Vehicle driving mode setting method and device

Abstract

To provide a method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle, which is performed by a computing device. [Solution] The method includes the steps of: providing two or more driving modes to the vehicle's driving-related devices; setting the mode of the driving-related devices in the driving mode selected by the user from among the provided driving modes; and operating the driving-related devices in the set mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for setting a driving mode of a vehicle and an apparatus related thereto. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for automatically setting various devices required for driving a vehicle to an optimized driving mode according to the situation, or providing a driving mode that can be selected by a user, and a computer apparatus for executing the same.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, in the automotive industry, various driving modes are provided to maximize driver convenience and vehicle driving performance. The driving mode can adjust major devices of the vehicle, such as the engine, suspension, and steering wheel, to an optimal state considering the driving environment, vehicle characteristics, driver preferences, etc. Such driving modes are mainly provided by the modes basically installed when manufacturing the vehicle, and generally include a normal mode, a sports mode, an eco mode, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=2l]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention is for solving the above-described problems, and aims to provide a method and an apparatus for providing an optimized setting according to the driving environment by providing various driving modes for vehicle driving-related devices and enabling selection or change of these modes. In particular, the purpose is to enable a driver to obtain a new driving experience by using a system that can add driving modes through software updates or user purchases even after the vehicle is manufactured.

[0005] The problems to be solved in this specification are not limited to those described above, but can be extended to various matters arising from the embodiments of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems is a method for setting a vehicle driving mode performed by a computing device, comprising the steps of: providing two or more driving modes to the vehicle's driving-related devices; setting the mode of the driving-related devices in a driving mode selected by a user from among the provided driving modes; and operating the driving-related devices in the set mode.

[0007] In one preferred embodiment, the two or more driving modes may include a basic driving mode that is basically installed when the vehicle is manufactured; and additional driving modes that are applied to the vehicle after it has been manufactured and shipped, the additional driving modes may include user-purchasable driving modes that are activated to become applicable to the vehicle based on the user's purchase.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the additional driving modes may further include an automatically updating driving mode that is automatically activated so as to be applicable to the vehicle through a software update of the vehicle, regardless of the user's purchase.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the driving-related devices may include one or more of the following: a steering wheel, suspension, brakes, engine, transmission, vehicle stability control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), drivetrain, and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the step of providing the two or more driving modes may include receiving update information regarding the driving modes of the driving-related devices from a remote server outside the vehicle; and updating the basic driving mode and additional driving modes based on the received update information.

[0011] In one preferred embodiment, the step of providing the two or more driving modes may include the step of providing the basic driving mode and the user-purchasable driving modes by applying design elements that distinguish them from each other; and the step of modifying the design elements of the user-purchasable driving mode when the user purchases the user-purchasable driving mode.

[0012] In one preferred embodiment, the purchase of the user-purchasable driving mode may be made for a fee or free of charge.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, purchases related to the user-purchasable driving modes can be made through a payment user interface within the vehicle, or a purchase request can be sent to a user terminal associated with the vehicle, and payment can be made at the user terminal.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, if a user-purchasable driving mode that has already been purchased is deactivated based on received update information, it can be automatically switched to the driving mode that was set immediately before.

[0015] In one preferred embodiment, in the step of providing two or more driving modes, there are two or more user-purchasable driving modes, and a priority order for the user-purchasable driving modes can be determined and listed based on the currently set vehicle driving route or past driving style.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the user-purchasable driving mode supports a test mode, and when the user selects the test mode, the user-purchasable driving mode can be set for a predetermined time or distance without purchase, and the driving information during the test mode can be transmitted to the developer of the set user-purchasable driving mode.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium may be stored on the computer-readable medium in order to execute the method described above on a computer.

[0018] An in-vehicle computing device capable of setting driving modes according to one embodiment of this specification provides two or more driving modes to the vehicle's driving-related devices via a display device, sets the mode of the driving-related devices in the driving mode selected by the user from among the provided driving modes, and operates the driving-related devices in the set mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, drivers can select, purchase, subscribe to, and test various additional driving modes in addition to the basic driving mode, and developers may have the opportunity to develop their desired driving modes and sell them to various drivers through the platform.

