VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF

A vehicle control apparatus includes a processor, a forward detection device configured to identify an external object in front of the vehicle, a door handle driving device configured to control a position of a door handle relative to a door part of the vehicle, and a collision detection device configured to identify whether there is a collision of the vehicle. The processor is configured to identify whether a first signal is received from the forward detection device based on a speed of the vehicle and a distance between the vehicle and the external object, to transmit a second signal to the door handle driving device for moving the door handle to a first position outward relative to the door part, and to maintain a state where the door handle is at the first position based on receiving a third signal from the collision detection device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0062093, filed on May 14, 2023, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vehicle control devices and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND

A door handle basically forms a plane with the surface of a door part on a vehicle. The door handle in a pushed-in state where a user is unable to use the door handle and in a pulled-out state where it is possible for the user who wants to open the door part as the door handle pivots to operate the door handle is generally provided.

In general, the door handle is in a state where it is pushed in the door part when the vehicle is operating at a fast speed and is in a state where it is pulled out from the door part when the vehicle is operating at a slow speed and is stopped.

When the vehicle is operating, a vehicle control apparatus may identify an external object in front of the vehicle. The vehicle control apparatus may notify the user that the external object is identified, using a hardware component provided in the vehicle, in response to identifying the external object.

Furthermore, the vehicle control apparatus may cause the vehicle to brake, using at least one of a speed of the vehicle, a type of the external object, a distance between the vehicle and the external object, or any combination thereof.

In an existing technology, although the vehicle control apparatus identifies the external object, when an accident occurs in a state where the door handle is pushed in the door part and the battery is destroyed by fire, without controlling the door handle, it is difficult to rescue passengers who ride in the vehicle.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control apparatus and a method thereof, and more particularly, relates to technologies associated with a state of a door handle pushed in a door part of a vehicle or pulled out from the door part. The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art while advantages achieved by the prior art may be maintained intact.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle control apparatus for pulling a door handle out from a door part, based on at least one of a distance between a vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus and an external object, a speed of the vehicle, or a combination thereof and a method thereof.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle control apparatus for maintaining a state where a door handle is pulled out, based on identifying a collision of a vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus, and a method thereof.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle control apparatus for maintaining a state where a door handle is pulled out from a door part, although a battery is discharged (or is destroyed by fire) when a vehicle collides to help a passenger to be rescued after an accident occurs, and a method thereof.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle control apparatus for pulling out a door handle pushed in a door part in advance before an accident occurs to maintain aesthetic appearance to help a passenger to be rescued when an accident occurs, and a method thereof.

The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to the aforementioned problems, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein may be clearly understood from the following description by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle control apparatus may include a processor, a forward detection device that identifies an external object different from a vehicle, the external object being in front of the vehicle, a door handle driving device that controls a door handle pushed in a door part of the vehicle or pulled out from the door part, and a collision detection device that identifies whether there is a collision of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the processor may identify whether to receive a first signal based on at least one of a distance between the vehicle and the external object, a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof, from the forward detection device, when the vehicle is operated at a speed of a specified range, may transmit a second signal for pulling the door handle out from the door handle driving device, based on receiving the first signal, and may maintain a state where the door handle is pulled out, based on receiving a third signal responding to the collision of the vehicle from the collision detection device, in the state where the door handle is pulled out by the door handle driving device responding to receiving the second signal.

In an embodiment, the processor may transmit a fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device, based on not receiving the third signal from the collision detection device.

In an embodiment, the processor may transmit a fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device, in response to the speed of the vehicle being identified as being greater than or equal to a specified speed, and based on not receiving the third signal from the collision detection device.

In an embodiment, the processor may transmit a fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device, based on not receiving the first signal from the collision detection device, when the vehicle is operated at the speed of the specified range.

In an embodiment, the specified range may be that the speed of the vehicle includes at least one of a first specified range, a second specified range with a maximum value less than a maximum value of the first specified range, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the processor may apply acceleration including a first acceleration to cause the vehicle to brake, in response to the first signal received based on the speed of the vehicle, the speed being identified in the first specified range.

