Method and system for controlling the operation of a vehicle

Abstract

A method of controlling the operation of a vehicle, comprising: Determining by a control device (100) whether a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed (S116), Determining by the control device (100) whether a signal of an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) (120) is input as a signal of an accelerator pedal (12) (S118, S115), Determining by the control device (100) whether a signal of a brake pedal position sensor (BPS) (140) is input as a signal of a brake pedal (14) (S112, S113), Determining by the control device (100) whether, in a state in which the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is input, the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is input while overlapping the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) for longer than a predetermined time (S124), Determining by the control device (100) whether, in a state in which the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is input first, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is input while overlapping the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (120) for longer than the predetermined time (S117), Operating an engine (10) by the control device (100) in a first intelligent pedal control mode of limiting a rotational speed of the engine (10) to an idling rotational speed (S126) when, in the state in which the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is input, the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is input while overlapping the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) for longer than the predetermined time, and Performing a second intelligent pedal control mode of operating the engine (10) by means of the control device (100) by setting an output torque of the engine (10) to a torque limit value corresponding to an actual engine condition when, in the state in which the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is first input, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is input while overlapping the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) for longer than the predetermined time (S117), and a required torque corresponding to a magnitude of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is greater than the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine condition (S119), wherein the method further comprises: terminating the first intelligent pedal control mode by the control device (100) (S134) when, when performing the first intelligent pedal control mode (S128), a value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) or a value of the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is 0 (S132).

Description

Background of the inventionField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system of operating (e.g., driving) a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) that safely operates a vehicle when a brake pedal signal and an accelerator pedal signal overlap for more than a predetermined time. Description of the technology used

[0002] If a brake pedal does not return properly, when a driver presses the brake pedal and then presses the accelerator pedal to accelerate while the vehicle is in operation, the driver generally presses harder on the accelerator pedal (e.g., to achieve the desired acceleration). If the brake pedal fully returns at the same time as the driver presses harder on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle may accelerate immediately and rapidly, which could cause a dangerous situation.

[0003] Consequently, when an accelerator pedal signal and a brake pedal signal are input while they overlap, a vehicle operation control device (e.g., an engine electronic control unit (ECU)) may determine to fix the accelerator pedal and limit a speed of an internal combustion engine to an idle speed to first ensure safety in operating (e.g., driving) the vehicle.

[0004] This means that when an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) signal and a brake pedal position sensor (BPS) signal are input to the ECU while they overlap, the ECU performs control so that the vehicle moves in a restricted state (e.g., a state of limited function) for safety. The aforementioned control is referred to in the art as smart pedal control or accelerator pedal safety control.

[0005] However, in the related art, when the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor and the signal of the brake pedal position sensor are input to the ECU while overlapping, the ECU limits a speed of the engine only to an idle speed to perform simple control, thereby failing to cope with various situations of operating the vehicle.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a problem that the intelligent pedal control cannot currently be applied to an ECU of a vehicle in which a mechanical throttle control method, not an electronic throttle control (ETC), is used.

[0007] The above information disclosed in this Background section is provided merely to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be considered as an admission or any suggestion that this information forms part of the prior art as already known to those skilled in the art.

[0008] Furthermore, US 2014 / 0 095 045 A1 discloses an electronic control unit for a vehicle that performs a reduction control for reducing the vehicle driving force when the accelerator pedal and the brake are operated simultaneously. The electronic control unit also varies the amount of reduction in the vehicle driving force during the reduction control and depending on the order of accelerator pedal operation and brake operation, resulting in the aforementioned simultaneous operation. For example, the amount of reduction in the vehicle driving force is smaller when the brake is operated first compared to when the accelerator pedal is operated first.