[0020] The effects of this specification are not limited to those described above and can be extended to various other things that can be derived from the detailed description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the operating environment of a system according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a computing device in one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 3]It is a relational diagram of a vehicle, a server, and a user terminal according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 4A] It is a diagram for explaining a driving mode setting method according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 4B] An example of a driving-related device related to the driving of a vehicle is shown. [Figure 4C] It is a table for explaining the types of driving modes for each driving-related device according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5A] It shows a user interface provided to a vehicle for various driving modes of a driving-related device according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5B] It shows a user interface provided to a vehicle for various driving modes of a driving-related device according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5C] It shows a user interface provided to a vehicle for various driving modes of a driving-related device according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining a purchase function related to a specific driving mode according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of a driving mode setting method for a vehicle according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 8] It is an embodiment related to step S100 described in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is an embodiment related to step S100 described in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is a user interface showing a state where the driving mode is interrupted according to an embodiment of this specification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] In describing the embodiments of this specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of a known configuration or function would obscure the gist of the embodiments of this specification, the detailed description thereof is omitted. And parts not related to the description of the embodiments of this specification in the drawings are omitted, and similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0023] In embodiments of this specification, when one component is said to be “connected,” “joined,” or “linked” to another component, this can include not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection in which another component exists in between. Furthermore, when one component is said to “include” or “have” another component, this does not exclude the other component, unless otherwise stated, but rather means that it may further include other components.

[0024] In the embodiments of this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, and do not limit the order or importance of the components unless otherwise specified. Accordingly, within the scope of the embodiments of this specification, a first component in one embodiment may be called a second component in another embodiment, and similarly, a second component in one embodiment may be called a first component in another embodiment.

[0025] In the embodiments of this specification, the distinction between components is for the purpose of clearly describing their respective characteristics and does not necessarily mean that the components are separate. That is, multiple components may be integrated to constitute a single hardware or software unit, or a single component may be distributed to constitute multiple hardware or software units. Accordingly, such integrated or distributed embodiments are also included in the scope of the embodiments of this specification without further mention.

[0026] In this specification, the term "network" may include both wired and wireless networks. In this case, "network" may mean a communication network capable of exchanging data between devices and systems, and between devices themselves, and is not limited to any particular network.

[0027] The embodiments described herein may be entirely hardware, partially hardware and partially software, or have aspects that are entirely software. In this specification, “unit,” “apparatus,” or “system” refers to computer-related entities such as hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or software. For example, a unit, module, apparatus, or system in this specification may be, but is not limited to, a running process, processor, object, executable file, thread of execution, program, and / or computer. For example, both an application running on a computer and the computer itself may both fall under the definition of a unit, module, apparatus, or system in this specification.

[0028] In this specification, a device may be a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet PC, wearable device, or HMD (Head Mounted Display), as well as a fixed device such as a PC or a home appliance with display capabilities. Furthermore, as an example, a device may be a vehicle cluster or an IoT (Internet of Things) device. In other words, a device in this specification can refer to any equipment capable of running an application, and is not limited to any particular type. For the sake of explanation, in the following, any equipment on which an application runs will be referred to as a device.

[0029] In this specification, the communication method of a network is not limited, and the connections between components may not be made using the same network method. A network can include not only communication methods that utilize communication networks (for example, mobile communication networks, wired internet, wireless internet, broadcasting networks, satellite networks, etc.), but also short-range wireless communication between devices. For example, a network can include all methods of communication that objects can network with each other, and is not limited to wired communication, wireless communication, 3G, 4G, 5G, or other methods. For example, wired and / or networks include LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), GSM (Global System for Mobile Network), EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), Bluetooth®, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), LTE Advanced, IEEE 802.16m, WirelessMAN-Advanced, HSPA+, 3GPP® Long Term Evolution (LTE), Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e), UMB (formerly EV-DO Rev.C), Flash-OFDM, iBurst and MBWA (IEEE 802.20) systems, HIPERMAN, and Beam-Division Multiple. This term can refer to a communication network using one or more communication methods selected from the group consisting of Access (BDMA), Wi-MAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), and ultrasonic communication, but is not limited to these.

