System and method for suspension adjustment using surround view monitor function, and vehicle having the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suspension adjustment system and method using an SVM function, and to a vehicle equipped with the same. A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system applied to a vehicle and comprises: an actuator of an electronic control suspension (ECS) that operates to adjust the ride height; and a first control unit that controls the operation of the actuator. The first control unit controls the operation of the actuator when a user gets on or off the vehicle based on the analysis results of image information from an SVM camera for a surround view monitor (SVM) function, thereby enabling the adjustment of ride height reduction.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspension control technology using a surround view monitor (SVM) function, and more specifically, to a technology for controlling an electronically controlled suspension using an SVM function to improve the convenience of vehicle users when getting on and off. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, vehicles are equipped with various features for the convenience of the user (hereinafter referred to as "user convenience features"). For example, there is a function in which the driver's seat automatically moves to a pre-set position to suit the driver's body type when the vehicle's ignition is turned on.

[0004] Meanwhile, large SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) that have recently been released have a higher height than other vehicles, which can cause difficulties such as requiring significant force for the user to get in. In addition, because these large SUVs are high, there is also a risk that passengers may misstep when getting out at night.

[0005] Figure 1 shows an example of a large SUV equipped with a side step (SS).

[0006] To solve these problems, as shown in FIG. 1, a side step (SS) is additionally installed on the lower side of a large SUV. However, in this case, there is a problem in that a separate device called a side step (SS) must be installed. Furthermore, even if a side step (SS) is installed separately, the height remains high when the vehicle user gets in and out of the large SUV, so the aforementioned problem is not completely solved.

[0007] However, the above description merely provides background information regarding the present invention and does not constitute previously disclosed technology. The problem to be solved

[0009] In order to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, the present invention aims to provide user convenience functions for vehicle users during boarding and alighting by utilizing functions already provided in the vehicle, even without installing a separate side step device.

[0010] In other words, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology for adjusting the suspension using a surround view monitor (SVM) function to improve the convenience of vehicle users when getting on and off.

[0011] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a system applied to a vehicle and comprises: an actuator of an electronic control suspension (ECS) that operates to adjust the ride height; and a first control unit that controls the operation of the actuator. The first control unit controls the operation of the actuator when a user gets on or off the vehicle based on the analysis result of image information from a camera for a surround view monitor (SVM) function, thereby enabling the adjustment of the ride height reduction.

[0014] The first control unit can control the actuator to reduce the vehicle height for boarding when the user's intention to board is confirmed while the user appearing in the detection area is recognized based on image information from the camera for the SVM mounted on the side of the vehicle.

[0015] The first control unit can determine that the user's intention to board has been confirmed when the door of the vehicle, which was closed while parked or stopped, is opened.

[0016] The first control unit above can control the actuator to increase the ride height when the user's boarding is confirmed after the ride height reduction operation of the actuator for boarding.

[0017] The first control unit can determine that the user's boarding is confirmed when the opened door is closed, when the opened door is closed, or when the vehicle's ignition is turned ON.

[0018] The analysis of image information of the camera for the SVM is performed by a second control unit that controls the SVM function, and the second control unit can transmit the analysis result to the first control unit.

[0019] The first control unit can control the actuator to lower the vehicle height for disembarking when the vehicle in motion is stopped and the gear is in the P position (parking stage) and the closed vehicle door is opened or an input signal is input according to a special button inside the vehicle.

[0020] The first control unit can control the actuator to increase the vehicle height after the vehicle height reduction operation of the actuator for disembarking, when the door that was opened closes, or when it is confirmed from the image information of the vehicle interior camera that there is no one inside the vehicle, or when a user appearing in the detection area in the image information of the SVM camera moves away from or disappears from the detection area by a certain distance or more.

[0021] A control method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method performed in a system applied to a vehicle, comprising: a step of performing an analysis of image information of a camera for a surround view monitor (SVM) function; and a step of controlling the operation of an actuator of an electronic control suspension (ECS) when a user gets on or off the vehicle based on the analysis result, thereby controlling the reduction of the vehicle height.

[0022] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an SVM system equipped with a camera for a surround view monitor (SVM) function; and an ECS system that performs an electronic control suspension (ECS) function to adjust the vehicle height, wherein the control unit of the ECS system controls the operation of the actuator of the ECS when a user gets on or off the vehicle based on the analysis result of the image information of the camera for the SVM, thereby enabling the adjustment of the vehicle height reduction. Effects of the invention

[0024] The present invention, configured as described above, has the advantage of enhancing the convenience of the vehicle user by adjusting the electronically controlled suspension during boarding and alighting using a surround view monitor (SVM) function.

