the automatic car wash mode (S382). As another example, when the processor automatically executes the automatic car wash mode and the user does not object, the processor may execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0152] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, the processor can execute at least one of the folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing of the door glass, closing of the sunroof, turning off the rain sensor, locking of the automatic swing door handles, locking of the electric tailgate, locking of the electric sliding door, locking of the EV charging door or locking of the front trunk, or any combination thereof.

[0153] According to an embodiment, when the processor does not identify the car wash platform through the camera sensor, does not identify the car wash brush through the camera sensor, does not determine that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within the threshold distance, or the user does not choose to execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor may not execute the automatic car wash mode (S384).

[0154] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a fail-safe logic of a process for determining whether it is necessary to execute an automatic car wash mode and a method for releasing the automatic car wash mode in a vehicle control apparatus or method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] According to an embodiment, when the vehicle ignition is turned on, the processor may execute a process for executing the automatic car wash standby mode or the automatic car wash mode (S410). As another example, when the vehicle ignition is turned off, the processor may operate a timer within a preset time period to determine whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0156] According to an embodiment, when it is determined through the camera sensor that the vehicle enters the car wash, the processor may execute the automatic car wash standby mode (S420).

[0157] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash standby mode is executed, the processor can determine whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode. Then, the processor can determine whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode according to the fault protection function.

[0158] According to an embodiment, the processor may determine whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode by determining whether the speed of the vehicle is a threshold speed or lower, whether the gear position of the vehicle is set to "P" gear or "N" gear, whether the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is identified by a distance sensor as being within a threshold distance, or whether moisture is sensed by a rain sensor.

[0159] According to an embodiment, the contents for determining whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car washing mode as described above may be determined in parallel or sequentially.

[0160] For example, the processor may determine whether the speed of the vehicle is less than a threshold speed (S421). The threshold speed may include the speed at which the vehicle enters a car wash or a car washing machine to be washed. As a detailed example, the threshold speed may be set to 10 km / h.

[0161] For example, when it is determined that the speed of the vehicle is less than the threshold speed, the processor may determine whether the gear of the vehicle is set to "P" gear or "N" gear (S422). Then, even when the gear of the vehicle is not only set to "P" gear or "N" gear, but also set to a gear that can stop the vehicle, the processor may determine that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0162] For example, when it is determined that the gear of the vehicle is set to "P" gear or "N" gear, the processor can determine whether the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within the threshold distance through the distance sensor (S423). As a specific example, when the distance between the vehicle and the car wash brush sensed by the distance sensor is 0, it can be determined that the car wash brush contacts the vehicle.

[0163] For example, when it is determined that the car wash brush contacts the vehicle, the processor may determine whether moisture is sensed by the rain sensor (S424).

[0164] For example, when water droplets are sensed on the windshield or exterior panels of the vehicle via a rain sensor, the processor may determine that it is necessary to execute an automatic car wash mode.

[0165] According to an embodiment, when it is necessary to execute the automatic car washing mode, the processor may determine whether the user directly executes the automatic car washing mode (S430).

[0166] When the user directly executes the automatic car wash mode, there is no need to provide the user with a notification for identifying whether the automatic car wash mode is executed, so in this case, the processor can immediately execute the automatic car wash mode. On the contrary, when the user does not directly execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor can provide the user with a notification for identifying whether the automatic car wash mode is executed (S440). Then, the processor can provide the user with a notification for identifying whether the automatic car wash mode is executed through a display or audio.

[0167] According to an embodiment, when the user does not select to execute the automatic car washing mode, the processor may not execute the automatic car washing mode (S452).

[0168] According to an embodiment, when the user selects to execute the automatic car washing mode, or when the user has no objection to automatically executing the automatic car washing mode, the processor may execute the automatic car washing mode (S454).

[0169] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car washing mode is executed, the processor may perform control to perform an operation according to the automatic car washing mode or maintain an operation state according to the automatic car washing mode (S460).

[0170] For example, the processor can perform at least one of folding the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing the door glass, closing the sunroof, turning off the rain sensor, locking the automatic swing door handles, locking the electric tailgate, locking the electric sliding door, locking the EV charging door, or locking the front trunk, or any combination thereof.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the processor may continuously determine whether the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance through a distance sensor ( S461 ).

[0172] For example, when the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle sensed by the distance sensor remains within the threshold distance, because the car wash brush still contacts the vehicle, it can be determined that the car wash is not yet completed, and thus the operation state according to the automatic car wash mode can be maintained.