In an embodiment, the processor may apply acceleration including a second acceleration with an absolute value greater than an absolute value of the first acceleration to cause the vehicle to brake, in response to the first signal received based on the speed of the vehicle, the speed being identified in the second specified range.

In an embodiment, the processor may provide a notification that the external object is identified, by means of at least one of a speaker provided in the vehicle, a display provided in the vehicle, a seat vibrator provided in the vehicle, or any combination thereof, in response to that the distance between the vehicle and the external object being identified as being less than or equal to a specified distance.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle control method may include identifying whether to receive a first signal based on at least one of a distance between a vehicle and an external object, a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof, from a forward detection device configured to identify the external object different from the vehicle, the external object being in front of the vehicle, when the vehicle is operated at a speed in a specified range, transmitting a second signal, for pulling a door handle pushed in a door part of the vehicle or pulled out from the door part, to a door handle driving device configured to control the door handle, based on receiving the first signal, and maintaining a state where the door handle is pulled out, based on receiving a third signal responding to a collision of the vehicle from a collision detection device configured to identify whether there is the collision of the vehicle, in a state where the door handle is pulled out by the door handle driving device in response to receiving the second signal.

In an embodiment, the vehicle control method may further include transmitting a fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device, based on not receiving the third signal from the collision detection device.

In an embodiment, the vehicle control method may further include transmitting a fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device, based on the speed of the vehicle being identified as being greater than or equal to a specified speed, and based on not receiving the third signal from the collision detection device.

In an embodiment, the vehicle control method may further include transmitting a fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device, based on not receiving the first signal from the forward detection device, when the vehicle is operated at the speed in the specified range.

In an embodiment, the specified range may be that the speed of the vehicle is included in at least one of a first specified range, a second specified range with a maximum value greater than a maximum value of the first specified range, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the vehicle control method may further include applying acceleration including first acceleration to cause the vehicle to brake, in response to the first signal being received based on the speed of the vehicle, and the speed being identified in the first specified range.

In an embodiment, the vehicle control method may further include applying acceleration including second acceleration with an absolute value greater than an absolute value of the first acceleration to cause the vehicle to brake, in response to the first signal being received based on the speed of the vehicle, and the speed being identified in the second specified range.

In an embodiment, the vehicle control method may further include providing a notification that the external object is identified, by at least one of a speaker provided in the vehicle, a display provided in the vehicle, a seat vibrator provided in the vehicle, or a handle vibrator provided in the vehicle, or any combination thereof, in response to identifying the external object in a specified distance or less.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used throughout to designate the same or equivalent elements. In addition, a detailed description of well-known features or functions may be omitted to not unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

In describing elements of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms first, second, A, B, (a), (b), and the like may be used herein. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element from another element, but do not necessarily limit the corresponding elements irrespective of the order or priority of the corresponding elements. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this disclosure and the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.1to5.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a block diagram of a vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1, a vehicle control apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented inside or outside a vehicle, and some of the components included in the vehicle control apparatus100may be implemented inside or outside the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle control apparatus100may be integrally configured with control units in the vehicle or may be implemented as a separate device to be connected with the control units of the vehicle by separate connections. The components of the vehicle control apparatus100, which are shown inFIG.1, are illustrative, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control apparatus100may further include components which are not shown inFIG.1.

According to an embodiment, the vehicle control apparatus100may include a processor110, a forward detection device120, a door handle driving device130, and a collision detection device140. The processor110, the front detection device120, the door handle driving device130, and the collision detection device140may be electronically or operably coupled with each other by an electronic component including a communication bus.

The processor110of the vehicle control apparatus100according to an embodiment may include a hardware component for processing data based on one instruction or two or more instructions. For example, the hardware component for processing the data may include an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), or any combination thereof.

