Patent Publication Number: US-11040620-B2

Title: User interface apparatus for vehicle, and vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is the Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/429,843, filed on Feb. 10, 2017, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/294,503, filed on Feb. 12, 2016, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a user interface apparatus for vehicle, and a vehicle including the same. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A vehicle is an apparatus that moves in a direction desired by a user riding therein. A representative example of a vehicle is an automobile. A variety of sensors and electronic devices are mounted in vehicles for convenience of a user who uses the vehicle. In particular, for driving convenience, an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) has been actively studied. In addition, enormous efforts have been being made to develop autonomous vehicles. 
     In addition, various user interface apparatuses are provided in a vehicle. A user interface apparatus for a vehicle may be called a Center Information Display (CID) and an Audio Video navigation (AVN) system. Such a user interface apparatus receives a user input and outputs information for a user. 
     However, the user interface apparatus can be sometimes a hindrance to driving a vehicle. For example, if a user, applies a touch input or stares at a display unit to see information while driving the car, the user cannot focus on driving and may cause an accident. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is one object of the present invention to provide a user interface apparatus for a vehicle, which determines whether a gesture is applied from the driver seat or the front passenger seat, and operates differently based on the determination. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle including a user interface apparatus. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an user interface apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus including a display unit, a gesture input unit configured to detect a gesture of a user, and a processor configured to, based on a motion trajectory of the gesture, determine a direction from which the gesture is applied, and, based on whether the gesture is applied from a driver seat or a front passenger seat, control the display unit to display a preset different screen. 
     Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating the external appearance of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  are different angled views of the external appearance of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are diagrams illustrating the interior configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are diagrams illustrating an object according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a user interface apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10 to 12  are diagrams illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates according to a gesture input according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a user interface apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 14 to 17  are diagrams illustrating how a user interface apparatus executes an application when displaying of a screen is disabled, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating how an application corresponding to a state of a vehicle is executed, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a flowchart illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating an example of how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates based on driver gaze information according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 22 to 24  are diagram illustrating examples of the operation described with reference to  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIGS. 25A to 27  are diagrams illustrating various examples of how a user interface apparatus operates based on a gaze of a user according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a diagram illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle, including a plurality of display units, operates according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a diagram illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle, including a plurality of display units, operates according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a diagram illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle used by multiple users operates according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 31 to 33  are diagrams illustrating how to switch to an autonomous driving state by a user interface apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 34 to 36  are diagrams illustrating how to operate after switching to an autonomous driving state 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, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used or combined with each other only in consideration of ease in the preparation of the specification, and do not have or serve as different meanings. Accordingly, the suffixes “module” and “unit” may be interchanged with each other. 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 the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents and substitutions included in the scope and sprit of the present invention. 
     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. 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. 
     As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the 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 an automobile and a motorcycle. Hereinafter, a description will be given based on an automobile. 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. In the following description, “the left side of the vehicle” refers to the left side in the forward driving direction of the vehicle, and “the right side of the vehicle” refers to the right side in the forward driving direction of the vehicle. 
       FIGS. 1 to 7  illustrate a vehicle  100  including a plurality of wheels rotated by a power source, and a steering input apparatus  510  for controlling a driving direction of the vehicle  100 . The vehicle  100  may be an autonomous vehicle. 
     Further, the vehicle  100  can be switched to an autonomous driving mode or a manual mode in response to a user input. For example, in response to a user input received through a user interface apparatus  200 , the vehicle  100  can be switched from a manual mode to an autonomous driving mode, or vice versa. The vehicle  100  may also be switched to an autonomous mode or a manual mode based on driving situation information. 
     The driving situation information may include information on an object outside the vehicle  100 , navigation information, and vehicle state information. For example, the vehicle  100  can be switched from the manual mode to the autonomous driving mode, or vice versa, based on driving environment information generated by the object detection device  300 . 
     In another example, the vehicle  100  can be switched from the manual mode to the autonomous driving mode, or vice versa, based on driving environment information received through a communication device  400 . The vehicle  100  can be switched from the manual mode to the autonomous driving mode, or vice versa, based on information, data, and a signal provided from an external device. 
     When the vehicle  100  operates in the autonomous driving mode, the autonomous vehicle  100  can operate based on an operation system  700 . For example, the autonomous vehicle  100  can operate based on information, data, or signals generated by a driving system  710 , a parking system  740 , and a parking out system  750 . 
     While operating in the manual mode, the autonomous vehicle  100  may receive a user input for driving of the vehicle  100  through a driving manipulation device  500 . In response to the user input received through the driving manipulation device  500 , the vehicle  100  can operate. 
     The term “overall length” means the length from the front end to the rear end of the vehicle  100 , the term “overall width” means the width of the vehicle  100 , and the term “overall height” means the height from the bottom of the wheel to the roof. In the following description, the term “overall length direction L” may mean the reference direction for the measurement of the overall length of the vehicle  100 , the term “overall width direction W” may mean the reference direction for the measurement of the overall width of the vehicle  100 , and the term “overall height direction H” may mean the reference direction for the measurement of the overall height of the vehicle  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the vehicle  100  may include the user interface apparatus  200 , the object detection device  300 , the communication device  400 , the driving manipulation device  500 , a vehicle drive device  600 , the operation system  700 , a navigation system  770 , a sensing unit  120 , an interface  130 , a memory  140 , a controller  170 , and a power supply unit  190 . The vehicle  100  may further include other components in addition to the aforementioned components, or may not include some of the aforementioned components. 
     The user interface apparatus  200  is provided to support communication between the vehicle  100  and a user. The user interface apparatus  200  can receive a user input, and provide information generated in the vehicle  100  to the user. The vehicle  100  may enable User Interfaces (UI) or User Experience (UX) through the user interface apparatus  200 . 
     The user interface apparatus  200  may include an input unit  210 , an internal camera  220 , a biometric sensing unit  230 , an output unit  250 , and a processor  270 . The user interface apparatus  200  may further include other components in addition to the aforementioned components, or may not include some of the aforementioned components. 
     The input unit  210  is configured to receive information from a user, and data collected in the input unit  210  can be analyzed by the processor  270  and then processed into a control command of the user. The input unit  210  can be disposed inside the vehicle  100 . For example, the input unit  210  can be disposed in a region of a steering wheel, a region of an instrument panel, a region of a seat, a region of each pillar, a region of a door, a region of a center console, a region of a head lining, a region of a sun visor, a region of a windshield, or a region of a window. 
     The input unit  210  may include a voice input unit  211 , a gesture input unit  212 , a touch input unit  213 , and a mechanical input unit  214 . The voice input unit  211  may convert a voice input of a user into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signal may be provided to the processor  270  or the controller  170 . The voice input unit  211  may include one or more microphones. 
     The gesture input unit  212  may convert a gesture input of a user into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signal may be provided to the processor  270  or the controller  170 . The gesture input unit  212  can detect a gesture of a user and include at least one of an infrared sensor and an image sensor for sensing a gesture input of a user. 
     The gesture input unit  212  may sense a three-dimensional (3D) gesture input of a user. Thus, the gesture input unit  212  may include a plurality of light emitting units for outputting infrared light, or a plurality of image sensors. The gesture input unit  212  can sense the 3D gesture input by employing a Time of Flight (TOF) scheme, a structured light scheme, or a disparity scheme. 
     The touch input unit  213  can convert a user&#39;s touch input into an electrical signal, and the converted electrical signal can be provided to the processor  270  or the controller  170 . The touch input unit  213  may include a touch sensor for sensing a touch input of a user. The touch input unit  210  may be integrally formed with a display unit  251  to implement a touch screen, and the touch screen can provide an input interface and an output interface between the vehicle  100  and the user. 
     The mechanical input unit  214  may include at least one of a button, a dome switch, a jog wheel, and a jog switch. An electrical signal generated by the mechanical input unit  214  may be provided to the processor  270  or the controller  170 . The mechanical input unit  214  can be located on a steering wheel, a center fascia, a center console, a cockpit module, a door, etc. 
     Further, the internal camera  220  can acquire images of the inside of the vehicle  100 . Also, the processor  270  can sense a user&#39;s condition based on the images of the inside of the vehicle  100 . The processor  270  can acquire information on an eye gaze of the user and can sense a gesture of the user from the images of the inside of the vehicle  100 . 
     The biometric sensing unit  230  can acquire biometric information of the user. The biometric sensing unit  230  may include a sensor for acquire biometric information of the user, and may utilize the sensor to acquire finger print information, heart rate information, etc. of the user. The biometric information may be used for user authentication. 
     The output unit  250  is configured to generate a visual, audio, or tactile output. The output unit  250  may include at least one of a display unit  251 , a sound output unit  252 , and a haptic output unit  253 . The display unit  251  may display graphic objects corresponding to various types of information. The display unit  251  may include at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display (TFT LCD), an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display. 
     The display unit  251  may form an inter-layer structure together with the touch input unit  213 , or may be integrally formed with the touch input unit  213  to implement a touch screen. The display unit  251  may also be implemented as a Head Up Display (HUD). When implemented as a HUD, the display unit  251  may include a projector module in order to output information through an image projected on a windshield or a window. 
     The display unit  251  may include a transparent display attached on the windshield or the window. The transparent display can display a predetermined screen with a predetermined transparency. In order to achieve the transparency, the transparent display may include at least one of a transparent Thin Film Electroluminescent (TFEL) display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a transparent Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a transmissive transparent display, and a transparent Light Emitting Diode (LED) display. The transparency of the transparent display may be adjustable. 
