Vehicle safety control apparatus and method using cameras

A vehicle safety control apparatus using cameras includes a first camera configured to photograph a current object at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running, a second camera configured to photograph the current object at a wide angle during the running, an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on first current object image data captured by the first camera and second current object image data captured by the second camera, a recognition unit configured to recognize the first and second current object image data on which the image processing unit has performed the image processing, a storage unit configured to cause the recognized data to match preset reference object-specific data and separately store the data matching the preset reference object-specific data; and a control unit configured to receive the recognized data and deliver a storage command to the storage unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. P2013-0100067, filed on Aug. 23, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vehicle safety control apparatus and method using cameras.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a camera installed in a conventional vehicle is used in various functions (lane departure warning (LDW), forward collision warning (FCW), high-beam assist (HBA), pedestrian warning (PW), or traffic sign recognition (TSR)) as a single or stereo camera.

Here, the single camera is advantageous in terms of cost or a size, but its efficiency is low in terms of a distance measurement error or control reliability as compared to a stereo or multi field of view (FOV) camera.

On the other hand, the stereo camera outperforms the single camera in terms of control performance because the stereo camera has a smaller vertical distance measurement error than the single camera. However, in the stereo camera, a narrower FOV should be used so as to measure a farther distance in vertical performance.

This conventional camera has limitation in providing convenience of driving for a driver because a recognition rate for a current object is degraded during running.

In addition, the conventional camera has low control reliability because one camera is used for control and redundancy is degraded. The conventional camera also has lower stereo performance than when two cameras are used.

In addition, the conventional camera has a problem in that a unique performance is not provided due to the conflict with an FOV required by each safety control function (lane detection (LD), vehicle detection (VD), pedestrian detection (PD), HBA, TSR, or the like).

Because this conventional camera has limitation in providing convenience of driving for the driver unfamiliar with the driving due to the degradation of the recognition rate for the current object during running, there is limitation in preventing a traffic accident from occurring in advance.

Accordingly, research on an improved vehicle safety control apparatus and method using cameras for preventing a traffic accident from occurring in advance while providing convenience of driving for the driver by efficiently increasing an image recognition rate for a current object during running has recently continued.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a vehicle safety control apparatus and method using cameras that may prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance while providing convenience of driving for a driver because an image recognition rate may be efficiently increased for a current object during running.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a vehicle safety control apparatus and method using cameras that may further prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance because it is possible to induce a driver to carefully drive during running.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle safety control apparatus using cameras includes: a first camera configured to photograph a current object at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running; a second camera configured to photograph the current object at a wide angle during the running; an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on first current object image data captured by the first camera and second current object image data captured by the second camera; a recognition unit configured to recognize the first and second current object image data on which the image processing unit has performed the image processing; a storage unit configured to cause the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit to match preset reference object-specific data and separately store the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data; and a control unit configured to receive the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit and deliver a storage command to the storage unit so that the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data are separately stored.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention a vehicle safety control apparatus using cameras includes: a first camera configured to photograph a current object at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running; a second camera configured to photograph the current object at a wide angle during the running; an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on first current object image data captured by the first camera and second current object image data captured by the second camera; a recognition unit configured to recognize the first and second current object image data on which the image processing unit has performed the image processing; a selection unit configured to select a matching mode for causing the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit to match preset reference object-specific data; a storage unit configured to separately store the first and second current object image data matching the preset reference object-specific data in the selection unit; and a control unit configured to receive the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit and deliver a selection command in the matching mode for causing the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit to match the reference object-specific data.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first camera includes a narrow angle lens.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the second camera includes a wide angle lens.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the first current object image data represents a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the second current object image data represents at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the light source is at least one of a headlight and a taillight of another vehicle and a signal light.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras further includes a first identification unit configured to cause a current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified when the first and second current object image data are caused to match the reference object-specific data in the storage unit according to control of the control unit.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras further includes a second identification unit configured to cause a state in which current object images are separately stored to be identified when the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data are separately stored in the storage unit.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras further includes a third identification unit configured to cause a current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified when the first and second current object image data are caused to match the reference object-specific data in the selection unit according to control of the control unit.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle safety control method using cameras includes: photographing, by a first camera, a current object at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle and photographing, by a second camera, the current object at a wide angle during running; performing, by an image processing unit, image processing on first current object image data captured by the first camera and second current object image data captured by the second camera; recognizing, by a recognition unit, the first and second current object image data on which the image processing unit has performed the image processing; and causing, by a storage unit, the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit to match preset reference object-specific data and separately storing, by the storage unit, the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle safety control method using cameras includes: photographing, by a first camera, a current object at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle and photographing, by a second camera, the current object at a wide angle during running; performing, by an image processing unit, image processing on first current object image data captured by the first camera and second current object image data captured by the second camera; recognizing, by a recognition unit, the first and second current object image data on which the image processing unit has performed the image processing; selecting, by a selection unit, a matching mode for causing the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit to match preset reference object-specific data; and separately storing, by a storage unit, the first and second current object image data matching the preset reference object-specific data in the selection unit.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle safety control method using the cameras further includes causing, by a first identification unit, a current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified when the first and second current object image data are caused to match the reference object-specific data in the storage unit according to control of a control unit.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle safety control method using the cameras further includes causing, by a second identification unit, a state in which current object images are separately stored to be identified when the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data are separately stored in the storage unit.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle safety control method using the cameras further includes causing, by a third identification unit, a current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified when the first and second current object image data are caused to match the reference object-specific data in the selection unit according to control of the control unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a block configuration diagram illustrating a vehicle safety control apparatus using cameras according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, the vehicle safety control apparatus100using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first camera102, a second camera104, an image processing unit106, a recognition unit108, a control unit110, and a storage unit112.