[0025] In particular, the present invention has the advantage of providing convenience to vehicle users when getting on and off the vehicle, as the vehicle height can be lowered by utilizing functions already provided in the vehicle without the need to install a separate device for a side step.

[0026] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] Figure 1 shows an example of a large SUV equipped with a side step (SS). FIG. 2 shows an approximate block diagram of a system (100A) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an approximate block diagram of a system (100A) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows the operation status of multiple cameras (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) for a surround view monitor (SVM) installed in a vehicle. FIGS. 5 and 6 show flowcharts of a control method according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] The above-mentioned objectives, means, and resulting effects of the present invention will become clearer through the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, and accordingly, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0030] The terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form as appropriate unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. In this specification, terms such as "comprising," "providing," "making arrangements," or "having" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned.

[0031] In this specification, terms such as "or", "at least one," etc., may indicate one of the words listed together or a combination of two or more. For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B" may include only one of A or B, or may include both A and B.

[0032] In this specification, descriptions following "e.g." should not limit the embodiments of the invention according to various embodiments of the invention, such as variations including tolerances, measurement errors, limits of measurement accuracy, and other commonly known factors, as the information presented, such as cited characteristics, variables, or values, may not exactly match.

[0033] In this specification, where it is stated that a component is 'connected' or 'connected' to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, or that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is 'directly connected' or 'directly connected' to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0034] In this specification, where a component is described as being 'on' or 'in contact' with another component, it should be understood that it may be in direct contact with or connected to the other component, but that another component may exist in between. On the other hand, where a component is described as being 'immediately above' or 'in direct contact' with another component, it should be understood that no other component exists in between. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as 'between' and 'directly between', may be interpreted in the same way.

[0035] In this specification, terms such as 'first,' 'second,' etc., may be used to describe various components, but such components should not be limited by these terms. Furthermore, these terms should not be interpreted as limiting the order of each component, but may be used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, 'first component' may be named 'second component,' and similarly, 'second component' may be named 'first component.'

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows an approximate block diagram of a system (100A) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows an approximate block diagram of a system (100A) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 4 shows the operating status of cameras (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) for a surround view monitor (SVM) installed in a vehicle.

[0040] A system (100A) according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "first system") is a system that provides convenience to a vehicle user by controlling an electronic control suspension (ECS) when the vehicle user (U) gets on and off using a surround view monitor (SVM) function. As shown in FIG. 1, this first system (100A) includes a camera (10) for the surround view monitor (SVM), a first control unit (20), and a suspension actuator (30).

[0041] A camera (10) is installed in a plurality of units (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) on the vehicle as shown in FIG. 3 to provide a surround view monitor (SVM) function, and captures the surroundings of the vehicle.

[0042] For example, the first camera (10a) may be installed on the front of the vehicle to photograph the front area of ​​the vehicle, and the second camera (10b) may be installed on the rear of the vehicle to photograph the rear area of ​​the vehicle. Additionally, the third camera (10c) may be installed on the left side of the vehicle to photograph the left side area of ​​the vehicle, and the fourth camera (10d) may be installed on the right side of the vehicle to photograph the right side area of ​​the vehicle. Hereinafter, the left side area and the right side area photographed by the third and fourth cameras (10c, 10d) are referred to as the "detection area (SR)."

[0043] The first control unit (20) controls the operation of the suspension actuator (30) by analyzing image information captured by the camera (10) and generating a control signal for the operation of the suspension actuator (30) based on the analysis result.

[0044] The suspension actuator (30) is an actuator of the electronic control suspension (ECS) and operates to adjust the height of the vehicle (i.e., the ride height). For example, to increase the ride height, the suspension actuator (30) can operate to increase the length in the ride height direction. Also, to decrease the ride height, the suspension actuator (30) can operate to decrease the length in the ride height direction. The operation of such suspension actuator (30) can be controlled according to a control signal generated by the first control unit (20).

[0045] FIGS. 5 and 6 show flowcharts of a control method according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] The control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "first control method") and the control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "second control method") are each control methods performed in the first system (100A). That is, the first and second control methods can be performed according to the control of the first control unit (20). At this time, the first control method is performed when boarding, and the second control method can be performed when alighting.