     In addition, the user interface apparatus  200  may include a plurality of display units  251   a  to  251   g . The display unit  251  can be disposed in a region of a steering wheel, a region  251   a ,  251   b , or  251   e  of an instrument panel, a region  251   d  of a seat, a region  251   f  of each pillar, a region  251   g  of a door, a region of a center console, a region of a head lining, a region of a sun visor, a region  251   c  of a windshield, or a region  251   h  of a window. 
     The sound output unit  252  converts an electrical signal from the processor  270  or the controller  170  into an audio signal, and outputs the audio signal. Thus, the sound output unit  252  may include one or more speakers. In addition, the haptic output unit  253  generates a tactile output. For example, the haptic output unit  253  can operate to vibrate a steering wheel, a safety belt, and seats  110 FL,  110 FR,  110 RL, and  110 RR so as to allow a user to recognize the output. 
     Further, the processor  270  can control the overall operation of each unit of the user interface apparatus  200 . The user interface apparatus  200  may include a plurality of processors  270  or may not include the processor  270 . When the user interface apparatus  200  does not include the processor  270 , the user interface apparatus  200  can operate under the control of the controller  170  or a processor of a different device inside the vehicle  100 . In addition, the user interface apparatus  200  may be referred to as a display device for vehicle and can operate under the control of the controller  170 . 
     The object detection device  300  is an apparatus for detecting an object located outside the vehicle  100  and can generate object information based on sensing data. The object information may include information as to existence of an object, location information of an object, information on a distance between the vehicle  10  and the object, and information on relative speed of the vehicle  100  and the object. Further, the object may be any of various objects related to travelling of the vehicle  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an object o may include a lane OB 10 , a nearby vehicle OB 11 , a pedestrian OB 12 , a two-wheeled vehicle OB 13 , a traffic signal OB 14  and OB 15 , a light, a road, a structure, a bump, a geographical feature, an animal, etc. Further, the lane OB 10  may be a lane in which the vehicle  100  is traveling or a lane next to the lane in which the vehicle  100  is traveling and may include left and right lines that define the lane. 
     The nearby vehicle OB 11  may be a vehicle that is travelling in the vicinity of the vehicle  100 . Further, the nearby vehicle OB 11  may be a vehicle within a predetermined distance from the vehicle  100 . For example, the nearby vehicle OB 11  may be a vehicle that is preceding or following the vehicle  100 . In addition, the pedestrian OB 12  may be a person in the vicinity of the vehicle  100  such as a person within a predetermined distance from the vehicle  100 . For example, the pedestrian OB 12  may be a person on a sidewalk or on the roadway. 
     The two-wheeled vehicle OB 13  is a vehicle that is located in the vicinity of the vehicle  100  and moves with two wheels. The two-wheeled vehicle OB 13  may be a vehicle that has two wheels within a predetermined distance from the vehicle  100 . For example, the two-wheeled vehicle OB 13  may be a motorcycle or a bike on a sidewalk or the roadway. 
     The traffic signal may include a traffic light OB 15 , a traffic sign plate OB 14 , and a pattern or text painted on a road surface. The light may be light generated by a lamp provided in the nearby vehicle. Further, the light may be light generated by a street light. The light may also be solar light. The road may include a road surface, a curve, and slopes, such as an upward slope and a downward slope. 
     The structure may be a body located around the road in the state of being fixed onto the ground. For example, the structure may include a streetlight, a roadside tree, a building, a traffic light, and a bridge. The geographical feature may include a mountain and a hill. In addition, the object may be classified as a movable object or a stationary object, and the movable object may include a nearby vehicle and a pedestrian. For example, the stationary object may include a traffic signal, a road, and a structure. 
     The object detection device  300  may include a camera  310 , a radar  320 , a lidar  330 , an ultrasonic sensor  340 , an infrared sensor  350 , and a processor  370 . The object detection device  300  may further include other components in addition to the aforementioned components, or may not include some of the aforementioned components. 
     The camera  310  can be located at an appropriate position outside the vehicle  100  in order to acquire images of the outside of the vehicle  100 . The camera  310  may be a mono camera, a stereo camera  310   a , an Around View Monitoring (AVM) camera  310   b , or a 360-degree camera. Further, the camera  310  can acquire location information of an object, information on a distance to the object, and information on a speed relative to the object, by using various image processing algorithms. 
     For example, the camera  310  can acquire the information on the distance to the object and information on the speed relative to the object, based on change over time in size of the object, the change which is detected in acquired images. In another example, the camera  310  can acquire the information on the distance to the object and information on the speed relative to the object, by using a pin hole model or profiling a road surface. 
     In addition, the camera  310  can acquire the information on the distance to the object and the information on the speed relative to the object, based on information on disparity in stereo images acquired by a stereo camera  310   a . For example, the camera  310  can be disposed near a front windshield in the vehicle  100  in order to acquire images of the front of the vehicle  100 . Alternatively, the camera  310  can be disposed around a front bumper or a radiator grill. 
     In another example, the camera  310  can be disposed near a rear glass in the vehicle  100  in order to acquire images of the rear of the vehicle  100 . Alternatively, the camera  310  can be disposed around a rear bumper, a trunk, or a tailgate. In yet another example, the camera  310  can be disposed near at least one of the side windows in the vehicle  100  in order to acquire images of the side of the vehicle  100 . Alternatively, the camera  310  can be disposed around a side mirror, a fender, or a door. The camera  310  can provide an acquired image to the processor  370 . 
     The radar  320  may include an electromagnetic wave transmission unit and an electromagnetic wave reception unit. The radar  320  may be realized as a pulse radar or a continuous wave radar depending on the principle of emission of an electronic wave. In addition, the radar  320  may be realized as a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) type radar or a Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) type radar depending on the waveform of a signal. 
     The radar  320  can detect an object through the medium of an electromagnetic wave by employing a time of flight (TOF) scheme or a phase-shift scheme, and can detect a location of the detected object, the distance to the detected object, and the speed relative to the detected object. Further, the radar  320  can be located at an appropriate position outside the vehicle  100  in order to sense an object located in front of the vehicle  100 , an object located to the rear of the vehicle  100 , or an object located to the side of the vehicle  100 . 
     The lidar  330  may include a laser transmission unit and a laser reception unit. Further, the lidar  330  may be implemented by the TOF scheme or the phase-shift scheme. The lidar  330  may also be implemented as a drive type lidar or a non-drive type lidar. When implemented as the drive type lidar, the lidar  300  can rotate by a motor and detect an object in the vicinity of the vehicle  100 . 
     When implemented as the non-drive type lidar, the lidar  300  can utilize a light steering technique to detect an object located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle  100 . The lidar  330  can also detect an object through the medium of laser light by employing the TOF scheme or the phase-shift scheme, and can detect a location of the detected object, the distance to the detected object, and the speed relative to the detected object. Further, the lidar  330  can be located at an appropriate position outside the vehicle  100  in order to sense an object located in front of the vehicle  100 , an object located to the rear of the vehicle  100 , or an object located to the side of the vehicle  100 . 
     The ultrasonic sensor  340  may include an ultrasonic wave transmission unit and an ultrasonic wave reception unit. The ultrasonic sensor  340  can detect an object based on an ultrasonic wave, and can detect a location of the detected object, the distance to the detected object, and the speed relative to the detected object. Further, the ultrasonic sensor  340  can be located at an appropriate position outside the vehicle  100  in order to detect an object located in front of the vehicle  100 , an object located to the rear of the vehicle  100 , and an object located to the side of the vehicle  100 . 
     The infrared sensor  350  may include an infrared light transmission unit and an infrared light reception unit. The infrared sensor  350  can detect an object based on infrared light, and can detect a location of the detected object, the distance to the detected object, and the speed relative to the detected object. Further, the infrared sensor  350  can be located at an appropriate position outside the vehicle  100  in order to sense an object located in front of the vehicle  100 , an object located to the rear of the vehicle  100 , or an object located to the side of the vehicle  100 . 
     The processor  370  can control the overall operation of each unit of the object detection device  300 . The processor  370  can detect and classify an object by comparing data sensed by the camera  310 , the radar  320 , the lidar  330 , the ultrasonic sensor  340 , and the infrared sensor  350  with pre-stored data. Further, the processor  370  can detect and track an object based on acquired images. The processor  370  can, for example, calculate the distance to the object and the speed relative to the object by using image processing algorithms. 
     For example, the processor  370  can acquire information on the distance to the object and information on the speed relative to the object based on change over time in size of the object in acquired images. For example, the processor  370  can acquire information on the distance to the object or information on the speed relative to the object by employing a pin hole model or by profiling a road surface. For example, the processor  370  can acquire information on the distance to the object and information on the speed relative to the object based on information on disparity in stereo images acquired from the stereo camera  310   a.    
     The processor  370  can detect and track an object based on a reflection electromagnetic wave which is formed as a result of reflection a transmission electromagnetic wave by the object. Based on the electromagnetic wave, the processor  370  can, for example, calculate the distance to the object and the speed relative to the object. 
     The processor  370  can detect and track an object based on a reflection laser light which is formed as a result of reflection of transmission laser by the object. Based on the laser light, the processor  370  can, for example, calculate the distance to the object and the speed relative to the object. The processor  370  can detect and track an object based on a reflection ultrasonic wave which is formed as a result of reflection of a transmission ultrasonic wave by the object. Based on the ultrasonic wave, the processor  370  can, for example, calculate the distance to the object and the speed relative to the object. 