[0009] Further methods and systems for controlling the operation of a vehicle are known from US 2012 / 0 290 188 A1 and DE 10 2005 023 877 A1. Explanation of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a system for controlling the operation (e.g. driving) of a vehicle (e.g. a motor vehicle), in which an intelligent pedal control which operates a vehicle safely when a brake pedal signal and an accelerator pedal signal overlap for longer than a predetermined time, is applicable to a vehicle provided with a mechanical throttle body (e.g. a throttle body / throttle body with a throttle valve which can be mechanically actuated by means of the accelerator pedal, for example via a cable, a linkage, etc.) and a vehicle provided with an ETC.

[0011] To this end, the present invention provides a method of controlling an operation of a vehicle according to claim 1, a method of controlling an operation of a vehicle in which a mechanical throttle body is used according to claim 5, and a system for controlling the operation of a vehicle according to claim 6.

[0012] According to the present invention, a method of controlling the operation (e.g., driving) of a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) comprises: determining, by a control device, whether a vehicle speed exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined speed; determining, by the control device, whether a signal of an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) is input as a signal of an accelerator pedal; determining, by the control device, whether a signal of a brake pedal position sensor (BPS) is input as a signal of a brake pedal; determining, by the control device, whether, in a state in which the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is input (e.g., first), the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input while overlapping the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor for longer than a predetermined time (e.g.,whether in a state in which the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is input (e.g., first), the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input while overlapping the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor for longer than the predetermined time), determining by the control device whether in a state in which the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input first, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is input while overlapping the signal of the brake pedal position sensor for longer than the predetermined time (e.g., whether in a state in which the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input first, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is input while overlapping the signal of the brake pedal position sensor for longer than the predetermined time), operating an engine (e.g.,an internal combustion engine) by the control device in a first intelligent pedal control mode of limiting a speed of the engine to an idling speed (of the engine) when, in the state in which the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (e.g. first) is input, the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input while overlapping the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor for longer than the predetermined time (e.g. when, in the state in which the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (e.g.first) is input, the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input while overlapping the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor for longer than the predetermined time), and performing a second intelligent pedal control mode of operating the engine by means of the control device by setting an output torque of the engine to a torque limit value corresponding to an actual engine state when, in a state in which the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input first, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is input while overlapping the signal of the brake pedal position sensor for longer than the predetermined time (e.g.when, in the state in which the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is first input, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is input overlapping / overlapping with the signal of the brake pedal position sensor for longer than the predetermined time), and (when) a required torque corresponding to a magnitude of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is greater than the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine state, the method further comprising: terminating (e.g., canceling / releasing) the first intelligent pedal control mode by the controller when, when performing the first intelligent pedal control mode, a value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor or a value of the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is 0 or zero, respectively.

[0013] The method of controlling the operation of the vehicle may further comprise: terminating (e.g., canceling / releasing) the first intelligent pedal control mode by the controller when, when performing the first intelligent pedal control mode, a change in the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined amount.

[0014] The method of controlling the operation of the vehicle may further comprise: terminating (e.g., canceling / releasing) the second intelligent pedal control mode by the controller when, when performing the second intelligent pedal control mode, a change in the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined value.

[0015] The method of controlling the operation of the vehicle may further comprise: terminating (eg, canceling / dissolving) the second intelligent pedal control mode by the controller when a value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is 0 or zero when the second intelligent pedal control mode is performed.

[0016] According to the present invention, a method of controlling an operation of a vehicle in which a mechanical throttle body (e.g., a throttle body / throttle body with a throttle valve which is mechanically actuated by means of the accelerator pedal, for example, via a cable, a linkage, etc.) is used comprises: determining by a control device whether a vehicle speed exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined speed, determining by the control device whether an opening amount or degree of opening of a mechanical throttle valve, which is detected by a throttle position sensor (TPS), exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined opening degree, determining by the control device whether, in a state in which the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve exceeds the predetermined opening degree (e.g.,exceeds), a signal of a brake pedal sensor is input for a predetermined time, and performing a third intelligent pedal control mode of operating an engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine) by setting an output torque of the engine to a torque limit value corresponding to an actual engine state, when, in the state in which the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve exceeds the predetermined opening degree, the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input for the predetermined time and a required torque corresponding to an operation amount of an accelerator pedal (e.g., corresponding to an opening amount of the throttle valve detected by the throttle position sensor) is greater than the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine state, the method further comprising: terminating (e.g.,Cancelling / dissolving) the third intelligent pedal control mode by the controller when, in execution of the third intelligent pedal control mode, a rate of change of the opening amount of the throttle valve value detected by the throttle valve position sensor exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined value or when the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve is 0 or zero.