[0047] First, the first control method may include S501 to S503 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0048] That is, when a user (vehicle owner, etc.) (U) approaches the vehicle to board it, the first control unit (20) recognizes the user (U) using the camera (10) (S501). That is, the first control unit (20) can recognize the user (U) appearing in the detection area (SR) by analyzing the image information of the third and fourth cameras (10c, 10d) mounted on the side of the vehicle.

[0049] Subsequently, when the user (U)'s intention to get into the vehicle is confirmed in the user recognition state according to S501, the first control unit (20) adjusts the electronic control suspension (ECS) so that the vehicle height is reduced (S502). For example, when the user (U) opens the door of the vehicle that was closed while parked or stopped, the first control unit (20) determines (confirms) that the user (U) intends to get into the vehicle and can control the suspension actuator (30) of the ECS to operate to reduce the vehicle height.

[0050] Afterward, when it is confirmed that the user (U) has finished getting into the vehicle, the first control unit (20) controls the suspension actuator (30) to operate to increase the vehicle height (S503). Accordingly, the ECS returns to its original position. For example, when the door that was opened is closed or the vehicle's ignition is turned ON, the first control unit (20) determines (confirms) that the user (U) has finished getting into the vehicle and can control the suspension actuator (30) of the ECS to operate to increase the vehicle height.

[0051] As described above, by providing an automatic adjustment function for the ESC using the SVM function when a vehicle user gets into the vehicle, the present invention can provide convenience to the user (U) when getting into the vehicle.

[0052] In addition, the second control method may include S601 to S603 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0053] That is, when the user (U) intends to get out of the vehicle, the user (U) who is in the vehicle stops the vehicle after driving and places the vehicle's gear in the P position (parking stage), and information about this is transmitted to the first control unit (20) (S601).

[0054] Subsequently, when the user (U)'s intention to get out is confirmed while the gear is in the P position according to S601, the first control unit (20) adjusts the ECS to lower the vehicle height (S602). For example, when the gear is in the P position, if the user (U) opens the closed vehicle door or an input signal is input according to a special button inside the vehicle, the first control unit (20) determines (confirms) that the user (U) intends to get out of the vehicle and can control the suspension actuator (30) of the ECS to operate to lower the vehicle height.

[0055] Afterward, when it is confirmed that the user (U) has finished exiting the vehicle, the first control unit (20) controls the suspension actuator (30) to operate to increase the vehicle height (S603). Accordingly, the ECS returns to its original position. For example, if the open door closes, or if it is confirmed that there is no one inside the vehicle as a result of analyzing the image information of the camera inside the vehicle, or if the user (U) appearing in the detection area (SR) moves away from or disappears from the detection area (SR) by a certain distance or more as a result of analyzing the image information of the third and fourth cameras (10c, 10d), the first control unit (20) determines (confirms) that the user (U) has finished exiting the vehicle and can control the suspension actuator (30) of the ECS to operate to increase the vehicle height.

[0056] As described above, by providing an automatic adjustment function of the ESC when the vehicle user (U) exits the vehicle, the present invention can provide convenience to the user when exiting the vehicle.

[0057] Meanwhile, the system (100B) according to the second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "second system") provides the same function as the first system (100A) described above. However, the second system (100B) further includes a second control unit (40) in the first system (100A) and shares the control function of the first control unit (30) in the first system (100A).

[0058] That is, the second control unit (40) analyzes the image information of the camera (10) and transmits the analysis result to the first control unit (20). That is, the second control unit (40) can recognize a user (U) appearing in the detection area (SR) based on the image information of the camera (10), particularly based on the image information of the third and fourth cameras (10c, 10d) mounted on the side of the vehicle, and transmits the analysis result of the recognition to the first control unit (20). The first control unit (20) controls the operation of the suspension actuator (30) by generating a control signal for the operation of the suspension actuator (30) based on the analysis result transmitted from the second control unit (40).

[0059] At this time, the first control unit (20) and the second control unit (40) can communicate about the analysis results using various vehicle communication methods. For example, the vehicle communication method may be a CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), FlexRay, or vehicle Ethernet, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] The control method according to the third embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "third control method") and the control method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth control method") are each control methods performed in the second system (100B). That is, the third and fourth control methods can be performed according to the control of the first and second control units (20, 40). At this time, the third control method is performed when boarding, and the fourth control method can be performed when alighting.