     The processor  370  can detect and track an object based on reflection infrared light which is formed as a result of reflection of transmission infrared light by the object. Based on the infrared light, the processor  370  can, for example, calculate the distance to the object and the speed relative to the object. 
     The object detection device  300  may include a plurality of processors  370  or may not include the processor  370 . For example, each of the camera  310 , the radar  320 , the lidar  330 , the ultrasonic sensor  340 , and the infrared sensor  350  may include its own processor. When the object detection device  300  does not include the processor  370 , the object detection device  300  can operate under the control of the controller  170  or a processor inside the vehicle  100 . The object detection device  300  can operate under the control of the controller  170 . 
     The communication device  400  is configured to perform communication with an external device. Here, the external device may be a nearby vehicle, a mobile terminal, or a server. To perform communication, the communication device  400  may include at least one of a transmission antenna, a reception antenna, a Radio Frequency (RF) circuit capable of implementing various communication protocols, and an RF device. 
     The communication device  400  may include a short-range communication unit  410 , a location information unit  420 , a V2X communication unit  430 , an optical communication unit  440 , a broadcasting transmission and reception unit  450 , an Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) communication unit  460 , and a processor  470 . The communication device  400  may further include other components in addition to the aforementioned components, or may not include some of the aforementioned components. 
     The short-range communication unit  410  is configured to perform short-range communication. The short-range communication unit  410  may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency IDdentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus). 
     The short-range communication unit  410  may form wireless area networks to perform short-range communication between the vehicle  100  and at least one external device. The location information unit  420  is configured to acquire location information of the vehicle  100 . For example, the location information unit  420  may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) module. 
     The V2X communication unit  430  is configured to perform wireless communication between a vehicle and a server (that is, vehicle to infra (V2I) communication), wireless communication between a vehicle and a nearby vehicle (that is, vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication), or wireless communication between a vehicle and a pedestrian (that is, vehicle to pedestrian (V2P) communication). The optical communication unit  440  is configured to perform communication with an external device through the medium of light. Further, the optical communication unit  440  may include a light emitting unit, which converts an electrical signal into an optical signal and transmits the optical signal to the outside, and a light receiving unit which converts a received optical signal into an electrical signal. The light emitting unit may be integrally formed with a lamp provided included in the vehicle  100 . 
     The broadcasting transmission and reception unit  450  is configured to receive a broadcast signal from an external broadcasting management server or transmit a broadcast signal to the broadcasting management server through a broadcasting channel. The broadcasting channel may include a satellite channel, and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal. 
     The ITS communication unit  460  may exchange information, data, or signals with a traffic system. The ITS communication unit  460  can provide acquired information or data to the traffic system. Further, the ITS communication unit  460  may receive information, data, or signals from the traffic system. For example, the ITS communication unit  460  may receive traffic information from the traffic system and provide the traffic information to the controller  170 . In another example, the ITS communication unit  460  may receive a control signal from the traffic system, and provide the control signal to the controller  170  or a processor provided in the vehicle  100 . 
     The processor  470  can control the overall operation of each unit of the communication device  400 . The communication device  400  may include a plurality of processors  470 , or may not include the processor  470 . When the communication device  400  does not include the processor  470 , the communication device  400  can operate under the control of the controller  170  or a processor of a device inside of the vehicle  100 . 
     In addition, the communication device  400  may implement a vehicle display device, together with the user interface apparatus  200 . In this instance, the vehicle display device may be referred to as a telematics device or an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) device. The communication device  400  can operate under the control of the controller  170 . 
     The driving manipulation device  500  is configured to receive a user input for driving the vehicle  100 . In the manual mode, the vehicle  100  can operate based on a signal provided by the driving manipulation device  500 . The driving manipulation device  500  may include a steering input apparatus  510 , an acceleration input device  530 , and a brake input device  570 . 
     The steering input apparatus  510  receives a user input with regard to the direction of travel of the vehicle  100 . The steering input apparatus  510  may take the form of a wheel to enable a steering input through the rotation thereof and may be provided as a touchscreen, a touch pad, or a button. 
     The acceleration input device  530  receives a user input for acceleration of the vehicle  100 , and the brake input device  570  receives a user input for deceleration of the vehicle  100 . Each of the acceleration input device  530  and the brake input device  570  may take the form of a pedal. The acceleration input device or the brake input device may also be configured as a touch screen, a touch pad, or a button. 
     The driving manipulation device  500  can operate under the control of the controller  170 . Further, the vehicle drive device  600  is configured to electrically control the operation of various devices of the vehicle  100  and may include a power train drive unit  610 , a chassis drive unit  620 , a door/window drive unit  630 , a safety apparatus drive unit  640 , a lamp drive unit  650 , and an air conditioner drive unit  660 . 
     The vehicle drive device  600  may further include other components in addition to the aforementioned components, or may not include some of the aforementioned components. In addition, the vehicle drive device  600  may include a processor. Each unit of the vehicle drive device  600  may also include its own processor. 
     The power train drive unit  610  controls the operation of a power train and may include a power source drive unit  611  and a transmission drive unit  612 . Further, the power source drive unit  611  can control a power source of the vehicle  100 . 
     When a fossil fuel-based engine is the power source, the power source drive unit  611  can perform electronic control of the engine. As such the power source drive unit  611  can control, for example, the output torque of the engine. The power source drive unit  611  can also adjust the output toque of the engine under the control of the controller  170 . 
     When an electric motor is the power source, the power source drive unit  611  can control the motor. For example, the power source drive unit  610  can control, for example, the RPM and toque of the motor under the control of the controller  170 . 
     The transmission drive unit  612  controls a transmission and adjusts the state of the transmission. The transmission drive unit  612  can adjust a state of the transmission to a drive (D), reverse (R), neutral (N), or park (P) state. Meanwhile, when an engine is the power source, the transmission drive unit  612  can adjust a gear-engaged state to the drive position D. 
     The chassis drive unit  620  can control the operation of a chassis and may include a steering drive unit  621 , a brake drive unit  622 , and a suspension drive unit  623 . The steering drive unit  621  can perform electronic control of a steering apparatus provided inside the vehicle  100  and change the direction of travel of the vehicle  100 . 
     The brake drive unit  622  can perform electronic control of a brake apparatus provided inside the vehicle  100 . For example, the brake drive unit  622  can reduce the speed of the vehicle  100  by controlling the operation of a brake located at a wheel. In addition, the brake drive unit  622  can control a plurality of brakes individually and apply a different degree-braking force to each wheel. 
     The suspension drive unit  623  can perform electronic control of a suspension apparatus inside the vehicle  100 . For example, when the road surface is uneven, the suspension drive unit  623  can control the suspension apparatus so as to reduce the vibration of the vehicle  100 . In addition, the suspension drive unit  623  can control a plurality of suspensions individually. 
     The door/window drive unit  630  can perform electronic control of a door apparatus or a window apparatus inside the vehicle  100 . In addition, the door/window drive unit  630  may include a door drive unit  631  and a window drive unit  632 . 
     The door drive unit  631  can control the door apparatus and control opening or closing of a plurality of doors included in the vehicle  100 . Further, the door drive unit  631  can control opening or closing of a trunk or a tail gate and control opening or closing of a sunroof. 
     Further, the window drive unit  632  can perform electronic control of the window apparatus and control opening or closing of a plurality of windows included in the vehicle  100 . The safety apparatus drive unit  640  can perform electronic control of various safety apparatuses provided inside the vehicle  100  and may include an airbag drive unit  641 , a safety belt drive unit  642 , and a pedestrian protection equipment drive unit  643 . 
     The airbag drive unit  641  can perform electronic control of an airbag apparatus inside the vehicle  100 . For example, upon detection of a dangerous situation, the airbag drive unit  641  can control an airbag to be deployed. In addition, the safety belt drive unit  642  can perform electronic control of a seatbelt apparatus inside the vehicle  100 . For example, upon detection of a dangerous situation, the safety belt drive unit  642  can control passengers to be fixed onto seats  110 FL,  110 FR,  110 RL, and  110 RR with safety belts. 
     The pedestrian protection equipment drive unit  643  can perform electronic control of a hood lift and a pedestrian airbag. For example, upon detection of a collision with a pedestrian, the pedestrian protection equipment drive unit  643  can control a hood lift and a pedestrian airbag to be deployed. 
     In addition, the lamp drive unit  650  can perform electronic control of various lamp apparatuses provided inside the vehicle  100 , and the air conditioner drive unit  660  can perform electronic control of an air conditioner inside the vehicle  100 . For example, when the inner temperature of the vehicle  100  is high, the air conditioner drive unit  660  can operate the air conditioner so as to supply cool air to the inside of the vehicle  100 . 
     In addition, the vehicle drive device  600  may include a processor. Each unit of the vehicle dive device  600  may also include its own processor. Further, the vehicle drive device  600  can operate under the control of the controller  170 . The operation system  700  is a system for controlling the overall driving operation of the vehicle  100  and can operate in the autonomous driving mode. 
     The operation system  700  may include the driving system  710 , the parking out system  740 , and the parking system  750 . The operation system  700  may further include other components in addition to the aforementioned components, or may not include some of the aforementioned component. 
