Apparatus and method for controlling driving of vehicle

An apparatus for controlling driving of a vehicle includes: an input device that receives an input signal corresponding to an operation of a driver; and a controller that sets a weight to a careless state of the driver based on a separation distance between the driver and the input device operated by the driver, a spaced angle, and a scheme of operating the input device, and calculates a braking application time point based on the weight.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0078289, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jun. 26, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling driving of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Recently, a vehicle driving assist technology has been developed to warn of a careless state of a driver or to determine a risk of collision with a front pedestrian and an obstacle during parking to perform warning or braking control.

However, a separate camera for recognizing the driver's face or condition must be provided to determine the carelessness of a driver, so that the cost increases. In addition, when an obstacle or line cannot be correctly recognized due to an external environment, a warning or braking function is not performed.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for controlling driving of a vehicle capable of determining a careless state of a user without adding a separate camera or sensor, and performing a braking function based on the determination result.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for controlling driving of a vehicle includes: an input device that receives an input signal corresponding to an operation of a driver; and a controller that sets a weight to a careless state of the driver based on a separation distance between the driver and the input device operated by the driver, a spaced angle, and a scheme of operating the input device, and calculates a braking application time point based on the weight.

The input device may be provided in at least one of a steering wheel, a gear box, a vehicle door pocket, a center fascia, and a portable terminal.

The controller may determine whether manipulation by the driver is in the input device, determine whether the steering wheel is operated based on torque applied to the steering wheel when the controller determines that the manipulation by the driver is not in the input device, and set the weight based on a determination result.

The controller may determine whether the input device having the manipulation by the driver is the portable terminal, and set the weight to a maximum value when the controller determines that the input device is the portable terminal.

The controller may adjust the weight corresponding to the separation distance when the controller determines that the input device having the manipulation by the driver is not the portable terminal.

The controller may adjust the weight corresponding to the spaced angle.

The controller may increase the weight when the controller determines that a number of operations within a first time exceeds a threshold value or an operation is maintained for a second time or more based on the scheme of operating the input device.

The controller may calculate an estimated collision time based on a distance to an obstacle in front of the vehicle, and control to brake when the estimated collision time is ahead of the braking application time point.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling driving of a vehicle includes: receiving, by an input device, an input signal corresponding to an operation of a driver, setting a weight to a careless state of the driver based on a separation distance between the driver and the input device operated by the driver, a spaced angle, and a scheme of operating the input device, and calculating a braking application time point based on the weight.

The input device may be provided in at least one of a steering wheel, a gear box, a vehicle door pocket, a center fascia, and a portable terminal.

The setting of the weight may include determining whether manipulation by the driver is in the input device, determining whether the steering wheel is operated based on torque applied to the steering wheel when it is determined that the manipulation by the driver is not in the input device, and setting the weight based on a determination result.

The setting of the weight may include determining whether the input device having the manipulation by the driver is the portable terminal, and setting the weight to a maximum value when it is determined that the input device is the portable terminal.

The setting of the weight may include adjusting the weight corresponding to the separation distance when it is determined that the input device having the manipulation by the driver is not the portable terminal.

The setting of the weight includes adjusting the weight corresponding to the spaced angle.

The setting of the weight may include increasing the weight when it is determined that a number of operations within a first time exceeds a threshold value or maintaining the operation for a second time or more based on the scheme of operating the input device.

The method may further include calculating an estimated collision time based on a distance to an obstacle in front of the vehicle, and controlling to brake when the estimated collision time is ahead of the braking application time point.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an apparatus for controlling driving of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.1, an apparatus100for controlling driving of a vehicle may include an input device110, a sensor120, a communicator130, a portable terminal140, a brake150, and a controller160.

The input device110may receive an input signal corresponding to the operation of a driver, and the controller160may determine the position of the input device operated in correspondence with the input signal. According to an embodiment, the input device110may be provided in at least one of a steering wheel, a gear box, a vehicle door, a center fascia, or a portable terminal, and may be implement with a scroll wheel, a button, a knob, a touch screen, a touch pad, a lever, a track ball, and the like, which may be operated to be in at least one stage. For example, the input device110may include an operation device provided in the steering wheel to control the volume of audio, and an operation device provided in the gear box to control performance of an Audio, Video, Navigation (AVN) device or a main function of a vehicle. In addition, the input device110may include an operation device that is provided in a pocket portion of a vehicle door to open and close a window, and an operation device that is provided in the center fascia to control an AVN device or an audio device. In this case, the AVN device may refer to a device capable of integrally performing an audio function, a video function, and a navigation function in response to manipulation.