The number of processors110may be one or more in number. For example, the processor110may have a structure of a multi-core processor such as a dual core, a quad core, or a hexa core, or may have a structure of one processor such as a single core. For example, one instruction or two or more instructions may be stored in a memory (not shown).

The forward detection device120of the vehicle control apparatus100according to an embodiment may include at least one of an image sensor, a time of flight (ToF) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, a structured light, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical distance sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the forward detection device120may include at least one of a forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA) device, an advanced emergency braking system (AEB) device, a collision avoidance system (CAS) device, or any combination thereof.

The forward detection device120may be located on the front of the vehicle. For example, the forward detection device120may be located to face forward at the front of the vehicle to identify an external object different from the vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus100. The external object different from the vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus100may include at least one of a person, an outside vehicle different from the vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus100, a bicycle or a person riding the bicycle, or a thing including a wall, or any combination thereof. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

For example, when the vehicle is operated at a speed in a specified range, the forward detection device120may detect the front of the vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus100and may identify a distance between the vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus100and the external object. For example, the speed in the specified range may include a speed which is greater than or equal to about 5 km/h and is less than or equal to about 200 km/h. For example, the forward detection device120may transmit a first signal indicating that the external object is identified to the processor110, based on the distance between the vehicle and the external object being identified as being less than or equal to a specified distance. Herein, the specified distance may have a variable value based on the speed of the vehicle. For example, as the speed of the vehicle is faster, the specified distance may have a larger value. As the speed of the vehicle is slower, the specified distance may have a smaller value.

For example, the forward detection device120may transmit the first signal to the processor110, based on at least one of the distance between the vehicle and the external object, or the speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof. As another example, the forward detection device120may transmit the first signal to the processor110, based on at least one of a type of the external object, a motion state of the external object, or a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof. A description about the forward detection device120will be given below with reference toFIG.2.

The processor110of the vehicle control apparatus100according to an embodiment may notify a passenger of the vehicle that the external object is identified, by way of at least one of a speaker included the vehicle, a display included the vehicle, a seat vibrator included the vehicle, a handle vibrator included the vehicle, or any combination thereof, in response to receiving the first signal from the forward detection device120. For example, the processor110may warn the passenger that the external object is identified, using at least one of the speaker provided in the vehicle, the display provided in the vehicle, the seat vibrator provided in the vehicle, the handle vibrator provided in the vehicle, or any combination thereof, in response to receiving the first signal from the forward detection device120.

For example, the processor110may output a sound indicating that the external object is identified, using the speaker included in the vehicle, in response to receiving the first signal. For example, the processor110may display something on a screen indicating that the external object is identified, using the display included in the vehicle, in response to receiving the first signal. For example, the processor110may cause the seat vibrator included in the vehicle to vibrate, in response to receiving the first signal. For example, the processor110may cause the handle vibrator included in the vehicle to vibrate, in response to receiving the first signal.

The door handle driving device130of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may transmit or receive a signal for controlling the door handle located in the door part of the vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus100. For example, the door handle driving device130may control the door handle pushed in the door part of the vehicle or pulled out from the door part of the vehicle. The door handle pushed in the door part of the vehicle or pulled out from the door part of the vehicle may include, but is not limited to, a flush interior door handle and/or a flush outside door handle.

For example, the door handle driving device130may receive a second signal for pulling the door handle out from the processor110. Upon or after receiving the second signal, the door handle driving device130may pull the door handle out from the door part.

In another embodiment, the processor110may control an actuator which is directly or indirectly connected with the door handle to control the door handle with its mechanical operation. For example, the processor110may pull the door handle out from the door part, based on a distance between the vehicle and the external object, a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof.

The collision detection device140of the vehicle control apparatus100according to an embodiment may identify whether there is a collision of the vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus100. For example, the collision detection device140may identify whether there is a collision of the vehicle, based on an acceleration of the vehicle, based on a pressure acting on the vehicle, or any combination thereof. For example, the collision detection device140may transmit a third signal responding to the collision of the vehicle to the processor110, in response to a collision of a front surface of the vehicle, a side surface of the vehicle, or a rear surface of the vehicle, or any combination thereof. In a state where the door handle is pulled out by the door handle driving device130in response to the reception of the second signal, the processor110may maintain the state where the door handle is pulled out, based on receiving the third signal corresponding to a collision of the vehicle from the collision detection device140.