     In addition, the operation system  700  may include a processor. Each unit of the operation system  700  may also include its own processor. When the operation system  700  is implemented as software, the operation system  700  may be a subordinate concept of the controller  170 . The operation system  700  may be a concept including at least one of the user interface apparatus  200 , the object detection device  300 , the communication device  400 , the driving manipulation device  500 , the vehicle drive device  600 , the navigation system  770 , and the sensing unit  120 , and the controller  170 . 
     The driving system  710  can perform driving of the vehicle  100  by providing a control signal to the vehicle drive device  600  in response to reception of navigation information from the navigation system  770 , in response to reception of object information from the object detection device  300 , and in response to reception of a signal from an external device through the communication device  400 . 
     Further, the driving system  710  may include at least one of the user interface apparatus  200 , the object detection device  300 , the communication device  400 , the driving manipulation device  500 , the vehicle drive device  600 , the navigation system  770 , the sensing unit  120 , and the controller to perform driving of the vehicle  100 . The driving system  170  can thus be referred to as a vehicle driving control apparatus. 
     Further, the vehicle pulling-out system  740  can park the vehicle  100  out of a parking space. For example, the vehicle pulling-out system  740  can move the vehicle  100  out of a parking space, by providing a control signal to the vehicle drive device  600  in response to reception of navigation information from the navigation system  770 , in response to reception of object information from the object detection device  300 , and in response to reception of a signal from an external device. 
     In addition, the vehicle pulling-out system  740  may include at least one of the user interface apparatus  200 , the object detection device  300 , the communication device  400 , the driving manipulation device  500 , the vehicle drive device  600 , the navigation system  770 , the sensing unit  120 , and the controller  170  to park the vehicle  100  out of a parking space. The vehicle pulling-out system  740  may be referred to as a vehicle pulling-out control apparatus. 
     In addition, the parking system  750  can park the vehicle  100  in a parking space, by providing a control signal to the vehicle drive device  600  in response to reception of navigation information from the navigation system  770 , in response to reception of object information from the object detection device  300 , and in response to reception of a signal from an external device. The parking system  750  may include at least one of the user interface apparatus  200 , the object detection device  300 , the communication device  400 , the driving manipulation device  500 , the vehicle drive device  600 , the navigation system  770 , the sensing unit  120 , and the controller  170  to park the vehicle  100  in a parking space. The parking system  750  can thus be referred to as a vehicle parking control apparatus. 
     In addition, the navigation system  770  can provide navigation information including at least one of map information, information on a set destination, information on a route to the set destination, information on various objects along the route, lane information, and information on the current location of a vehicle. The navigation system  770  may also include a memory and a processor. The memory can store navigation information, and the processor can control the operation of the navigation system  770 . The navigation system  770  can also update pre-stored information by receiving information from an external device through the communication device  400 . The navigation system  770  may be classified as an element of the user interface apparatus  200 . 
     In addition, the sensing unit  120  can sense the state of the vehicle. The sensing unit  120  may include an attitude sensor (for example, a yaw sensor, a roll sensor, or a pitch sensor), a collision sensor, a wheel sensor, a speed sensor, a gradient sensor, a weight sensor, a heading sensor, a gyro sensor, a position module, a vehicle forward/reverse movement sensor, a battery sensor, a fuel sensor, a tire sensor, a steering sensor based on the rotation of the steering wheel, an in-vehicle temperature sensor, an in-vehicle humidity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an illumination sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor, and a brake pedal position sensor. 
     The sensing unit  120  can also acquire sensing signals with regard to, for example, vehicle attitude information, vehicle collision information, vehicle driving direction information, vehicle location information (GPS information), vehicle angle information, vehicle speed information, vehicle acceleration information, vehicle tilt information, vehicle forward/reverse movement information, battery information, fuel information, tire information, vehicle lamp information, in-vehicle temperature information, in-vehicle humidity information, steering-wheel rotation angle information, out-of-vehicle illumination information, information about the pressure applied to an accelerator pedal, and information about the pressure applied to a brake pedal. 
     The sensing unit  120  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  120  may generate vehicle state information based on sensing data. Further, the vehicle state information may be information that is generated based on data sensed by a variety of sensors inside a vehicle. 
     For example, the vehicle state information may include vehicle attitude information, vehicle speed information, vehicle tilt information, vehicle weight information, vehicle direction information, vehicle battery information, vehicle fuel information, vehicle tire pressure information, vehicle steering information, in-vehicle temperature information, in-vehicle humidity information, pedal position information, vehicle engine temperature information, etc. 
     The interface  130  serves as a passage for various kinds of external devices that are connected to the vehicle  100 . For example, the interface  130  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  130  can exchange data with the mobile terminal. 
     In addition, the interface  130  can serve as a passage for the supply of electrical energy to a mobile terminal connected thereto. When the mobile terminal is electrically connected to the interface  130 , the interface  130  can provide electrical energy, supplied from the power supply unit  190 , to the mobile terminal under the control of the controller  170 . 
     Further, the memory  140  is electrically connected to the controller  170  and can store basic data for each unit, control data for the operational control of each unit, and input/output data. The memory  140  may be any of various hardware storage devices, such as a ROM, a RAM, an EPROM, a flash drive, and a hard drive. Further, the memory  140  can store various data for the overall operation of the vehicle  100 , such as programs for the processing or control of the controller  170 . 
     In addition, the memory  140  may be integrally formed with the controller  170 , or may be provided as an element of the controller  170 . The controller  170  controls the overall operation of each unit inside the vehicle  100  and may be referred to as an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Further, the power supply unit  190  can supply power required to operate each component under the control of the controller  170 . In particular, the power supply unit  190  can receive power from, for example, a battery inside the vehicle  100 . 
     At least one processor and the controller  170  included in the vehicle  100  may be implemented using at least one of 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 the implementation of other functions. 
     Next,  FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a user interface apparatus  200  for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the user interface apparatus  200  for a vehicle may include an input unit, an internal camera  220 , a biometric sensing unit  230 , a memory  240 , an interface  245 , an output unit  250 , a processor  270 , and a power supply unit  290 . 
     The user interface apparatus  200  may further include other components to the aforementioned components, or may not include some of the aforementioned components. The user interface apparatus  200  shown in  FIG. 8  includes each elements of the user interface apparatus  200  described with reference to  FIG. 7 . Hereinafter, a redundant description of a redundant feature is omitted, and a feature not described with reference to  FIG. 7  is described primarily. 
     The user interface apparatus  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention may be referred to a vehicle display apparatus, a Center Information Display (CID), or an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system. The user interface apparatus  200  and the communication device  400  may be combined to implement a telematics device. 
     The input unit  210 , the internal camera  220 , and the biometric sensing unit  230  may be the same as described with reference to  FIG. 7 . Further, the input unit  210  can detect a gesture of a user. The internal camera  220  can detect a gaze of a driver. The memory  240  is electrically connected to the processor  270 . Further, the memory  240  may store basic data for each unit, control data for the operational control of each unit, and input/output data. The memory  240  may be any of various hardware storage devices, such as a ROM, a RAM, an EPROM, a flash drive, and a hard drive. The memory  240  may store various data for the overall operation of the user interface apparatus  200 , such as programs for the processing or control of the processor  270 . 
     The memory  240  may be integrally formed with the processor  270 , or may be an element of the processor  270 . Further, the interface  245  can exchange information, data, or a signal with a different device included in the vehicle  100 . In addition, the interface  245  can transmit received information, data, or signal to the processor  270 . The interface  245  can also transmit information, data, or signal generated or processed by the processor  270  to a different device included in the vehicle  100 . The interface  245  can receive information, data, or signal from a different device included in the vehicle  100 . 
     The interface  245  can receive a view of an area outside the vehicle  100  from the object detection device  300 . The interface  245  can also receive object information from the object detection device  300 . For example, the interface  245  can receive information on disparity of multiple objects included in a view of an area outside the vehicle  100 . 
     The interface  245  can receive emergency situation information from the object detection device  300 . In addition, the object detection device  300  can generate emergency situation information based on information on Time to Collision (TTC) between the vehicle  100  and an object outside the vehicle  100 . Further, the emergency situation information can be generated based on the information on TTC between the vehicle  100  and the object outside the vehicle  100 . 
     The object detection device  300  can generate emergency situation information based on information on a distance between the vehicle  100  and an object outside the vehicle  100 , and information on a speed of the vehicle  100  relative to the object outside the vehicle  100 . The emergency situation information may be generated based on the information on the distance between the vehicle  100  and an object outside the vehicle  100 , and the information on the speed of the vehicle  100  relative to the object outside the vehicle  100 . For example, the emergency situation information may be information on a predicted collision between the vehicle  100  and an object. 
     The interface  245  can receive navigation information from the navigation system  770 . The information, data, or signal received by the interface  245  may be provided to the processor  270 . Further, the output unit  250  may include a display unit, a sound output unit  252 , and a haptic output unit  253 . 
     The output unit  250  may be the same as described with reference to  FIG. 7 . Hereinafter, the display unit  251  is described primarily. The display unit  251  can operate under control of the processor  270 . Further, the display unit  251  may include a touch screen. The processor  270  can control overall operation of each unit of the user interface apparatus  200 . 
     The processor  270  can receive information on detection of a user gesture. The processor  270  can also determine, based on a motion trajectory of a gesture, a direction from which the gesture is applied. For example, the processor  170  can determine, based on a start point of a gesture motion, whether the gesture is applied from the driver seat or a front passenger seat. 
