Vehicle control system and method

Abstract

The present application relates to a vehicle control system and method. According to an embodiment, a vehicle control system is provided, which comprises a server, a user terminal and a vehicle, the server is configured to store a positioning mode for positioning a relative position of the user terminal relative to the vehicle, the user terminal is configured to receive the positioning mode corresponding to model identification information and user identification information from the server, and send the positioning mode to the vehicle, the vehicle is configured to compare the strength of the wireless communication signal received from the user terminal with the positioning mode to determine the position of the user terminal, and control the operation according to the result of the position determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to vehicle control systems and methods. Background Technology

[0002] The Passive-Entry-Passive-Start (PEPS) function can estimate the location of a smartphone using a communication module installed in the vehicle, and then automatically perform operations such as locking / unlocking doors and starting the vehicle.

[0003] In order for PEPS to operate smoothly, it is important to adjust and optimize by collecting the smartphone's signal strength and obtaining the smartphone's pattern (i.e., phone calibration).

[0004] However, due to the limited storage space of the module, the following method is used: select a representative phone for each smartphone manufacturer to perform adjustments, set a basic mode, and store the set basic mode in the memory of the communication module.

[0005] However, due to the variety of smartphone models that may deviate from the basic pattern, and the diverse usage patterns and habits of users (e.g., using a thick phone case or carrying the smartphone in a pocket or bag), the actual signal strength of a smartphone may deviate from the basic pattern. This makes it impossible to determine the smartphone's exact location, ultimately leading to problems with the PEPS function not working properly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to provide a vehicle control system and method capable of performing active positioning using various positioning modes.

[0007] According to the implementation scheme, a vehicle control system is provided, which includes a server, a user terminal, and a vehicle. The server is configured to store a positioning mode for locating the relative position of the user terminal relative to the vehicle. The user terminal is configured to receive a positioning mode corresponding to model identification information and user identification information from the server and send the positioning mode to the vehicle. The vehicle is configured to compare the strength of the wireless communication signal received from the user terminal (e.g., a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)) with the positioning mode to determine the position of the user terminal and control the operation based on the position determination result.

[0008] The positioning mode can include the strength range of wireless communication signals in front of, behind, to the left and right of the vehicle.

[0009] Based on a request from the user terminal, the server can search for a location pattern corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information, and send the location pattern to the user terminal.

[0010] When no location mode corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information is found, the server can search for the default location mode corresponding to the model identification information and send the default location mode to the user terminal.

[0011] When the location determination result is valid, the vehicle can perform keyless entry and keyless start (PEPS) control operations.

[0012] When the location determination result is invalid, the vehicle can send a first update request for the location mode to the user terminal.

[0013] When the location determination result is invalid, the vehicle can use the signal strength measured during the location determination process to generate a new positioning pattern and send the new positioning pattern to the user terminal.

[0014] The vehicle can use the signal strength with the minimum value among the signal strengths measured during the location determination process to generate a new positioning pattern.

[0015] The user terminal can send a second update request to the server. The second update request includes model identification information, user identification information, and a new positioning mode.

[0016] The server can use the information included in the second update request to update the stored location pattern.

[0017] According to the implementation plan, a vehicle control method is provided, which includes: a user terminal requesting a positioning mode from a server; the server searching for a corresponding positioning mode according to the request and sending the positioning mode to the user terminal; the user terminal receiving the positioning mode and sending the positioning mode to the vehicle; the vehicle measuring the strength of the wireless communication signal received from the user terminal, comparing the strength of the signal measured by the vehicle with the positioning mode and determining the position of the user terminal; and the vehicle controlling the operation based on the position determination result.

[0018] The positioning mode can include the strength range of wireless communication signals in front of, behind, to the left and right of the vehicle.

[0019] Searching for and sending location patterns may include: searching for location patterns corresponding to model identification information and user identification information, and sending the location patterns to the user terminal.

[0020] Searching for and sending a location pattern may include: when no location pattern corresponding to the model identifier information and user identifier information is found, searching for the default location pattern corresponding to the model identifier information and sending the default location pattern to the user terminal.

[0021] Control operations may include: performing keyless entry and keyless start (PEPS) control operations when the location determination result is valid.

[0022] The vehicle control method may further include: after the location is determined, if the location determination result is invalid, the vehicle sends a first update request for the positioning mode to the user terminal.

[0023] The vehicle control method may further include: after sending the first update request, generating a new positioning pattern using the signal strength measured during the location determination process, and sending the new positioning pattern to the user terminal based on the response from the user terminal.

[0024] Generating a new positioning pattern can include using the intensity of the signal with the minimum value among the signal intensities measured during the location determination process to generate a new positioning pattern.

[0025] The vehicle control method may further include: after receiving a new positioning mode, the user terminal generates a second update request including model identification information, user identification information and the new positioning mode, and sends the second update request to the server.