[0017] According to numerous aspects of the present invention, a system for controlling the operation of a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) may include: a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a vehicle speed, an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) configured to detect an on-state and an amount of operation (e.g., an angle of operation) of an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal position sensor (BPS) configured to detect an on-state and an amount of operation (e.g., an angle of operation) of a brake pedal, a throttle valve position sensor (TPS) configured to detect an opening amount (e.g., an angle of opening) of a throttle valve, an engine (e.g.,an internal combustion engine) configured to provide driving force for the vehicle, and an (e.g., electronic) engine control unit configured to control the engine based on signals from the vehicle speed sensor, accelerator pedal position sensor, brake pedal position sensor, and throttle position sensor, wherein the engine control unit executes a command for performing the method of controlling the operation of the vehicle of the present invention.

[0018] According to various embodiments of the present invention as described above, it is possible to apply intelligent pedal control for safety of operating a vehicle to a vehicle provided with a mechanical throttle body and a vehicle provided with an ETC when a brake pedal signal and an accelerator pedal signal overlap for more than a predetermined time.

[0019] It is to be understood that the terms "vehicle" or "vehicle-..." or any similar term used herein includes motor vehicles in general, such as passenger vehicles, including so-called sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, numerous commercial vehicles, watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels produced from resources other than petroleum). A hybrid vehicle, as referred to herein, is a vehicle that has two or more power sources, e.g., vehicles that run on both gasoline and electricity.

[0020] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages which will be apparent from, or set forth in more detail in, the accompanying drawings incorporated herein and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle operation control system according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary vehicle operation control method according to the present invention. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary vehicle operation control method according to the present invention

[0021] It should be understood that the attached drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified representation of various features in order to illustrate the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, directions, positions, and shapes disclosed herein, will be dictated in part by the particular intended application and usage environment. Detailed description

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention will be described in connection with the exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention to these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, changes, modifications, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle operation control system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] A vehicle operation control system according to various embodiments of the present invention is a system for performing intelligent pedal control that safely operates a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) when a brake pedal signal and an accelerator pedal signal overlap (e.g., are input simultaneously) for more than a predetermined time.

[0025] The vehicle operation control system according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a vehicle speed sensor 160 for detecting a speed of a vehicle, an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) 120 for detecting an operation-on state and an operation degree / operation amount of an accelerator pedal 12, a brake pedal position sensor (BPS) 140 for detecting an operation-on state and an operation degree / operation amount (eg, an operation angle) of a brake pedal 14, a throttle position sensor (TPS) 180 for detecting an opening amount / opening degree (eg, an opening angle) of a throttle valve 18, an engine (egan internal combustion engine) 10 for providing a driving force of a vehicle and a controller 100 for controlling the engine 10 based on signals from the vehicle speed sensor 160, the accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) 120, the brake pedal position sensor (BPS) 140 and the throttle valve position sensor (TPS) 180.

[0026] In various embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle speed sensor 160 may be configured as, for example, a vehicle speed sensor mounted on a wheel to detect a rotational speed (e.g., of the wheel) (and, for example, convert the rotational speed of the wheel into a vehicle speed), and in another example, as a vehicle speed sensor mounted on a final reduction gear of a transmission (and, for example, convert the rotational speed of the final reduction gear into a vehicle speed). However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not substantially limited thereto. As long as a structure is capable of calculating a value corresponding to an actual vehicle speed, the technical essence of the present invention is applicable thereto, even if the structure is different from the aforementioned structure.