The first camera102is provided to photograph a current object at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running, and the second camera104is provided to photograph the current object at a wide angle during the running.

Here, although not illustrated, the first camera102may include a narrow angle lens (not illustrated), and the second camera104may include a wide angle lens (not illustrated).

Here, the narrow angle lens (not illustrated) of the first camera102may be a lens having a horizontal field of view (HFOV) angle which is less than or equal to 36 degrees and increase a recognition rate of a vertical component, and the wide angle lens (not illustrated) of the second camera104may be a lens having an HFOV angle which is greater than or equal to 120 degrees and increase a recognition rate of a horizontal component.

Here, the wide angle lens (not illustrated) of the second camera104is applicable to a black box (not illustrated) so as to increase the recognition rate of the horizontal component.

The image processing unit106is provided to perform image processing on first current object image data captured by the first camera102and second current object image data captured by the second camera104.

Here, the image processing unit106may generate information of a distance from the first current object image data as a stereo function using the first current object image data captured by the first camera102and the second current object image data captured by the second camera104.

Here, the first current object image data may represent a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source, the second current object image data may represent at least one of the lane, the other vehicle, the pedestrian, the signal sign, and the light source, and the light source may be at least one of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light.

Here, although not illustrated, the image processing unit106may include a normal image processor (not illustrated), and the present invention is not limited thereto. Any image processing means for processing an image may be used.

The recognition unit108is provided to recognize the first and second current object image data on which the image processing unit106has performed the image processing.

The recognition unit108may improve a recognition rate because it is possible to increase redundancy using the first camera102and the second camera104.

Here, although not illustrated, the recognition unit108may include a normal image recognition sensor (not illustrated), and the present invention is not limited thereto. Any image data recognition means for recognizing image data may be used.

The storage unit112is provided to cause the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit108to match preset reference object-specific data, and separately store the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data.

That is, the storage unit112may be provided to cause the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit108to match the reference object-specific data set in a lookup table, and separately store the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data.

For example, the storage unit112may store the first current object image data representing a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source matching the reference object-specific data and the second current object image data representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light matching the reference object-specific data.

In addition, the storage unit112may cause the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit108to match the reference object-specific data set in a geometry model and may be provided to separately store the second current object image data after estimating a distance of the first current object image data matching the reference object-specific data.

Here, the storage unit112may include a normal memory (not illustrated). For example, the storage unit112may be a normal secure digital (SD) memory card (not illustrated), and the present invention is not limited thereto. Any storage means for storing image data may be used.

The control unit110receives the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit108and delivers a storage command to the storage unit112so that the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data are separately stored.

Here, the control unit110controls the vehicle using recognition information and distance estimation information of a lane, another vehicle, a signal sign, a signal light, a pedestrian, a light source, etc.