[0026] The vehicle control method may further include: after receiving a second update request, the server uses the information included in the second update request to update the stored positioning pattern. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram used to describe the vehicle according to the implementation plan;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle according to the implementation scheme;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a user terminal according to the implementation scheme;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram of the vehicle control system based on the implementation plan;

[0032] Figure 5It is a schematic diagram used to describe the positioning pattern according to the implementation scheme;

[0033] Figures 6 to 8 It is a schematic diagram used to describe the operation of a vehicle according to the implementation scheme; and

[0034] Figure 9 and Figure 10 It is a flowchart of the vehicle control method according to the implementation plan. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] However, the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be implemented in various different forms, and one or more components in the embodiments can be used by selective coupling or substitution without departing from the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0037] Furthermore, unless explicitly defined and described, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having meanings that would be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains, and the meanings of commonly used terms (such as terms defined in dictionaries) may be interpreted based on the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0038] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0039] In the specification, unless otherwise stated in the phrase, the singular form may include the plural form, and when described as “at least one (or one or more) of A, B and C”, it may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B and C.

[0040] Furthermore, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) can be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and the nature, order, sequence, etc. of the corresponding components are not limited by these terms.

[0042] Furthermore, when the first component is described as "connected", "joined", or "attached" to the second component, it can include not only cases where the first component is directly connected, joined, or attached to the second component, but also cases where the first component is "connected", "joined", or "attached" to the second component through other components existing between the first component and the second component.

[0043] Furthermore, when the first component is described as being formed or disposed "above" or "below" the second component, "above" or "below" can include not only the case where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more third components are formed or disposed between the two components. Additionally, when described as "above" or "below," it can include not only the meaning based on being above a component, but also the meaning based on being below a component.

[0044] In the following description, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or corresponding components will be indicated by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals used, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0045] For the purposes of this application and claims, the exemplary phrases “at least one of A; B; or C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” are used, which means “at least one A, or at least one B, or at least one C, or any combination of at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C.” Furthermore, exemplary phrases such as “A, B, and C,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” etc., as used herein, may refer to each of the enumerated items or all possible combinations of the enumerated items. For example, “at least one of A or B” may mean (1) at least one A; (2) at least one B; or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0046] Throughout this invention, references to components, units, or modules generally refer to items that can be logically combined to perform a function or a set of related functions. The same reference numerals are generally intended to refer to the same or similar components. Components, units, and modules can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The components, units, modules, and / or functions described above can be implemented and / or performed by one or more processors. For example, components, units, and / or modules may include processors, microprocessors, graphics processing units, logic circuits, application-specific circuits (ASICs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable array logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, and / or other suitable hardware. Components, units, and / or modules may also include, for example, software control modules implemented using processors or logic circuits. Components, units, and / or modules may include memory or otherwise accessible memory, such as one or more non-volatile computer-readable storage media, such as random access memory, read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, flash memory / other memory devices, data registers, databases, and / or other suitable hardware. One or more storage media may include any or all tangible memory or associated modules (such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives, etc.) of a computer, processor, etc., capable of providing non-volatile memory for software programming at any time.

[0047] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram used to describe a vehicle according to an implementation scheme, and Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle according to the implementation scheme. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the implementation scheme, vehicle 1 may include: an audio video navigation and telematics (AVNT) 100, a processor 200, a communication device 300, and a memory 400.

[0048] Vehicle 1 may include AVNT 100, which is located on the central panel and configured to control audio devices, air conditioning, Bluetooth devices, seat heaters, etc.

[0049] An input device for receiving user input may be provided on the central panel or AVNT 100, and a display device for displaying operation information of at least one function performed in vehicle 1 may also be provided on the central panel or AVNT 100.

[0050] Input devices may include hardware devices such as various buttons or switches, pedals, keyboards, mice, trackballs, various joysticks, handles or sticks.

[0051] In addition, the input device may include a graphical user interface (GUI), i.e., a software device such as a touchpad. The touchpad may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP) that forms a layered structure with the display panel of the display device.

[0052] The display device can be used as a user interface. The processor enables the display device to show the vehicle's operating status, control status, route / traffic information, remaining energy information, driver requests, etc. Furthermore, the display device can be configured as a touchscreen that can detect driver input to receive requests from the driver instructing the processor.

[0053] The vehicle's interior may include a key slot into which a FOB or card-type remote control can be inserted. This key slot can be located on the dashboard or center panel, and positioned adjacent to the driver's seat.

[0054] When the remote control is inserted into the key slot or when the vehicle completes authentication with the remote control or terminal via a wireless communication network, vehicle 1 can send and receive information with the remote control or terminal.

[0055] The vehicle's interior may further include a start button that receives on / off commands. Therefore, after authentication with the remote control or terminal is complete, the vehicle starts when the user presses the start button.

[0056] The vehicle 1 may further include a communication device for sending and receiving information with at least one electronic device and terminal 20 disposed in the vehicle.