[0027] For example, in various embodiments of the present invention, the accelerator pedal position sensor 120 may include a switch that is turned on when movement of the accelerator pedal 12 is detected, and a resistance sensor whose resistance value (e.g., electrical) changes in association with the movement of the accelerator pedal 12. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not substantially limited thereto. As long as a structure capable of calculating a value corresponding to an actual movement / operation of the accelerator pedal 12, the technical essence of the present invention is applicable thereto, even if the structure is different from the aforementioned structure.

[0028] For example, in various embodiments of the present invention, the brake pedal position sensor 140 may include a switch that is turned on when movement of the brake pedal 14 is detected, and a resistance sensor whose resistance value (e.g., electrical) changes in association with the movement of the brake pedal 14. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not substantially limited thereto. As long as a structure capable of calculating a value corresponding to an actual movement / operation of the brake pedal 14, the technical essence of the present invention is applicable thereto, even if the structure is different from the aforementioned structure.

[0029] In various embodiments of the present invention, the throttle position sensor 180 may, for example, comprise a resistance sensor whose (e.g., electrical) resistance value changes in association with a movement of the throttle valve 18. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not substantially limited thereto. As long as a structure is capable of calculating a value corresponding to an actual movement / actuation of the throttle valve 18, the technical essence of the present invention is applicable thereto, even if the structure is different from the aforementioned structure.

[0030] In numerous embodiments of the present invention, the throttle valve 18 can be a mechanical throttle valve which moves or is mechanically actuated in accordance with a movement / actuation of the accelerator pedal 12 (e.g. which is connected to the accelerator pedal by means of a mechanical connection, e.g. a cable, a linkage, etc., so that it is mechanically moved or actuated in accordance with a movement / actuation of the accelerator pedal 12), or an electronic control throttle valve which receives a movement / actuation of the accelerator pedal 12 in the form of an electrical signal and electronically controls the actuation / adjustment of the throttle valve (e.g. the throttle valve is actuated / adjusted by means of an electric servomotor controlled by the electronic control).

[0031] The engine 10 may be a gasoline engine, a diesel engine, and the like, which are generally mounted in the vehicle, but it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not substantially limited thereto. As long as an engine provides driving force to the vehicle, the technical essence of the present invention is applicable thereto, even if the engine is different from the aforementioned engine.

[0032] The control device 100 is, for example, more than one (e.g., single) microprocessor operated by a predetermined program and / or hardware including the microprocessor, and the predetermined program may include a series / sequence of instructions for performing a vehicle operation control method according to various embodiments of the present invention to be described below.

[0033] In various embodiments of the present invention, the controller 100 may comprise an engine control unit (ECU) or be provided in the engine control unit.

[0034] Hereinafter, a vehicle operation control method according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle operation control method according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] The vehicle operation control method according to various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a vehicle in which the electronic throttle control (ETC) is used.

[0037] As in Fig. 2, the controller 100 determines in a key-on state (e.g., an ignition-on state), ie, during operation of the vehicle, whether a vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 160 exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined speed (e.g., 2 km / h) (S112 and S116).

[0038] When the vehicle speed exceeds (e.g., exceeds) the predetermined speed (e.g., 2 km / h), the controller 100 determines whether a signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is input as a signal of the accelerator pedal 12 (e.g., first) (S118).

[0039] When the accelerator pedal position sensor signal is input, that is, the accelerator pedal position sensor 120 is turned on, the controller 100 determines whether a signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input (e.g., simultaneously) as a signal of the brake pedal 14 (S122).

