Patent Publication Number: US-9854085-B2

Title: Apparatus and method for controlling portable device in vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0118159, filed on Aug. 21, 2015 in the Republic of Korea, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a portable device control apparatus and method and, more particularly to, an apparatus and method for controlling operation of a portable device according to the location of the portable device in a vehicle. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A vehicle refers to an apparatus that transports people, cargo, and the like from one place to another place via driving of wheels. Examples of vehicles include two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles, and four-wheeled vehicles such as cars and trains. 
     To increase the safety and convenience of a user who drives a vehicle, technology to equip vehicles with a variety of sensors and electronic devices is being aggressively developed. In particular, various types of driver assistance devices, which are developed for the convenience of a driver, have been mounted in vehicles. 
     In addition, various types of portable devices such as smartphones, notebook computers, and tablets have become essential items. As such, the danger of an accident caused by using a portable device while driving has emerged as an important issue. In particular, recent research indicates that a traffic accident rate increases by several tens of times when a portable device is used while driving. In addition, when a portable device is used while driving, driver reaction time becomes similar to that when driving drunk. For example, response time to a variety of situations may be longer than when a portable device is not used while driving. As such, movements for regulating the use of a portable device while driving have become increasingly enforced worldwide. 
     Some portable devices have a function of automatically deactivating execution of a specific function when users of the portable devices enter a vehicle. However, such a function still has a problem in that execution of a specific function is deactivated for the driver and even for passengers who carry the portable devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for controlling operation of a portable device according to the location of the portable device in a vehicle. In particular, the present invention provides a portable device control apparatus and method for deactivating at least one function of a portable device only when a user of the portable device is a driver. 
     The objects of the present invention are not limited to what has been particularly described hereinabove and other objects not described herein will be more clearly understood by persons skilled in the art from the following description. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a portable device control apparatus including a communication unit configured to detect at least one portable device in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the at least one portable device including a first portable device, and a processor configured to judge whether the first portable device is within a predetermined limited region including at least a part of a driving seat of the vehicle, to determine at least one function of the first portable device whose execution is to be deactivated in the first portable device when the first portable device is within the limited region, and to transmit a command for deactivating execution of the at least one function to the first portable device through the communication unit. 
     Details of other embodiments are included in the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a view illustrating one exemplary vehicle with reference to  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a view illustrating another exemplary vehicle with reference to  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a view illustrating one exemplary image generated by a plurality of cameras illustrated in  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a view illustrating still another exemplary vehicle with reference to  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a portable device control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a limited region determined with respect to a passenger compartment illustrated in  FIG. 5  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is a flowchart of a process performed by a portable device control apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates an exemplary process related to  FIG. 8A  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates an exemplary data structure used to detect the location of a portable device in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 9B  illustrates a limited region defined by the data structure illustrated in  FIG. 9A  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9C and 9D  illustrate operation of a first portable device illustrated in  FIG. 9B  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9E  illustrates exemplary data structures used to determine a function whose execution is deactivated in a portable device within the limited region according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary operation of a first portable device when a vehicle  1  illustrated in  FIG. 9B  is in an autonomous driving mode according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of another process performed by the portable device control apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a passenger compartment of a vehicle in which a plurality of portable devices is positioned according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates an exemplary data structure used to set a use grade for content received from a portable device in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates an exemplary data structure used to identify access authority of a portable device in a vehicle in relation to  FIG. 13A  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 13C and 13D  illustrate operation of a second portable device in relation to  FIG. 12  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart of another process performed by a portable device control apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a passenger compartment of a vehicle in relation to  FIG. 14  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16A  illustrates an exemplary data structure used to confirm the identities of passengers in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16B  illustrates an exemplary data structure used to identify access authority of passengers in a vehicle in relation to  FIG. 16A  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 16C and 16D  illustrate operation of the first portable device in relation to  FIG. 15  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart of a process performed by the portable device control apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a passenger compartment of a vehicle in relation to  FIG. 17  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19A  illustrates a data structure used to determine an allowed time in relation to  FIG. 17  according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 19B  illustrates a time during which a driver does not look forward exceeds a predetermined allowed time according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, suffixes “module” and “unit” are given in consideration of only facilitation of description and do not have meaning or functions discriminated from each other. In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents and substitutions within the scope and sprit of the present invention. 
     It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. 
     It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component or intervening components may be present. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another component, there are no intervening components present. In addition, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “controlling” another component, it may directly control another component, or may also control another component via the mediation of a third component. In addition, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “providing” another component with information and signals, it may directly provide another component with the same and may also provide another component with the same via the mediation of a third component. 
     As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     In the present application, it will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “includes,” etc. specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof. 
     A vehicle as described in this specification may include all of an internal combustion engine vehicle including an engine as a power source, a hybrid vehicle including both an engine and an electric motor as a power source, and an electric vehicle including an electric motor as a power source. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a vehicle  1  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     The vehicle  1  may include a communication unit  110 , an input unit  120 , a memory  130 , an output unit  140 , a vehicle drive unit  150 , a sensing unit  160 , a controller  170 , an interface unit  180 , a power supply unit  190 , and a portable device control apparatus  600 . 
     The communication unit  110  may include one or more modules to enable wireless communication between the vehicle  1  and an external device (e.g., a mobile terminal, an external server, or another vehicle). In addition, the communication unit  110  may include one or more modules to connect the vehicle  1  to one or more networks. 
     The communication unit  110  may include a broadcast reception module  111 , a wireless Internet module  112 , a short-range communication module  113 , a location information module  114 , and an optical communication module  115 . 
     The broadcast reception module  111  is configured to receive a broadcast signal or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing server via a broadcast channel. The broadcast can include radio broadcast or TV broadcast. 
     The wireless Internet module  112  is a module for wireless Internet access. The wireless Internet module  112  may be internally or externally coupled to the vehicle  1 . The wireless Internet module  712  is configured to transmit or receive wireless signals via communication networks according to wireless Internet technologies. 
     Examples of such wireless Internet technologies include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced). The wireless Internet module  112  transmits and receives data according to one or more of such wireless Internet technologies and other Internet technologies as well. For example, the wireless Internet module  112  may exchange data with the external server in a wireless manner. The wireless Internet module  112  may receive weather information and road traffic state information (e.g., Transport Protocol Expert Group (TPEG) information) from the external server. 
     The short-range communication module  113  may assist short-range communication using at least one selected from among Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), and the like. 
     The short-range communication module  113  may form wireless area networks to perform short-range communication between the vehicle  1  and at least one external device. For example, the short-range communication module  113  may exchange data with a mobile terminal of a passenger in a wireless manner. The short-range communication module  113  may receive weather information and road traffic state information (e.g., TPEG information) from the mobile terminal or the external server. When a user gets into the vehicle  1 , the mobile terminal of the user and the vehicle  1  may be paired with each other automatically or as the user executes a pairing application. 
     The location information module  114  is a module to acquire a location of the vehicle  1 . A representative example of the location information module  114  includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) module. For example, when the vehicle utilizes a GPS module, a location of the vehicle  1  may be acquired using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. 
     The optical communication module  115  may include a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. 
     The light receiving unit may convert light into electrical signals to receive information. The light receiving unit may include Photodiodes (PDs) to receive light. The PDs may convert light into electrical signals. For example, the light receiving unit may receive information regarding a preceding vehicle via light emitted from a light source included in the preceding vehicle. 
     The light emitting unit may include at least one light emitting element to convert electrical signals into light. Here, the light emitting element may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The light emitting unit converts electrical signals into light to externally emit the light. For example, the light emitting unit may externally emit light by flickering light emitting elements at a prescribed frequency. In some embodiments, the light emitting unit may include an array of a plurality of light emitting elements. In some embodiments, the light emitting unit may be integrated with a lamp provided in the vehicle  1 . For example, the light emitting unit may be at least one selected from among a headlight, a taillight, a brake light, a turn signal light, and a sidelight. For example, the optical communication module  115  may exchange data with another vehicle via optical communication. 
     The input unit  120  may include a driving operation unit  121 , a microphone  123 , and a user input unit  124 . 
     The driving operation unit  121  is configured to receive user input for the driving of the vehicle  1 . The driving operation unit  121  may include a steering input unit  121   a , a shift input unit  121   b , an acceleration input unit  121   c , and a brake input unit  121   d.    
     The steering input unit  121   a  is configured to receive user input with regard to the direction of travel of the vehicle  1 . The steering input unit  121   a  may include a steering wheel. In some embodiments, the steering input unit  121   a  may be configured by a touchscreen, a touch pad, or a button. 
     The shift input unit  121   b  is configured to receive input for selecting one of Park (P), Drive (D), Neutral (N), and Reverse (R) gears of the vehicle  1  from the user. The shift input unit  121   b  may have a lever form. In some embodiments, the shift input unit  121   b  may be configured by a touchscreen, a touch pad, or a button. 