The sensor120may detect a torque value of a steering column generated when the steering wheel is rotated. The sensor120may be implemented with a torque sensor. In addition, the sensor120may detect an obstacle in front of the vehicle, and to this end, the sensor120may include an ultrasonic sensor, a radar, or a lidar. The controller160may calculate the distance to the obstacle based on the information sensed by the sensor.

The communicator130may communicate with the portable terminal140of a driver. According to an embodiment, the communicator130may communicate with the portable terminal140in various communication schemes such as Wi-Fi, WiBro, global system for mobile communication (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), time division multiple access (TDMA), long term evolution (LTE), and the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the communicator130may communicate with the portable terminal140through a cable.

The portable terminal140may include a mobile terminal, and, for example, may include a smart phone of a driver, a smart pad, and the like.

The brake150may generate a braking force under the control of the controller160to cause the vehicle to decelerate.

The controller160may be implemented with various processing devices such as a microprocessor equipped with a semiconductor chip or the like capable of performing operations or executions of various commands, and may control an apparatus for controlling driving of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, the controller160may classify the separation distance to the input device110operated by the driver, the spaced angle and the scheme of operating the input device, set a weight to a careless state of the driver based on the classification result, and calculate a braking application time point based on the weight.

In more detail, the controller160may determine the distance and the spaced angle of the input device110, which is operated by the driver, spaced apart from the driver. More details will be described with reference toFIGS.2and3.

FIG.2is a view illustrating the distance between an input device and a driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.3is a view illustrating an angle corresponding to the position of an input device based on a driver's view according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.2, the controller160may classify the distance between the driver and the input device110manipulated by the driver. According to an embodiment, the controller160may classify the separation distance to the input device110provided in a vehicle door pocket20, a steering wheel22and a gear box26as a first distance (e.g., 30 cm) or less. The controller160may classify the input device110provided in a center fascia24and a passenger seat side28as exceeding the first distance.

In addition, as shown inFIG.3, the controller160may classify the angle from the gaze ‘A’ of the driver looking at the front to the input device110. According to an embodiment, the controller160may classify the input device110provided in the steering wheel22as being spaced apart by ±a first angle or less, and the controller160may classify the input device110provided in the vehicle door pocket20, the center fascia24and the gear box26as being spaced apart by ±a second degree or less. In addition, the controller160may classify the input device110provided in the passenger seat side28as exceeding the second angle.

The controller160may set the weight to the driver's careless state based on whether the steering wheel is operated, the classified separation distance from the driver to the input device, the classified spaced angle, and the scheme of operating the input device operation, and calculate the braking application time point based on the weight. According to an embodiment, the controller160may set the weights as shown in following Table 1. However, the weights listed in Table 1 are proposed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and are not fixed to the numerical values shown in Table 1. That is, when it is determined that the steering wheel is not operated, the controller160may increase the weight, increase the weight as the distance between the input device and the driver increases, and decrease the weight as the distance between the input device and the driver decreases. In addition, the controller160may increase the weight as the angle of the input device spaced apart from the gaze direction in which the driver looks at the front increases, and decrease the weight as the angle of the input device decreases. In addition, based on the operation scheme, the controller160may increase the weight when it is determined that the number of operations within the first time exceeds a threshold value or the operation is maintained for the second time or more (multi-stage operation), and may decrease the weight when it is determined that the number of operations within the first time is less than or equal to the threshold value, or the operation is maintained for less than the second time (one stage operation).

According to an embodiment, the controller160may calculate a difference value between the torque applied to the steering wheel and the torque applied by the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) for control of the vehicle, and determine that the steering wheel is not operated when the difference value is less than a non-operation torque reference value. Meanwhile, when the difference value is greater than or equal to the non-operation torque reference value, the controller160may determine that the steering wheel is operated. As shown in Table 1, the controller160may set the weight to ‘0’ when it is determined that the steering wheel is operated, and set the weight to ‘1’ when it is determined that the steering wheel is not operated.

When it is determined that the separation distance from the driver to the input device operated by the driver is less than or equal to the first distance, the controller160may set the weight to ‘2’, and when it is determined that the separation distance from the driver to the input device operated by the driver exceeds the first distance, the controller160may set the weight to ‘3’.

In addition, when it is determined that the angle spaced from the gaze direction in which the driver looks at the front to the input device110operated by the driver is less than or equal to the first angle (e.g., 10°), the controller160may set the weight to ‘1’. When it is determined that the spaced angle is less than or equal to the second angle (e.g., 45°) greater than the first angle, the controller160may set the weight to ‘2’. When it is determined that the spaced angle exceeds the second angle, the controller160may set the weight to ‘3’.