     The processor  270  can also control the display unit  251  to display a preset different screen based on whether a gesture is applied from a driver seat or a front passenger seat. If it is determined that a gesture detected by the gesture input unit  212  is a gesture applied from the driver seat, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a preset first screen or a preset second screen. 
     If it is determined that a gesture detected by the gesture input unit  212  is a gesture applied from the front passenger seat, the processor  270  can control the gesture input unit  212  to display a preset third screen. The third screen may include a screen for operation of a front passenger seat convenient device. For example, the third screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a front passenger seat position control device, a screen for operation of a front passenger seat window control device, and a screen for operation of a front passenger seat door control device. Alternatively, the third screen may include a screen for operation of a vehicle environment control apparatus. For example, the third screen may include a screen for operation of an air conditioner or a screen for operation of a room lamp. 
     In addition, the processor  270  can divide the display unit  251  into multiple regions and can control the display unit  251  to display a preset different screen based on which region to which a gesture is applied among the multiple regions. If it is determined that a gesture is applied from the driver seat and that the gesture applied from the driver seat is a gesture applied to a first region among the multiple regions, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a first screen. 
     The first screen may include a screen for operation of the vehicle drive device  600 . For example, the first screen may include a screen for operation which is designed to control at least one of the power train drive unit  610 , the chassis drive unit  620 , the door/window drive unit  630 , the safety apparatus drive unit  640 , the lamp drive unit  650 , and the air conditioner drive unit  660 . 
     If it is determined that a gesture is applied from the driver seat and that the gesture applied from the driver seat is a gesture applied to a second region among the multiple regions, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a second screen. The second screen may include a screen for operation of a vehicle utility device. For example, the second screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a navigation device, a screen for operation of a communication device, a screen for operation of a music play device, a screen for operation of a schedule management device, and a screen for operation of a video play device. 
     In addition, the processor  270  can receive information on a speed of the vehicle  100  via the interface  245  and can control the display unit  251  based on the information on the speed of the vehicle  100  to disable displaying of a screen. For example, if the speed of the vehicle  100  is a preset speed or higher, the processor  270  can display the display unit  251 , so that nothing is displayed on the screen. 
     Also, if the speed of the vehicle  100  is a preset speed or higher, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display only a screen related to a preset application. For example, if the speed of the vehicle  100  is a preset speed or higher when the display unit  251  includes a touch screen, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to disable displaying of a screen and applying of a touch input via the touch screen. As such, the display unit  251  is controlled based on information on a speed of the vehicle  100 , and therefore, a driver, who is driving the vehicle  100  at high speeds, can focus only on the driving, thereby preventing an accident. 
     The processor  270  can collect traffic flow information via the interface  245 . In addition, traffic flow may be a value that is calculated based on the number of vehicles located within a preset range. Further, the traffic flow information may be generated by an external server. 
     In addition, the processor  270  can receive traffic flow information from the communication device  400  via the interface  245 . The processor  270  can then control the display unit  251  based on traffic flow information to disable displaying of a screen. For example, if the traffic flow is equal to or greater than a reference value, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251 , so that nothing is displayed on the screen, so that only a screen related to a preset application is displayed, etc. For example, if the traffic flow is equal to or greater than a reference value when the display unit  251  includes a touch screen, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to disable displaying of a screen and applying of a touch input via the touch screen. 
     In addition, the processor  270  can receive information on a degree of driving difficulty in a travel roadway via the interface  245 . The degree of driving difficulty may be a value calculated based on at least one of the following: whether there is a curve, a curvature value of the curve, whether there is a slope, a gradient of the slope, whether there is an intersection, whether there is an entrance ramp, whether there is an exit ramp, whether there is a tunnel, etc. Further, the information on the degree of driving difficulty may be generated by an external server. The processor  270  can receive the information on the degree of driving difficulty from the communication device  400  via the interface  245 . 
     Further, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  based on the information on the degree of driving difficulty to disable displaying of a screen. For example, if a degree of driving difficulty is equal to or greater than a reference value, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251 , so that nothing is displayed on the screen, so that only a screen related to a preset application is displayed, etc. If a degree of driving difficulty is equal to or greater than a reference value when the display unit  251  includes a touch screen, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to disable displaying of a screen and applying of a touch input via the touch screen. The processor  270  can control the display unit  251  based on driver gaze information to disable displaying of a screen. 
     In addition, the processor  270  can detect a gaze of a driver via the internal camera  220 , and generate information on the gaze of the driver. For example, the processor  270  can detect a pupil of a driver, and generate information on a gaze of the driver by tracking movement of the pupil. The display unit  251  may also include a touch screen. If it is determined that a gaze of a driver has been directed toward the display unit  251  for a preset period of time or more, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to disable displaying of a screen on the touch screen or applying a touch input to the touch screen. 
     As discussed above, the vehicle  100  may be an autonomous vehicle. In more detail, the vehicle  100  may be driven in an autonomous driving state or a manual driving state. If it is determined that a gesture is applied from a driver seat while the vehicle  100  is in the manual driving state, the processor  270  can determine whether a criteria for switching to an autonomous driving state is satisfied. If it is determined that the criteria for switching to the autonomous driving state is satisfied, the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  to the autonomous driving state. 
     The criteria for switching to an autonomous driving state may be based on at least one of the following: information on execution of a preset application, information about entrance in a preset level or higher of a preset application, driver gaze information, information on a degree of driving difficulty, speed information, and traffic flow information. For example, if a preset application is executed while the vehicle  100  is in the manual driving state, the processor  270  can provide a signal so that the state of the vehicle  100  is switched to the autonomous driving state. When entering a preset depth level or higher of a preset application in response to a user input when the preset application is being executed, the processor  270  can provide a signal so that a state of the vehicle  100  is switched from a manual driving state to an autonomous driving state. 
     A depth level may be defined as the number of user inputs that are required for execution of a function associated with a corresponding item. Further, the higher depth an item has, the more user inputs a user needs to apply to execute a desired function. Accordingly, if a driver behind the wheel wants to execute a function of an item having a higher depth, the driver may not look ahead down the road for a longer time. Thus, when entering a preset depth level or higher of the application, the state of the vehicle  100  can be switched to an autonomous driving state, so that a possible accident can be prevented. 
     For example, if a gaze of a driver has been directed toward the display unit  251  for a predetermined time or more, the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  from the manual driving state to the autonomous driving state. In addition, if a degree of driving difficulty of a roadway being travelled by the vehicle  100  is equal to or greater than a reference value, the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  from the manual driving state to the autonomous driving state. 
     For example, if a speed of the vehicle  100  is equal to or greater than a reference value, the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  from the manual driving state to the autonomous driving state, and if traffic flow is equal to or greater than a reference value, the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  from the autonomous driving state to the manual driving state. If a criteria for switching to an autonomous driving state is satisfied, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a screen corresponding to autonomous driving. The screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include a brake input button of the vehicle  100  or a steering input button of the vehicle  100 . 
     The screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include a screen for operation of a vehicle utility device. For example, the screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a navigation device, a screen for operation of a communication device, a screen for operation of a music play device, a screen for operation of a schedule management device, and a screen for operation of a video play device. 
     The screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include a content provision screen. For example, the screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include at least one of a screen of providing image contents and a screen of providing music contents. If emergency situation information is received on the interface  245 , the processor  270  can control the display  251  to display a brake input button or a steering input button. 
     If a user input is received via the brake input button or the steering input bottom after a gesture detected by the gesture input unit  212  is determined to be a gesture applied from a front passenger seat, the processor  270  can provide a control signal to operate a brake apparatus or a steering apparatus. In such an emergency situation, it is possible to avert an emergency situation in response not only to a user input applied from the driver seat, but from to a user input applied from the front passenger seat, so that an accident can be prevented. Under control of the processor  270 , the power supply unit  290  can provide power required for operation of each component. In particular, the power supply unit  290  may be provided with power from a battery inside the vehicle  100 . 
     Next,  FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the processor  270  can receive information on detection of a gesture of a user in S 910 . The processor  270  can then determine, based on a trajectory of movement of the gesture, a direction from which the gesture is applied in S 920 . Specifically, the processor  270  can determine whether the gesture is applied from the driver seat or from the front passenger seat. 
     As discussed above, the processor  270  can divide the display unit  251  into multiple regions. Specifically, the processor  270  can divide the display unit  251  into a first region and a second region. When it is determined that the gesture is be applied from the driver seat, the processor  270  determines which region to which the gesture is applied among the multiple regions in S 930 . Specifically, the processor  270  determines whether the gesture is applied to the first region or the second region. 
     When it is determined that the gesture is applied to the first region in S 930 , the processor  270  displays a first screen in S 940 . The first screen may include a screen for operation of the vehicle drive device  600 . For example, the first screen may include a screen for operation of the power train drive unit  610 , the chassis drive unit  620 , the door/window drive unit  630 , the safety apparatus drive unit  640 , the lamp drive unit  650 , and the air conditioner drive unit  660 . 
     Then, the processor  270  determines whether a criteria for switching to an autonomous driving state is satisfied in S 950 . The criteria for switching to the autonomous driving state may be based on at least one of the following: information on execution of a preset application, information about entrance in a preset level or higher of a preset application, driver gaze information, information on a degree of driving difficulty, speed information, and traffic flow information. 