     The acceleration input unit  121   c  is configured to receive user input for acceleration of the vehicle  1 . The brake input unit  121   d  is configured to receive user input for speed reduction of the vehicle  1 . Each of the acceleration input unit  121   c  and the brake input unit  121   d  may have a pedal form. In some embodiments, the acceleration input unit  121   c  or the brake input unit  121   d  may be configured by a touchscreen, a touch pad, or a button. 
     The microphone  123  may process external sound signals into electrical data. The processed data may be utilized in various ways according to a function that the vehicle  1  is performing. The microphone  123  may convert a user voice command into electrical data. The converted electrical data may be transmitted to the controller  170 . 
     The user input unit  124  is configured to receive information from the user. When information is input via the user input unit  124 , the controller  170  may control operation of the vehicle  1  to correspond to the input information. The user input unit  124  may include a touch input unit or a mechanical input unit. In some embodiments, the user input unit  124  may be located in a region of the steering wheel. In this instance, the driver may operate the user input unit  124  with the fingers while gripping the steering wheel. 
     The sensing unit  160  is configured to sense signals associated with, for example, driving of the vehicle  1 . Thus, the sensing unit  160  may include a collision sensor, a steering sensor, a speed sensor, a gradient sensor, a weight sensor, a heading sensor, a yaw sensor, a gyro sensor, a position module, a vehicle forward/reverse sensor, a battery sensor, a fuel sensor, a tire sensor, a steering sensor based on rotation of the steering wheel, a vehicle interior temperature sensor, a vehicle interior humidity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a radar, and a lidar. 
     As such, the sensing unit  160  may acquire sensing signals with regard to, for example, vehicle collision information, vehicle traveling direction information, vehicle location information (GPS information), vehicle angle information, vehicle speed information, vehicle acceleration information, vehicle tilt information, vehicle forward/reverse information, battery information, fuel information, tire information, vehicle lamp information, vehicle interior temperature information, vehicle interior humidity information, and steering wheel rotation angle information. In addition, the portable device control apparatus  600 , which will be described below, may generate control signals for acceleration, speed reduction, and direction change of the vehicle  1 , for example, based on surrounding environment information acquired by at least one of the camera, the ultrasonic sensor, the infrared sensor, the radar, and the lidar included in the vehicle  1 . Here, the surrounding environment information may be information related to various objects located within a prescribed traveling distance range from the vehicle  1 . For example, the surrounding environment information may include the number of obstacles located within a distance of 100 m from the vehicle  1 , the distances to the obstacles, the sizes of the obstacles, the kinds of the obstacles, and the like. The surrounding environment information may also include weather of an area in which the vehicle is currently located. The surrounding environment information may further include the type of a road, weather, a traffic situation, a searched route, and the like. 
     Meanwhile, the sensing unit  160  may further include, for example, an accelerator pedal sensor, a pressure sensor, an engine speed sensor, an Air Flow-rate Sensor (AFS), an Air Temperature Sensor (ATS), a Water Temperature Sensor (WTS), a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), a Top Dead Center (TDC) sensor, and a Crank Angle Sensor (CAS). 
     The sensing unit  160  may include a biometric information sensing unit. The biometric information sensing unit is configured to sense and acquire biometric information of the passenger. The biometric information may include fingerprint information, iris-scan information, retina-scan information, hand geometry information, facial recognition information, and voice recognition information. The biometric information sensing unit may include a sensor to sense biometric information of the passenger. Here, an internal camera  162  and the microphone  123  may operate as sensors. The biometric information sensing unit may acquire hand geometry information and facial recognition information via the internal camera  162 . 
     The sensing unit  160  may include at least one camera  161  to capture an image of the outside of the vehicle  1 . For example, the sensing unit  160  may include a plurality of cameras  161  arranged at different positions at the exterior of the vehicle  1 . Each camera  161  may include an image sensor and an image processing module. The camera  161  may process a still image or moving image acquired by the image sensor (e.g., a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) or a Charge Coupled Device (CCD)). The image processing module may extract required information by processing the still image or moving image acquired by the image sensor, and may transmit the extracted information to the controller  170 . 
     The sensing unit  160  may include at least one camera  162  to capture an image of the space inside the vehicle  1 . For example, the camera  162  may form an image including a passenger of the vehicle  1  and then provide the controller  170  with the image. 
     The cameras  161  and  162  may respectively include the image sensor (e.g., a CMOS or CCD) and the image processing module. In addition, the cameras  161  and  162  may process a still image or moving image acquired by the image sensor. The image processing module may process a still image or moving image acquired by the image sensor. In addition, the cameras  161  and  162  may acquire an image including at least one of traffic lights, traffic signs, pedestrians, other vehicles, and road surfaces. 
     Meanwhile, although  FIG. 1  illustrates the sensing unit  160  as being included in the vehicle  1 , at least one sensor included in the sensing unit  160  may be described as a component included in the portable device control apparatus  600  rather than the vehicle  1 . 
     The output unit  140  is configured to output information processed in the controller  170 . The output unit  140  may include a display unit  141 , a sound output unit  142 , and a haptic output unit  143 . 
     The display unit  141  may display information processed in the controller  170 . For example, the display unit  141  may display vehicle associated information. Here, the vehicle associated information may include vehicle control information for the direct control of the vehicle  1  or driver assistance information to aid the driver in driving. In addition, the vehicle associated information may include vehicle state information that indicates the current state of the vehicle or vehicle traveling information regarding traveling of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle state information may include at least one of a current velocity of the vehicle, a current direction of the vehicle, the current amount of remaining fuel, and a current location of the vehicle. 
     The display unit  141  may include at least one selected from among a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Thin Film Transistor LCD (TFT LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display. 
     The display unit  141  may configure an inter-layer structure with a touch sensor, or may be integrally formed with the touch sensor to implement a touchscreen. The touchscreen may function as the user input unit  124  which provides an input interface between the vehicle  1  and the user and also function to provide an output interface between the vehicle  1  and the user. In this instance, the display unit  141  may include a touch sensor which senses a touch to the display unit  141  so as to receive a control command in a touch manner. When a touch is input to the display unit  141  as described above, the touch sensor may sense the touch and the controller  170  may generate a control command corresponding to the touch. Content input in a touch manner may be characters or numbers or may be menu items that can be instructed or designated in various modes. 
     In addition, the display unit  141  may include a cluster to allow the driver to check vehicle state information or vehicle traveling information while driving the vehicle. The cluster may be located on a dashboard. In this instance, the driver may check information displayed on the cluster while looking forward. 
     Further, in some embodiments, the display unit  141  may be implemented as a Head Up display (HUD). When the display unit  141  is implemented as a HUD, information may be output via a transparent display provided at the windshield. Alternatively, the display unit  141  may include a projector module to output information via an image projected onto the windshield. 
     The sound output unit  142  is configured to convert electrical signals from the controller  170  into audio signals and to output the audio signals. Thus, the sound output unit  142  may include, for example, a speaker. The sound output unit  142  may output sound corresponding to operation of the user input unit  124 . 
     The haptic output unit  143  is configured to generate tactile output. For example, the haptic output unit  143  may operate to vibrate a steering wheel, a safety belt, or a seat so as to allow the user to recognize an output thereof. 
     The vehicle drive unit  150  may control operation of various devices of the vehicle  1 . The vehicle drive unit  150  may include at least one of a power source drive unit  151 , a steering drive unit  152 , a brake drive unit  153 , a lamp drive unit  154 , an air conditioner drive unit  155 , a window drive unit  156 , an airbag drive unit  157 , a sunroof drive unit  158 , and a wiper drive unit  159 . 
     The power source drive unit  151  may perform electronic control of a power source inside the vehicle  1 . The power source drive unit  151  may include an acceleration device to increase the speed of the vehicle  1  and a speed reduction device to reduce the speed of the vehicle  1 . 
     For example, in the situation where a fossil fuel based engine is a power source, the power source drive unit  151  may perform electronic control of the engine. As such, the power source drive unit  151  may control, for example, an output torque of the engine. In the situation where the power source drive unit  151  is the engine, the power source drive unit  151  may control the speed of the vehicle by controlling the output torque of the engine under control of the controller  170 . 
     As another example, in the situation where an electric motor is a power source, the power source drive unit  151  may perform control for the motor. As such, the power source drive unit  151  may control, for example, the RPM and torque of the motor. 