For example, the collision detection device140may identify that a force of reference intensity or more acts on at least one of the front surface of the vehicle, the side surface of the vehicle, the rear surface of the vehicle, or any combination thereof. The collision detection device140may identify that the vehicle collides, in response to the force detected being greater than a force of reference intensity. The collision detection device140may identify the collision of the vehicle (in response to the force detected being greater than a force of reference intensity) and may transmit the third signal to the processor110, indicating a collision of the vehicle.

In a state where the door handle is pulled out, the processor110of the vehicle control apparatus100according to an embodiment may fail to receive the third signal corresponding to a collision detected by the collision detection device140. In another embodiment, in a state where the door handle is pulled out, the processor110may transmit a fourth signal for pushing the door handle in, based on not receiving the third signal from the collision detection device140. In another embodiment, in a state where the door handle is pulled out, the processor110may transmit the four signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device130, based on not receiving the third signal from the collision detection device140during a specified duration of time.

In another embodiment, in a state where the door handle is pulled out, the processor110may control an actuator, that is directly or indirectly connected with the door handle to control the door handle with its mechanical operation, and may push the door handle in, based on not receiving the third signal corresponding to a collision of the vehicle from the collision detection device140during a specified duration of time.

As described above, the processor110of the vehicle control apparatus100according to an embodiment may pull the door handle out in response to the first signal based on at least one of a distance between the vehicle and an external object, a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof, when the vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus100is operated at a speed in a specified range. In a state where the door handle is pulled out, the processor110may maintain the state the door handle is pulled out, based on receiving a third signal corresponding to a collision of the vehicle from the collision detection device140. The processor110may maintain the state where the door handle is pulled out, although the battery is discharged or disconnected (or is ejected from the vehicle) due to the vehicle collision, thus helping a vehicle occupant to be rescued after a vehicle crash/collision.

FIG.2illustrates an example of detecting an external object in a vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A vehicle200ofFIG.2may include all or a part of a vehicle control apparatus100ofFIG.1. Operations ofFIG.2may be performed by a processor110ofFIG.1. An external object different from the vehicle200is illustrated as an outside vehicle205inFIG.2, but not limited thereto. For example, the external object205may include at least one of an outside vehicle, a person, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a person riding a motorcycle/bicycle, a thing including a wall, or any combination thereof. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Referring toFIG.2, the vehicle200including the vehicle control apparatus100according to an embodiment may include a forward detection device210for identifying the external object205(external object different from the vehicle200), which is in front of the vehicle200. The forward detection device210may include a forward detection device120ofFIG.1. For example, the forward detection device210may identify the external object205, when the vehicle200including the vehicle control apparatus100is operated at a speed in a specified range, or may identify the external object205regardless whether the vehicle200is having a speed in the specified range.

In an embodiment, the forward detection device210may detect the external object205based on at least one of an image sensor, a time of flight (ToF) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, a structured light, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical distance sensor, or any combination thereof, for example. When the vehicle200is operated at a speed in the specified range, the forward detection device210may identify the external object205, based on at least one of a distance di between the vehicle200and the external object205, a speed of the vehicle200, a type of the external object205, or any combination thereof, and may transmit a first signal indicating that the external object205is identified to a processor. The speed in the specified range may be referred to as one of the speed intervals that will be described below. And below, a description will be given below of the processor which performs a different operation, based on at least one of a type of the external object205or a speed of the vehicle200, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the forward detection device210may execute one or more of a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode. For example, when each of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is executed, the forward detection device210may identify the external object205in a different speed interval. Below, a description will be given of the forward detection device210that detects the external object205depending on the respective modes.