[0173] For example, when the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle sensed by the distance sensor is greater than a threshold distance, the processor may determine that the car wash brush is not in contact with the vehicle.

[0174] For example, when it is determined that the car wash brush does not contact the vehicle, the processor may determine whether the gear of the vehicle is set to "D" gear or "R" gear (S462). When the gear of the vehicle is set to "D" gear or "R" gear, the processor may determine that the vehicle has been washed.

[0175] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle has been washed, the processor may release the automatic car wash mode (S480).

[0176] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash mode is released, the processor may return the vehicle to the state before the automatic car wash mode is executed (S490). The vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, door glass, sunroof, rain sensor, automatic swing door handle, electric tailgate, electric sliding door, EV charging door, front trunk, etc. may return to the state before the automatic car wash mode is executed.

[0177] According to an embodiment, even after executing the automatic car wash mode, the user may also need to release the automatic car wash mode. In this case, the user can release the automatic car wash mode by starting the vehicle and operating the gear.

[0178] For example, when the automatic car wash mode is executed, when the user turns off the start of the vehicle (S470), turns on the start of the vehicle again (S471), and then sets the gear of the vehicle to the "D" gear or the "R" gear (S472), the processor can release the automatic car wash mode (S480). However, this is only a simple example, and the processor can be configured to release the automatic car wash mode by the user simply turning off the start of the vehicle and then turning on the start of the vehicle again.

[0179] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for maintaining an operation state according to an automatic car wash mode in a vehicle control apparatus or method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0180] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car washing mode is executed ( S510 ), the processor may perform an operation according to the automatic car washing mode ( S520 ).

[0181] According to an embodiment, the processor may sense the operation state according to the automatic car wash mode (S530). For example, the processor may monitor the state such as folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirror, closing of the door glass, closing of the sunroof, closing of the rain sensor, locking of the automatic swing door handle, locking of the electric tailgate, locking of the electric sliding door, locking of the EV charging door, or locking of the front trunk to identify whether they are maintained.

[0182] According to an embodiment, the processor may determine whether each operation state according to the automatic car washing mode is maintained (S540).

[0183] According to an embodiment, when the operation state according to the automatic car washing mode is maintained, the processor may continuously sense each operation state.

[0184] According to an embodiment, when each operation state according to the automatic car washing mode is not maintained, the processor may execute the automatic car washing mode again (S550). When it is sensed that the door glass is opened due to a misoperation or error of the user even though the automatic car washing mode is executed and the door glass is closed, the processor may execute the automatic car washing mode again to close the door glass.

[0185] According to an embodiment, when the vehicle has been washed, the processor may determine whether the automatic car wash mode has been terminated, or whether the user has released the automatic car wash mode (S560).

[0186] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash mode ends or the user releases the automatic car wash mode, the processor may return the vehicle to a state before the automatic car wash mode is executed (S570).

[0187] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of executing an automatic car wash mode from outside a vehicle in a vehicle control apparatus or method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] According to an embodiment, the processor may execute a process (S610) for executing an automatic car wash standby mode or an automatic car wash mode when the vehicle's start is turned on. As another example, when the vehicle's start is turned off, the processor may operate a timer within a preset time period to determine whether it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0189] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor may execute the automatic car wash standby mode ( S620 ).

[0190] According to an embodiment, when it is sensed that the vehicle door is opened in the automatic car wash mode, the processor may determine that the driver has gotten out of the vehicle (S630).

[0191] According to an embodiment, in the automatic car wash mode, when it is determined that the driver has gotten out of the vehicle when the door of the vehicle is sensed to be opened, the processor can determine whether the first operation of the vehicle key is recognized (S640). In this example, the first operation may include an operation of pressing a specific button on the vehicle key with a specific rule.

[0192] As a detailed example, the driver may need to execute the automatic car wash mode after getting out of the vehicle, in which case the automatic car wash mode can be executed by using the vehicle's key. The driver can then execute the automatic car wash mode by pressing a specific button on the vehicle key in a certain pattern.

[0193] According to an embodiment, when the first operation of the vehicle key is recognized, the processor may execute the automatic car wash mode (S650). In addition, the processor may execute an operation according to the automatic car wash mode (S660).

[0194] According to an embodiment, while the automatic car wash mode is being executed, the user may end the automatic car wash mode by using a key of the vehicle.

[0195] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash mode is executed by the first operation of the vehicle key, the processor may determine whether the second operation of the vehicle key is recognized (S670). In this example, the second operation may be the same operation as the first operation or a different operation. As a detailed example, when the first operation is an operation of pressing the lock button of the vehicle key for 5 seconds, the second operation may be set to an operation of pressing the unlock button of the vehicle key for 5 seconds. However, this is only a simple example, and therefore, the first operation and the second operation may be set respectively in various ways.