     The steering drive unit  152  may include a steering apparatus. Thus, the steering drive unit  152  may perform electronic control of a steering apparatus inside the vehicle  1 . For example, the steering drive unit  152  may include a steering torque sensor, a steering angle sensor, and a steering motor. The steering torque, applied to the steering wheel  12  by the driver, may be sensed by the steering torque sensor. The steering drive unit  152  may control steering force and a steering angle by changing the magnitude and direction of current applied to the steering motor based on, for example, the speed and the steering torque of the vehicle  1 . In addition, the steering drive unit  152  may judge whether the direction of travel of the vehicle  1  is correctly being adjusted based on steering angle information acquired by the steering angle sensor. As such, the steering drive unit  152  may change the direction of travel of the vehicle  1 . In addition, the steering drive unit  152  may reduce the resistance of the steering wheel  12  by increasing the steering force of the steering motor when the vehicle  1  travels at a low speed and may increase the resistance of weight of the steering wheel  12  by reducing the steering force of the steering motor when the vehicle  1  travels at a high speed. In addition, when the autonomous driving function of the vehicle  1  is executed, the steering drive unit  152  may control the steering motor to generate appropriate steering force based on, for example, the sensing signals output from the sensing unit  160  or control signals provided by a processor  570  even in the state in which the driver operates the steering wheel  12  (i.e. in the state in which no steering torque is sensed). 
     The brake drive unit  153  may perform electronic control of a brake apparatus inside the vehicle  1 . For example, the brake drive unit  153  may reduce the speed of the vehicle  1  by controlling operation of brakes located at wheels. In another example, the brake drive unit  153  may adjust the direction of travel of the vehicle  1  leftward or rightward by controlling operation of respective brakes located at left and right wheels. 
     The lamp drive unit  154  may turn at least one lamp arranged inside and outside the vehicle  1  on or off. The lamp drive unit  154  may include a lighting apparatus. In addition, the lamp drive unit  154  may control, for example, the intensity and direction of light of each lamp included in the lighting apparatus. For example, the lamp drive unit  154  may perform control of a turn signal lamp, a headlamp or a brake lamp. 
     The air conditioner drive unit  155  may perform electronic control of an air conditioner inside the vehicle  1 . For example, when the interior temperature of the vehicle  1  is high, the air conditioner drive unit  155  may operate the air conditioner to supply cold air to the interior of the vehicle  1 . 
     The window drive unit  156  may perform electronic control of a window apparatus inside the vehicle  1 . For example, the window drive unit  156  may control opening or closing of left and right windows of the vehicle  1 . 
     The airbag drive unit  157  may perform electronic control of an airbag apparatus inside the vehicle  1 . For example, the airbag drive unit  157  may control an airbag to be deployed in a dangerous situation. 
     The sunroof drive unit  158  may perform electronic control of a sunroof apparatus inside the vehicle  1 . For example, the sunroof drive unit  158  may control opening or closing of a sunroof. 
     The wiper drive unit  159  may perform control of wipers  14   a  and  14   b  included in the vehicle  1 . For example, the wiper drive unit  159  may perform electronic control with regard to, for example, the number of operations and the speed of operation of the window wipers in response to user input upon receiving the user input that directs operation of the wipers through the user input unit  124 . In another example, the wiper drive unit  159  may judge the amount or strength of rainwater based on sensing signals of a rain sensor included in the sensing unit  160  so as to automatically operate the wipers without user input. 
     In addition, the vehicle drive unit  150  may further include a suspension drive unit. The suspension drive unit may perform electronic control of a suspension apparatus inside the vehicle  1 . For example, in the situation where the road surface is uneven, the suspension drive unit may control the suspension apparatus to reduce vibration of the vehicle  1 . 
     The memory  130  is electrically connected to the controller  170 . The memory  130  may store basic data for each unit, control data for operation control of the unit, and input/output data. The memory  130  may be any of various storage devices such as, for example, a ROM, a RAM, an EPROM, a flash drive, and a hard drive. The memory  130  may store various data for overall operation of the vehicle  1  such as, for example, programs for processing or control of the controller  170 . 
     The interface unit  180  may serve as a passage for various kinds of external devices that are connected to the vehicle  1 . For example, the interface unit  180  may have a port that is connectable to a mobile terminal and may be connected to the mobile terminal via the port. In this instance, the interface unit  180  may exchange data with the mobile terminal. 
     The controller  170  may control overall operation of each unit inside the vehicle  1 . The controller  170  may be referred to as an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). 
     The controller  170  may be implemented in a hardware manner using at least one selected from among Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electric units for implementation of other functions. 
     The power supply unit  190  may supply power required to operate the respective components under the control of the controller  170 . In particular, the power supply unit  190  may receive power from, for example, a battery inside the vehicle  1 . 
     The controller  170  may receive navigation information from the communication unit  110 . Here, the navigation information may include set destination information, destination based routing information, and map information or vehicle location information related to vehicle traveling. 
     In addition, some of the components illustrated in  FIG. 1  may not be necessary to implement the vehicle  1 . Accordingly, the vehicle  1  described in the present specification may include a greater or smaller number of components than those mentioned above. 
       FIG. 2  is a view illustrating one exemplary vehicle with reference to  FIG. 1 . For convenience of description, the vehicle  1  is assumed to be a four-wheeled car. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the vehicle  1  may include at least one radar  201 , lidar  202 , and ultrasonic sensor  203 . 
     The radar  201  may be mounted at one side of the vehicle  1  and serve to emit electromagnetic waves to the vicinity of the vehicle  1  and to receive the electromagnetic waves reflected from a variety of objects that are present in the vicinity of the vehicle  1 . For example, the radar  201  may acquire information related to, for example, the distance, direction, and height of any one object by measuring the time taken until the electromagnetic waves reflected by the corresponding object return thereto. 
     The lidar  202  may be mounted at one side of the vehicle  1  and serve to emit laser light in the vicinity of the vehicle  1 . The laser, emitted by the lidar  202 , may be scattered or reflected to thereby return to the vehicle  1 . The lidar  202  may acquire information related to physical properties such as, for example, the distance, speed, and shape of a target, which is located in the vicinity of the vehicle  1 , based on the time taken until the laser returns, the strength of the laser light, variation in frequency, and variation in polarization. 
     The ultrasonic sensor  203  may be mounted at one side of the vehicle  1  and serve to generate ultrasonic waves in the vicinity of the vehicle  1 . The ultrasonic waves, generated by the ultrasonic sensor  203 , have properties of a high frequency (approx. 20 KHz or higher) and short wavelength. The ultrasonic sensor  203  may be mainly used to recognize, for example, an obstacle close to the vehicle  1 . 
     The radar  201 , the lidar  202 , and the ultrasonic sensor  203 , illustrated in  FIG. 2 , may be sensors included in the sensing unit  160  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a view illustrating another exemplary vehicle  1  with reference to  FIG. 1 . For convenience of description, the vehicle  1  is assumed to be a four-wheeled car. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , four cameras  301 ,  302 ,  303 , and  304  may be mounted at different positions on the exterior of the vehicle  1 . 
     The cameras  301 ,  302 ,  303 , and  304  may be respectively located at the front side, the left side, the right side, and the rear side of the vehicle  1 . Each of the cameras  301 ,  302 ,  303 , and  304  may correspond to the camera  161  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The front camera  301  may be located near a windshield, near an emblem, or near a radiator grill. 
     The left camera  302  may be located inside a case enclosing a left side-view mirror. Alternatively, the left camera  302  may be located at the exterior of the case enclosing the left side-view mirror. Alternatively, the left camera  302  may be located at a region of the exterior of a left front door, a left rear door, or a left fender. 
     The right camera  303  may be located inside a case enclosing a right side-view mirror. Alternatively, the right camera  303  may be located at the exterior of the case enclosing the right side-view mirror. Alternatively, the right camera  303  may be located at a region at the exterior of a right front door, a right rear door, or a right fender. 
     In addition, the rear camera  304  may be located near a rear license plate or a trunk switch. 
     Respective images captured by the cameras  301 ,  302 ,  303 , and  304  may be transmitted to the processor  570 , and the processor  570  may compose the respective images to generate a surround-view image of the vehicle  1 . 
     Further, each of the cameras  301 ,  302 ,  303 , and  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3  may be the same as the camera  161  of the sensing unit  160  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     In addition, although  FIG. 3  illustrates the vehicle  1  as including four cameras mounted to the exterior thereof, note that the present invention is not limited as to the number of cameras, and that a greater or smaller number of cameras than those mentioned above may be mounted at different positions from the positions illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view illustrating one exemplary image generated by the cameras  301 ,  302 ,  303 , and  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a composite image  400  may include a first image region  401  captured by the front camera  301 , a second image region  402  captured by the left camera  302 , a third image region  403  captured by the right camera  303 , and a fourth image region  404  captured by the rear camera  304 . The composite image  400  may be called an around view monitoring image. 
     Meanwhile, upon generation of the composite image  400 , boundary lines  411 ,  412 ,  413 , and  414  are generated between two respective images included in the composite image  400 . These boundaries may be subjected to image blending, for natural display thereof. 
     Further, the boundary lines  411 ,  412 ,  413  and  414  may be displayed at the boundaries between the respective images. In addition, the composite image  400  may include a predetermined image, indicating the vehicle  1 , at the center thereof. 