     If it is determined that the criteria for switching to the autonomous driving state is satisfied in S 950 , the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  from the manual driving state to the autonomous driving state in S 960 . When the state of the vehicle  100  is switched to the autonomous driving state, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a screen corresponding to autonomous driving in S 970 . 
     Meanwhile, if it is determined in operation S 930  that the gesture is applied, not to the first region, but to the second region, the processor  270  displays a second screen in S 980 . The second screen may include a screen for operation of a vehicle utility device. For example, the second screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a navigation device, a screen for operation of a communication device, a screen for operation of a music play device, a screen for operation of a schedule management device, and a screen for operation of a video play device. 
     Meanwhile, if it is determined in S 920  that a gesture is applied, not from the driver seat, but from the front passenger seat, the processor  270  can display a third screen in S 990 . The third screen may include a screen for operation of a front passenger seat utility device. For example, the third screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a front passenger seat position control device, a screen for operation of a front passenger seat window control device, and a screen for operation of a front passenger seat door control device. Alternatively, the third screen may include a screen for operation of a vehicle environment control apparatus. For example, the third screen may include a screen for operation of an air conditioner or a screen for operation of a room lamp. 
     Next,  FIGS. 10 to 12  illustrate examples of how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates in response to a gesture input according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  1010  of  FIG. 10 , the gesture input unit  212  can detect gestures  1011  and  1012 . The gestures  1011  and  1012  may include a hovering gesture and a touch gesture. Further, the hovering gesture may be a gesture input based on a trajectory of a user&#39;s finger that moves at a predetermined distance or more from the display unit  251 . 
     Based on the trajectory of movement of each of the gestures  1011  and  1012 , the processor  270  can determine a direction from which each of the gestures is applied. For example, the processor  270  can determine that the gesture  1011  moving from the driver seat toward the display unit  251  is a gesture applied from the driver seat, or the processor  270  can determine that the gesture  1012  moving from the front passenger seat toward the display unit  251  is a gesture applied from the front passenger seat. 
     On the basis that the gesture  1011  or  1012  is applied from the driver seat or the front passenger seat, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a preset different screen. If it is determined that the gesture  1011  is a gesture applied from the driver seat, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a preset first screen or a preset second screen, as shown in  1040  of  FIG. 10 . 
     The first screen may include a screen for operation of the vehicle drive device  600 . For example, the first screen may be a screen for operation that is designed to control at least one of the power train drive unit  610 , the chassis drive unit  620 , the door/window drive unit  630 , the safety apparatus drive unit  640 , the lamp drive unit  650 , and the air conditioner drive unit  660 . 
     The second screen may include a screen for operation of a vehicle utility device. For example, the second screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a navigation device, a screen for operation of a communication device, a screen for operation of a music play device, a screen for operation of a schedule management apparatus, and an image play device. If it is determined that the gesture  1012  is a gesture applied from the front passenger seat, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a preset third screen, as shown in  1070  of  FIG. 10 . 
     The third screen may include a screen for operation of a front passenger seat utility device. For example, the third screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a front passenger seat position control device, a screen for operation of a front passenger seat window control device, and a screen for operation of a front passenger seat door control device. Alternatively, the third screen may include a screen for operation of a vehicle environment control apparatus, and the third screen may include a screen for operation of an air conditioner or a screen for operation of a room lamp. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the processor  270  can divide the display unit  251  into a plurality of regions. For example, the processor  270  can divide the display unit  251  into a first region  1111  and a second region  1112 . The processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a preset different screen based on which region to which a gesture is applied among the plurality of regions. 
     As shown in  1110  and  1130  of  FIG. 11 , if it is determined that a gesture  1113  is a gesture applied to the first region  1111 , the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a first screen  1131 . In addition, the processor  270  can control the first screen  1131  to be displayed in the first region  1111 , the second region  1112 , or the entire region of the display unit  251 . 
     The first screen  1131  may include a screen for operation of the vehicle drive device  600 . For example, the first screen may include a screen for operation to control at least one of the power train drive unit  610 , the chassis drive unit  620 , the door/window drive unit  630 , the safety apparatus drive unit  640 , the lamp drive unit  650 , and the air conditioner drive unit  660 . 
     As shown in  1160  and  1180  of  FIG. 11 , if it is determined that the gesture  1163  is a gesture applied to the second region  1112 , the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display the second screen  1181 . In addition, the processor  270  can control the second screen  1181  to be displayed in the first region  1111 , the second region  1112 , or the entire region of the display unit  251 . 
     The second screen may include a screen for operation of a vehicle utility device. For example, the second screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a navigation device, a screen for operation of a communication device, a screen for operation of a music play device, a screen for operation of a schedule management device, and a screen for operation of a video play device. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the processor  270  can divide the display unit  251  into a plurality of regions. For example, the processor  270  can divide the display unit  251  into a first region  1111  and a second region  1112 . The processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a preset different screen based on whether a gesture applied to the first region among the plurality of regions is a gesture applied from the driver seat or from the front passenger seat. 
     If it is determined that a gesture  1211  applied to the first region  1111  is a gesture applied from the driver seat, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a preset fourth screen  1241 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . In addition, the processor  270  can control the fourth screen  1241  to be displayed in the first region  1111 , the second region  1112 , or the entire region of the display unit  251 . 
     The fourth screen may include a screen for operation of a driver seat utility device. For instance, the fourth screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a driver seat position control device, a screen for operation of a driver seat window control device, and a screen for operation of a driver seat door control device. 
     In another example, the fourth screen may include a screen for operation of an all seat utility device. For instance, the fourth screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of an all seat position control device, a screen for operation of an all seat window control device, and a screen for operation of an all-seat door control device. 
     In yet another example, the fourth screen may include a screen for operation of any of various apparatuses included in a vehicle. For instance, the fourth screen may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of an air conditioner, a screen for operation of a room lamp, a screen for operation of a head lamp, a screen for operation of wipers, and a screen for operation of a turn-signal lamp. 
     If it is determined that a gesture  1212  applied to the first region  1111  is a gesture applied from the front passenger seat, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a preset fifth screen  1271 , as shown in  1270  of  FIG. 12 . In addition, the processor  270  can control the fifth screen  1271  to be displayed in the first region  1111 , the second region  1112 , or the entire region of the display unit  251 . 
     The fifth screen  1271  may include a screen for operation of a front passenger seat utility device. For instance, the fifth screen  1271  may include at least one of a screen for operation of a front passenger seat position control device, a screen for operation of a front passenger seat window control device, and a screen for operation of a front passenger seat door control device. In another example, the fifth screen  1271  may include a screen for operation of a vehicle environment control apparatus. For instance, the fifth screen  1271  may include a screen for operation of an air conditioner or a screen for operation of a room lamp. 
     Next,  FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 13 , the processor  270  can receive information on a speed of the vehicle  100  from the sensing unit  120  or the navigation system  770  via the interface  245  in S 1310 . 
     The processor  270  can then control the display unit  251  based on information on a speed of the vehicle  100  to disable displaying of a screen in S 1320 . For example, if a speed of the vehicle  100  is equal to or greater than a preset value while information on detection of a user gesture is received in S 910 , the processor  270  can disable displaying of a screen according to a gesture, and if a speed of the vehicle  100  is equal to or greater than a preset value, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251 , so that only a screen related to a preset application is displayed. 
     For example, if a speed of the vehicle  100  is equal to or greater than a preset value when the display  251  includes a touch screen, the processor  270  can control the display  251  to disable displaying of a screen and applying of a touch input via the touch screen. If a preset user input is received while displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can control an icon of a preset application to be displayed in S 1330 . Here, the preset user input may include a gesture input, a voice input, and a touch input. If a user input is received to select a displayed icon, the processor  270  can control an application corresponding to the icon to be executed in S 1340 . 
     Next,  FIGS. 14 to 17  are examples in which a user interface apparatus executes an application when displaying a screen is disabled according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processor  270  can acquire information on a speed of the vehicle  100  and control the display unit  251  based on the information on the speed of the vehicle  100 . 
     As shown in  1410  of  FIG. 14 , when the vehicle  100  is stopped or travels at a speed equal to or smaller than a preset value, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a specific screen. For example, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display, in the second region  1112 , a screen that includes a plurality of icons respectively corresponding to a plurality of applications, the current time, the current day of week, the current date, etc. The processor  270  can also control the display unit  251  to display, in the first region  1111 , a screen that includes vehicle state information. The vehicle state information may include indoor temperature information, outdoor temperature information, and air-conditioning state information. 
     As shown in  1430  of  FIG. 14 , if a speed of the vehicle  100  is equal to or greater than a preset value, the processor  270  can disable displaying of a screen. In this instance, the processor  270  can display information  1431  indicating that displaying of a screen is disabled. In addition, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  not to display an application screen and icons corresponding to applications. Even when displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display information on weather, the current time, the current day of week, the current date, etc. Even when displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a screen including vehicle state information in the first region  1111 . 
     As shown in  1460  of  FIG. 14 , if a preset user input is received while displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can perform a control action to display an icon  1461  of a preset application. The preset application may be an application that helps a driver to drive a vehicle. For example, the preset application may include a navigation-related application, an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)-related application, a driving situation information-related application, and an autonomous driving-related application. 
     In  1460  of  FIG. 14 , a multi-touch input is taken as an example of a user input, but the user input may be a hovering gesture input or a voice input. As shown in  1480  of  FIG. 14 , when a user input is received to select an icon, the processor  270  can execute an application corresponding to the icon. In  1460  of  FIG. 14 , a touch input is taken as an example of a user input, but the user input may be a hovering gesture input or a voice input. 