[0196] According to an embodiment, when the second operation of the vehicle key is recognized in the automatic car wash mode, the processor may end the automatic car wash mode ( S680 ).

[0197] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash mode ends, the processor may return the vehicle to a state before the automatic car wash mode is executed (S690).

[0198] according to Figure 6 In an embodiment, even if the user gets off the vehicle without executing the automatic car wash mode, the automatic car wash mode can be executed from outside the vehicle by using a key of the vehicle.

[0199] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an operation according to execution of an automatic car wash standby mode and an operation according to execution of an automatic car wash mode are respectively operated in a vehicle control apparatus or a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] According to an embodiment, the processor may separately operate an operation according to an automatic car wash standby mode and an operation according to an automatic car wash mode.

[0201] According to an embodiment, when the processor determines through the camera sensor that the vehicle enters the car wash, the processor may execute the automatic car wash standby mode (S710).

[0202] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash standby mode is executed, the processor may execute the first function (S720).

[0203] For example, when executing the first function, the processor may execute at least one of folding the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing the first row of door glass, closing the sunroof, or turning off the wipers, or any combination thereof.

[0204] According to an embodiment, when the automatic car wash mode is executed while the automatic car wash standby mode is executed, or when the rain sensor senses moisture, the processor may execute the second function (S740).

[0205] For example, in the automatic car wash standby mode, when the vehicle speed is a threshold speed or lower, when the gear of the vehicle is set to "P" gear or "N" gear, when the distance sensor identifies that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance, when moisture is sensed by the rain sensor, or when the shaking of the vehicle is sensed by a sensor configured to sense the shaking of the vehicle, the processor can execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0206] As another example, when moisture is sensed by the rain sensor in the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor may determine that washing of the vehicle has begun and immediately execute the second function.

[0207] According to an embodiment, when executing the second function, the processor may perform at least one of folding the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing the door glass, closing the sunroof, turning off the rain sensor, locking the automatic swing door handles, locking the electric tailgate, locking the electric sliding door, locking the EV charging door or locking the front trunk, or any combination thereof.

[0208] In addition, the operations included in the first function and the second function can be changed according to the settings of the system or the user. In addition, considering the first function according to the automatic car wash standby mode, the operations not included in the first function can be included in the second function.

[0209] according to Figure 7 In an embodiment, the processor first executes the functions that need to be operated first even before executing the automatic car wash mode according to the direction or speed of the car wash movement, so it can control the vehicle to prevent damage to the vehicle or the user.

[0210] Figure 8 A computing system associated with a vehicle control device or method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0211] Reference Figure 8 , the computing system 1000 may include at least one processor 1100 , a memory 1300 , a user interface input device 1400 , a user interface output device 1500 , a storage device 1600 , and a network interface 1700 connected to each other through a bus 1200 .

[0212] The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in the memory 1300 and / or the storage device 1600. The memory 1300 and the storage device 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory 1300 may include a read-only memory (ROM) 1310 and a random access memory (RAM) 1320.

[0213] Therefore, the operations of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented directly in a hardware or software module or a combination thereof executed by the processor 1100. The software module may reside on a storage medium (i.e., the memory 1300 and / or the storage device 1600) such as: RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM.

[0214] The storage medium may be connected to the processor 1100, and the processor 1100 may read information from the storage medium and may record the information in the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor 1100. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In another case, the processor and the storage medium may reside in a user terminal as separate components.

[0215] The present technology allows the user to conveniently execute the automatic car wash mode by automatically identifying the car wash site and notifying the user whether to execute the automatic car wash mode.

[0216] In addition, the present technology can improve the accuracy of determining whether a vehicle enters a car wash by utilizing the vehicle's transmission, distance sensor, rain sensor, and sway sensing sensor.

[0217] Furthermore, even if the user does not execute the automatic car wash mode after the vehicle enters the car wash, the present technology can prevent damage to the user or the vehicle by executing the functions that are prioritized before the car wash starts in the automatic car wash standby state.

[0218] Furthermore, the present technology may prevent a change in the operation according to the automatic car washing mode when washing a car by continuously sensing whether the operation state according to the execution of the automatic car washing mode is maintained.

[0219] In addition, various effects directly or indirectly achieved by the present application document can be provided.