     In addition, the composite image  400  may be displayed via a display device mounted in the space inside the vehicle  1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a view illustrating still another exemplary vehicle  1  with reference to  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention. To aid in understanding the vehicle  1 , the roof of the vehicle  1  is omitted in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the vehicle  1  includes a passenger compartment  510  in which at least one person can be accommodated. The passenger compartment  510  may be equipped with one driver seat  500   a  and a plurality of passenger seats  500   b ,  500   c , and  500   d . Specifically, the driver seat  500   a  and the passenger seat  500   b  may be located in the first row of the passenger compartment  510  and the other passenger seats  500   c  and  500   d  may be located in the second row of the passenger compartment  510 . A driver may sit on the driver seat  500   a  and passengers may sit on the passenger seats  500   b ,  500   c , and  500   d.    
     Although only three passenger seats  500   b ,  500   c , and  500   d  are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , this is purely exemplary and it should be appreciated that fewer or more seats may be mounted in the passenger compartment  510  according to the size or type of the vehicle  1 . 
     The portable device control apparatus  600 , which will be described later, may be arranged at one side of the vehicle  1 . For example, the portable device control apparatus  600  may be placed on a dashboard or on the inward side of the dashboard as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In this instance, the portable device control apparatus  600  may be located near the driver seat  500   a . That is, the distance between one of the multiple passenger seats  500   b ,  500   c , and  500   d  and the portable device control apparatus  600  may be farther than the distance between the driver seat  500   a  and the portable device control apparatus  600 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the portable device control apparatus  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the portable device control apparatus  600  may include a memory  610 , a communication unit  620 , a camera  630 , and a processor  640 . It is noted that some elements illustrated in  FIG. 6  may be omitted or new elements may further be included in  FIG. 6  according to some embodiments. 
     The memory  610  may store at least one program capable of being executed by the processor  640 . In addition, the memory  610  may store various types of data that is searched, manipulated, changed, or stored by the processor  640 . The data stored in the memory  610  may include various pieces of information for processing or controlling overall operation of the portable device control apparatus  600 . 
     The memory  610  may store data which is to be used to determine a region in which a portable device  650  is positioned in the passenger compartment  510  of the vehicle  1 . As an example, if the passenger compartment  510  of the vehicle  1  is partitioned into a plurality of regions, the regions may be distinguished from each other by the ranges of signal strength levels corresponding to the regions. The range of a signal strength level corresponding to any one region in the passenger compartment  510  of the vehicle  1  may be stored in the memory  610  in the manner of not overlapping with the range of a signal strength level corresponding to another region. As such, the processor  640  may determine one region in which the portable device  650  is positioned according to signal strength measured by the portable device  650  with reference to the data stored in the memory  610 . 
     The memory  610  may store data for identifying the portable device  650  located in the vehicle  1 . For example, the memory  610  may store information for judging whether the portable device  650  connected wirelessly to the communication unit  620  is a registered device or not. 
     The memory  610  may store data for identifying passengers (e.g., a driver and other passengers) in the vehicle  1 . For example, the memory  610  may store reference images corresponding to a plurality of pre-registered users. The processor  640 , which will be described later, may compare a reference image per user stored in the memory  610  with an interior image of the vehicle to identify a passenger corresponding to the interior image of the vehicle  1 . 
     The memory  610  may be one of various devices such as a ROM, a RAM, an EPROM, a flash drive, a hard drive, etc. as hardware. 
     The communication unit  620  may be connected to at least one of portable devices, for example, the portable device  650 , positioned in the vehicle  1  to wirelessly exchange data. A wireless data communication scheme includes a variety of data communication schemes such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi, APiX, and NFC. 
     In addition, when a passenger is present in the vehicle  1 , the portable device  650  of the passenger may be paired with the communication unit  620  automatically or at the request of the passenger. 
     The communication unit  620  may measure the strength of a radio signal transmitted from the portable device  650  positioned in the vehicle  1 . The portable device  650  may measure the strength of a radio signal transmitted from the communication unit  620  as well. 
     Specifically, the communication unit  620  includes at least one transmitter  621  and at least one receiver  622 . The transmitter  621  is installed at one side inside the vehicle  1  to transmit a detection signal to the portable device  650  positioned inside the vehicle  1 . As an example, the transmitter  621  may be arranged at one side of a roof of the vehicle  1 . The detection signal is used to detect whether the portable device  650  is within a predetermined limited region inside the vehicle  1 . The limited region may indicate a three-dimensional space which is predetermined to deactivate execution of at least one function of the portable device  650 . The limited region may include at least part of the driver seat  500 . If the detection signal is transmitted, the receiver  622  waits for the portable device  650  to transmit a response signal. The response signal is a radio signal transmitted by the portable device  650  as a response to the detection signal. The portable device  650  measures the strength of the detection signal received thereby and transmits the response signal including the measured signal strength to the communication unit  620 . 
     The camera  630  generates interior images of the vehicle  1  and provides the images to the processor  640 . The camera  630  may be mounted at one side inside the vehicle  1 . 
     In this instance, at least one camera  630  may be installed in the first row of the passenger compartment  510 . If the camera  630  is installed in the first row of the passenger compartment  510 , the camera  630  may generate interior images of the driver seat  500  and the passenger seat  500   b . In addition, the camera  630  may be further installed in the second row of the passenger compartment  510 . If the camera  630  is installed in the second row of the passenger compartment  510 , the camera  630  may generate interior images of the other passenger seats  500   c  and  500   d.    
     The processor  640  controls an overall operation of the portable device control apparatus  600 . 
     The processor  640  may process interior images acquired by the camera  630 . The processor  640  performs computer vision based signal processing. Then, the processor  640  may acquire interior images of the vehicle  1  from the camera  630  and perform object detection and object tracking based on the interior images. For example, the processor  640  may perform facial recognition, gesture recognition, and eye tracking of the interior images. 
     The processor  640  may compare an object detected from the interior images with data stored in the memory  610  to acquire detailed information about the detected object and control operation of the portable device  650  based on the acquired detailed information. For example, the processor  640  may detect the face image of a passenger seated in a passenger seat from the interior images and compare the detected face image of the passenger with reference images stored in the memory  610  to thereby determine an identity of the passenger. 
     The processor  640  may be connected to the communication unit  110  of the vehicle  1  wirelessly or by wire to thereby receive information about the state of the vehicle  1  or information about a surrounding environment of the vehicle  1  from the communication unit  110 . For example, the processor  640  may receive a current location of the vehicle  1  from the communication unit  110 . In this instance, the processor  640  may determine the type of a road on which the vehicle  1  is currently located based on an electronic map stored in the memory  610 . The electronic map may be stored in the memory  130  of the vehicle  1  as well. As another example, the processor  640  may receive information about weather of a region in which the vehicle  1  is currently located from the communication unit  110 . 
     In addition, the processor  640  is coupled to the sensing unit  160  of the vehicle  1  wirelessly or by wire to receive at least one sensing signal from the sensing unit  160 . For example, the processor  640  may receive information about the state of the vehicle  1  (e.g., velocity, direction, and/or the amount of remaining fuel) from the sensing unit  160 . As another example, the processor  640  may receive information about a surrounding environment of the vehicle  1  (e.g., obstacles) from the sensing unit  160 . 
     Further, the processor  640  may be coupled to the controller  170  wirelessly or by wire to receive various commands from the controller  170  or to operate according to the received commands. 
     Although only one portable device  650  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto and two or more portable devices  650  may be wirelessly connected to the communication unit  620 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a limited region  700  determined with respect to the passenger compartment  510  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7A , the transmitter  621  of the communication unit  620  may be located near the driver seat  500   a  among regions of the roof of the vehicle  1 . For example, the transmitter  621  may be installed at a point at which a central vertical axis of the driver seat  500  and the roof meet. As described above, the limited region  700  is determined to prevent a driver from using a portable device. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the transmitter  621  may be installed at a region far from the passenger seats  500   b ,  500   c , or  500   d  and near the driver seat  500 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates the limited region  700  determined when the transmitter  621  is arranged as illustrated  FIG. 7A . As shown, the limited region  700  may be determined as a region including at least part of the driver seat  500 . The transmitter  621  is installed near the driver seat  500  and thus the strength of a detection signal transmitted from the transmitter  621  is higher in the driver seat  500   a  than in the passenger seats  500   b ,  500   c , and  500   d . Therefore, the strength of a detection signal measured when the portable device  650  is within the limited region  700  is higher than the strength of a detection signal measured when the portable device  650  is outside of the limited region  700 . 
     The range of signal strength corresponding to the limited region  700  is pre-stored in the memory  610 . Accordingly, the processor  640  may judge whether the portable device  650  is currently within the limited region  700  by comparing signal strength included in a response signal received from the portable device  650  within the limited region  700  with the range of signal strength stored in the memory  610 . 