[0057] The communication device 300 may include one or more components that enable communication between vehicle components, and may include, for example, at least one of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

[0058] For example, a short-range communication module may include various short-range communication modules for sending and receiving signals over short distances using wireless communication networks, such as Bluetooth modules, infrared communication modules, radio frequency (RF) identification communication modules, wireless local area network (WLAN) communication modules, near-field communication (NFC) communication modules, or Zigbee communication modules.

[0059] For example, wired communication modules can include not only various wired communication modules, but also various cable communication modules. Wired communication modules include Controller Area Network (CAN) communication modules, Local Area Network (LAN) modules, Wide Area Network (WAN) modules, and Value Added Network (VAN) modules. Cable communication modules include Universal Serial Bus (USB), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232), Power Line Communication, and Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).

[0060] For example, Controller Area Network (CAN) can include communication protocols designed for real-time data exchange between microcontrollers and devices within vehicle and industrial systems. CAN enables multiple electronic control units to communicate with each other without a host, making it suitable for applications where reliable, high-speed communication is critical.

[0061] For example, a Value Added Network (VAN) can include a dedicated network that provides businesses with a secure and reliable communication channel for exchanging data and documents. VANs can provide services (e.g., data encryption, format conversion, message routing, or tracking) to ensure that business documents (e.g., invoices, purchase orders, or shipping notices) can be transmitted efficiently and / or securely between trading partners.

[0062] The wired communication module may further include a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication module. For example, the LIN may include a low-cost serial communication protocol that can be used in vehicle systems to connect electronic components (e.g., sensors, actuators, or control units). For example, for simplicity and / or cost-effectiveness, LIN can manage functions that do not require high-speed data transmission (e.g., window control, seat adjustment, lighting, or climate control). LIN can operate in a single-master multiple-slave architecture, where one master node can coordinate communication with multiple slave nodes.

[0063] In addition to Wi-Fi and Wireless Broadband (WiBro) modules, wireless communication modules may also include wireless communication modules that support various wireless communication methods, such as Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

[0064] User terminal 20 communicates with vehicle 1. User terminal 20 receives at least one of the following commands as user input: door lock and unlock command, tailgate lock and unlock command, headlight illumination command, and start command. User terminal 20 also sends information corresponding to the received commands to vehicle. User terminal 20 can also send information corresponding to the received commands as communication signals to vehicle.

[0065] User terminal 20 can be implemented as a computer or portable terminal that can be connected to the vehicle via network communication.

[0066] Here, for example, a computer may include a laptop, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet PC, board PC, etc., equipped with a web browser, and a portable terminal is a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility, and may include, for example, any type of handheld-based wireless communication device (such as a Personal Communication System (PCS), GSM, Personal Digital Cellular (PDC), Personal Handyphone System (PHS), Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT)-2000, CDMA-2000, WCDMA, and Wireless Broadband Internet (WiBro) terminal) and smartphone, as well as wearable devices (such as watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMD)).

[0067] In the implementation scheme, user terminal 20 can communicate with the vehicle via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication. User terminal 20 can perform communication based on the Bluetooth beacon standard (iBeacon).

[0068] AVNT 100 refers to an in-vehicle information and entertainment system, and can be a system that integrates navigation, audio, video, and communication functions. AVNT 100 can output messages generated by processor 200 in a visual, auditory, or at least a combination thereof manner.

[0069] The AVNT 100, processor 200, and communication device 300 can be implemented as a single module, but in this implementation, they will be described separately for ease of description.

[0070] The AVNT 100 can be a component used to provide a hardware interface for integration into a vehicle system. The AVNT 100 can perform system control over screens, buttons, and various integrated information and entertainment functions.

[0071] The AVNT 100 can be installed in the center of the vehicle's dashboard or on the console to provide a vehicle information and entertainment interface. The information and entertainment system can include an AM / FM radio, satellite radio, DVD / CD, cassette tape, USB MP3 player, dashcam, GPS navigation, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc., and also provides status information for the vehicle systems. Furthermore, the AVNT 100 can perform functions such as voice control and motion recognition.

[0072] Processor 200 can control the vehicle body, such as the vehicle itself, doors, and windows, or the key (digital key, smartphone key, and FOB). The processor can execute body control functions (e.g., Body Control Module (BCM)), Smart Key (SMK) entry / start functions, tire pressure monitoring functions (e.g., Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)), immobilizer (IMMO) functions, digital key authentication (e.g., Identity Authentication Unit (IAU)), and automatic parking-related control functions (e.g., Parking Distance Warning (PDW)). For example, processor 200 can be a Body Domain Controller (BDC), but is not limited to this, and processor 200 can be used to include a platform controller that provides electronic convenience functions to the body domain area.

[0073] The communication device 300 can use Bluetooth signals to perform pairing between the user terminal 20 and the vehicle 1.

[0074] The communication device 300 may include a transceiver and perform short-range communication with the user terminal 20. The transceiver is used to send and receive information using an antenna, communication circuitry, a communication processor, etc. According to embodiments, the communication device 300 may perform Bluetooth communication, NFC communication, or UWB communication. The communication device 300 may be positioned near the door handle of the vehicle 1 to request authentication information when it is determined that the user terminal is approaching within a predetermined distance.