[0040] When the brake pedal position sensor signal is input, that is, the brake pedal position sensor 140 is turned on, the controller 100 determines whether, in the state where the accelerator position sensor signal is input (e.g., first), the brake pedal position sensor signal is input while overlapping the accelerator position sensor signal for longer than a predetermined time (e.g., predetermined time A, e.g., 0.5 seconds) (S124) (e.g., whether, in the state where the accelerator position sensor signal is input, the brake pedal position sensor signal is input while overlapping the accelerator position sensor signal for longer than a predetermined time).

[0041] If the accelerator pedal position sensor signal is not input in operation S118, then the controller 100 may determine whether, in the state where the brake pedal position sensor signal is input (e.g., first), the accelerator pedal position sensor signal is input while overlapping the brake pedal position sensor signal for longer than a predetermined time (e.g., predetermined time A, e.g., 0.5 seconds) (S113, S115, and S117) (e.g., whether, in the state where the brake pedal position sensor signal is input (e.g., first), the accelerator pedal position sensor signal is input while overlapping the brake pedal position sensor signal for longer than a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds)).

[0042] If, in operation S124, the brake pedal position sensor signal is input in the state where the accelerator position sensor signal is input while overlapping the accelerator position sensor signal for longer than the predetermined time (e.g., if, in operation S120, the brake pedal position sensor signal is input in the state where the accelerator position sensor signal is input while overlapping the accelerator position sensor signal for longer than the predetermined time), then the controller 100 controls / operates the engine 10 in a first intelligent pedal control mode of limiting a rotational speed of the engine to an idle speed (S126). That is, if the accelerator position sensor signal and the brake pedal position sensor signal are input while overlapping for approximately 0.5 seconds or more (e.g.,the two signals are input overlapping each other for about 0.5 seconds or more), the controller 100 limits the engine 10 for the safety of operating the vehicle to have the idle speed to operate / drive the vehicle.

[0043] When, in operation S117, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is input in the state where the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input first while overlapping the signal of the brake pedal position sensor for longer than the predetermined time (e.g., when, in operation S117, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is input in the state where the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input first while overlapping the signal of the brake pedal position sensor for longer than the predetermined time), the controller 100 determines whether a required torque corresponding to a magnitude of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is greater than a torque limit value corresponding to an actual engine condition (S119).The torque limit value, which corresponds to the actual engine condition, is a predetermined value and is determined by means of an experimental value (e.g. based on a stored characteristic map).

[0044] If, in operation S119, the requested torque corresponding to the magnitude of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is greater than the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine condition, then the controller 100 performs a second intelligent pedal control mode of operating the engine 10 by setting (e.g., limiting) an output torque of the engine to the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine condition (S121).The reason for controlling the operation of the engine 10 with the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine condition rather than the required torque is to ensure a driver's safety by first using a torque suitable for the engine condition instead of the required torque corresponding to an operation amount of the accelerator pedal, even though the brake pedal has returned and been reset in the case where the signal of the brake pedal position sensor and the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor overlap for longer than the predetermined time.

[0045] When performing the first intelligent pedal control mode in operation S126, if a change in the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined value (e.g., predetermined value C, e.g., 3% / ms), then the controller 100 terminates the first intelligent pedal control mode, that is, the mode of controlling the engine 10 at the idle speed (e.g., the controller 100 releases / cancels the first intelligent pedal control mode), and the controller 100 operates the engine 10 in a normal mode (S128, S134, and S136).

[0046] If in operation S128 the change of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value (e.g. predetermined value C, e.g. 3% / ms), then the controller 100 determines whether a value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor or a value of the signal of the brake pedal position sensor is 0 or zero, and if the value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor or the value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is 0, then the controller 100 ends the mode of controlling the engine 10 at the idle speed (e.g. the controller 100 releases / cancels the mode of controlling the engine 10 at the idle speed) and the controller 100 operates the engine 10 in the normal mode (S132, S134 and S136).