       FIG. 8A  is a flowchart of a process S 800  performed by the portable device control apparatus  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In step S 810 , the processor  640  detects at least one portable device  650  positioned inside the vehicle  1  through the communication unit  620 . For example, the processor  640  may detect the presence of the portable device  650  positioned inside the vehicle  1  based on a radio signal that is transmitted from the portable device  650  and is received by the communication unit  620 . The radio signal transmitted from the portable device  650  may include identification information of the portable device  650  (e.g., an identifier (ID), a model name, a telephone number, and/or a user of the portable device  650 ). If a plurality of portable devices is placed inside the vehicle  1 , the processor  640  may distinguish any one portable device from the other portable devices based on identification information included in radio signals transmitted from the respective portable devices. In step S 810 , at least one portable device communicating with the processor  640  includes a first portable device and the at least one portable device communicating with the processor  640  can further include other portable devices according to some embodiments. 
     In step S 820 , the processor  640  may judge whether the vehicle  1  is in a manual driving mode (e.g., whether the user is driving the vehicle). If the vehicle  1  is in the manual driving mode, the processor  640  may perform step S 830 . Meanwhile, if the vehicle  1  is not in the manual driving mode, i.e., if the vehicle  1  is in an autonomous driving mode (e.g., self-driving mode), the processor  640  may perform step S 870 . 
     In step S 830 , the processor  640  may determine a region corresponding to a current location of the first portable device.  FIG. 8B  illustrates an exemplary process related to step S 830 . Referring to  FIG. 8B , the processor  640  may emit, in step S 831 , a detection signal into the vehicle  1  through the communication unit  620 . The detection signal may be transmitted to all portable devices including the first portable device positioned inside the vehicle  1  by the transmitter  621 . Each of the portable devices inside the vehicle  1  may measure the strength of the detection signal. If the detection signal is emitted by the transmitter  621 , the receiver  622  may wait for the portable devices to transmit response signals. In step S 832 , the processor  640  receives the response signals transmitted from all portable devices inside the vehicle  1  through the communication unit  620 . Each response signal includes the strength of a detection signal, measured by a portable device that has transmitted the response signal. In step S 833 , the processor  640  determines a region corresponding to a current location of the at least first portable device among a plurality of regions included in the passenger compartment  510  based on the signal strength included in the response signal received from the first portable device. For example, if the passenger compartment  510  is partitioned into a limited region and a non-limited region, the processor  640  may judge whether the first portable device is currently within the limited region or the non-limited region. The non-limited region may be defined as the other region of the passenger compartment  510  except for the limited region. 
     In step S 840 , the processor  640  may judge whether a region corresponding to a current location of the first portable device is a predetermined limited region. If the current location of the first portable device is determined to be in the predetermined limited region, the processor  640  may perform step S 850 . If the current location of the first portable device is determined to be in a non-limited region, the processor  640  may return to step S 830  or terminate the process S 800 . 
     In step S 850 , the processor  640  determines one or more functions whose execution is to be deactivated in the first portable device. In this instance, the processor  640  may determine at least one function whose execution is to be deactivated in the first portable device based on at least one of a past driving history of a driver currently seated in the driver seat  500 , the state of the vehicle  1 , and the surrounding environment of the vehicle  1 . As an example, as the speed of the vehicle  1  increases, the processor  640  may increase the number of functions whose execution is to be deactivated in the first portable device. A past driving history of each driver may be stored in the memory  610  and the processor  640  may acquire a past driving history of a driver currently seated in the driver seat  500  from the memory  610 . 
     In step S 860 , the processor  640  may transmit a command for deactivating execution of at least one function determined in step S 850  to the first portable device through the communication unit  620 . Upon receiving the command, the first portable device will deactivate execution of at least one function corresponding to the command among all functions of the first portable device. For instance, a function whose execution is deactivated in the first portable device by the command transmitted in step S 860  may be a text message transmission and reception function. In this instance, execution of functions related to driving of the vehicle  1 , such as a route search function (e.g., a GPS navigation application), may not be deactivated. 
     Meanwhile, in step S 870 , the processor  640  may judge whether the vehicle  1  is currently located on a predetermined type of road. The current location of the vehicle  1  may be provided from the communication unit  110 . The processor  640  may acquire the type of road on which the vehicle  1  is currently located using an electronic map stored in the memory  610 . As an example, the processor  640  may judge whether a road corresponding to the current location of the vehicle  1  is at least one of an expressway, a construction zone, a school zone, and a sharp curve area corresponding to the predetermined type of road based on a danger level. 
     Upon judging that the current location of the vehicle  1  corresponds to the predetermined type of road, the processor  640  may transmit a forward view image to the first portable device through the communication unit  620  in step S 880 . The forward view image of the vehicle  1  may be provided by the camera  161  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Generally, in an autonomous driving mode, although a driver has less need for looking forward, the processor  640  may transmit the forward view image of the vehicle  1  to the first portable device on a type of road on which a driver needs to concentrate, such as an expressway, a construction zone, a school zone, and a sharp curve area, thereby reducing the probability of accident occurrence. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates an exemplary data structure  910  used to detect the location of a portable device in the vehicle  1 .  FIG. 9B  illustrates the limited region  700  defined by the data structure  910  illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9A , the memory  610  may store the data structure  910  and the data structure  910  may include a plurality of predetermined regions and a plurality of signal strength ranges related to the multiple regions. 
     The passenger compartment  510  may be partitioned into the limited region  700  and a non-limited region by the data structure  910  illustrated in  FIG. 9A . Specifically, the limited region  700  and the non-limited region may be defined by two signal strength ranges as illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
     The processor  640  may compare the strength of a detection signal, measured by a first portable device  650   a  in the vehicle  1 , with the two signal strength ranges illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
     A detection signal transmitted by the transmitter  621  is received by the first portable device  650   a  and the first portable device  650   a  measures the strength of the received detection signal. If the first portable device  650   a  is located at a boundary of the limited region  700 , the strength of the detection signal, measured by the first portable device, will be equal to a threshold value. If the first portable device  650   a  is currently within the limited region  700 , the strength of the detection signal, measured by the first portable device  650   a , will be greater than or equal to the threshold value included in the data structure  910  for limited region determination, as illustrated in  FIG. 9A . The first portable device  650   a  may transmit a response signal including the strength of the detection signal, measured thereby, and the receiver  622  may receive the response signal from the first portable device  650   a.    
     The processor  640  may receive the response signal from the receiver  622 , compare the strength of the detection signal included in the received response signal with the two ranges determined by the data structure  910  for limited region determination, and judge which one of the limited region  700  and the non-limited region is a region corresponding to the current location of the first portable device  650   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9B , since the strength of the detection signal, measured by the first portable device  650   a  within the limited region  700 , will exceed the threshold value, the processor  640  may judge that the first portable device  650   a  is currently within the limited region  700 . Then, the processor  640  may transmit a command for deactivating execution of at least one function of the first portable device  650   a  to the first portable device  650   a  through the communication unit  620 . 
       FIGS. 9C and 9D  illustrate operation of the first portable device  650   a  illustrated in  FIG. 9B . 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates a screen  930  displayed on a display of the first portable device  650   a  when the processor  640  transmits a command for deactivating execution of all functions of the first portable device  650   a . Execution of all functions of the first portable device  650   a  may be deactivated according to the command received from the communication unit  620 . In this instance, a message  931  indicating that execution of all functions of the first portable device  650   a  has been deactivated (e.g., “DEACTIVATED”) may be displayed in the screen  930 . 
       FIG. 9D  illustrates a screen  950  displayed on the display of the first portable device  650   a  when the processor  640  transmits a command for deactivating execution of some functions of the first portable device  650   a . For example, execution of a message transmission/reception function, a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) viewing function, and an Internet access function of the first portable device  650   a  may be deactivated by the processor  640 . In this instance, a message containing a list of at least one function whose execution is deactivated may be displayed in the screen  950 . 
       FIG. 9E  illustrates exemplary data structures  960 ,  970 , and  980  used to determine a function whose execution is deactivated in a portable device within the limited region  700 . For convenience of description, it is assumed that the first portable device  950   a  is located within the limited region  700  as illustrated in  FIG. 9B . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9E , a memory may store at least one of the data structure  960  including functions related to the state of a vehicle, the data structure  970  including functions related to a surrounding environment of a vehicle, and the data structure  980  including functions related to a past driving history of a driver. 
     The processor  640  may select, using the data structure  960 , functions of the first portable device  650   a  whose execution should be deactivated at a current speed of the vehicle. For example, if the current speed of the vehicle  1  is 20 km/h, execution of a message transmission function of the first portable device  650   a  may be deactivated by the processor  640 . In the data structure  960 , as the speed of the vehicle  1  increases, execution of more functions may be deactivated by the processor  640 . In addition, although only the speed of the vehicle  1  is included as the state of the vehicle in the data structure  960 , all information related to the state of the vehicle, such as the heading of the vehicle, may be used to determine functions whose execution should be deactivated in the first portable device  650   a.    
     The processor  640  may select, using the data structure  970 , functions of the first portable device  650   a  whose execution should be deactivated for a road on which the vehicle  1  is currently located. For example, if the current location of the vehicle  1  is a school zone, execution of a message transmission function and a message composition function of the first portable device  650   a  may be deactivated by the processor  640 . In addition, although only a road is included as the surrounding environment of the vehicle in the data structure  970 , all information related to the surrounding environment of the vehicle, such as weather, may be used to determine functions whose execution should be deactivated in the first portable device  650   a.    