In addition, the controller160may set the weight to ‘1’ when it is determined that the number of operations within the first time is less than or equal to a threshold value or an operation is maintained for less than the second time (one stage operation), based on the operation scheme. The controller160may set the weight to ‘3’ when it is determined that the number of operations within the first time exceeds the threshold value or an operation is maintained for the second time or more (multi-stage operation). When it is determined that the operation scheme is the one stage operation, the controller160may set the weight to ‘1’.

In addition, when it is determined that the portable terminal140is in communication and the portable terminal140is operated by the driver, the controller160may set the weight to the maximum value. According to an embodiment, the controller160may set weights corresponding to states in which the separation distance exceeds the first distance, the spaced angle is less than or equal to the second angle, and the number of operations within the first time exceeds the threshold value.

The controller160may calculate the braking application time point by using following Formula 1 based on the weights set corresponding to the separation distance to the input device operated by the driver, the spaced angle, and the operation scheme.
Braking application time point=(1+C*Sum of weights)*Initial value of braking application time point  <Formula 1>

(C=constant in driver's careless state, which varies with position of input device, Initial value of braking application time point=1)

More details will be described with reference toFIGS.4to7.

FIGS.4and5are views illustrating the distance and angle of an input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIGS.4and5, when the controller160determines that the input device operated by the driver is provided in the center fascia24(seeFIG.2), the controller may determine that the separation distance exceeds the first distance and the spaced angle is less than or equal to the second angle.

In addition, when it is determined that the number of operations within the first time exceeds the threshold value or the operation is maintained for more than the second time (multi-stage operation), according to the operation scheme of the input device, the controller160may calculate the sum of weights set corresponding to the separation distance from the driver to the input device operated by the driver, the spaced angle and the operation scheme (refer to Table 1, 3+2+3=8). In addition, when it is determined that the input device provided in the center fascia is operated, the controller160may set ‘C’ to ‘0.05’ and set the default value of the braking application time point to 1 second to calculate the braking application time point of 1.4 seconds based on Formula 1 ((1+0.05*8)*1=1.4).

FIG.6is a view showing the distance and angle of the input device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.6, when the controller160determines that the input device operated by the driver is a portable terminal, the controller160may determine that the separation distance exceeds the first distance and the spaced angle is less than or equal to the second angle. In addition, when it is determined that the number of operations within the first time exceeds the threshold value or the operation is maintained for more than the second time (multi-stage operation), according to the operation scheme of the input device, the controller160may calculate the sum of weights set corresponding to the separation distance from the driver to the input device operated by the driver, the spaced angle and the operation scheme (refer to Table 1, 3+2+3=8). In addition, when it is determined that the portable terminal is operated, the controller160may set ‘C’ to 0.05 and set the default value of the braking time point to 1 second, thereby calculating the braking application time point of 1.4 seconds based on Formula 1 ((1+0.05*8)*1=1.4).

FIG.7is a view illustrating the distance and angle of an input device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.7, when it is determined that the input device operated by the driver is provided in the pocket portion of the vehicle door, the controller160may determine that the separation distance is less than or equal to the first distance and the spaced angle is less than or equal to the second angle. In addition, when it is determined that the number of operations within the first time is less than or equal to the threshold value or the operation is maintained for less than the second time (one stage operation), according to the operation scheme of the input device, the controller160may calculate the sum of weights set corresponding to the separation distance from the driver to the input device operated by the driver, the spaced angle and the operation scheme (refer to Table 1, 1+2+1=4). In addition, when it is determined that the input device provided in the door pocket portion of the vehicle is operated, the controller160may set ‘C’ to 0.02 and set the default value of the braking application time point to 1 second, thereby calculating the braking application time point of 1.08 seconds based on Formula 1 ((1+0.02*4)*1=1.08).

In addition, although not illustrated, when it is determined that the driver does not operate the input device according to still another embodiment, it may be determined whether the steering wheel is operated and a weight may be set corresponding to the driver's careless state. When it is determined that the steering wheel is operated, with reference to Table 1, the controller160may set the weight to ‘4’, sets C to 0.05, and set the default value of the braking application time point to 1 second, thereby calculating the braking application time point of 1.2 seconds based on Formula 1 ((1+0.05*4)*1=1.2).

The controller160may calculate the distance to the obstacle in front of the vehicle based on the information detected by the sensor120, and may calculate the estimated collision time (TTC) based on the distance to the obstacle. In addition, the controller160may control to brake when the estimated collision time based on the distance to the obstacle is ahead of the braking application time point.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling driving of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.8, in operation S110, the controller160determines whether the input device110is operated by the driver. When the controller160determines that the input device110is operated by the driver in operation S110(Y), the controller160determines whether the input device110operated by the driver is a portable terminal in operation S120. When it is determined in operation S120that the input device110operated by the driver is an electronic device (Y), the controller160may set the weight to ‘3’ based on the driver's careless state in operation S130.