A description will be given of an example where the forward detection device210set to the first mode identifies the external object205with reference to Table 1, which will be described below. In Table1, which will be described below, a range of a speed (or an interval of a speed) of the vehicle200is an example, which is not necessarily limited to a described range (or interval) of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the level of the first signal is divided into first to third levels, but this is for convenience of description. The level of the first signal is not necessarily limited to being divided into three levels.

Referring to Table 1 above, in an embodiment, the forward detection device210may identify a type (or a category) of the external object205. For example, the forward detection device210may identify whether the type of the external object205corresponds to at least one of an outside vehicle different from the vehicle200, a person, or a person riding in a bicycle, or any combination thereof.

For example, the forward detection device210may identify a motion state of the outside vehicle, based on the type of the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle. The forward detection device210may identify a stopped state or a moving state of the outside vehicle included in the external object205. The forward detection device210may transmit a first signal of a first level to the processor in a first speed interval, based on the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle. The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of the first level to the processor, when the speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to about 5 km/h and is less than or equal to about 180 km/h, based on the outside vehicle that is identified as being in the stopped state or the moving state.

The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of one of the second level or the third level to the processor, in response to the outside vehicle that is identified as being the stopped state and the speed of the vehicle200in a second speed interval included in the first speed interval, based on the type of the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle. For example, the second interval may include a speed that is greater than or equal to about 5 km/h or is less than or equal to about 60 km/h.

The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of one of the second level or the third level to the processor, in response to the outside vehicle that is identified as being in the moving state and the speed of the vehicle200in a third speed interval included in the first speed interval, based on the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle. For example, the third speed interval may include a speed that is greater than or equal to about 5 km/h or is less than or equal to about 130 km/h.

The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of the second level or the third level to the processor, in response to the speed of the vehicle200in the second speed interval, regardless of a motion state of a person or a person that rides in a bicycle, based on the external object205being identified as the person or the person riding in the bicycle.

The processor may notify a passenger that the external object205is identified, in response to receiving the first signal of the above-mentioned second level, and may apply acceleration including first acceleration to cause the vehicle200to brake. For example, the absolute value of the first acceleration may include about6m/s2. The processor may notify the passenger that the external object205is identified, in response to receiving the first signal of the above-mentioned third level, and may apply acceleration including second acceleration with an absolute value greater than the absolute value of the first acceleration to cause the vehicle200to brake. For example, the absolute value of the second acceleration may include about 8 m/s2.

A description will be given below of an example where the forward detection device210set to one of the second mode or the third mode identifies the external object205with reference to Table 2 below.

Referring to Table 2 above, in an embodiment, the forward detection device210may identify a motion state of the outside vehicle, based on the type of the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle. The forward detection device210may identify a stopped state or a moving state of the outside vehicle included in the external object205. The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of the first level to the processor, in response to the speed of the vehicle200being identified in a fourth speed interval, based on the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle. For example, the fourth speed interval may include a speed which is greater than or equal to about 5 km/h and is less than or equal to about 200 km/h.

The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of the first level to the processor, in response to the speed of the vehicle200being identified in a fifth speed interval, based on the type of the external object205being identified as the person or the person riding in the bicycle. For example, the fifth speed interval may include a speed which is greater than or equal to about 5 km/h and is less than or equal to about 85 km/h.

The processor may notify a user that the external object205is identified, in response to receiving the first signal of the first level from the forward detection device210. For example, the processor may notify the user that the external object205is identified, by means of at least one of a speaker provided in the vehicle200, a display provided in the vehicle200, a seat vibrator provided in the vehicle200, a handle vibrator provided in the vehicle200, or any combination thereof.

The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of the second level to the processor, in response to the speed of the vehicle200being identified in the fourth speed interval, based on the type of the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle and that the outside vehicle is identified as being in the stopped state or the moving state.

The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of the second level to the processor, in response to the speed of the vehicle200being identified in a sixth speed interval, based on the type of the external object205being identified as the person or the person riding in the bicycle. For example, the sixth speed interval may include a speed which is greater than or equal to about 5 km/h and is less than or equal to about 65 km/h.