     The processor  640  may select, using the data structure  980 , functions of the first portable device  650   a  whose execution should be deactivated when the current location of the vehicle  1  corresponds to a location included in a past driving history of a driver. For example, when the vehicle  1  approaches a location A where the driver caused an accident, execution of a message transmission function, a message composition function, and an information display function of the first portable device  650   a  may be deactivated by the processor  640 . As another example, if the vehicle  1  approaches a location B where the driver deviated from a given route, execution of a message transmission function and a music playback function of the first portable device  650   a  may be deactivated by the processor  640 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary operation of the first portable device  650   a  when the vehicle  1  illustrated in  FIG. 9B  is in an autonomous driving mode (e.g., self-driving mode). 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , when the vehicle  1  is in an autonomous driving mode, the processor  640  may not deactivate execution of any function of the first portable device  650   a  even when the first portable device  650   a  is within the limited region  700  as described with reference to  FIG. 8A . For example, when the vehicle  1  is in a manual driving mode, the processor  640  may transmit a command for deactivating execution of at least one function of the first portable device  650   a  and, when the vehicle  1  is switched to the autonomous driving mode from the manual driving mode, the processor may stop transmitting the command. 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , when the vehicle  1  is in an autonomous driving mode, the user of the first portable device  650   a  may activate a DMB viewing function so that a DMB screen  1050  may be displayed on a display of the first portable device. In this instance, an indicator  1051  indicating that the vehicle  1  is currently in an autonomous driving mode and an indicator  1052  representing a currently executed function may be displayed in the screen  1050 . 
     In addition, if the current location of the vehicle  1  is a predetermined type of road, the processor  640  may transmit a forward view image of the vehicle  1  provided from the camera  161  to the first portable device  650   a . The predetermined type of road may be a predetermined road where concentration of a driver is needed and may include, for example, a sharp curve area, a crossroad, a school zone, an expressway, and a construction zone. 
     As the processor  640  transmits the forward view image of the vehicle  1  to the first portable device  650   a , a forward view image  1070  of the vehicle  1  may be displayed on one region of the display of the first portable device  650   a  as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In addition, a message  1071  urging the driver to look forward may be displayed on one side of the display of the first portable device  650   a.    
     As such, the probability of an unexpected accident occurring may be greatly reduced even while operating in the autonomous driving mode in which the driver may not be paying close attention to the road. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart of another process S 1100  performed by the portable device control apparatus  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In step S 1110 , the processor  640  may detect a second portable device (refer to  650   b  of  FIG. 12 ) located outside of the limited region  700  among one or more devices detected in step S 810 . Specifically, if the current location of the first portable device  650   a  is within the limited region  700  in step S 840 , the processor  640  may detect the second portable device  650   b  that is positioned outside of the limited region  700  among the one or more portable devices detected in step S 810 . As an example, the processor  640  may detect the second portable device  650   b  positioned outside of the limited region  700  using a scheme related to step S 830  and step S 840  described with reference to  FIGS. 8A and 9A . 
     In step S 1120 , the processor  640  receives content stored in the first portable device  650   a  from the first portable device  650   a  through the communication unit  620 . The first portable device  650   a  may pre-store various types of content, such as text messages, voice messages, SNS messages, diaries, music, videos, films, private information (e.g., names, addresses, and offices), and photos, which are composed by a user, received from an external device, or downloaded, and one or more types of content thereamong may be transmitted to the communication unit  620 . In step S 1120 , the communication unit  620  may receive all or some types of content stored in the first portable device  650   a.    
     The processor  640  may recognize the voice of a driver through the microphone  123  and identify content indicated by the recognized voice. For example, if the driver says “Message check”, the processor  640  may receive only messages among the multiple types of content stored in the first portable device  650   a  through the communication unit  620 . In this instance, the processor  640  may receive only content recognized based on voice from the first portable device  650   a.    
     In step S 1130 , the processor  640  may set at least one of a plurality of predetermined use grades with respect to content received in step S 1120 . The use grades may be used to permit only a specific portable device or user to access content stored in the first portable device  650   a.    
     The processor  640  may set any one of a plurality of predefined use grades with respect to content received in step S 1120 . For example, content types and data defining use grades corresponding to the content types may be stored in the memory  610 . Specifically, content set as a first use grade may be permitted to be accessed by the user of the first portable device  650   a  and family members of the user of the first portable device  6501 . Content set as a second use grade may be permitted to be accessed by the user of the first portable device  650   a  and friends of the user of the first portable device  650   a . Content set as a third use grade may be permitted to be accessed by everybody and content set as a fourth use grade may be permitted to be accessed only by the user of the first portable device  650   a.    
     The processor  640  may also set the use grades according to the contents of received content. The processor  640  may set the use grades based on the contents of private information included in content received from the first portable device  650   a.    
     In step S 1140 , the processor  640  judges whether the second portable device  650   b  has access authority for a use grade set with respect to content received from the first portable device  650   a . In more detail, the processor  640  may receive identification information of the second portable device  650   b  from the second portable device  650   b  as described with reference to step S 810 . Next, the processor  640  may judge whether to permit the second portable device  650   b  to access the content received from the first portable device  650   a  based on the identification information of the second portable device  650   b . For example, an ID of each portable device and data in which access authority of each portable device corresponding to the ID is defined may be stored in the memory  610 . The processor  640  may acquire access authority assigned to the ID of the second portable device  650   b  from the memory  610  and confirm whether the acquired access authority matches a use grade set with respect to the content received from the first portable device  650   a . Which access authority is assigned to each portable device may be determined by the user of the first portable device  650   a . For example, before the process S 1100  is started, a user interface may be provided to the user of the first portable device  650   a  so that the user may set access authority per portable device. 
     Upon judging that the second portable device  650   b  has access authority for a use grade set with respect to the content received from the first portable device  650   a , the processor  640  transmits the content received from the first portable device  650   a  to the second portable device  650   b  through the communication unit  620  in step S 1150 . The user of the second portable device  650   b  may manipulate or display on the display the received content using the second portable device  650   b . For example, if the content received from the first portable device  650   a  is a text message, the same text message may be displayed on the display of the second portable device  650   b . In addition, the user of the second portable device  650   b  may delete the text message displayed on the display or compose a reply to the text message. 
     If it is judged that the second portable device  650   b  does not have access authority for the use grade set with respect to the content received from the first portable device  650   a , the process S 1100  may be ended. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the passenger compartment  510  of the vehicle  1  in which a plurality of portable devices is positioned. For convenience of description, it is assumed that the vehicle  1  is operating in a manual driving mode. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the first portable device  650   a  is currently located within the limited region  700  similar to the example of  FIG. 9 . In addition, the second portable device  650   b  is currently located outside of the limited region  700 . For example, the second portable device  650   b  may be located near the passenger seat  500   d  as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     In this instance, since the strength of a detection signal, measured by the first portable device  650   a , will be equal to or greater than the threshold value described with reference to  FIG. 9A , the processor  640  may judge that the first portable device  650   a  is currently located within the limited region  700 . Meanwhile, since the second portable device  650   b  is located outside of the limited region  700 , the strength of a detection signal, measured by the second portable device  650   b , may be less than the threshold value. Therefore, the processor  640  may judge that the second portable device  650   b  is currently located outside of the limited region  700 . 
     The processor  640  may deactivate execution of at least one function of the first portable device  650  through the communication unit  620 . Further, execution of all functions of the second portable device  650   b  may not be deactivated. 
     As execution of at least one function of the first portable device  650   a  is deactivated, restriction on freely using the first portable device  650   a  may be imposed, thereby aiding in preventing driver distraction. In this instance, at least part of content stored in the first portable device  650   a  needs to be transmitted to another portable device in the passenger compartment  510 . For example, if a message to be urgently checked cannot be displayed by first portable device  650   a  because execution of its display function is deactivated, the message may be transmitted to a portable device of a passenger so that the passenger can check the message (e.g., the driver&#39;s messages are relayed to the passenger, so the passenger can respond to the messages on the driver&#39;s behalf). 
     Meanwhile, although only two portable devices  650   a  and  650   b  are illustrated in  FIG. 12 , it should be understood that more portable devices may be positioned in the passenger compartment  510 . 
     Unlike  FIG. 12 , if the second portable device  650   b  is also located within the limited region  700 , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that execution of at least one function of the second portable device  650   b  may be deactivated by the processor  640 . 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates an exemplary data structure  1310  used to set a use grade for content received from a portable device in the vehicle  1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13A , the memory  610  may store the data structure  1310  and the data structure  1310  may include a plurality of items  1311 ,  1312 ,  1313 , and  1314 . 
     Each item includes a type of content and at least one use grade set with respect to each type of content. 