     As such, a vehicle driving-related application may be driven even when displaying of a screen is disabled, and therefore, safe driving may be maintained and user convenience may improve. As shown in  1510  of  FIG. 15 , a first application may be displayed on the display unit  251  when displaying of a screen is disabled. In  1510  of  FIG. 15 , a navigation-related application is taken as an example of a user input. 
     While the first application is displayed, the processor  270  can receive a user input  1512  to change a displayed application. In  1510  of  FIG. 15 , a flicking touch input is taken as an example of a user input, but the user input may be a hovering gesture input or a voice input. When the user input  1512  is received, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a second application, as shown in  1530  of  FIG. 15 . In  1530  of  FIG. 15 , an Around View Monitoring (AVM) application, which is one of ADAS-related applications, is taken as an example of the second application. In this instance, the processor  270  can execute the first application, which was previously executed and displayed, in background. 
     While the second application is displayed, the processor  270  can receive a user input  1532  for changing a displayed application. In  1530  of  FIG. 15 , a flicking touch input is taken as an example of a user input, but the user input may be a hovering gesture input or a voice input. When the user input  1532  is received, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a third application. 
     In  1560  of  FIG. 15 , an autonomous driving-related application is taken as an example of the third application. In this instance, the processor  270  can execute the first or second application, which was previously executed or displayed, in background. In addition, the order of displaying the first to third applications according to a user input may be set in advance. The order may be changed by a user input. 
     As shown in  1610  of  FIG. 16 , the processor  270  can receive a touch input on a setting icon  1611 . In this instance, as shown in  1630  of  FIG. 16 , the processor  270  can display a setup screen. Further, the setup screen may be a screen for selecting an application that is executable when displaying of a screen is disabled. The processor  270  can display, on the setup screen, a plurality of icons respectively corresponding to a plurality of applications 
     While the setup screen is displayed, the processor  270  can receive a touch input on a first icon  1601  corresponding to a first application. Then, as shown in  1660  of  FIG. 16 , the processor  270  can receive a touch input on a second icon  1602  corresponding to a second application. Then, as shown in  1680  of  FIG. 16 , the processor  270  can receive a touch input on a third icon  1603  corresponding to a third application. Then, the processor  270  can receive a touch input on a done button  1604 . Thus, any one of the first to third applications may be selected as an application that is executable when displaying of a screen is disabled. In this instance, the order of displaying applications may correspond to the order of selection of the applications. 
     As shown in  1710  of  FIG. 17 , if a speed of the vehicle  100  is equal to or greater than a preset value, the processor  270  can disable displaying of a screen. In this instance, the processor  270  can display information  1431  indicating that displaying of a screen is disabled, and control the display unit  251  not to display an application screen and icons corresponding to applications. 
     Even when displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display information on weather, the current time, the current day of week, and the current date. Even when displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display call receipt information and message receipt information  1711 . 
     As shown in  1730  and  1760  of  FIG. 17 , if a first user input is received when displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can perform a control action to display a first application screen. In addition, if a second user input is received when displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can perform a control action to display a second application screen. 
     In addition, if a third user input is received when displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can perform a control action to display a third application screen. Matching of the first to third user inputs with the first and third applications may be readily set. Alternatively, The processor  270  can match the first to third user inputs with the first to third applications based on user inputs. 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating how an application corresponding to a state of a vehicle is executed, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  1810  of  FIG. 18 , when the vehicle  100  is in a first state, the processor  270  can disable displaying of a screen. In this instance, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display first state information  1811  of the vehicle  100 . 
     As shown in  1830  of  FIG. 18 , when displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can receive a preset user input. In this instance, the processor  270  can perform a control action to display icons  1831  and  1832  of a preset application corresponding to the first state of the vehicle  100 . For example, an application corresponding to a parked state may include an AVM application and a parking assist application. If a user&#39;s input on any one of the display icons  1831  and  1832  is received, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display an application screen corresponding to autonomous driving. 
     As shown in  1860  of  FIG. 18 , when the vehicle  100  is in a second state, the processor  270  can disable displaying of a screen. In this instance, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display second state information  1861  of the vehicle  100 . In  1860  of  FIG. 18 , a driving state is taken as an example of the second state of the vehicle  100 . 
     As shown in  1880  of  FIG. 18 , when displaying of a screen is disabled, the processor  270  can receive a preset user input. In this instance, the processor  270  can perform a control action to display icons  1881  and  1882  of a preset application corresponding to the second state. For example, an application corresponding to a driving state may include a navigation application, an Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) application, an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) application, a Blind Spot Detection (BSD) application, and an autonomous driving application. If a user input on any one of the displayed icons  1881  and  1882  is received, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display an application screen corresponding to autonomous driving. 
       FIG. 19  is a flowchart illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 19 , the processor  270  can detect a gaze of a driver via the internal camera  220  in S 1910 . The gaze of a driver may indicate a point at which eyes of the driver stare, or a direction of the eyes of the driver. The processor  270  can control the display unit  251  based on driver gaze information in S 1920 . For example, the processor  270  can determine whether a gaze of the driver is beyond a preset range. Further, the preset range may indicate a range that is preset in order to determine whether the gaze of the driver is toward the area forward of the vehicle  100 . 
     If it is determined that the gaze of the driver is beyond the preset range, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to perform a preset function. The preset function may be functions for inducing the driver to look ahead. The preset function may include a function of disabling displaying of a screen. For example, the preset function may include a function of disabling a user&#39;s touch input. In this instance, the processor  270  can not respond to the user&#39;s touch input. 
     In addition, the preset function may include a function of outputting a message for inducing the driver to look ahead, or a function of displaying a vehicle front view. For example, the preset function may include a function of displaying a screen, displayed on the display unit  251 , in an additionally provided HUD or cluster. Also, if it is determined that the gaze of the driver is beyond a preset range, the processor  270  can switch the state of the vehicle  100  from a manual driving state to an autonomous driving state. 
     Next,  FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating an example of how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle operates based on driver gaze information according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  2010  of  FIG. 20 , the processor  270  can detect a gaze of a driver using the internal camera  220  to generate driver gaze information and control the display unit  251  based on the driver gaze information. Further, the processor  270  can determine whether a gaze  2001  of the driver is beyond a preset range  2002 . 
     As shown in  2020  of  FIG. 20 , if it is determined that the gaze  2001  of the driver has been beyond the preset range  2002  for a preset period of time or more, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to disable displaying of a screen. In this instance, the processor  270  can disable a touch input function in a touch screen. As shown in  2030  of  FIG. 20 , if it is not determined that the gaze  2001  of the driver is beyond the preset range  2002 , the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a screen normally. 
       FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a user interface apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention and  FIGS. 22 to 24  are diagrams illustrating examples of the operation described with reference to  FIG. 21 . Referring to  FIG. 21 , the processor  270  can determine whether the vehicle  100  is in a driving state in S 2110 . If it is not determined that the vehicle  100  is in the driving state, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to operate normally in S 2190 . 
     If it is determined that the vehicle  100  is in the driving state, the processor  270  can determine whether a gaze (indicated by  2001  in  FIG. 20 ) of a driver is beyond a preset range (indicated by  2002  in  FIG. 20 ) in S 2120 . If it is not determined that the gaze of the driver is beyond the preset range, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to operate normally in S 2190 . 
     If it is determined that the gaze of the driver is beyond the preset range, the processor  270  can determine whether the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for a first period of time or more in S 2130 . If it is determined that the gaze of the driver is has been beyond the preset range for less than the first period of time, the processor  270  can return to operation S 2120 . 
     If it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for the first period of time or more, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to switch a first screen into a second screen in S 2140 . The second screen may be a screen in which displaying some of the information items included in the first screen is disabled. 
     The second screen may include a lesser number of information items than the first screen. The second screen may include information that a user can more intuitively perceive, compared to the first screen. For example, the first screen may be configured with texts, and the second screen may be configured with an image. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , the processor  270  can display a first screen  2210 . The first screen may include a plurality of information items  2211  and  2212  or a plurality of content items. If it is determined that a gaze of a driver has been beyond a preset range for the first period of time or more, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to switch the first screen  2210  into a second screen  2220 . Further, the second screen  2220  may be a screen in which some information items  2212  are disabled, compared to the first screen  2210 . In addition, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a message  2211  for inducing a driver to look ahead. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 21 , the processor  270  can determine whether the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for a second period of time or more in S 2150 . The second period of time may be longer than the first period of time. If it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for less than the second period of time, the processor  270  can return to operation S 2120 . 
     If it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for the second period of time or more, the processor  270  can disable a touch input function in S 2160 . In this instance, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a notification to inform that the touch input function is disabled. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , if it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the present range for the second period of time or more, the processor  270  can disable the touch input function. In this instance, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a notification  2310  to inform that the touch input function is disabled. 
     In addition, the processor  270  can change a user input means. For example, the processor  270  can change a type of a user input from a touch input to a voice input or a gesture input. The processor  270  can also control the display unit  251  to display a notification  2320  to inform that inputs (e.g., a voice input and a gesture input) other than a touch input are enabled. Further, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  based on a user input that is received by use of a changed user input means. 