[0030] The components described in the various embodiments are not necessarily essential components, and some may be optional components. Therefore, embodiments consisting of a subset of the components described in the embodiments are also included in the scope of the embodiments specified herein. Furthermore, embodiments that include additional components on top of the components described in the various embodiments are also included in the scope of the embodiments specified herein.

[0031] The embodiments described herein will be explained in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the operating environment of a system according to one embodiment of this specification. Referring to Figure 1, a user device 110 and one or more servers 120, 130, 140 are connected via a network 1. Figure 1 is an example for illustrating the present invention, and the number of user devices and servers is not limited to what is shown in Figure 1.

[0033] The user device 110 may be a fixed or mobile terminal implemented in a computer system. Examples of user devices 110 include smartphones, mobile phones, navigation systems, computers, notebooks, digital broadcasting terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PMPs (Portable Multimedia Players), tablet PCs, game consoles, wearable devices, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, VR (virtual reality) devices, and AR (augmented reality) devices. In one example embodiment, the user device 110 may mean one of various physical computer systems that can communicate with other servers 120-140 via network 1 using substantially wireless or wired communication methods.

[0034] Each server can be implemented as a computer device or multiple computer devices that communicate with user devices 110 via network 1 to provide commands, code, files, content, services, etc. For example, a server may be a system that provides its respective services to user devices 110 connected via network 1. More specifically, a server can provide services (for example, information provision) to user devices 110 through an application, which is a computer program installed and run on the user device 110. Another example is that a server can distribute files for installing and running the aforementioned application to user devices 110, receive user input information, and provide corresponding services.

[0035] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a computing device 200 in one embodiment of this specification. Such a computing device 200 can be applied to the user devices 110 or servers 120-140 described above with reference to Figure 1, and each device and server can have the same or similar internal configuration by adding or excluding some components.

[0036] Referring to Figure 2, the computing device 200 may include a memory 210, a processor 220, a communication module 230, and a transceiver 240. The memory 210 is a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium and may include a permanent mass storage device such as RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), a disk drive, an SSD (solid-state drive), or flash memory. Here, a permanent mass storage device such as ROM, an SSD, flash memory, or a disk drive may be included in the aforementioned device or server as a separate permanent storage device distinct from the memory 210. The memory 210 can also store an operating system and at least one program code (for example, code for a browser installed and driven on a user device 110, or code for an application installed on a user device 110, etc., to provide a specific service). Such software components can be loaded from a computer-readable recording medium separate from the memory 210. Such a computer-readable recording medium may include a floppy drive, disk, tape, DVD / CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other computer-readable recording medium.

[0037] In other embodiments, software components may also be loaded into memory 210 via a communication module 230 rather than onto a computer-readable recording medium. For example, at least one program may be loaded into memory 210 based on a computer program (for example, the application described above) that is installed by a file provided over network 1 by a developer or a file distribution system (for example, the server described above) that distributes application installation files.

[0038] The processor 220 can be configured to process computer program instructions by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. Instructions can be provided to the processor 220 by memory 210 or a communication module 230. For example, the processor 220 can be configured to execute instructions received by program code stored in a recording device such as memory 210.

[0039] The communication module 230 can provide the functionality for user devices 110 and servers 120-140 to communicate with each other via network 1, and can also provide the functionality for each of devices 110 and / or servers 120-140 to communicate with other electronic devices.

[0040] The transmitting / receiving unit 240 may be a means for interface with an external input / output device (not shown). For example, an external input device may include a keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera, etc., and an external output device may include a display, speaker, haptic feedback device, etc.

[0041] As another example, the transmitting / receiving unit 240 could be a means for interface with a device that integrates input and output functions into a single unit, such as a touchscreen.

[0042] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the computing device 200 may include more components than those shown in Figure 2, depending on the characteristics of the device to which it is applied. For example, when the computing device 200 is applied to a user device 110, it may be implemented to include at least some of the input / output devices described above, or it may further include other components such as a transceiver, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module, a camera, various sensors, a database, etc. As a more specific example, if the user device is a smartphone, it may further include various components that are generally included in a smartphone, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a camera module, various physical buttons, buttons using a touch panel, input / output ports, and a vibrator for vibration.