[0047] When performing the second intelligent pedal control mode in operation S121, if the change in the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined value (e.g., 3% / ms), then the controller 100 terminates the second intelligent pedal control mode, that is, the mode of controlling the engine 10 with the engine condition-limited torque (experimental value) (e.g., a torque that is limited depending on the engine condition (e.g., rotational speed, temperature, etc.)), (e.g., the controller 100 releases / cancels the second intelligent pedal control mode), and the controller 100 controls the engine 10 in the normal mode (S123, S127, and S129).

[0048] If in operation S123 the change of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value (e.g., 3% / ms), then the controller 100 determines whether a value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is 0 or zero, and if the value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor is 0, then the controller 100 ends the mode of controlling the engine 10 with the engine condition limited torque (experimental value) (e.g., the controller 100 releases / cancels the mode of controlling the engine 10 with the engine condition limited torque (experimental value)), and the controller 100 controls the engine 10 in the normal mode (S127 and S129).

[0049] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle operation control method according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] The vehicle operation control method according to various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in a vehicle using a mechanical throttle body (e.g., a throttle body with a throttle valve that is mechanically actuated by the accelerator pedal, for example, via a cable, a linkage, etc.). In the vehicle operation control method according to various embodiments of the present invention, the accelerator pedal position sensor can be a sensor that only detects whether the accelerator pedal is actuated, that is, only detects an on-state of the accelerator pedal, and does not detect a change according to a movement of the accelerator pedal.

[0051] As in Fig.3, the controller 100 determines whether a vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 160 exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined speed (e.g., 2 km / h) in a key-on state (e.g., ignition-on state), that is, during operation of the vehicle (S201 and S203).

[0052] When the vehicle speed exceeds (e.g., exceeds) the predetermined speed (e.g., 2 km / h), the controller 100 determines, by means of the throttle position sensor 180, whether an opening amount of a mechanical throttle valve 18 exceeds (e.g., exceeds) a predetermined opening degree (e.g., a predetermined opening degree D, e.g., 5 degrees or more) (S205).

[0053] When the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve 18 exceeds (e.g., exceeds) the predetermined opening degree, the controller 100 determines whether a signal of the brake pedal position sensor is input for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) in the state where the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve 18 exceeds (e.g., exceeds) the predetermined opening degree (S207 and S209).

[0054] When the brake pedal position sensor signal is input for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) in the state where the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve 18 exceeds the predetermined opening degree, the controller 100 determines whether a required torque corresponding to a value of a signal from the accelerator pedal position sensor (e.g., corresponding to the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve 18) is greater than a torque limit value corresponding to an actual engine condition (S211). The torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine condition is a predetermined value and is set using an experimental value (e.g., based on a stored map).

[0055] If, in operation S211, the requested torque corresponding to the magnitude of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (e.g., corresponding to the magnitude of the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve 18) is greater than the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine condition, then the controller 100 performs a third intelligent pedal control mode of operating the engine 10 by setting (e.g., limiting) an output torque of the engine to the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine condition (S213).

[0056] When performing the third intelligent pedal control mode in operation S213, when an opening amount change of the throttle valve 18 detected by the throttle position sensor 180 exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., a predetermined value E, e.g., 10 degrees or more) or an opening amount change of the mechanical throttle valve 18 is 0 or zero (S215 and S217), the controller 100 terminates the mode of controlling the engine 10 with the engine condition-limited torque (experimental value) (e.g., the controller 100 cancels the mode of controlling the engine 10 with the engine condition-limited torque) and the controller 100 controls the engine 10 in a normal mode (S219 and S221).

[0057] Therefore, according to various embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to improve the safety of the vehicle by applying the intelligent pedal control mode of safely operating a vehicle when an operation of the brake pedal and an operation of the accelerator pedal overlap for more than a predetermined time to a vehicle equipped with a mechanical throttle body and to a vehicle equipped with ETC.