Here, although not illustrated, the control unit110may be provided to include a normal micro control unit (MCU) (not illustrated) for controlling an overall operation of a processor, a memory, and an input/output device provided within a single chip, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Any control means capable of controlling an overall operation of a vehicle may be used.

A vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus100using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to inFIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2is a flowchart illustrating the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, vehicle safety control methods200and300for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention include a photographing step S202, an image processing step S204, a recognition step S206, and storage steps S208and S308.

First, in the photographing step S202, during running, the first camera (102inFIG. 1) photographs a current object at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle and the second camera (104inFIG. 1) photographs the current object at a wide angle.

Thereafter, in the image processing step S204, the image processing unit (106inFIG. 1) performs image processing on first current object image data captured by the first camera (102inFIG. 1) and second current object image data captured by the second camera (104inFIG. 1).

Thereafter, in the recognition step S206, the recognition unit (108inFIG. 1) recognizes the first and second current object image data on which the image processing unit (106inFIG. 1) has performed the image processing.

Finally, in the storage step S208, the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit (108inFIG. 1) are caused to match the reference object-specific data in the storage unit (112inFIG. 1), and the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data are separately stored in the storage unit (112inFIG. 1).

That is, in the storage step S208, the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit (108inFIG. 1) may be caused to match the reference object-specific data set in a lookup table in the storage unit (112inFIG. 1), and the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data may be separately stored in the storage unit (112inFIG. 1).

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, in the storage step S308, the first current object image data representing a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source matching the reference object-specific data and the second current object image data representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light matching the reference object-specific data may be stored.

In addition, although not illustrated, in a storage step (not illustrated), the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit (108inFIG. 1) may be caused to match the reference object-specific data set in a geometry model in the storage unit (112inFIG. 1) and the second current object image data may be separately stored in the storage unit (112inFIG. 1) after estimating a distance of the first current object image data matching the reference object-specific data.

As described above, in the vehicle safety control apparatus100using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention including the first camera102, the second camera104, the image processing unit106, the recognition unit108, the control unit110, and the storage unit112, the vehicle safety control methods200and300including the photographing step S202, the image processing step S204, the recognition step S206, and the storage steps S208and S308are performed.

Accordingly, in the vehicle safety control apparatus100and the vehicle safety control methods200and300using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the first camera102may photograph a current object at a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running, the second camera104may photograph the current object representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light at a wide angle, and the storage unit112may separately store the current object at the distance from the at least one of the lane, the other vehicle, the pedestrian, the signal sign, and the light source photographed by the first camera102at the narrow angle and the current object representing the at least one light source of the headlight and the taillight of the other vehicle and the signal light photographed by the second camera104at the wide angle.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus100and the vehicle safety control methods200and300using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance while providing convenience of driving for the driver because an image recognition rate may be efficiently increased for a current object during the running.

FIG. 4is a block configuration diagram illustrating a vehicle safety control apparatus using cameras according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 4, like the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle safety control apparatus400using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a first camera102, a second camera104, an image processing unit106, a recognition unit108, a control unit110, and a storage unit112.

Functions and organic connection relations of elements of the vehicle safety control apparatus400using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control apparatus400using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention further includes a first identification unit414.

That is, the first identification unit414causes a current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified when the first and second current object image data are caused to match the reference object-specific data in the storage unit112according to control of the control unit110.

Here, although not illustrated, the first identification unit414may include at least one of an alarm (not illustrated), a speaker (not illustrated), and a light-emitting member (not illustrated) provided to allow a driver to identify information or a state of a vehicle, and at least one of a human machine interface (HMI) module (not illustrated) and a head-up display (HUD) module (not illustrated) mounted to form an interface between a user and a machine to allow a driver to recognize information or a state of a vehicle, and, thus cause the current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified through at least one of an alarm operation of the alarm (not illustrated), a voice operation of the speaker (not illustrated), a light emitting operation of the light emitting member (not illustrated), an HMI message display operation of the HMI module (not illustrated) and an HUD message display operation of the HUD module (not illustrated).

A vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus400using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, like the vehicle safety control methods (200and300inFIGS. 2 and 3) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, vehicle safety control methods500and600for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (400inFIG. 4) using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention include a photographing step S202, an image processing step S204, a recognition step S206, and storage steps S208and S308.