     For example, an “all” grade may be set for a text message received from the first portable device  650   a  illustrated in  FIG. 12 . That is, the text message may have a grade permitting everybody to access the text message. As another example, a diary received from the first portable device  650   a  may have a grade permitting only “colleagues” to access the diary. As still another example, a film or video received from the first portable device  650   a  may have a grade permitting only “friends” or “family members” to access the film. As another example, contact information received from the first portable device  650   a  may have a grade permitting only “family members” to access the contact information. 
       FIG. 13B  illustrates an exemplary data structure  1320  used to identify access authority of a portable device in the vehicle  1  in relation to  FIG. 13A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13B , the memory  610  may store the data structure  1320  and the data structure  1320  may include a plurality of items  1321 ,  1322 , and  1323 . 
     Each item includes identification information (e.g., an ID) of a portable device and access authority of a portable device corresponding to the identification information. 
     If the ID of the second portable device  650   b  illustrated in  FIG. 12  is “ABC,” the processor  640  may judge that the second portable device  650   b  has the authority to access content whose grade is set to “family members.” Then, the processor  640  may transmit text messages, films, or contact information received from first portable device  650   a  to the second portable device  650   b  through the communication unit  620 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 13C , a text message  1330  received from the first portable device  650   a  may be displayed on the display of the second portable device  650   b.    
     If the ID of the second portable device  650   b  illustrated in  FIG. 12  is “DEF”, the processor  640  may judge that the second portable device  650   b  has the authority to access all types of content. Then, the processor  640  may transmit all types of content received from the first portable device  650   a  to the second portable device  650   b  through the communication unit  620 . 
     If the ID of the second portable device  650   b  illustrated in  FIG. 12  is “GHI,” the processor  640  may judge that the second portable device  650   b  has the authority to access content whose grade is set to “friends.” Then, the processor  640  may transmit text messages and films received from the first portable device  650   a  to the second portable device  650   b  through the communication unit  620 . In this instance, the processor  640  may hide a part of the contents of content transmitted to the second portable device  650   b  according to a voice command of a driver or a predetermined rule. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 13D , only the most recently received text message among the contents of a text message  1330  received from the first portable device  650   a  may be displayed in the screen  1340  of the second portable device  650   b.    
     If the ID of the second portable device  650   b  illustrated in  FIG. 12  is “JKL,” since the ID matching “JKL” is not included in the data structure  1320 , the processor  640  may judge that the second portable device  650   b  has no authority to access content received from the first portable device  650   a.    
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart of another process S 1400  performed by the portable device control apparatus  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of description, it is assumed that the vehicle  1  is currently in a manual driving mode and the process S 1400  is performed upon judging that the current location of the first portable device  650   a  in step S 840  is outside of the limited region  700 . 
     In step S 1410 , the processor  640  receives interior images of the vehicle  1  from the camera  630 . At least one camera  630  may be installed in the vehicle  1 . If a plurality of cameras is installed in the vehicle  1 , the cameras may be arranged at different locations. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a camera  630   a  for generating images of the driver seat  500  and the passenger seat  500   b  and a camera  630   b  for generating images of the other passenger seats  500   c  and  500   d  may be arranged in the passenger compartment  510 . 
     In step S 1420 , the processor  640  detects a passenger from the interior images of the vehicle  1 . Specifically, the processor  640  may detect the face of a passenger from the images, compare the detected face of the passenger with one or more reference images pre-stored in the memory  610 , and search for a reference image matching the face of the passenger. If a reference image matching the face of the passenger is detected, the processor  640  may determine an identity of the passenger based on the reference image. For example, the processor  640  may judge an identity of a person seated in the passenger seat  500   b  in the passenger compartment  510 , i.e., how are the driver and the passenger related (e.g., a family member, a friend, a colleague, or a customer). 
     In step S 1430 , the processor  640  confirms access authority of the passenger with respect to the first portable device  650   a . Namely, the processor  640  may confirm whether the passenger is a person who is permitted to access at least one type of content stored in the first portable device  650   a  in step S 1430 . In addition, the processor  640  may determine content that the passenger can access among types of content stored in the first portable device  650   a . For example, if a first passenger and a second passenger are located in the passenger compartment  510 , the processor  640  may individually determine content that the first passenger is permitted to access and content that the second passenger is permitted to access. 
     In step S 1440 , the processor  640  transmits a command for permitting the passenger to manipulate at least one type of content stored in the first portable device  650   a  to the first portable device  650   a  based on information about access authority. As an example, if a passenger has the authority to access all types of content stored in the first portable device  650   a , the passenger may access all types of content stored in the first portable device  650   a  and check, edit, or delete at least one of the types of content. As another example, if a passenger is a family member of the user of the first portable device  650   a , the passenger may check content to which only family members can perform access among all types of content stored in the first portable device  650   a . If the passenger attempts to execute content that the passenger is not permitted to access, the first portable device  650   a  may display a warning message on the display of the first portable device  650   a.    
       FIG. 15  illustrates the passenger compartment  510  of the vehicle  1  in relation to  FIG. 14 . For convenience of description, it is assumed that the vehicle  1  is in a manual driving mode. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the processor  640  may detect movement of each portable device in the passenger compartment  510 . That is, as described above, the strength of a detection signal, measured by a portable device, varies according to the location of the portable device in the passenger compartment  510 . Therefore, the processor  640  may detect movement of each portable device in the passenger compartment  510  based on signal strength included in a response signal transmitted in real time or periodically from the portable device. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , if the first portable device  650   a  moves towards the passenger seat  500   d  of the second column from the vicinity of the driver seat  500 , the processor  640  may judge that the first portable device  650   a  is not currently located within the limited region  700 . For example, if a driver passes the first portable device  650   a  to a passenger seated in the passenger seat  500   d , the first portable device  650   a  will be located outside of the limited region  700 . Then, the processor may not deactivate execution of all functions of the first portable device  650   a.    
     In addition, if the user of the first portable device  650   a  passes the first portable device  650   a  to a passenger outside of the limited region  700 , the user of the first portable device  650   a  may or may not want or permit the passenger to manipulate the first portable device  650   a  according to the passenger. 
     In relation to this, the processor  640  may recognize voice of the driver and may permit the passenger to perform access only to content corresponding to recognized voice. For example, if the driver, who is the user of the first portable device  650   a , says “only messages,” the processor  640  may receive the voice of the driver from the microphone  123  and transmit a command corresponding to the received voice to the first portable device  650   a . The first portable device  650   a  may provide messages stored in the first portable device  650   a  to the passenger seated in the passenger seat  500   d  and deny manipulation of the other content performed by the passenger according to the command received from the processor  640 . 
     In addition, the processor  640  may detect passengers in the passenger compartment  510  and control the first portable device  650   a  according to the detected result. This will be described with reference to  FIGS. 16A to 16D . 
       FIG. 16A  illustrates an exemplary data structure  1610  used to confirm the identities of passengers in the vehicle  1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16A , the memory  610  may store the data structure  1610  and the data structure  1610  may include a plurality of items  1611 ,  1612 , and  1613 . 
     Each item may include a reference image and the name of a person corresponding to the reference image. 
     If the face of a passenger detected in step S 1420  of  FIG. 14  matches a first image, the processor  640  may judge that the passenger is “Liam.” If the face of the passenger matches a second image, the processor  640  may judge that the passenger is “Ethan.” If the face of the passenger matches a third image, the processor  640  may judge that the passenger is “Diana.” 
     In addition, if reference images matching the detected face of the passenger are not included in the data structure  1610 , the processor  640  may transmit a command for deactivating execution of all functions of the first portable device  650   a  to the first portable device  650   a  even if the first portable device  650   a  is located outside of the limited region  700 . 
     Further, although the data structure  1610  of  FIG. 16A  distinguishes between passengers based on name, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, any type of information capable of distinguishing one passenger from other passengers may be used. For example, telephone numbers or addresses may be used to distinguish between passengers. 
       FIG. 16B  illustrates an exemplary data structure  1620  used to identify access authority of passengers in the vehicle  1  in relation to  FIG. 16A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16B , the memory  610  may store the data structure  1620  and the data structure  1620  may include a plurality of items  1621 ,  1622 , and  1623 . 
     Each item includes a name and access authority assigned to the name. 
     If the name of a passenger seated in the passenger seat  500   d  illustrated in  FIG. 15  is “Liam,” the processor  640  may judge that the passenger has the authority to access content whose grade is set to “friends” or “family members.” The processor  640  may judge that access by “Liam” to text messages, films, and contact information is permitted based on the data structure  1310  illustrated in  FIG. 13A . Then, the processor  640  may transmit a command for permitting “Liam” to manipulate the text messages, films, and contact information to the first portable device  650   a  through the communication unit  620 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 16C , a text message  1630  among types of content of the first portable device that “Liam” is permitted to access may be displayed on the display of the first portable device  650   a.    