[0043] This invention relates to a method for setting various driving modes for a vehicle to provide users with a more personalized driving experience. In particular, it describes a method for providing two or more driving modes for various driving-related devices within a vehicle, and for setting and operating these modes according to the user's selection. Furthermore, this invention provides a method for continuously providing new driving modes even after the vehicle has been manufactured, including user-purchase-based options in the process of adding or updating driving modes.

[0044] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a vehicle, a server, and a user terminal according to one embodiment of this specification. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle 300, the platform server 30, and the user terminal 40 may be connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other. Alternatively, the user terminal 40 and the vehicle 300 may be connected separately from the platform server via short-range communication.

[0045] In one embodiment, the user terminal 40 may be a terminal device such as a smartphone owned by a passenger riding in the vehicle 300.

[0046] In one embodiment, the platform server 30 can receive and process integrated information related to the vehicle, such as driving information, driver information, and location information. Furthermore, in one example, the platform server 30 can provide various vehicle driving mode software to the vehicle 300 and perform the function of providing predetermined driving mode software to the vehicle 300 either by user selection or automatically. That is, the platform server 30 can publish software related to vehicle driving modes via the web or app, similar to Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and provide downloads to the vehicle, either for a fee or free of charge, either at the user's request or automatically. Users can connect to the platform app or web via in-vehicle devices or user terminals to check the functions and content of the driving mode software and select to purchase, rent, subscribe, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, in one example, the platform server 30 can perform a function that provides visual feedback for each driving mode software so that the user can intuitively understand and select the vehicle's driving mode. This visual feedback is realized through various visual elements that can visually distinguish the functions and effects of the driving modes, and can help the user easily grasp the characteristics and performance of the driving modes. For example, when Comfort S mode and Comfort X mode, which are different driving modes produced by different or the same development company, are uploaded and made public on the platform server, the platform server can apply original visual designs to each mode to make it easy to visually distinguish the driving characteristics and purposes of both modes and provide them to the user.

[0048] For example, the platform server can visually distinguish and present to the user the characteristics of the driving system (e.g., suspension) when the Comfort S mode software is applied and when the Comfort X mode software is applied. For instance, in Comfort S mode, the design emphasizes a smooth ride, so the suspension shape is represented with a rounder, smoother image and the motion is played more smoothly. In contrast, in Comfort X mode, the suspension shape is represented with a robust and firm image and the motion is played more quickly and dynamically to indicate that the design provides stronger stability. Such visual distinctions can help users easily understand the performance and effects of each mode and select the mode that best suits their driving purpose.

[0049] As another example, when a specific driving mode is selected in the driving mode software market, the platform server can provide differentiated visual effects that respond according to the vehicle's external input conditions. For example, when road bumps or vibrations are detected while Comfort S mode is activated, the system may display a bright color to smoothly emphasize the responsiveness of that mode, or represent the suspension movement with a gentle animation effect. Conversely, when Comfort X mode is activated, a darker color may be used to show a quicker and stronger response to the same external input, or a strong animation effect may be applied to represent the vehicle's robust driving performance.

[0050] In this way, by visually distinguishing and representing the operating characteristics of the driving system using the software for each driving mode, users can intuitively understand the function of each mode through visual design and animation effects without simply needing text or technical explanations, and can quickly and easily select the mode that suits the driving environment. For example, the platform server can represent the strength of the suspension reaction force in real time using color and animation, showing the smooth response of the suspension in Comfort S mode with a relaxed animation, and visualizing the strong reaction force in Comfort X mode with a rapid and intense animation, making the difference between the two modes clearly recognizable.

[0051] Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating a driving mode setting method according to one embodiment of this specification. Referring to Figure 4A, an in-vehicle control device (not shown) can receive various driving modes from a platform server 30 and display them on the vehicle's display device 310. That is, the user can connect to a platform (web or app) provided by the platform server via the in-vehicle display (or via a user terminal) to check various driving modes and apply them to the vehicle.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4A, the platform can display the virtual vehicle 300A in the virtual space va. The virtual vehicle 300A can be rotated and enlarged through user selection (touch, long touch, drag, etc.), and can perform operation simulations in the driving mode selected by the user. The operation simulations are as described above for the Comfort X mode and Comfort S mode.