Functions and organic connection relations of steps of the vehicle safety control methods500and600for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (400inFIG. 4) using the cameras102and104according to the second embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control methods (200and300inFIGS. 2 and 3) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control methods500and600for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (400inFIG. 4) using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention further include first identification steps S510and S610to be performed in synchronization with the storage steps S208and S308.

That is, in the first identification steps S510and S610, the first identification unit (414inFIG. 4) causes a current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified when the first and second current object image data are caused to match the reference object-specific data in the storage unit (112inFIG. 4) according to control of the control unit (110inFIG. 4).

As described above, in the vehicle safety control apparatus400using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention including the first camera102, the second camera104, the image processing unit106, the recognition unit108, the control unit110, the storage unit112, and the first identification unit414, the vehicle safety control methods500and600including the photographing step S202, the image processing step S204, the recognition step S206, the storage steps S208and S308, and the first identification steps S510and S610are performed.

Accordingly, in the vehicle safety control apparatus400and the vehicle safety control methods500and600using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the first camera102may photograph a current object at a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running, the second camera104may photograph the current object representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light at a wide angle, and the storage unit112may separately store the current object at the distance from the at least one of the lane, the other vehicle, the pedestrian, the signal sign, and the light source photographed by the first camera102at the narrow angle and the current object representing the at least one light source of the headlight and the taillight of the other vehicle and the signal light photographed by the second camera104at the wide angle.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus400and the vehicle safety control methods500and600using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance while providing convenience of driving for a driver because an image recognition rate may be efficiently increased for a current object during running.

In addition, according to the vehicle safety control apparatus400and the vehicle safety control methods500and600using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the first identification unit (414inFIG. 4) may cause a current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus400and the vehicle safety control methods500and600using the cameras according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to induce a driver to carefully drive during running and further prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance because the driver may recognize a state in which the current object currently matches the reference object-specific data in the storage unit112.

FIG. 7is a block configuration diagram illustrating a vehicle safety control apparatus using cameras according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 7, like the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle safety control apparatus700using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a first camera102, a second camera104, an image processing unit106, a recognition unit108, a control unit110, and a storage unit112.

Functions and organic connection relations of elements of the vehicle safety control apparatus700using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control apparatus700using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention further includes a second identification unit716.

That is, the second identification unit716cause a state in which current object images are separately stored to be identified when the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data are separately stored in the storage unit112.

Here, although not illustrated, the second identification unit716may include at least one of an alarm (not illustrated), a speaker (not illustrated), and a light-emitting member (not illustrated) provided to allow a driver to identify information or a state of a vehicle, and at least one of an HMI module (not illustrated) and an HUD module (not illustrated) mounted to form an interface between a user and a machine to allow a driver to recognize information or a state of a vehicle, and, thus cause the state in which the current object images are separately stored to be identified through at least one of an alarm operation of the alarm (not illustrated), a voice operation of the speaker (not illustrated), a light emitting operation of the light emitting member (not illustrated), an HMI message display operation of the HMI module (not illustrated), and an HUD message display operation of the HUD module (not illustrated).

A vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus700using the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, like the vehicle safety control methods (200and300inFIGS. 2 and 3) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, vehicle safety control methods800and900for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (700inFIG. 7) using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention include a photographing step S202, an image processing step S204, a recognition step S206, and storage steps S208and S308.

Functions and organic connection relations of steps of the vehicle safety control methods800and900for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (700inFIG. 7) using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control methods (200and300inFIGS. 2and3) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control methods800and900for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (700inFIG. 7) using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention further include second identification steps S812and S912to be performed in synchronization with the storage steps S208and S308.

That is, in the second identification step S812, the second identification unit (716ofFIG. 7) causes a state in which current object images are separately stored to be identified when the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data are separately stored in the storage unit (112inFIG. 7).

As described above, in the vehicle safety control apparatus700using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention including the first camera102, the second camera104, the image processing unit106, the recognition unit108, the control unit110, the storage unit112, and the second identification unit716, the vehicle safety control methods800and900including the photographing step S202, the image processing step S204, the recognition step S206, the storage steps S208and S308, and the second identification steps S812and S912are performed.