     If the name of a passenger seated in the passenger seat  500   d  illustrated in  FIG. 15  is “Ethan,” the processor  640  may judge that the passenger has the authority to access all types of content stored in the first portable device  650   a . The processor  640  may judge that access by “Ethan” to text messages, films, diaries, and contact information is permitted based on the data structure  1310  illustrated in  FIG. 13A . Then, the processor  640  may transmit a command for permitting “Ethan” to manipulate the text messages, films, diaries, and contact information to the first portable device  650   a  through the communication unit  620 . 
     If the name of a passenger seated in the passenger seat  500   d  illustrated in  FIG. 15  is “Diana,” the processor  640  may judge that the passenger has the authority to access content whose grade is set to ‘friends,” That is, the processor  640  may confirm that the user of the first portable device  650   a  and “Diana” are friends. The processor  640  may judge that access by “Diana” to text messages and films is permitted based on the data structure  1310  illustrated in  FIG. 13A . Then, the processor  640  may transmit a command for permitting “Diana” to manipulate the text messages, and films to the first portable device  650   a  through the communication unit  620 . If “Diana” attempts to access contact information to which only “family members” are permitted to perform access, a warning message as illustrated in  FIG. 16D  may be displayed on the display screen  1640  of the first portable device  650   a.    
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart of a process S 1700  performed by the portable device control apparatus  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process S 1700  may be initiated when the vehicle  1  is in a manual driving mode. 
     In step S 1710 , the processor  640  receives interior images of the vehicle  1  from the camera  630 . For example, the processor  640  may receive the images from the camera  630   a  for generating images including an image of the driver seat  500  out of the two cameras  630   a  and  630   b  illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
     In step S 1720 , the processor  640  detects a gaze direction of a driver based on the images. For example, the processor  640  may determine the gaze direction of the driver by tracking pupils of the driver detected from the images. As another example, the processor  640  may determine the gaze direction of the driver based on the direction of the head or face of the driver detected from the images. 
     In step S 1730 , the processor  640  judges whether the driver is looking forward based on the detected gaze direction of the driver. Specifically, the processor  640  may acquire a predetermined range corresponding to a forward visual field from the memory  610  and judge whether the gaze direction of the driver is within the predetermined range. That is, if the gaze direction of the driver is within the predetermined range, the processor  640  may judge that the driver is looking forward. Further, if the gaze direction of the driver is outside of the predetermined range, the processor  640  may judge that the driver is not currently looking forward. 
     In step S 1740 , the processor  640  measures a time during which the driver does not look forward. In step S 175 , the processor  640  judges whether the time measured in step S 1740  exceeds a predetermined allowed time. A detailed description related to the allowed time will be described later with reference to  FIG. 19A . If it is judged that the measured time exceeds the allowed time in step S 1750 , the processor  640  performs an operation of step S 1760 . 
     In step S 1760 , the processor  640  may transmit a command for deactivating execution of at least one predetermined function to all portable devices in the vehicle  1  through the communication unit  610 . That is, if the driver is not looking forward, the processor  640  may control the portable devices such that users of the portable devices cannot access specific functions regardless of current locations of the portable devices in the vehicle  1 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates the passenger compartment  510  of the vehicle  1  in relation to  FIG. 17 . For convenience of description, it is assumed that the vehicle  1  is in a manual driving mode and the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b  are positioned in the passenger compartment  510 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , both the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b  are currently located outside of the limited region  700 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the first portable device  650   a  may be located near the passenger seat  500   b  and the second portable device  650   b  may be positioned near the passenger seat  500   c.    
     In this instance, since the strength of detections signals measured by the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b  will be less than the threshold value described with reference to  FIG. 9A , the processor  640  may judge that the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b  are currently outside of the limited region  700 . Accordingly, passengers may freely manipulate the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b  without restriction. 
     Further, a driver may turn his or her head or may not look forward while driving the vehicle  1  in order to confirm information displayed on the first portable device  650   a  or the second portable device  650   b  which is outside of the limited range  700 . This is a dangerous behavior that may lead to an accident. Therefore, if the driver does not look forward, it is necessary to deactivate all portable devices  650   a  and  650   b  in the vehicle  1 . 
     Meanwhile, although  FIG. 18  illustrates a situation in which both the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b  are outside of the limited region  700 , the processor  640  may identically control the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b  even when at least one thereof is within the limited region  700 . That is, operation of the processor  640  executed when the driver does not look forward may be irrelevant to the locations of the portable devices in the passenger compartment  510 . 
       FIG. 19A  illustrates a data structure  1910  used to determine an allowed time in relation to  FIG. 17 . 
     The processor  640  may determine an allowed time based on at least one of the speed of the vehicle  1  and the type of road on which the vehicle  1  is located. Referring to  FIG. 19A , the memory  610  may store the data structure  1910 . The data structure  1910  may include a plurality of allowed times associated with a plurality of predetermined speeds and types of road. 
     The processor  640  may receive a current speed of the vehicle  1  from the sensing unit  160 . In addition, the processor  640  may receive a current location of the vehicle  1  from the communication unit  110  and acquire a type of road corresponding to the current location of the vehicle  1  from an electronic map stored in the memory  610 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 19A , types of road may include an expressway, a school zone, and a sharp curve area. 
     The processor  640  may determine different allowed times even at the same speed of the vehicle  1  according to types of road corresponding to the current location of the vehicle  1 . For example, assuming that the current speed of the vehicle  1  is 70 km/h, if the vehicle  1  is currently located on an expressway, the processor  640  may set 2.5 seconds as an allowed time. If the vehicle  1  is currently located in a school zone, the processor  640  may set 2 seconds as an allowed time. If the vehicle  1  is currently located in a sharp curve area, the processor  640  may set 1.5 seconds as an allowed time. 
     The processor  640  may determine a short allowed time even on the same type of road as the speed of the vehicle  1  increases. For example, assuming that the vehicle  1  is currently located on an expressway, if the current speed of the vehicle  1  is 20 km/h, the processor  640  may set 3 seconds as an allowed time among predetermined allowed times. If the current speed of the vehicle  1  is 50 km/h, the processor  640  may set 2.5 seconds as an allowed time among the predetermined allowed times. If the current speed of the vehicle  1  is 110 km/h, the processor  640  may set 2 seconds as an allowed time among the predetermined allowed times. 
       FIG. 19B  illustrates a time during which a driver does not look forward exceeds a predetermined allowed time. 
     Assuming that the vehicle  1  currently drives at a speed of 90 km/h on an expressway, the processor  640  selects 2.5 seconds as an allowed time among a plurality of predetermined allowed times with reference to the data structure  1910  illustrated in  FIG. 19A . 
     As described above, the processor  640  may detect the gaze direction of a driver seated in the driver seat  500  based on images provided by the camera  630   a . The processor  640  judges whether a time during which the gaze direction of the driver is outside of a predetermined range, i.e. a time during which the driver does not look forward, exceeds the allowed time of 2.5 seconds. If the time during which the driver does not look forward exceeds 2.5. seconds, the processor  640  may stop operation of all portable devices in the passenger compartment  510 , which are detected in step S 810 , until the gaze of the driver is directed within a predetermined range. Specifically, the processor  640  may transmit a command for deactivating execution of all elements or all functions of all portable devices in the passenger compartment  510  through the communication unit  620 . 
     For example, in order to stop operation of all portable devices in the passenger compartment  510 , a danger warning message may be displayed in the screens of the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b  illustrated in  FIG. 18  by the command transmitted by the communication unit  620  as the driver does not look forward. In this instance, even if the driver or passengers manipulate a touchscreen or a button of the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b , the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b  may not react. 
     Even in this instance, however, buttons  1921  and  1922  for an emergency call to request rescue during occurrence of an accident may be displayed on the displays of the first portable device  650   a  and the second portable device  650   b , respectively. 
     As is apparent from the above description, the effects of a portable device control apparatus and method according to an embodiment of the present invention are as follows. 
     According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, portable devices can be selectively controlled by detecting portable devices positioned within a predetermined limited region in a vehicle. In particular, users of portable devices outside of the limited region can freely manipulate the portable devices. 
     According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, if a portable device of a driver is passed to a passenger, access to specific functions of the portable device of the driver by the passenger may be or may not be permitted by confirming the identity of the passenger. Then, instead of the driver, the passenger may check only urgent content that needs to be rapidly confirmed among types of content stored in the portable device of the driver. 
     According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, portable devices can be controlled suitably to a driving situation of a vehicle by controlling the number or types of deactivated functions of a portable device within a limited region according to the state or surrounding environment of the vehicle. 
     Effects according to the present invention are not limited to what has been particularly described hereinabove and other effects not described herein will be more clearly understood by persons skilled in the art from the claims. 
     The embodiments of the present invention as described above are not limited to implementation via the apparatus and the method and may be implemented via a program that realizes a function corresponding to the configuration of each embodiment of the present invention or a recording medium in which the program is recorded. This implementation will be easily realized by experts in the art of the present invention from the above description of the embodiments. 
     In addition, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the accompanying drawings. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and some or all of the embodiments may be selectively combined with one another to achieve various alterations.