[0075] In the Bluetooth standard, Bluetooth 1.0 specifies a data transmission rate of 1 Mbps and a transmission distance range of 10m to 100m. Because Bluetooth 1.0 utilizes a high radio frequency of 2.4 GHz, it can communicate even in the presence of obstacles.

[0076] When the user terminal, including the digital key, approaches the exterior of vehicle 1, the communication device 300 according to the implementation scheme can measure the position of the user terminal under the control of the processor 200, unlock the door based on the positioning result, and control the remote start of vehicle 1 to be performed.

[0077] The communication device 300 may include multiple positioning modules. Each positioning module may be a short-range wireless communication module, and each wireless communication module can measure the strength of the wireless signal received from the user terminal. One of the multiple wireless communication modules installed on the vehicle 1 may be designated as the master module. The master module can collect the wireless signal strength measured by another wireless communication module and send that strength to a processor.

[0078] For example, the positioning module can be composed of a Bluetooth module, a Bluetooth Low Energy module, a Wi-Fi module, etc. The positioning module can be set at each of the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle 1, and can each measure the strength of the wireless signal of the user terminal 20 and send the strength to the main module.

[0079] Processor 200 can perform overall control of vehicle 1. Processor 200 can be configured to execute applications and instructions stored in memory 400.

[0080] The processor 200 may be the main CPU for the overall control of the vehicle control system 10. In one embodiment, the processor 200 may perform pairing operations by running a Bluetooth application to facilitate communication between the Bluetooth application and the communication device.

[0081] The processor 200 can determine the relative position of the user terminal 20 with respect to the vehicle 1. In an embodiment, the relative position may include the distance between the vehicle 1 and the user terminal 20, as well as the orientation of the user terminal 20 relative to the vehicle 1.

[0082] For example, the processor 200 can use at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth Low Energy methods to determine the relative position.

[0083] The processor 200 can compare the positioning results with the positioning mode and determine the relative position of the user terminal 20.

[0084] For example, the processor 200 can use the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) method (which measures the strength of the Wi-Fi signal to estimate the distance) to determine the relative position between the vehicle and the user terminal.

[0085] Alternatively, the processor 200 can use the RSSI method, which measures the strength of the Bluetooth signal to estimate the distance, to determine the relative position between the vehicle and the user terminal.

[0086] The memory 400 can store applications and various data used to control the vehicle 1, and can load applications or read or write data according to the request of the processor 200.

[0087] The memory 400 may store at least one algorithm that performs calculations or implementations of various instructions for operating the vehicle control system 10 according to the embodiment. The memory 400 may include at least one storage medium such as flash memory, hard disk, memory card, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0088] In the following implementation, an example of using Bluetooth signals to perform location positioning and control keyless entry and keyless start (PEPS) operations will be described.

[0089] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a user terminal according to the implementation scheme.

[0090] Reference Figure 3 The user terminal 20 may include a communication unit 21, an output unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[0091] User terminal 20 may include a smartphone, smart tablet, laptop, or other device that the user can carry. User terminal 20 may store a digital key that generates authentication information for controlling functions such as locking and unlocking vehicle doors, remote start, emergency alarms, and opening the trunk.

[0092] The communication unit 21 may include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving information using an antenna, communication circuitry, a communication processor, etc., and the communication unit 21 can perform short-range communication with the vehicle. According to the embodiment, the communication unit 21 can perform NFC communication or UWB communication.

[0093] The output unit 22 can output information stored in the user terminal 20 in a visual, auditory, or a combination thereof manner. According to embodiments, the output unit 22 can be implemented as a display device employing a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a plasma display panel (PDP), or the like. The LCD may include a thin-film transistor LCD (TFT-LCD). The output unit 22 can be integrally formed with a touch screen panel (TSP) and an input unit (not shown).

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit 23 may store at least one algorithm that performs calculations or implementations of various instructions for operating the user terminal 20. The storage unit 23 may include at least one storage medium such as flash memory, hard disk, memory card, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, PROM, magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The storage unit 23 may store driver information for multiple vehicles.

[0095] According to the implementation scheme, the control unit 24 can be implemented by various processing devices (such as a microprocessor, which has a semiconductor chip capable of executing various instructions embedded therein) and can control the operation of the user terminal 20. The control unit 24 can be electrically connected to the communication unit 21, the output unit 22, and the storage unit 23 via wired cables or various circuits to send electrical signals including control commands, and can send and receive electrical signals including control commands via various wireless communication networks such as CAN.

[0096] In the vehicle control system 10 according to the embodiment, the user terminal 20 can be operated as a digital key. In the following text, "digital key" and "user terminal" can be used as terms referring to the same component.

[0097] The digital key 20 can, as needed, open and close the doors of the vehicle 1, start or stop the vehicle 1, and perform various functions included in the vehicle 1. The digital key 20 can be one or more devices capable of utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication and NFC.