Accordingly, in the vehicle safety control apparatus700and the vehicle safety control methods800and900using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the first camera102may photograph a current object at a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running, the second camera104may photograph the current object representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light at a wide angle, and the storage unit112may separately store the current object at the distance from the at least one of the lane, the other vehicle, the pedestrian, the signal sign, and the light source photographed by the first camera102at the narrow angle and the current object representing the at least one light source of the headlight and the taillight of the other vehicle and the signal light photographed by the second camera104at the wide angle.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus700and the vehicle safety control methods800and900using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance while providing convenience of driving for the driver because an image recognition rate may be efficiently increased for a current object during the running.

In addition, in the vehicle safety control apparatus700and the vehicle safety control methods800and900using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the second identification unit716may cause a state in which current object images are separately stored to be identified.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus700and the vehicle safety control methods800and900using the cameras according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to induce a driver to carefully drive during running and further prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance because the driver may recognize a state in which current object images are separately stored in the storage unit112.

FIG. 10is a block configuration diagram illustrating a vehicle safety control apparatus using cameras according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 10, like the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle safety control apparatus1000using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a first camera102, a second camera104, an image processing unit106, a recognition unit108, and a control unit110.

Functions and organic connection relations of elements of the vehicle safety control apparatus1000using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control apparatus1000using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention further includes a selection unit1018and a storage unit1020.

That is, the selection unit1018selects a matching mode for causing the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit108to match preset reference object-specific data.

Here, although not illustrated, the selection unit1018may include a selection button (not illustrated) provided inside the vehicle and configured to select the matching mode for matching the reference object-specific data.

In addition, the storage unit1020is provided to separately store the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data in the selection unit1018.

For example, the storage unit1020may store the first current object image data representing a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source matching the reference object-specific data and the second current object image data representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light matching the reference object-specific data.

In addition, the selection unit1018may select a matching mode for causing the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit108to match the reference object-specific data set in a geometry model.

Here, the storage unit1020may be provided to separately store the second current object image data after estimating a distance of the first current object image data matching the reference object-specific data in the selection unit1018.

Here, although not illustrated, the storage unit1020may include a normal memory (not illustrated). For example, the storage unit1020may be a normal SD memory card (not illustrated), and the present invention is not limited thereto. Any storage means for storing image data may be used.

Here, the control unit110receives the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit108and delivers a selection command in the matching mode for causing the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit108to match the reference object-specific data.

A vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus1000using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to inFIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, like the vehicle safety control methods (200and300inFIGS. 2 and 3) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, vehicle safety control methods1100and1200for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention include a photographing step S202, an image processing step S204, and a recognition step S206.

Functions and organic connection relations of steps of the vehicle safety control methods1100and1200for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control methods (200and300inFIGS. 2 and 3) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (100inFIG. 1) using the cameras according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control methods1100and1200for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention further include a selection step S1114and storage steps S1116and S1216after the recognition step S206.

That is, in the selection step S1114, the selection unit (1018inFIG. 10) selects a matching mode for causing the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit (108inFIG. 10) to match preset reference object-specific data.

Thereafter, in the storage step S1116, the storage unit (1020inFIG. 10) separately stores the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data in the selection unit (1018inFIG. 10).

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 12, in the storage step S1216, the first current object image data representing a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source matching the reference object-specific data may be stored and the second current object image data representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light matching the reference object-specific data may be stored.

In addition, although not illustrated, in a selection step (not illustrated), the selection unit (1018inFIG. 10) may select a matching mode for causing the first and second current object image data recognized by the recognition unit (108inFIG. 10) to match the reference object-specific data set in a geometry model.

Thereafter, although not illustrated, in a storage step (not illustrated), the storage unit (1020inFIG. 10) may separately store the second current object image data after estimating a distance of the first current object image data matching the reference object-specific data in the selection unit (1018inFIG. 10).

As described above, in the vehicle safety control apparatus1000using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention including the first camera102, the second camera104, the image processing unit106, the recognition unit108, the control unit110, the selection unit1018, and the storage unit1020, the vehicle safety control methods1100and1200including the photographing step S202, the image processing step S204, the recognition step S206, the selection step S1114, and the storage steps S1116and S1216are performed.