[0061] First, the third control method may include S501' to S503' as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0062] That is, when a user (vehicle owner, etc.) (U) approaches the vehicle to board it, the second control unit (40) analyzes the image information of the camera (10) to recognize the user (U) (S501'). That is, the second control unit (40) can recognize the user (U) appearing in the detection area (SR) based on the image information of the third and fourth cameras (10c, 10d) mounted on the side of the vehicle, and transmits the image analysis result based on this recognition to the first control unit (20).

[0063] Subsequently, when the user (U)'s intention to get into the vehicle is confirmed in the user recognition state according to S501', the first control unit (20) adjusts the ECS so that the vehicle height is reduced (S502'). For example, when the user (U) opens the door of the vehicle that was closed while in a parked or stopped state, the first control unit (20) determines (confirms) that the user (U) intends to get into the vehicle, and can control the suspension actuator (30) of the ECS to operate to reduce the vehicle height.

[0064] Afterward, when it is confirmed that the user (U) has finished getting into the vehicle, the first control unit (20) controls the suspension actuator (30) to operate to increase the vehicle height (S503'). Accordingly, the ECS returns to its original position. For example, when the door that was opened is closed or the vehicle's ignition is turned ON, the first control unit (20) determines (confirms) that the user (U) has finished getting into the vehicle and can control the suspension actuator (30) of the ECS to operate to increase the vehicle height.

[0065] As described above, by providing an automatic adjustment function for the ESC using the SVM function when a vehicle user gets into the vehicle, the present invention can provide convenience to the user (U) when getting into the vehicle.

[0066] In addition, the fourth control method may include S601' to S603' as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0067] That is, when the user (U) intends to get out of the vehicle, the user (U) places the vehicle's gear in the P position (parking position), and information about this is transmitted to the first control unit (20) (S601').

[0068] Subsequently, when the user (U)'s intention to get out is confirmed while the gear is in the P position according to S601, the first control unit (20) adjusts the ECS to lower the vehicle height (S602'). For example, when the gear is in the P position, if the user (U) opens the closed vehicle door or an input signal is input according to a special button inside the vehicle, the first control unit (20) determines (confirms) that the user (U) intends to get out of the vehicle and can control the suspension actuator (30) of the ECS to operate to lower the vehicle height.

[0069] Afterward, when it is confirmed that the user (U) has finished exiting the vehicle, the first control unit (20) controls the suspension actuator (30) to operate to increase the vehicle height (S603'). Accordingly, the ECS returns to its original position. For example, if the open door closes, or if it is confirmed that there is no one inside the vehicle as a result of analyzing the image information of the camera inside the vehicle, or if the user (U) appearing in the detection area (SR) moves away from or disappears from the detection area (SR) by a certain distance or more as a result of analyzing the image information of the third and fourth cameras (10c, 10d) of the second control unit (40), the first control unit (20) determines (confirms) that the user (U) has finished exiting the vehicle and can control the suspension actuator (30) of the ECS to operate to increase the vehicle height.

[0070] As described above, by providing an automatic adjustment function of the ESC when the vehicle user (U) exits the vehicle, the present invention can provide convenience to the user when exiting the vehicle.

[0071] To perform the above-described function, the first control unit (20) and the second control unit (40) may include a memory that stores control information for the corresponding function and a processor that performs control and processing for the corresponding function based on the information stored in the memory. For example, the first control unit (20) may be referred to as the first Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and the second control unit (40) may also be referred to as the second ECU. In this case, the first control unit (20) may correspond to an ECU for controlling an ECS system that performs the function of ECS. Additionally, the second control unit (40) may correspond to an ECU for controlling an SVM system that performs the function of SVM.

[0073] The present invention, configured as described above, has the advantage of providing convenience to the vehicle user by adjusting the electronically controlled suspension (ECS) during boarding and alighting by utilizing a surround view monitor (SVM) function. In particular, the camera (10), the first control unit (20), the suspension actuator (30), and the second control unit (40) correspond to components basically provided in the vehicle. That is, the present invention has the advantage of providing convenience to the vehicle user during boarding and alighting by utilizing components already provided in the vehicle to lower the vehicle height according to the adjustment of the ECS during boarding and alighting, even without installing separate devices such as side steps.