In an embodiment, the processor may notify the user that the external object205is identified, in response to receiving the first signal of the second level, and may apply acceleration including first acceleration to cause the vehicle200to brake. For example, the processor may apply the acceleration including the first acceleration together with notifying the user that the external object205is identified to cause the vehicle200to brake, by way of at least one of a speaker provided in the vehicle200, a display provided in the vehicle200, a seat vibrator provided in the vehicle200, a handle vibrator provided in the vehicle200, or any combination thereof, in response to receiving the first signal of the second level.

The forward detection device210may identify a motion state of the outside vehicle, based on the type of the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle. For example, the forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of the third level to the processor, in response to the outside vehicle being identified as being in the stopped state and that the speed of the vehicle200is identified in the fifth speed interval.

The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of the third level to the processor, in response to the type of the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle, that the outside vehicle is identified as being in a moving state, and that the speed of the vehicle200is identified in a seventh speed interval. For example, the seventh speed interval may include a speed which is greater than or equal to about 5 km/h and is less than or equal to about 130 km/h.

The forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of the third level to the processor, in response to the type of the external object205being identified as the person or the person riding in the bicycle and that the speed of the vehicle200is identified in the sixth speed interval.

The processor may notify the user that the external object205is identified, in response to receiving the first signal of the third level, and may apply acceleration including second acceleration (with an absolute value greater than the absolute value of the first acceleration) to cause the vehicle200to brake.

The above-mentioned example is the description of the forward detection device210set to the second mode. The forward detection device210set to the third mode may operate to be different from the second mode, based on the type of the external object205that is identified as the outside vehicle and based on the outside vehicle being identified as being in a stopped state. For example, in a specified condition, when the type of the external object205is identified as the outside vehicle and when the outside vehicle is identified as being in the stopped state, the forward detection device210set to the third mode may transmit the first signal of the third level to the processor, in response to the speed of the vehicle200being identified in an eighth speed interval. For example, the eighth speed interval may include a speed which is greater than or equal to about 5 km/h and is less than or equal to about 100 km/h.

The speed intervals where the first signal of the second level or the third level is generated among the above-mentioned speed intervals may be referred to as a specified range. Furthermore, the speed intervals where the first signal of the second level is generated may be referred to as a first specified range, and the speed intervals where the first signal of the third level is generated may be referred to as a second specified range, for example.

As described above, the forward detection device210may transmit the first signal of one of the first level, the second level, or the third level to the processor. Receiving the first signal of the second level or the third level (among the first level, the second level, or the third level), the processor may notify the user that the external object205is identified and may pull a door handle out from a door part together with causing the vehicle200to brake.

For example, the processor may transmit a second signal for pulling the door handle out from a door handle driving device (e.g., a door handle driving device130ofFIG.1), based on receiving the first signal of the second level or the third level. For another example, the processor may control an actuator which is directly or indirectly connected with the door handle to control the door handle with its mechanical operation and may pull the door handle out from the door part, based on receiving the first signal of the second level or the third level. The processor may transmit the second signal for pulling the door handle out from the door handle driving device or may control the actuator to pull the door handle out, in response to identifying the first signal causing the vehicle200to brake.

When the first signal of the second level or the third level is generated, it may be seen as a case where there is a high possibility that an accident will occur. At this time, although the accident occurs and the battery is destroyed by fire, the processor may pull the door handle out from the door part in advance and may maintain the state where the door handle is pulled out, thus perhaps easily helping a vehicle occupant to be rescued after the accident occurs (because the door handle is pulled out and is accessible for use by a rescuer).