[0098] A digital key 20 can be operated by being connected to a specific vehicle 1, and multiple digital keys 20 can be connected to a single vehicle 1, or a single digital key 20 can be connected to multiple vehicles 1, as needed. Furthermore, it is possible to connect multiple digital keys 20 to multiple vehicles 1.

[0099] Furthermore, the digital key 20 can be installed and operated in devices such as smartphones, and there may be cases where multiple digital keys 20 are installed in one smartphone. Although the embodiments describe an example of installing and operating the digital key 20 in a smartphone, the invention is not limited thereto, and the digital key 20 can also be installed in devices other than smartphones as needed.

[0100] The digital key 20 can control the vehicle 1, and for this purpose, the digital key 20 can communicate with the vehicle 1 via Bluetooth Low Energy communication, UWB communication, wireless Internet network communication or mobile communication network communication.

[0101] The digital key 20 can be operated by the user to perform various functions for controlling the vehicle 1, and the digital key 20 can be operated to set one or more wireless anchor points.

[0102] Digital key 20 can search for nearby wireless anchors and register the found wireless anchors. That is, digital key 20 can utilize various communication methods to search for wireless anchors that can be connected wirelessly. For example, when two wireless anchors are near digital key 20, and one wireless anchor can communicate via Bluetooth Low Energy while the other can communicate via a wireless internet network, digital key 20 can communicatively connect to one of the two wireless anchors or communicatively connect to both wireless anchors.

[0103] In the implementation scheme, the wireless anchor point can be the same component as the positioning module.

[0104] Figure 4 This is a concept diagram of the vehicle control system based on the implementation plan. (Refer to...) Figure 4 In the implementation scheme, server 30 may store a positioning pattern for locating the relative position of user terminal 20 relative to vehicle 1.

[0105] In the implementation plan, server 30 can be a cloud server, and can use ID and password to authenticate user terminal 20 and allow login.

[0106] In the implementation scheme, the positioning mode may include information about the strength range of Bluetooth communication signals at each location of the positioning module. For example, the positioning mode may include the strength range of wireless communication signals in front of, behind, to the left and right of vehicle 1.

[0107] When user terminal 20 makes a request, server 30 can search for a positioning mode corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information, and send the positioning mode to user terminal 20.

[0108] Alternatively, if no location mode corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information is found, the server 30 can search for the default location mode corresponding to the model identification information and send the default location mode to the user terminal 20.

[0109] The model identification information may include the model information of the user terminal 20. The user identification information may include the user ID of the user terminal 20.

[0110] In the implementation scheme, the positioning mode may have a signal strength range set according to pre-measurement results and stored in server 30. The positioning mode can be stored as a default mode based on the model. The default mode may be a representative positioning mode for a specific model and is provided when no positioning mode corresponding to the user identification information is found or during the initial pairing process of PEPS function after vehicle 1 leaves the factory. For example, the default mode can be set based on the pre-positioning results of n (n is a natural number) representative models of the manufacturer.

[0111] Alternatively, server 30 can store different location patterns for each user. In this case, the location pattern can be a user-customized location pattern. The location pattern can be mode information used to calibrate the default mode based on the user's terminal 20's usage, habits, characteristics, etc.

[0112] When a request arrives from user terminal 20, server 30 can search the stored location patterns and send them to user terminal 20. Based on the request from user terminal 20, server 30 can search for a location pattern corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information, and send the location pattern to user terminal 20. However, if no location pattern matching the corresponding conditions is found, server 30 can search for a location pattern using only the model identification information, searching for the location pattern corresponding to the model identification information (i.e., the default mode), and provide the location pattern to user terminal 20.

[0113] Server 30 can update the stored positioning mode using information included in the second update request. Server 30 can receive the second update request for the positioning mode from user terminal 20. The second update request may include model identification information, user identification information, and a new positioning mode. Server 30 can update the default mode corresponding to the model identification information to the new positioning mode. Alternatively, server 30 can update the existing positioning mode corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information to the new positioning mode.

[0114] When a request for a location mode is received from user terminal 20, server 30 can search for an updated location mode and provide the updated location mode to user terminal 20.

[0115] User terminal 20 can receive a positioning mode corresponding to model identification information and user identification information from server 30 and send the positioning mode to vehicle 1. User terminal 20 can log in to server 30 using account information and pair with vehicle 1. After pairing, user terminal 20 can request a positioning mode from the logged-in server 30. User terminal 20 can request a positioning mode from server 30 while sending model identification information and user identification information. User terminal 20 can send the request information received from server 30 to vehicle 1 and send a Bluetooth signal to the positioning module of vehicle 1 to perform operations for executing PEPS function.