[0053] In one embodiment, the platform can provide various driving modes for each of the vehicle's driving-related devices. Referring to Figure 4A, the driving-related devices include a steering wheel 410, suspension 420, and brakes 430, and the currently set driving mode is displayed for each driving-related device. The user can change the driving mode by selecting a driving-related device or the currently set driving mode.

[0054] Figure 4B shows examples of driving-related devices associated with vehicle operation. Referring to Figure 4B, driving-related devices can include, in addition to the steering wheel, suspension, and brakes mentioned in Figure 4A, the engine, transmission, vehicle stability control (VSC), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), drivetrain, and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). The present invention is not limited to the devices listed in Figure 4B, and the devices listed in Figure 4B are representative examples to clarify the explanation.

[0055] The in-vehicle computing device (such as the control device mentioned above) can provide two or more driving modes to the vehicle's driving-related devices. Subsequently, the mode of the driving-related devices is set to the driving mode selected by the user from among the provided driving modes, and the computing device can operate the driving-related devices in the set mode.

[0056] The user selects and sets one of the provided modes, and the driving-related systems operate according to the selected mode. By selecting a driving mode, the driver can optimize the vehicle's performance according to the driving environment and their personal driving style.

[0057] In one embodiment of this specification, two or more driving modes provided to the vehicle through a platform server may include a basic driving mode 4100 that is basically installed when the vehicle is manufactured and additional driving modes 4200 that are applied to the vehicle after it has been manufactured and shipped out.

[0058] Figure 4C is a table illustrating the types of driving modes by driving-related device according to one embodiment of this specification. These tables can be provided through the web / app platform of the platform server mentioned above. Referring to Figure 4C, Mode A1, Mode B1, Mode C1, etc., are the basic driving modes installed by the manufacturer at the time of manufacture of the vehicle. Typically, Normal, Comfort, Sport mode, etc., may fall under these modes.

[0059] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this specification, the platform server may provide additional driving modes that are not installed or applied to the vehicle at the time of vehicle departure but are applied after departure. The driving modes provided herein may be displayed on the vehicle's display via the vehicle's computing device. The additional driving modes may include user-purchasable driving modes 4300 that are activated to become applicable to the vehicle based on a user purchase through the aforementioned platform. The additional driving modes may further include automatically updated driving modes (modes A3 and B3 in Figure 4C) that are automatically activated to become applicable to the vehicle through a software update of the vehicle, regardless of user purchase.

[0060] In other words, in this specification, user-purchasable driving modes and automatically updated driving modes are distinct from driving modes that are already installed at the time of vehicle departure or that are automatically added by the manufacturer through vehicle software updates, as they are driving modes applied to the vehicle based on the user's intentions and actions. User-purchasable driving modes can be created by various development companies, in addition to the manufacturer, so that each driving-related device can produce characteristic performance based on various sensor information and driving information of the vehicle. For example, just as different camera apps on a smartphone can capture images with different textures, users can obtain diverse driving experiences through diverse driving mode software.

[0061] Figures 5A to 5C show a user interface that provides a vehicle with various driving modes for a driving-related device according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0062] Referring to Figure 5A, the user can select and apply one of the various driving modes 411-415 related to the steering wheel to the vehicle. Referring to Figure 5A, driving modes 411 to 413 are shown as the basic driving mode, with driving mode 413 currently applied, and the performance of driving mode 413 is displayed in a single area 410D. Also in Figure 5A, driving modes 414 and 415 are shown as user-purchasable driving modes that have not yet been activated. In the case of driving modes 414 and 415, these driving modes were not present when the vehicle was taken out of the depot, but after safety and other factors are verified by the platform server, they are published to the platform and can be displayed for viewing within the vehicle.

[0063] When a vehicle's computing device provides two or more driving modes, the basic driving mode and user-purchasable driving modes may be provided with design elements that distinguish them from each other. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, driving modes 514 and 515 can be indicated by a padlock to show that a specific user action, such as purchase, is required. Furthermore, when a user-purchasable driving mode is purchased (or rented, tested, etc.) by the user, the design elements of the purchased user-purchasable driving mode may be changed. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, the padlock may be opened, a star may be added, or the purchased driving mode may be changed to the same design form as the basic mode. The different or identical designs described herein may include fonts, background colors, and specific images, excluding text that describes each driving mode.