FIG.3illustrates an example of a door handle controlled by a vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A vehicle300ofFIG.3may include a vehicle200ofFIG.2. The vehicle300ofFIG.3may include all or a part of a vehicle control apparatus100ofFIG.1. Operations ofFIG.3may be performed by the vehicle control apparatus100ofFIG.1or a processor110ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.3, the vehicle300including the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may include a door part305. For example, the vehicle300may include the at least one door part305. The door part305may include a door handle330capable of being pushed in the door part305or being pulled out from the door part305. For example, the door handle330may be pushed in the door part305or may be pulled out from the door handle305.

For example, the door handle330may be pushed in the door part305by a door handle driving device (e.g., a door handle driving device130ofFIG.1) or may be pulled out from the driving part305by the door handle driving device. For another example, the door handle330may be controlled by a processor and may be pushed in the door part305or may be pulled out from the door part305, based on an actuator (not shown) that is directly or indirectly connected with the door handle330to perform a mechanical operation.

According to an embodiment, the processor may receive a first signal based on at least one of a distance between the vehicle300and an external object (e.g., an external object205ofFIG.2) or a speed of the vehicle300, or any combination thereof from a forward detection device (e.g., a forward detection device120ofFIG.1or a forward detection device210ofFIG.2). The processor may transmit a second signal for pulling the door handle330out from the door handle driving device, based on receiving the first signal. The door handle driving device may change the door handle330from a pushed-in state310to a pulled-out state320(seeFIG.3), in response to receiving the second signal for pulling the door handle330out.

For example, the pushed-in state310of the door handle330may include a state where the door handle330does not protrude to the outside of the door part305. For example, the pulled-out state320of the door handle330may include a state where a user is able to manipulate the door handle330and open the door part305as the door handle330protrudes to the outside of the door part305.

The processor of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may transmit the second signal for pulling the door handle330out from the door part305to the door handle driving device, based on the speed of the vehicle300that is identified as being less than a specified speed. For example, the specified speed may include a speed of about 5 km/h. When the vehicle300is operated at a slow speed, the processor may transmit the second signal for pulling the door handle330out from the door handle driving device to protrude the door handle330to the outside of the door part305. Receiving the second signal, the door handle driving device may change from the state310where the door handle330is pushed in, to the state320where the door handle330is pulled out. In another embodiment, when the operation of the vehicle300starts and the vehicle300is in the state320where the door handle330is pulled out, the processor may maintain the state320where the door handle330is pulled out.

In another embodiment, the processor of the vehicle control apparatus may control the actuator to pull the door handle330out from the door part305, based on the speed of the vehicle300being identified as being less than the specified speed.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a flowchart for describing a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, a vehicle control apparatus100ofFIG.1performs a process ofFIG.4, for example. Furthermore, in a description ofFIG.4, an operation described as being performed by a processor of a vehicle control apparatus may be understood as being controlled by a processor110of the vehicle control apparatus100.

Referring toFIG.4, in operation S401, the processor of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may identify whether a first signal based on at least one of a distance between a vehicle (e.g., a vehicle200ofFIG.2or a vehicle300ofFIG.2) and an external object (e.g., an external object205ofFIG.2) or a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof, is received from a forward detection device (e.g., a forward detection device120ofFIG.1or a forward detection device210ofFIG.2).

For example, when the vehicle is operated at a speed of a specified range, the processor may identify whether the first signal based on at least one of a distance between the vehicle and the external object, a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof, is received from the forward detection device.

For example, the first signal transmitted from the forward detection device may include a first signal with one of a first level, a second level, or a third level described with reference toFIG.2.

When the first signal based on at least one of a distance between the vehicle and the external object, a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof, is received from the forward detection device (Yes of operation S401), in operation S403, the processor of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may transmit a second signal for pulling a door handle out from a door handle driving device. For example, in a state where the door handle is pushed in, the processor may transmit a second signal for pulling the door handle out from the door handle driving device.

In operation S405, the processor of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may identify whether a third signal corresponding to a collision of the vehicle is received from a collision detection device (e.g., a collision detection device140ofFIG.1). For example, the collision detection device may transmit the third signal to the processor, in response to identifying that a force of specified intensity or more acts on at least one of a front surface of the vehicle, a side surface of the vehicle, a rear surface of the vehicle, or any combination thereof.