[0116] In addition, user terminal 20 can send a second update request to server 30, which includes model identification information, user identification information, and a new positioning mode. User terminal 20 can receive a first update request for the positioning mode from vehicle 1. User terminal 20 can display the update request information and perform the update operation based on user input. When there is user input that allows the update, user terminal 20 can request a new positioning mode from vehicle 1 and receive the new positioning mode from vehicle 1. User terminal 20 can match the new positioning mode received from vehicle 1 with the model identification information and user identification information to generate second update request information. User terminal 20 can send the generated second update request information to server 30 to request an update of the positioning mode.

[0117] Vehicle 1 can compare the strength of the wireless communication signal received from user terminal 20 with the positioning mode to determine the location of user terminal 20, and control the operation based on the location determination result.

[0118] Vehicle 1 can perform PEPS control operations based on the location determination result. When both keyless entry and keyless start conditions are met simultaneously, vehicle 1 can start providing PEPS functionality.

[0119] In addition, when the keyless entry conditions are met but the keyless start conditions are not met, vehicle 1 may only provide the keyless entry function.

[0120] Furthermore, when the conditions for keyless start are met but the conditions for keyless entry are not met, vehicle 1 cannot provide any functions.

[0121] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram used to describe the positioning pattern according to the implementation scheme.

[0122] Refer to together Figure 5 The positioning mode can be information in tabular format, which includes the location of the positioning module, the signal strength range, the available PEPS functions, and the location determination results.

[0123] according to Figure 5 In the positioning mode, when the strength of the Bluetooth signal measured by the positioning module located at the front or rear of the vehicle 1 exceeds -25dBm, the vehicle 1 can determine that the user terminal 20 is located inside the vehicle 1 and provide keyless start function.

[0124] according to Figure 5 In the positioning mode, when the strength of the Bluetooth signal measured by the positioning module located on the left side of vehicle 1 is in the range of -50dBm to -25dBm, vehicle 1 can determine that user terminal 20 is located on the left side of vehicle 1 and provide keyless entry function.

[0125] according to Figure 5 In the positioning mode, when the strength of the Bluetooth signal measured by the positioning module located on the right side of vehicle 1 is in the range of -50dBm to -25dBm, vehicle 1 can determine that user terminal 20 is located on the right side of vehicle 1 and provide keyless entry function.

[0126] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram used to describe the operation of the vehicle according to the implementation plan.

[0127] Refer to together Figure 6 The first positioning module 311 is located at the front of the vehicle 1, the second positioning module 312 is located at the rear of the vehicle 1, the third positioning module 313 is located at the left side of the vehicle 1, and the fourth positioning module 314 is located at the right side of the vehicle 1. Each of the positioning modules 311 to 314 can receive Bluetooth signals from the paired user terminal 20 and measure the strength of the received Bluetooth signals.

[0128] Refer to together Figure 7The signal strength measured by the first positioning module 311 is -40 dBm, the signal strength measured by the second positioning module 312 is -45 dBm, the signal strength measured by the third positioning module 313 is -55 dBm, and the signal strength measured by the fourth positioning module 314 is -30 dBm. The processor can then... Figure 7 The strength of the Bluetooth signal measured in the middle and Figure 5 The positioning modes are compared. Vehicle 1 can determine that the measurement results of the fourth positioning module 314 meet the conditions of the positioning mode, and determine that the user terminal 20 is located on the right side of vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 can provide corresponding keyless entry function based on the location determination results.

[0129] When the location determination result is invalid, vehicle 1 can send a first update request for the positioning mode to user terminal 20. At this time, vehicle 1 can use the signal strength measured during the location determination process to generate a new positioning mode and send the new positioning mode together with the first update request to user terminal 20.

[0130] In the implementation scheme, the validity of the location determination result means that the relative position of the user terminal 20 can be indicated by comparing the positioning result with the positioning mode. Therefore, when the vehicle 1 cannot indicate the relative position of the user terminal 20 by comparing the positioning result with the positioning mode, that is, when no positioning result is within the signal strength range of the positioning mode, the location determination result can be determined to be invalid.

[0131] Furthermore, even if the keyless start condition is met but the keyless entry condition is not met, vehicle 1 can still determine that the location determination result is invalid. In this case, even if it is determined that the user terminal 20 is inside vehicle 1, vehicle 1 can determine that the location determination result is invalid because the positioning module on the left and / or right side of vehicle 1 does not receive the appropriate Bluetooth signal.

[0132] For example, if the location determination result of vehicle 1 is invalid for a preset number of times or more, vehicle 1 can send a first update request for the positioning mode to user terminal 20. The preset number of times can be set or changed according to various conditions, and is for example set to 3 times. In this case, vehicle 1 can store the previous positioning results together with the timestamp and signal strength.

[0133] Vehicle 1 can use the intensity of the signal with the minimum value among the signal intensities measured during the location determination process to generate a new positioning pattern.

[0134] At this time, vehicle 1 can detect the direction of the door open button signal input and only update the positioning mode corresponding to the corresponding direction. When the door open button signal is input from the door sensor or user terminal 20, vehicle 1 can determine whether the door open button signal is input to the left or right door of vehicle 1.

[0135] For example, when the door open button signal is input to the left door, vehicle 1 can update only the range of signal strength corresponding to the positioning mode of the third positioning module.