Meanwhile, when the controller160determines that the input device110operated by the driver is not a portable terminal device (N), the controller160determines whether the separation distance between the input device110operated by the driver and the driver exceeds the first distance in operation S140. When it is determined in operation S140that the separation distance from the driver exceeds the first distance (Y), the controller160may set the weight to ‘3’ based on the driver's careless state in operation S150.

When it is determined in operation S140that the distance separated from the driver does not exceed the first distance (N), the controller160determines whether the input device110is separated from the driver by the first distance or less in operation S160. When it is determined in operation S160that the distance separated from the driver is less than or equal to the first distance (Y), in operation S170, the controller160may set the weight to ‘2’ based on the driver's careless state.

When it is determined in operation S160that the distance between the input device110and the driver does not exceed the first distance (N), the controller160may determine whether the input device110operated by the driver is provided on the steering wheel in operation S180. When it is determined in operation S180that the input device110operated by the driver is provided on the steering wheel, the controller160may determine whether the angle between the input device110operated by the driver and the driver is less than or equal to the first angle. Accordingly, when it is determined in operation S180that the input device110operated by the driver is provided on the steering wheel, in operation S190, the controller160may set the weight to ‘1’ based on the driver's careless state. When it is determined in operation S180that the input device110provided in the steering wheel has not been operated, in operation S240, the controller160may determine whether the steering wheel is operated.

After the controller160determines the distance and angle between the input device110operated by the driver and the driver through operations S120to S180, the controller160may determine the operation scheme. In operation S210, the controller160may determine whether the number of operations within the first time is equal to or less than the threshold value or the operation is maintained for less than the second time (one operation). When it is determined in operation S210that the input device110is operated by the driver (Y), the controller160may set the weight to ‘1’ based on the driver's carelessness state in operation210. Meanwhile, when it is determined in operation S210that the input device110is not operated by the driver (N), the controller160may determine that the number of operations within the first time exceeds the threshold value, or the operation is maintained for the second time or more (multi-stage operation) in operation S220. In addition, the controller160may set the weight to ‘2’ based on the driver's careless state in operation S230.

When it is determined in operation S110that the input device110is not operated by the driver (N), the controller160may determine whether the steering wheel is operated in operation S240. In S200, the controller160may calculate the difference value between the torque applied to the steering wheel and the torque applied by the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) to control the vehicle, and may determine that the steering wheel is operated when the difference value is greater than or equal to the non-operation torque reference value. When it is determined in operation S240that the steering wheel is operated (Y), the controller160may set the weight to ‘0’ based on the driver's careless state in operation S250, and when it is determined in operation S200that the steering wheel is not operated (N), the controller160may set the weight to ‘4’ based on the driver's careless state in operation S260.

In operation S270, the controller160may calculate the braking application time point based on the weight based on the driver's careless state set through operations S120to S260. The details of operation S270have been described with reference toFIGS.4to7.

In operation S280, the controller160may control to brake when the estimated collision time is ahead of the braking application time point based on the distance to the obstacle. In S280, the controller160may calculate the distance to the obstacle in front of the vehicle based on the information detected by the sensor120, calculate the estimated collision time (TTC) based on the distance to the obstacle, and control to brake based on the estimated collision time calculated.

FIG.9is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computing system executing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.9, a computing system1000may include at least one processor1100, a memory1300, a user interface input device1400, a user interface output device1500, storage1600, or a network interface1700, which are connected through a system bus1200.

Accordingly, the processes of the method or algorithm described in relation to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented directly by hardware executed by the processor1100, a software module, or a combination thereof. The software module may reside in 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 disk, solid state drive (SSD), a detachable disk, or a CD-ROM. The exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor1100, and the processor1100may read information from the storage medium and may write information in the storage medium. In another method, 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 in a user terminal. In another method, the processor and the storage medium may reside in the user terminal as an individual component.

According to the apparatus for controlling driving of a vehicle and the method thereof, it is possible to determine a careless state of a driver without adding a separate camera or sensor, so that a warning and braking corresponding to the driver's careless state are performed without additional cost.

The above description is a simple exemplification of the technical spirit of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure may be variously corrected and modified by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the essential features of the present disclosure.

Therefore, the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure but are illustrative, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should be construed by the claims, and it will be understood that all the technical spirits within the equivalent range fall within the scope of the present disclosure.