Accordingly, in the vehicle safety control apparatus1000and the vehicle safety control methods1100and1200using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first camera102may photograph a current object at a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running, the second camera104may photograph the current object representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light at a wide angle, and the storage unit1020may separately store the current object at the distance from the at least one of the lane, the other vehicle, the pedestrian, the signal sign, and the light source photographed by the first camera102at the narrow angle and the current object representing the at least one light source of the headlight and the taillight of the other vehicle and the signal light photographed by the second camera104at the wide angle according to selection of the selection unit1018.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus1000and the vehicle safety control methods1100and1200using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance while providing convenience of driving for a driver because an image recognition rate may be efficiently increased for a current object during running.

FIG. 13is a block configuration diagram illustrating a vehicle safety control apparatus using cameras according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 13, like the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle safety control apparatus1300using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a first camera102, a second camera104, an image processing unit106, a recognition unit108, a control unit110, a selection unit1018, and a storage unit1020.

Functions and organic connection relations of elements of the vehicle safety control apparatus1300using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control apparatus1300using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention further includes a second identification unit1322.

That is, the second identification unit1322causes a state in which current object images are separately stored to be identified when the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data are separately stored in the storage unit1020.

Here, although not illustrated, the second identification unit1322may include at least one of an alarm (not illustrated), a speaker (not illustrated), and a light-emitting member (not illustrated) provided to allow a driver to identify information or a state of a vehicle, and at least one of an HMI module (not illustrated) and an HUD module (not illustrated) mounted to form an interface between a user and a machine to allow a driver to recognize information or a state of a vehicle, and, thus cause the state in which the current object images are separately stored to be identified through at least one of an alarm operation of the alarm (not illustrated), a voice operation of the speaker (not illustrated), a light emitting operation of the light emitting member (not illustrated), an HMI message display operation of the HMI module (not illustrated), and an HUD message display operation of the HUD module (not illustrated).

A vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus1300using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 14is a flowchart illustrating the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 15is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 14 and 15, like the vehicle safety control methods (1100and1200inFIGS. 11 and 12) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, vehicle safety control methods1400and1500for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1300inFIG. 13) using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention include a photographing step S202, an image processing step S204, a recognition step S206, a selection step S1114, and storage steps S1116and S1216.

Functions and organic connection relations of steps of the vehicle safety control methods1400and1500for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1300inFIG. 13) using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control methods (1100and1200inFIGS. 11 and 12) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control methods1400and1500for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1300inFIG. 13) using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention further include second identification steps S1422and S1522to be performed in synchronization with the storage steps S1116and S1216.

That is, in the second identification step S1422, the second identification unit (1322ofFIG. 13) causes a state in which current object images are separately stored to be identified when the first and second current object image data matching the reference object-specific data are separately stored in the storage unit (1020inFIG. 13).

As described above, in the vehicle safety control apparatus1300using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention including the first camera102, the second camera104, the image processing unit106, the recognition unit108, the control unit110, the selection unit1018, the storage unit1020, and the second identification unit1322, the vehicle safety control methods1400and1500including the photographing step S202, the image processing step S204, the recognition step S206, the selection step S1114, the storage steps S1116and S1216, and the second identification steps S1422and S1522are performed.

Accordingly, in the vehicle safety control apparatus1300and the vehicle safety control methods1400and1500using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the first camera102may photograph a current object at a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running, the second camera104may photograph the current object representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light at a wide angle, and the storage unit1020may separately store the current object at the distance from the at least one of the lane, the other vehicle, the pedestrian, the signal sign, and the light source photographed by the first camera102at the narrow angle and the current object representing the at least one light source of the headlight and the taillight of the other vehicle and the signal light photographed by the second camera104at the wide angle according to selection of the selection unit1018.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus1300and the vehicle safety control methods1400and1500using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance while providing convenience of driving for the driver because an image recognition rate may be efficiently increased for a current object during the running.

Further, in the vehicle safety control apparatus1300and the vehicle safety control methods1400and1500using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the second identification unit1322may cause a state in which current object images are separately stored to be identified.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus1300and the vehicle safety control methods1400and1500using the cameras according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to induce a driver to carefully drive during running and further prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance because the driver may recognize a state in which current object images are separately stored in the storage unit1020.

FIG. 16is a block configuration diagram illustrating a vehicle safety control apparatus using cameras according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 16, like the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle safety control apparatus1600using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a first camera102, a second camera104, an image processing unit106, a recognition unit108, a control unit110, a selection unit1018, and a storage unit1020.