[0220] The above description is a simple illustrative description of the technical spirit of the present disclosure, and a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs may make various modifications and changes to the present disclosure without departing from the basic characteristics of the present disclosure.

[0221] Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to illustrate the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, rather than to limit them, and therefore the idea and scope of the present disclosure are not limited by these embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the attached claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent to the claims should be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device, comprising: Memory, which stores program instructions; as well as A processor executes the program instructions, Wherein, the processor: executing an automatic car wash standby mode, the automatic car wash standby mode determining whether it is necessary to execute an automatic car wash mode for operating a function required for the vehicle before the vehicle is washed based on recognition of the vehicle entering a car wash by a camera sensor; In the automatic car wash standby mode, it is determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode based on at least one of the speed of the vehicle being a threshold speed or lower, the gear position of the vehicle being set to the "P" gear or the "N" gear, recognizing that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance through a distance sensor, sensing moisture through a rain sensor, or sensing shaking of the vehicle through a sensor sensing shaking of the vehicle, or any combination thereof; and The automatic car wash mode is executed.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor further: Based on executing the automatic car wash mode, at least one of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors are folded, door glass is closed, sunroof is closed, rain sensor is turned off, automatic swing door handles are locked, electric tailgate is locked, electric sliding door is locked, EV charging door is locked, or front trunk is locked, or any combination thereof is performed.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor further: In the automatic car wash standby mode, based on determining that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode, a notification for identifying whether to execute the automatic car wash mode is provided through at least one of a display or an audio component or any combination thereof.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, wherein: The processor further: Based on the recognition that the user does not execute the automatic car wash mode, the automatic car wash mode is not executed; or Based on the recognition that the user executes the automatic car wash mode, the automatic car wash mode is executed.

5. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor further: In the automatic car wash mode, releasing the automatic car wash mode based on recognition that the start of the vehicle is turned on again after the start of the vehicle is turned off; or In the automatic car wash mode, the automatic car wash mode is released based on recognition that the gear position of the vehicle is set to the "D" gear or the "R" gear.

6. The vehicle control device according to claim 5, wherein: The processor further: Based on the automatic car wash mode being released, Return at least one of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, door glass, sunroof, the rain sensor, automatic swing door handles, electric tailgate, electric sliding door, EV charging door or front trunk or any combination thereof to a state before executing the automatic car wash mode.

7. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, wherein: The processor further: Based on the recognition that the state corresponding to at least one of the folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, the closing of the door glass, the closing of the sunroof, the turning off of the rain sensor, the locking of the automatic swing door handles, the locking of the electric tailgate, the locking of the electric sliding door, the locking of the EV charging door or the locking of the front trunk or any combination thereof is not maintained, the automatic car wash mode is executed again.

8. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor further: Based on executing the automatic car wash standby mode, Executing a first function, the first function comprising at least one of folding an exterior rearview mirror of the vehicle, closing a first row door glass, closing a sunroof, or turning off a wiper, or any combination thereof; as well as Based on executing the automatic car wash mode, A second function is performed, wherein the second function includes at least one of locking of an automatic flush door handle, closing of door glass of a second or more rows, locking of a power tailgate, locking of a power sliding door, locking of an EV charging door, or locking of a front trunk, or any combination thereof.

9. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor further: In the automatic car wash standby mode, based on the recognition that the start of the vehicle is turned off, By operating the timer within a preset time period, it is determined that it is necessary to execute the automatic car washing mode based on at least one of the speed of the vehicle being the threshold speed or lower, the gear position of the vehicle being set to the "P" gear or the "N" gear, recognizing through the distance sensor that the distance between the car washing brush and the vehicle is within the threshold distance, sensing moisture through the rain sensor, or sensing the shaking of the vehicle through a sensor sensing the shaking of the vehicle, or any combination thereof.

10. A vehicle control device, comprising: Memory, which stores program instructions; as well as A processor executes the program instructions, Wherein, the processor: executing an automatic car wash standby mode, the automatic car wash standby mode determining whether it is necessary to execute an automatic car wash mode for operating a function required for the vehicle before the vehicle starts to be washed based on recognition of the vehicle entering a car wash by a camera sensor; as well as In the automatic car wash standby mode, the automatic car wash mode is performed based on recognition of opening of a door of the vehicle and recognition of a first operation of a key of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle control device according to claim 10, wherein: The processor further: In the automatic car wash mode, the automatic car wash mode is released based on recognition of a second operation of a key of the vehicle.