[0136] Alternatively, when the door open button signal is input to the right door, vehicle 1 can update only the range of signal strength corresponding to the positioning mode of the fourth positioning module.

[0137] When a first update request progress response is received from user terminal 20, vehicle 1 can generate a new positioning pattern and provide it to user terminal 20. Vehicle 1 can use the strongest signal strength among the signal strengths during the period when the location determination result is invalid to generate the new positioning pattern.

[0138] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the vehicle according to the implementation plan. See also... Figure 8 If the location determination result of vehicle 1 is invalidated three times consecutively, vehicle 1 can use the previous positioning results to generate a new positioning mode. When the signal strength values ​​of the third positioning module measured three times during the location determination process are -66dBm, -60dBm, and -63dBm, vehicle 1 can use the minimum signal strength value of -66dBm to update the signal strength range of the third positioning module to generate a new positioning mode.

[0139] For convenience, one or more figures are described with the aid of examples of steps performed by processor circuitry. One, some, or all of the steps of the exemplary method or a portion thereof in the figures may be performed by one or more other circuits. One or some steps of the exemplary method in the figures may be omitted, performed in a different order, and / or modified in other ways, and / or one or more additional steps may be added.

[0140] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the vehicle control method according to the implementation plan. (Refer to...) Figure 9 The user terminal logs into the server using its account information and requests the sending of a location mode. In addition to sending model identification information and user identification information, the user terminal also requests the sending of a location mode (S901).

[0141] Next, the server searches for a positioning mode corresponding to the model identification information and the user identification information, and sends the positioning mode to the user terminal. At this time, if no positioning mode corresponding to the model identification information and the user identification information is found, the server searches for the default positioning mode corresponding to the model identification information, and sends the default positioning mode to the user terminal (S902).

[0142] Next, the user terminal connects to the vehicle via Bluetooth (S903).

[0143] Next, the user terminal will send the positioning pattern received from the server to the vehicle (S904).

[0144] Next, the vehicle uses the Bluetooth signal output from the user terminal to measure the signal strength (S905).

[0145] Next, the vehicle compares the measured Bluetooth signal strength with the positioning mode and determines the relative position of the user terminal (S906).

[0146] Next, the vehicle controls its operation based on the determined relative position to provide the PEPS function (S907).

[0147] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a vehicle control method according to another implementation scheme. (See reference...) Figure 10 The user terminal logs into the server using its account information and requests the sending of a location mode. In addition to sending model identification information and user identification information, the user terminal also requests the sending of a location mode (S1001).

[0148] Next, the server searches for a positioning mode corresponding to the model identification information and the user identification information, and sends the positioning mode to the user terminal. At this time, if no positioning mode corresponding to the model identification information and the user identification information is found, the server searches for the default positioning mode corresponding to the model identification information, and sends the default positioning mode to the user terminal (S1002).

[0149] Next, the user terminal connects to the vehicle via Bluetooth communication (S1003).

[0150] Next, the user terminal will send the positioning pattern received from the server to the vehicle (S1004).

[0151] Next, the vehicle uses the Bluetooth signal output from the user terminal to measure the signal strength (S1005).

[0152] Next, the vehicle compares the measured Bluetooth signal strength with the positioning mode and determines the relative position of the user terminal (S1006).

[0153] Next, when the result of determining the relative position is invalid, the vehicle sends a first update request for the positioning mode to the user terminal. For example, when the position determination result is invalid three or more times consecutively, the vehicle sends a first update request (S1007).

[0154] Next, the user terminal displays the screen corresponding to the first update request (S1008).

[0155] Next, when the user terminal receives the input signal to accept the first update operation, it requests the vehicle to perform the first update (S1009).

[0156] Next, when the vehicle receives the first update request from the user terminal, the vehicle uses the signal strength measured during the location determination process to generate a new positioning mode (S1010).

[0157] Next, the vehicle sends a new positioning mode to the user terminal (S1011).

[0158] Next, the user terminal generates a second update request including model identification information, user identification information and a new positioning mode, and sends the second update request to the server (S1012).

[0159] Next, the server uses the information included in the second update request to update the stored location pattern (S1013).

[0160] Typically, PEPS functionality is provided using representative positioning patterns and results stored for each manufacturer. Alternatively, when the positioning results do not match the representative positioning patterns, calibration needs to be performed while the device is stopped at a specific location to receive PEPS functionality.

[0161] However, according to traditional methods, the storage space of the positioning module used to store representative positioning patterns is limited. Therefore, receiving PEPS functionality using positioning patterns optimized for various smartphone models is inevitably restricted. Consequently, the following inconvenience exists: manual calibration is required for several seconds or longer while the device is stopped at a specific location.

[0162] According to the implementation plan, customized location patterns optimized for various smartphone models and users can be stored unrestricted in the cloud server. Therefore, when performing location operations for the PEPS function, location can be performed by directly receiving and utilizing the location patterns from the cloud server, and the operation of the PEPS function can be controlled.