[0064] Figure 6 illustrates a purchase function for a specific driving mode according to one embodiment of this specification. Referring to Figure 6, when a user selects a driving mode 415, the computing device may present the user with the option to purchase, rent, or test that driving mode. In one example, the purchase of a user-purchasable driving mode may be made for a fee or free of charge.

[0065] Purchases related to user-purchasable driving modes may be made through the in-vehicle expense payment user interface, and a purchase request may be sent to a user terminal 40 associated with the vehicle, and expense payment may be made at the user terminal 40.

[0066] In this context, "purchase" may mean permanently downloading the driving mode software to the vehicle, while "rental" may mean downloading it for a predetermined period. "Testing" may mean downloading it for a shorter period than rental. On the other hand, when running the driving mode through testing, vehicle driving-related information generated during the use of the driving mode (such as steering wheel operation information, engine information, brake information, and suspension information) may be provided to the developer or platform server of the tested driving mode. In other words, a user can try out a driving mode for a predetermined period by providing their own driving information.

[0067] In other words, the user-purchasable driving mode supports the test mode, and when the user selects the test mode, they can set the user-purchasable driving mode for a predetermined time or distance without making a purchase. The driving information during the test mode can be transmitted to the developer of the set user-purchasable driving mode and used for the developer's benefit.

[0068] In one embodiment of this specification, the vehicle 300 communicates periodically or aperiodicly with the platform server 30, and the platform server can provide the vehicle with newly uploaded driving modes on the platform or notify the vehicle of driving modes that have been deactivated on the platform. Specifically, the step of the vehicle's computing device providing driving modes to the user involves receiving update information regarding driving modes for driving-related devices from a remote server (platform server) outside the vehicle, and updating the basic driving mode and additional driving modes based on the received update information.

[0069] For example, a safety defect may be discovered retrospectively in relation to a specific user-purchasable driving mode. In this case, the platform server can reclaim the driving mode applied to the vehicle in order to discontinue its use. Such reclaiming can be achieved through deactivation. The vehicle's computing device can automatically switch to the previously set driving mode if the currently applied driving mode is deactivated. That is, referring to Figure 6, if the purchased driving mode 415 is deactivated, the steering wheel may automatically switch to the previously set mode, sport driving mode 413.

[0070] Furthermore, updates related to driving modes may include improvements to those driving modes. In this case, the improved (upgraded) driving mode may be set automatically, or the user may be asked whether they want to change to the upgraded driving mode before the setting can proceed. On the other hand, if a driving mode currently applied to the vehicle is upgraded, the user may be asked whether they want to apply the upgraded driving mode, but if a driving mode that is not currently applied to the vehicle has been upgraded, that driving mode may be automatically replaced with the upgraded driving mode.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the platform server 30 may further include a function to propose an optimal or user-customized combination of driving modes based on driving information and driving mode setting information collected from multiple users. This allows the platform server to analyze driving data based on the regional characteristics, road conditions, seasonal climate, etc., to which each vehicle belongs, configure combinations of driving modes tailored to various user profiles, and provide this to the vehicle as update information.

[0072] Specifically, the platform server can combine driving mode setting records collected from multiple users with actual driving data to generate combinations of driving modes optimized for specific driving environments. For example, the platform server can distinguish between data from users who primarily drive on highways and those who frequently drive in urban areas, and suggest combinations of suspension, engine, transmission, etc., tailored to each driving environment. Such combinations can be added to the platform server as new driving modes and provided to the vehicle, allowing users to select the optimal driving mode that suits their driving habits.

[0073] Furthermore, the platform server can learn the driving patterns and mode settings of specific user groups and provide personalized recommended driving modes. For example, a user who prioritizes fuel efficiency can be recommended a fuel-efficient driving mode, while a user who prefers strong power and acceleration can be recommended a high-performance sport mode. This recommendation information can be displayed in real time on the vehicle's display, allowing users to easily set a driving mode that suits their driving style.

[0074] The platform server can also learn and store combinations of driving modes frequently used by specific users, thereby providing customized basic settings for each user. For example, if a user primarily drives using a mix of "Comfort Mode" and "Eco Mode," the platform server can provide optimized intermediate settings for that user. Such customized combinations maximize the user's driving convenience and support quick adaptation to various driving environments.