[0058] The foregoing descriptions of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many changes and modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical applicability to thereby enable those skilled in the art to make and use various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] A method of controlling the operation of a vehicle, comprising: Determining by a control device (100) whether a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed (S116), Determining by the control device (100) whether a signal of an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) (120) is input as a signal of an accelerator pedal (12) (S118, S115), Determining by the control device (100) whether a signal of a brake pedal position sensor (BPS) (140) is input as a signal of a brake pedal (14) (S112, S113), Determining by the control device (100) whether, in a state in which the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is input, the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is input while overlapping the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) for longer than a predetermined time (S124), Determining by the control device (100) whether, in a state in which the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is input first, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is input while overlapping the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (120) for longer than the predetermined time (S117), Operating an engine (10) by the control device (100) in a first intelligent pedal control mode of limiting a rotational speed of the engine (10) to an idling rotational speed (S126) when, in the state in which the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is input, the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is input while overlapping the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) for longer than the predetermined time, and Performing a second intelligent pedal control mode of operating the engine (10) by means of the control device (100) by setting an output torque of the engine (10) to a torque limit value corresponding to an actual engine condition when, in the state in which the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is first input, the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is input while overlapping the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) for longer than the predetermined time (S117), and a required torque corresponding to a magnitude of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is greater than the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine condition (S119), wherein the method further comprises: terminating the first intelligent pedal control mode by the control device (100) (S134) when, when performing the first intelligent pedal control mode (S128), a value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) or a value of the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is 0 (S132). [2] The method according to claim 1, further comprising: terminating the first intelligent pedal control mode by the control device (100) (S134) when a change in the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) exceeds a predetermined amount (S128) when the first intelligent pedal control mode (S128) is performed. [3] Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: Terminating the second intelligent pedal control mode by the control device (100) (S127) when a change in the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) exceeds a predetermined value (S123) when the second intelligent pedal control mode (S121) is carried out. [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Terminating the second intelligent pedal control mode by the control device (S127) when a value of the signal of the accelerator pedal position sensor (120) is 0 when the second intelligent pedal control mode is performed (S125). [5] A method of controlling operation of a vehicle in which a mechanical throttle body is used, the method comprising: Determining by a control device (100) whether a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed (S203), Determining by the control device (100) whether an opening amount of a mechanical throttle valve (18), which is detected by a throttle valve position sensor (180) (TPS), exceeds a predetermined opening degree (S205), Determining by the control device (100) whether a signal of a brake pedal sensor (140) is input for a predetermined time in a state in which the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve (18) exceeds the predetermined opening degree (S207, S209) and Performing a third intelligent pedal control mode of operating an engine (10) by setting an output torque of the engine to a torque limit value (S213) corresponding to an actual engine condition when the signal of the brake pedal position sensor (140) is input for the predetermined time in the state in which the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve (18) exceeds the predetermined opening degree and a required torque corresponding to an operation amount of an accelerator pedal (12) is greater than the torque limit value corresponding to the actual engine condition (S211), wherein the method further comprises: terminating the third intelligent pedal control mode by the control device (100) (S219) when, in performing the third intelligent pedal control mode, a rate of change of the opening amount of the throttle value detected by the throttle position sensor (180) exceeds a predetermined value (S215) or when the opening amount of the mechanical throttle valve (18) is 0 (S217). [6] A system for controlling the operation of a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle speed sensor (160) configured to detect a vehicle speed, an accelerator pedal position sensor (120) (APS) configured to detect an on-state and an amount of operation of an accelerator pedal (12), a brake pedal position sensor (140) (BPS) which is configured to detect an on-state and an actuation amount of a brake pedal (14), a throttle position sensor (180) (TPS) which is configured to detect an opening amount of a throttle valve (18), an engine (10) adapted to provide driving force for the vehicle, and an engine control unit (100) configured to control the engine (10) based on signals from the vehicle speed sensor (160), accelerator pedal position sensor (120), brake pedal position sensor (140) and throttle valve position sensor (180), wherein the engine control unit (100) executes a command to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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