[0163] Furthermore, by reflecting the location error based on the user's smartphone usage and habits, and updating the location mode in real time, personalized PEPS functionality can be provided.

[0164] As used in this embodiment, the term "~cell" refers to a software or hardware component such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or ASIC, and the "~cell" serves a specific function. However, a "cell" is not limited to software or hardware. A "cell" can be configured to be located in an addressable storage medium and configured to be reproduced by one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, a "cell" is a component (such as a software component, an object-oriented software component, a class component, and a task component), a process, a function, an attribute, a program, a subroutine, a program code segment, a driver, firmware, microcode, a circuit, data, a database, a data structure, a graph, an array, and a variable. The functionality provided in a component and a "~cell" can be combined into fewer components and "cells" or additional components and "cells" can be separated. Furthermore, components and "~cells" can be implemented to reproduce one or more CPUs in a device or a secure multimedia card.

[0165] According to the implementation plan, the vehicle control system and method can perform active positioning by utilizing various positioning modes based on the signal strength of the smartphone (which may vary depending on the user's smartphone usage, habits, etc.).

[0166] In addition, depending on the smartphone model, various positioning modes can be used to perform active positioning.

[0167] In addition, accurate positioning can be performed by updating the positioning mode.

[0168] Therefore, highly reliable PEPS functionality can be provided to car owners.

[0169] Although the invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle control system, comprising: The server is configured in a storage positioning mode, which is used to locate the relative position of the user terminal relative to the vehicle. The user terminal is configured to receive a positioning mode corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information from the server, and send the positioning mode to the vehicle. as well as The vehicle is configured to compare the strength of wireless communication signals received from a user terminal with a positioning mode to determine the location of the user terminal, and to control operations based on the location determination result.

2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning mode includes the strength range of wireless communication signals in front of, behind, to the left and right of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the request from the user terminal, the server searches for the location mode corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information, and sends the location mode to the user terminal.

4. The vehicle control system according to claim 3, wherein, When no location mode corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information is found, the server searches for the default location mode corresponding to the model identification information and sends the default location mode to the user terminal.

5. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein, When the location determination result is valid, the vehicle performs keyless entry and keyless start control operations.

6. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein, When the location determination result is invalid, the vehicle sends a first update request for the location mode to the user terminal.

7. The vehicle control system according to claim 6, wherein, When the location determination result is invalid, the vehicle uses the signal strength measured during the location determination process to generate a new positioning pattern and sends the new positioning pattern to the user terminal.

8. The vehicle control system according to claim 7, wherein, The vehicle uses the signal strength with the minimum value among the signal strengths measured during the location determination process to generate a new positioning pattern.

9. The vehicle control system according to claim 7, wherein, The user terminal sends a second update request to the server. The second update request includes model identification information, user identification information, and a new positioning mode.

10. The vehicle control system according to claim 9, wherein, The server uses the information included in the second update request to update the stored location pattern.

11. A vehicle control method, comprising: The user terminal requests the location mode from the server; The server searches for the corresponding location pattern based on the request and sends the location pattern to the user terminal. The user terminal receives the positioning mode and sends the positioning mode to the vehicle; The vehicle measures the strength of the wireless communication signal received from the user terminal. The strength of the signal measured by the vehicle is compared with the positioning pattern to determine the location of the user terminal; The vehicle is controlled based on the location determination result.

12. The vehicle control method according to claim 11, wherein, The positioning mode includes the strength range of wireless communication signals in front of, behind, to the left and right of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle control method according to claim 11, wherein, Searching for and sending location patterns includes: searching for location patterns corresponding to model identification information and user identification information, and sending the location patterns to the user terminal.

14. The vehicle control method according to claim 13, wherein, The search and sending of location modes includes: when no location mode corresponding to the model identification information and user identification information is found, searching for the default location mode corresponding to the model identification information and sending the default location mode to the user terminal.

15. The vehicle control method according to claim 11, wherein, The control operations include: when the location determination result is valid, performing keyless entry and keyless start control operations.

16. The vehicle control method according to claim 11, further comprising: After the location is determined, if the location determination result is invalid, the vehicle sends a first update request for the location mode to the user terminal.

17. The vehicle control method according to claim 16, further comprising: After sending the first update request: New positioning patterns are generated by utilizing the signal strength measured during the location determination process; Based on the response from the user terminal, the new positioning mode is sent to the user terminal.

18. The vehicle control method according to claim 17, wherein, Generating a new positioning pattern involves using the intensity of the signal with the minimum value among the signal intensities measured during the location determination process to generate a new positioning pattern.

19. The vehicle control method according to claim 17, further comprising: Upon receiving the new positioning mode, the user terminal generates a second update request, which includes model identification information, user identification information, and the new positioning mode. Send the second update request to the server.

20. The vehicle control method according to claim 19, further comprising: Upon receiving the second update request, the server uses the information included in the second update request to update the stored location pattern.

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