[0075] Although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present invention, it is understood that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and should be defined by the claims set forth below and equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0077] 100: System 10: Camera for SVM 20: First control unit 30: Suspension actuator 40: Second control unit

Claims

Claim 1 An actuator of an electronic control suspension (ECS) that operates to adjust the ride height, as a system applied to an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle); and a first control unit for controlling the operation of the actuator; wherein the first control unit controls the operation of the actuator when a user boards or alights based on the analysis result of image information of a target camera mounted on the side of the vehicle among the cameras for the SVM (surround view monitor) function, thereby enabling adjustment of the vehicle height; when a user appears in the detection area of ​​the image information of the target camera, the user is recognized, and when the user's intention to board is confirmed in the recognized state, the operation of the actuator is controlled to decrease the vehicle height for boarding; after the operation of the actuator to decrease the vehicle height for boarding, the operation of the actuator is controlled to increase the vehicle height when the completion of the user's boarding is confirmed; and when the vehicle that was driving is stopped and the gear is in the P position (parking stage), and the closed vehicle door is opened or an input signal is input according to a special button inside the vehicle, the operation of the actuator to decrease the vehicle height for alighting A system that subsequently recognizes a user when the previously opened door is closed and appears in the detection area of ​​the image information of the target camera, and controls the operation of the actuator to increase the garage height when the user moves away from or disappears from the detection area by a certain distance or more in the recognized state. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In claim 1, the first control unit determines that the user's intention to board is confirmed when the door of the vehicle, which was closed in a parked or stopped state, is opened. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 In claim 1, the system wherein the first control unit determines that the user has completed boarding when the opened door is closed or the vehicle's ignition is turned ON. Claim 6 In claim 1, the analysis of image information of the target camera is performed by a second control unit that controls the SVM function, and the second control unit transmits the analysis result to the first control unit. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A control method performed in a system applied to an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), comprising the step of performing an analysis of image information of a target camera mounted on the side of the vehicle among cameras for a surround view monitor (SVM) function; The method includes a step of adjusting the vehicle height by controlling the operation of an actuator of an electronic control suspension (ECS) when a user boards or alights based on the analysis results above; wherein the step of adjusting the vehicle height includes: a step of recognizing a user when the user appears in the detection area of ​​the image information of the target camera, and controlling the operation of the actuator to decrease the vehicle height for boarding when the user's intention to board is confirmed in the recognized state; a step of controlling the operation of the actuator to increase the vehicle height when the completion of the user's boarding is confirmed after the vehicle height decrease operation of the actuator for boarding; and a step of controlling the operation of the actuator to decrease the vehicle height for alighting when the vehicle that was in motion stops and the gear is in the P position (parking stage), and the closed vehicle door is opened or an input signal is input according to a special button inside the vehicle. A control method comprising: a step of recognizing a user when the open door is closed and the user appears in the detection area of ​​the target camera's image information after the actuator's garage reduction operation for disembarking, and controlling the operation of the actuator to increase the garage when the user moves away from or disappears from the detection area by a certain distance or more in the recognized state. Claim 10 As a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), an SVM system equipped with a camera for SVM (surround view monitor) function; The system includes an ECS system that performs an electronic control suspension (ECS) function to adjust the vehicle height; wherein the control unit of the ECS system performs adjustment of the vehicle height by controlling the operation of the actuator of the ECS when a user boards or alights based on the analysis result of image information from a target camera mounted on the side of the vehicle among the SVM cameras; recognizes the user when a user appears in the detection area of ​​the image information of the target camera, and controls the operation of the actuator to decrease the vehicle height for boarding when the user's intention to board is confirmed in the recognized state; controls the operation of the actuator to increase the vehicle height when the completion of the user's boarding is confirmed after the vehicle height decrease operation of the actuator for boarding; and controls the operation of the actuator to decrease the vehicle height for alighting when the vehicle that was in motion stops and the gear is in the P position (parking stage), and the closed vehicle door is opened or an input signal is input according to a special button inside the vehicle; and the decrease in the vehicle height of the actuator for alighting A vehicle that, after operation, recognizes a user when the previously opened door appears in the detection area of ​​the image information of the target camera while the door is closed, and controls the operation of the actuator to increase the garage height when the user moves away from or disappears from the detection area by a certain distance or more while in the recognized state.

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