[0075] Furthermore, the platform server can analyze the user's driving habits through artificial intelligence learning algorithms and optimize the combination of driving modes according to various variables. In this case, the platform server can use machine learning to learn the routes and patterns driven by a particular user and provide the most suitable combination of driving modes for that route in real time. For example, the platform server can analyze the road conditions and congestion of the driving route in real time and recommend the optimal mode to the user, thereby helping to reduce fuel consumption and improve driving efficiency.

[0076] Furthermore, the platform server can also be used to develop new driving modes based on data collected from multiple users. By analyzing important patterns and mode effects according to various user data and driving environments, it can create and distribute new driving modes that perform optimally under specific conditions. For example, by developing and distributing new driving modes optimized for winter or rainy weather, or modes suitable for long-distance driving on highways, it can support drivers' diverse driving environments more safely and conveniently.

[0077] Such user-customized driving mode recommendation functions can be implemented through real-time communication between the platform server and the vehicle. In particular, when suggesting the optimal combination of driving modes via the vehicle's display device, the settings of the vehicle's driving-related devices are visually displayed, allowing the user to easily understand the effect of the driving mode combination. For example, by graphically displaying the main characteristics of each driving mode on the display, and also displaying the expected fuel efficiency and acceleration performance for a particular mode setting, it is possible to support intuitive decision-making when the user selects a driving mode.

[0078] The platform server can share driving mode settings information among users, supporting users with similar driving environments to refer to the optimal driving mode. For example, effective driving mode combinations can be shared among users driving in the same area via the platform server, and these combinations can be recommended to other users in that area. This allows users to easily apply mode settings that suit their driving environment, taking advantage of the strengths of each mode to provide the best driving experience.

[0079] In one embodiment of this specification, if there are multiple user-purchasable driving modes for a single driving-related device, a priority order for the user-purchasable driving modes can be determined and listed based on the currently set vehicle driving route or past driving style.

[0080] Referring to Figure 5B, user-purchasable driving modes 514 and 515 are displayed. If the vehicle must drive off-road along the destination and route currently set, the driving mode suitable for off-road driving can be displayed at the top. Alternatively, the driving mode that best suits the user's driving style based on past driving habits can be prioritized and displayed at the top.

[0081] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to one embodiment of this specification. Referring to Figure 7, the vehicle driving mode setting method executed by the computing device may include the steps of: providing two or more driving modes to the vehicle's driving-related devices (S100); setting the mode of the driving-related devices to the driving mode selected by the user from the provided driving modes (S200); and operating the driving-related devices to the set mode (S300). The steps described above can be executed by the in-vehicle computing device in conjunction with a platform server.

[0082] Figure 8 shows one embodiment related to step S100 described in Figure 7. Referring to Figure 8, the step of providing two or more driving modes (S100) includes receiving update information regarding the driving modes of the driving-related devices from a remote server outside the vehicle (S110), and updating the basic driving mode and additional driving modes based on the received update information (S120). That is, the vehicle's computing device can periodically or aperiodically check the information on the platform server and synchronize the results.

[0083] Figure 9 shows one embodiment related to step S100 described in Figure 7. Referring to Figure 9, the step of providing two or more driving modes (S100) may include the step of providing the basic driving mode and the user-purchasable driving mode by applying design elements that are distinct from each other (S130), and the step of changing the design elements of the user-purchasable driving mode when the user purchases the user-purchasable driving mode (S140).

[0084] Figure 10 shows a user interface illustrating a state in which a driving mode has been suspended according to one embodiment of this specification. Referring to Figure 10, as described in Figure 8, the vehicle can receive update information regarding driving modes from an external server, and if the update determines that a particular driving mode is unavailable, that driving mode can be automatically deactivated even if it was purchased by the user. Furthermore, if the user selects to apply that driving mode, the reason why it is currently deactivated and why it cannot be applied to the vehicle can be displayed, as shown in Figure 10.

[0085] In other words, the present invention can provide users with various driving mode software for various driving-related devices or combinations of driving-related devices. Meanwhile, the platform server can provide retrospective management of the driving modes provided to the vehicle in order to ensure safety along with providing such diversity.