Functions and organic connection relations of elements of the vehicle safety control apparatus1600using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control apparatus1600using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention further includes a third identification unit1624.

That is, the third identification unit1624causes a current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified when the first and second current object image data are caused to match the reference object-specific data in the selection unit1018according to control of the control unit110.

Here, although not illustrated, the third identification unit1624may include at least one of an alarm (not illustrated), a speaker (not illustrated), and a light-emitting member (not illustrated) provided to allow a driver to identify information or a state of a vehicle, and at least one of an HMI module (not illustrated) and an HUD module (not illustrated) mounted to form an interface between a user and a machine to allow a driver to recognize information or a state of a vehicle, and, thus cause the current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified through at least one of an alarm operation of the alarm (not illustrated), a voice operation of the speaker (not illustrated), a light emitting operation of the light emitting member (not illustrated), an HMI message display operation of the HMI module (not illustrated), and an HUD message display operation of the HUD module (not illustrated).

A vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus1600using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 17is a flowchart illustrating the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 18is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle safety control method for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 17 and 18, like the vehicle safety control methods (1100and1200inFIGS. 11 and 12) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, vehicle safety control methods1700and1800for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1600inFIG. 16) using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention include a photographing step S202, an image processing step S204, a recognition step S206, a selection step S1114, and storage steps S1116and S1216.

Functions and organic connection relations of steps of the vehicle safety control methods1700and1800for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1600inFIG. 16) using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the vehicle safety control methods (1100and1200inFIGS. 11 and 12) for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1000inFIG. 10) using the cameras according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted.

Here, the vehicle safety control methods1700and1800for use in the vehicle safety control apparatus (1600inFIG. 16) using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention further include third identification steps S1724and S1824to be performed in synchronization with the storage steps S1116and S1216.

That is, in the third identification step S1724, the third identification unit (1624ofFIG. 16) causes the current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified when the first and second current object image data are caused to match the reference object-specific data according to control of the control unit (110ofFIG. 16) in the selection unit (1018inFIG. 16).

As described above, in the vehicle safety control apparatus1600using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention including the first camera102, the second camera104, the image processing unit106, the recognition unit108, the control unit110, the selection unit1018, the storage unit1020, and the third identification unit1624, the vehicle safety control methods1700and1800including the photographing step S202, the image processing step S204, the recognition step S206, the selection step S1114, the storage steps S1116and S1216, and the third identification steps S1724and S1824are performed.

Accordingly, in the vehicle safety control apparatus1600and the vehicle safety control methods1700and1800using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the first camera102may photograph a current object at a distance from at least one of a lane, another vehicle, a pedestrian, a signal sign, and a light source at at least one of a narrow angle and a straight angle during running, the second camera104may photograph the current object representing at least one light source of a headlight and a taillight of the other vehicle and a signal light at a wide angle, and the storage unit1020may separately store the current object at the distance from the at least one of the lane, the other vehicle, the pedestrian, the signal sign, and the light source photographed by the first camera102at the narrow angle and the current object representing the at least one light source of the headlight and the taillight of the other vehicle and the signal light photographed by the second camera104at the wide angle according to selection of the selection unit1018.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus1600and the vehicle safety control methods1700and1800using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance while providing convenience of driving for a driver because an image recognition rate may be efficiently increased for a current object during running.

In addition, in the vehicle safety control apparatus1600and the vehicle safety control methods1700and1800using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the third identification unit1624may cause a current matching state for the reference object-specific data to be identified.

According to the vehicle safety control apparatus1600and the vehicle safety control methods1700and1800using the cameras according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to induce a driver to carefully drive during running and prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance because the driver may recognize a state in which the current object currently matches the reference object-specific data in the storage unit1020.

As is apparent from the above description, an vehicle safety control apparatus and method using cameras according to the embodiment of the present invention have the following effects.

First, there is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance while providing convenience of driving for a driver because an image recognition rate may be efficiently increased for a current object during running.

Second, there is an advantage in that it is possible to further prevent a traffic accident from occurring in advance because it is possible to induce the driver to carefully drive during running.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative not restrictive in all aspects. The present invention is defined only by the scope of the appended claims and must be construed as including the meaning and scope of the claims, and all changes and modifications derived from equivalent concepts of the claims.