When the third signal corresponding to the collision of the vehicle is received from the collision detection device (Yes of operation S405), in operation S407, the processor of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may maintain the state where the door handle is pulled out. As described above, the processor may maintain the state where the door handle is pulled out, based on the third signal corresponding to the collision of the vehicle, and may provide help to open the door part using the door handle after an accident occurs, thus helping a vehicle occupant to be rescued.

When the third signal corresponding to the collision of the vehicle is not received from the collision detection device (No of operation S405) (e.g., within a specified period of time), in operation S409, the processor of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may identify whether the speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a specified speed. For example, the specified speed may include a speed of about 5 km/h. When the speed of the vehicle speed is identified as being less than the specified speed and when the speed of the vehicle is identified as being greater than or equal to the specified speed, the processor may perform different operations.

When the speed of the vehicle is identified as being greater than or equal to the specified speed (Yes of operation S409), in operation S411, the processor of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may transmit a fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device. For example, the processor may transmit the second signal for pulling the door handle out from the door handle driving device, based on receiving the first signal, may fail to receive the third signal responding to the collision of the vehicle from the collision detection device, in the state where the door handle is pulled out, and may transmit the fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device, based on the speed of the vehicle being identified as greater than or equal to the specified speed.

When not receiving the first signal based on at least one of a distance between the vehicle and the external object, a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof, from the forward detection device (No of operation S401), in operation S411, the processor of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may transmit the fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device. For example, in the state where the door handle is pulled out, the processor may transmit the fourth signal for pushing the door handle into the door handle driving device, based on not receiving the first signal.

As described above, the processor of the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment may pull the door handle out from the door part or may push the door handle into the door part, based on at least one of a distance between the vehicle and the external object, a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof. The processor may maintain the state where the door handle is pulled out, based on receiving the third signal corresponding to a collision of the vehicle from the collision detection device, in the state where the door handle is pulled out, to easily open the door part, although the battery is destroyed by fire by an accident, and thus helping a vehicle occupant to be rescued after an accident.

FIG.5illustrates an example of a computing system about a vehicle control apparatus and a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The processor1100may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in the memory1300and/or the storage1600, for example. The memory1300and the storage1600may include various types of volatile and/or non-volatile storage media, for example. For example, the memory1300may include a read only memory (ROM)1310and a random access memory (RAM)1320.

Accordingly, the operations of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed in this specification may be directly implemented with hardware module(s), software module(s), or a combination of hardware module(s) and software module(s), which is executed by the processor1100. A software module may reside on a storage medium (that is, the memory1300and/or the storage1600) such as a RAM, a flash memory, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a register, a hard disc, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any combination thereof, for example.

The exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor1100. The processor1100may read out information from the storage medium and may write information in the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor1100. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside within a user terminal. In another case, the processor and the storage medium may reside in the user terminal as separate components.

Advantageously, an embodiment may pull a door handle out from a door part, based on at least one of a distance between a vehicle including a vehicle control apparatus and an external object, a speed of the vehicle, or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, an embodiment may maintain a state where the door handle is pulled out, based on identifying a collision of the vehicle including the vehicle control apparatus, in the state where the door handle is pulled out.

Furthermore, an embodiment may maintain a state where the door handle is pulled out from a door part, although the battery is discharged or disconnected (or is destroyed by fire) when the vehicle collides, thus helping the passenger(s) to be rescued after an accident occurs.

Furthermore, an embodiment may pull out the door handle pushed in the door part in advance before an accident occurs to maintain aesthetic appearance and accessibility to the door handle, thus helping the passenger(s) to be rescued after an accident occurs.

In addition, various other advantages and benefits might be ascertained directly or indirectly through the present disclosure.

Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure, but are provided only for illustrative purposes. The scope of the present disclosure should be construed on the basis of the accompanying claims, and all the technical ideas within the scope equivalent to the claims should be included in the scope of the present disclosure.