[0086] On the other hand, although the aforementioned driving modes were described as corresponding to multiple driving modes for a single driving-related device, this is illustrative, and multiple driving-related devices may be associated with a single driving mode. That is, the platform server in this specification can perform the function of distributing one or more user-purchasable driving mode software that defines the operating characteristics of one or more driving-related devices. Furthermore, the platform server can also provide visualization information in three-dimensional space that matches the characteristics of each driving mode software so that users can visually distinguish the characteristics of each.

[0087] The embodiments described above can be implemented at least partially by computer programs and recorded on computer-readable recording media. Computer-readable recording media on which programs for implementing these embodiments are recorded include all types of recording devices that store computer-readable data. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. Furthermore, computer-readable recording media can be distributed across computer systems connected via a network, and computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. Functional programs, code, and code segments for implementing these embodiments can be readily understood by those ordinary in the art to which this specification belongs.

[0088] The present invention described above has been explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but these are merely illustrative, and a person with ordinary skill in the art can make various modifications and equivalent other embodiments therefrom. However, such modifications should be considered to fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the true technical scope of the present invention also includes other embodiments, other examples, and equivalents of the claims, in accordance with the technical idea of ​​the appended claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0089] The present invention provides a method and computer device for performing a driving procedure in which various devices necessary for vehicle operation are automatically set to an optimized driving mode according to the situation, or a driving mode that can be selected by the user. Therefore, the industrial applicability of the present invention is extremely high.

Claims

1. In a method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle, which is performed by a computing device, A step of providing two or more driving modes to the vehicle's driving-related devices; The steps of setting the mode of the driving-related devices in the driving mode selected by the user from among the provided driving modes; and, Includes the step of operating the driving-related device in a set mode; A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle, characterized by the features described above.

2. The two or more driving modes mentioned above are: The basic driving modes that are typically installed when manufacturing a vehicle; and, This includes additional driving modes applied to the vehicle after it has been manufactured and shipped out of the factory. The aforementioned additional driving mode is Includes a user-purchasable driving mode which is activated to be applicable to the vehicle based on the user's purchase. A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned additional driving mode is The system further includes an automatic update driving mode that is automatically activated to become applicable to the vehicle through a software update, regardless of the user's purchase. A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned travel-related device is Includes one or more of the following: steering wheel, suspension, brakes, engine, transmission, vehicle stability control system (VSC), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), drivetrain, and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 1.

5. The step of providing the two or more driving modes is: The steps include receiving update information regarding the driving mode of the driving-related devices from a remote server outside the vehicle; and The process includes a step of updating the basic driving mode and additional driving modes based on the received update information. A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 2.

6. The step of providing the two or more driving modes is: The steps of applying and providing design elements that are distinct from each other to the basic driving mode and the user-purchasable driving mode; and, When a user purchases the aforementioned user-purchasable driving mode, the process includes the step of modifying the design elements of the purchased user-purchasable driving mode. A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 1.

7. Purchases related to the aforementioned user-purchasable driving modes may be made for a fee or free of charge. A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 2.

8. Purchases related to the user-purchasable driving modes are as follows: This is done through the payment user interface within the vehicle, or A purchase request is sent to the user terminal associated with the vehicle, and payment is made at the user terminal. A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 7.

9. If a user-purchasable driving mode that has already been bought is deactivated based on the received update information, it will automatically switch to the driving mode that was set most recently. A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 5.

10. In the step of providing the two or more driving modes, There are two or more user-purchasable driving modes. Prioritize and list user-purchasable driving modes based on the currently set vehicle's driving routes or past driving style. A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 5.

11. The aforementioned user-purchasable driving mode supports a test mode, and when the user selects the test mode, it is possible to set the user-purchasable driving mode for a predetermined time or distance without making a purchase. Driving information during test mode is transmitted to the development company of the user-purchasable driving mode that has been set. A method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle according to claim 5.

12. A computer-readable medium is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 on a computer. A computer program characterized by the following features.

13. In an in-vehicle computing device capable of setting driving modes, The display device provides two or more driving modes to the vehicle's driving-related devices, The mode of the driving-related device is set to the driving mode selected by the user from among the provided driving modes. The driving-related devices are operated in the set mode. An in-vehicle computing device that allows for setting driving modes, characterized by the following features.

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