12. A vehicle control method, comprising: executing, by the processor, an automatic car wash standby mode, the automatic car wash standby mode determining whether it is necessary to perform a function required to operate the vehicle before the vehicle is washed based on recognition of a vehicle entering a car wash by a camera sensor; In the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor determines that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode based on at least one of the speed of the vehicle being a threshold speed or lower, the gear position of the vehicle being set to the "R" gear or the "N" gear, recognizing through a distance sensor that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within a threshold distance, sensing moisture through a rain sensor, or sensing shaking of the vehicle through a sensor sensing shaking of the vehicle, or any combination thereof; as well as The automatic car wash mode is executed by the processor.

13. The vehicle control method according to claim 12, wherein: Executing the automatic car wash mode by the processor includes: Based on executing the automatic car wash mode, the processor performs at least one of folding the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, closing the door glass, closing the sunroof, turning off the rain sensor, locking the automatic swing door handles, locking the electric tailgate, locking the electric sliding door, locking the EV charging door or locking the front trunk, or any combination thereof.

14. The vehicle control method according to claim 12, further comprising: In the automatic car wash standby mode, based on determining that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode, the processor provides a notification for identifying whether to execute the automatic car wash mode through at least one of a display or an audio component or any combination thereof.

15. The vehicle control method according to claim 14, wherein: Executing the automatic car wash mode by the processor includes: When it is recognized that the user does not execute the automatic car washing mode, the processor does not execute the automatic car washing mode, or when it is recognized that the user executes the automatic car washing mode, executes the automatic car washing mode.

16. The vehicle control method according to claim 12, further comprising: In the automatic car wash mode, the processor releases the automatic car wash mode based on recognition that the start of the vehicle is turned on again after being turned off, or in the automatic car wash mode, the automatic car wash mode is released based on recognition that the gear position of the vehicle is set to "D" gear or "R" gear.

17. The vehicle control method according to claim 16, wherein: In the automatic car wash mode, the processor releases the automatic car wash mode based on recognition that the start of the vehicle is turned on again after the start of the vehicle is turned off, or in the automatic car wash mode, releases the automatic car wash mode based on recognition that the gear position of the vehicle is set to the "D" gear or the "R" gear, including: Based on the automatic car wash mode being released, the processor returns at least one of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, door glass, sunroof, the rain sensor, automatic swing door handles, electric tailgate, electric sliding door, EV charging door or front trunk, or any combination thereof, to a state before the automatic car wash mode was executed.

18. The vehicle control method according to claim 13, wherein: Executing the automatic car wash mode by the processor includes: Based on the recognition that the state corresponding to at least one of the folding of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors, the closing of the door glass, the closing of the sunroof, the turning off of the rain sensor, the locking of the automatic swing door handles, the locking of the electric tailgate, the locking of the electric sliding door, the locking of the EV charging door or the locking of the front trunk or any combination thereof is not maintained, the automatic car wash mode is executed again.

19. The vehicle control method according to claim 12, wherein: The automatic car wash standby mode of the automatic car wash mode in which the processor determines whether it is necessary to perform functions required to operate the vehicle before the vehicle is washed based on recognition of the vehicle entering the car wash by the camera sensor includes: Based on executing the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor executes a first function, the first function including folding of an exterior rearview mirror of the vehicle, closing of a first row of door glass, closing of a sunroof, or closing of a wiper, or any combination thereof, and Wherein, executing the automatic car wash mode by the processor includes: Based on executing the automatic car wash mode, the processor executes a second function, which includes locking the automatic swing door handle, closing the door glass of the second or more rows, locking the electric tailgate, locking the electric sliding door, locking the EV charging door or locking the front trunk, or at least one of any combination thereof.

20. The vehicle control method according to claim 12, wherein: In the automatic car wash standby mode, the processor determines that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode based on at least one of the speed of the vehicle being the threshold speed or lower, the gear of the vehicle being set to the "R" gear or the "N" gear, recognizing through the distance sensor that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within the threshold distance, sensing moisture through the rain sensor, or sensing the shaking of the vehicle through the sensor sensing the shaking of the vehicle, or any combination thereof, including: In the automatic car wash standby mode, based on the recognition that the start of the vehicle is turned off, the controller determines that it is necessary to execute the automatic car wash mode by operating a timer within a preset time period, based on the speed of the vehicle being the threshold speed or lower, the gear of the vehicle being set to "P" gear or "N" gear, the distance sensor recognizing that the distance between the car wash brush and the vehicle is within the threshold distance, the rain sensor sensing moisture, or the sensor sensing the shaking of the vehicle sensing the shaking of the vehicle, or at least one of any combination thereof.

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