     Again, referring to  FIG. 21 , the processor  270  can determine whether the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for a third period of time or more in S 2170 . The third period of time may be longer the second period of time. If it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for less than the third period of time, the processor  270  can return to operation S 2120 . If the gaze of the driver is determined to have been beyond the preset range for the third period of time or more, the processor  270  can turn off the display unit  251  or output a vehicle front view in S 2180 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , if it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for the third period of time or more, the processor  270  can turn off the display unit  251 . In this instance, nothing may be displayed on the display unit  251 . If it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for the third period of time or more, the processor  270  can output a vehicle front view  2410 . In this instance, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display an image  2211  for inducing the driver to look ahead. In addition, the vehicle front view  2410  may be an image acquired by the camera  310 . 
       FIGS. 25A to 27  are diagrams illustrating various examples of how a user interface apparatus operates based on a user&#39;s gaze according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the user includes a driver and a passenger sitting on the front passenger seat. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 25A , a user interface apparatus  200  may include a plurality of display units. For example, the user interface apparatus  200  may include a first display unit  251   b  and a second display unit  251   e . The first display unit  251   b  can be disposed close to a driver, compared to the second display unit  251   e.    
     The processor  270  can control the plurality of display units  251   b  and  251   e  individually based on driver gaze information. For example, the processor  270  can perform a control action such that if the period of time for which driver gazes out of the predetermined range is long, a screen being displayed on a display unit (the display unit  251   e ) more distant from the driver among the plurality of display units may disappear. The feature of causing a screen to disappear may include turning off the display unit  251 , entering a standby mode, or converting the currently displayed screen into a different screen. 
     For example, if it is determined that the gaze  2001  of the driver has been beyond the preset range  2002  for a first period of time or more, the processor  270  can cause a screen displayed on the second display unit  251   e  to disappear. Then, if it is determined that the gaze  2001  of the driver has been beyond the preset range  2002  for a second period of time or more, the processor  270  can cause screens displayed on the first and second display units  251   b  and  251   e  to disappear. The second period of time may be longer than the first period of time. In this way, a driver may spend less time in staring at a display unit disposed distant from the driver among a plurality of display units, so that the driver may be induced to focus on driving. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 25B , the processor  270  can detect a gaze of a driver  2510  and a gaze of a person sitting in the front passenger seat (hereinafter, referred to as a passenger) ( 2520 ). If it is determined that a gaze  2001   a  of the driver and a gaze  2001   b  of the passenger have been directed toward the display unit  251  for a preset period of time or more, the processor  270  can output a notification message  2530  to induce the driver  2510  to stare at a preset range  2002   a.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 25C , if it is determined that the gaze  2001   a  of the driver and the gaze  2001   b  of the passenger have been directed toward the display unit  251  for a preset period of time or more, the processor  270  can change a display format of a screen being displayed on the display unit  251 , so that the passenger  2520 , rather than the driver  2510 , may take control of the display unit  251 . For example, the processor  270  can divide the display unit  251  into two regions  2541  and  2542  and control the display unit  251  so that the currently displayed screen is output in any one of the two regions  2541  and  2542 . 
     The region  2541  in which the screen is output may be a region close to the front passenger seat. In this instance, the region  2542  in which the screen is not output may output a message for inducing the driver to look ahead. Alternatively, the processor  270  can output a vehicle front view in the region  2542  in which the screen is not output. 
     In addition, the processor  270  can maintain the touch input function in the region  2541  in which the screen is output. The processor  270  can disable the touch input function in the region  2542  in which the screen is not output. If it is determined that the gaze  2001  of the driver falls within the preset range  2002   a , the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to restores the original display format of the screen. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 25D , if it is determined that the gaze  2001   a  of the driver and the gaze  2001   b  of the passenger have been directed toward the display unit  251  for a preset period of time or more, the processor  270  can output a message for inducing the driver to look ahead. Alternatively, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to output a vehicle front view. 
       FIG. 26  is a diagram illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle disables selection of an item having a different depth according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 26 , the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to output a plurality of items (e.g., graphic objects, icons, widgets, buttons, and images) for selection. Each of the items may be formed to have a preset depth level. 
     A depth level may be defined as the number of user inputs that are required for execution of a function associated with a corresponding item. For example, a 1-depth item  2610  may be an item that requires a single user input to execute a function associated therewith. For example, a 2-depth item  2620  may be an item that requires double user inputs to execute a function associated therewith. The higher depth level an item has, the more number of user inputs a user needs to apply to execute a desired function. Accordingly, if a driver behind the wheel wants to execute a function of an item having a higher depth, the driver needs a long time for the execution while not looking ahead. 
     If the time for which a gaze of the driver has been beyond a preset range becomes longer, the processor  270  can disable selection of menu items sequentially in a descending order of depth levels thereof. For example, if it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for a first period of time or more, the processor  270  can disable selection of the 3-depth item  2630 . 
     For example, if it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for a second period of time or more, the processor  270  can disable selection of the 2-depth item  2620  and the 3-depth item  2630 . For example, if it is determined that the gaze of the driver has been beyond the preset range for a third period of time or more, the processor  270  can disable selection of the 1-depth to 3-depth items  2610 ,  2620 , and  2630 . In this instance, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to output a message for inducing the driver to look ahead. 
       FIG. 27  is a diagram illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle disables a touch input function according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 27 , if it is determined that a gaze  2001  of a driver has been beyond a preset range for a certain period of time or more, the processor  270  can disable an input function in the display unit  251 . In this instance, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to output information  2710  about remaining time until the input function is disabled. 
       FIG. 28  is a diagram illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle, including a plurality of display units, operates according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 28 , a user interface apparatus  200  may include a plurality of display units  251   a ,  251   b ,  251   c , and  251   d . For example, the user interface apparatus  200  may include a first display unit  251   a , a second display unit  251   b , a third display unit  251   c , and a fourth display unit  251   d.    
     For example, the first display unit  251   a  may be a display that operates as a cluster. For example, the second display unit  251  may be a Center Information Display (CID) disposed on the center fascia. A plurality of screens may be displayed on the second display unit  251   b . A plurality of information items may be displayed on the second display unit  251   b . For example, the third display unit  251   c  may be a Head Up Display (HUD), and the fourth display unit  251   d  may be a Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) display. 
     If a user input is received when a plurality of screens are displayed on the second display unit  251   b , the processor  270  can control the plurality of screens to be separately displayed on the different display units  251   a ,  251   c , and  251   d . For example, if a user input is received when a plurality of screens are displayed on the second display unit  251   b , the processor  270  can perform a control action such that a first screen is displayed on the first display unit  251   a , a second screen is displayed on the second display unit  251   b , a third screen is displayed on the third display unit  251   c , and a fourth screen is displayed on the fourth display unit  251   d.    
       FIG. 29  is a diagram illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle, including a plurality of display units, operates according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 29 , a user interface apparatus  200  may include a first display unit  251   b  and a second display unit  251   c.    
     For example, the first display unit  251   b  may be a CID disposed in the center fascia, and the second display unit  251   c  may be an HUD. The processor  270  can control the second display unit  251   c  based on a touch input received on the first display unit  251   b . If a drag input is received in the first display unit  251   b  when a media file control screen is displayed on the second display unit  251   c , the processor  270  can play a next file. Also, if a pinch-in input is received in the first display unit  251   b  when a navigation screen is displayed on the second display unit  251   c , the processor  270  can reduce the size of the navigation screen. 
       FIG. 30  is a diagram illustrating how a user interface apparatus for a vehicle used by multiple users operates according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 30 , the vehicle  100  may be used by multiple users. Information on each of the multiple users may be stored in the memory  240 . The memory  240  may store information on each of multiple users  3010  and  3020 . Information on a user may include authentication information used to authenticate the user, and Graphic User Interface (GUI) information of the display unit  251 , which is set by the user. The authentication information may include biometric information of the user. 
     The processor  270  can set the display unit  251  based on GUI information corresponding to an authenticated user. For example, if a first user  3010  is in the vehicle  100 , the processor  270  can acquire biometric information of the first user  3010  using the biometric sensing unit  230 , and compare the biometric information of the first user  2010  with authentication information stored in the memory  240  to authenticate the first user  3010 . If the first user  3010  is authenticated, the processor  270  can set the display unit  251  according to GUI set by the first user  3010 . For example, if a second user  3020  is in the vehicle  100 , the processor  270  can set the display unit  251  according to pre-stored GUI corresponding to the second user  3020 . 
       FIGS. 31 to 33  are diagrams illustrating how to switch to an autonomous driving state by a user interface apparatus for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 31 , if a preset application is executed, the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  from a manual driving state to an autonomous driving state. For example, if a touch input on an icon  3110  is received when an icon  3110  corresponding to an autonomous driving application is displayed, the processor  270  can provide a signal so that the state of the vehicle  100  is switched from the manual driving state to the autonomous driving state. 
     Referring to  FIG. 32 , while a preset application is executed, the processor  270  can enter a preset depth level or higher of the application. In this instance, the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  from the manual driving state to the autonomous driving state. For example, the processor  270  can execute a first application in accordance with a first user input  3210 . The execution state of the first application may be defined as 1-depth. While the first application is executed, the processor  270  can enter 2 depth in accordance with a second user input  3220 . 
     Entering 2 depth or a higher level of a specific application may be set as a criteria for switching to an autonomous driving state. When entering 2 depth of the specific application, the processor  270  can provide a signal so that the state of the vehicle  100  is switched from the manual driving state to the autonomous driving state. 
     Referring to  FIG. 33 , the processor  270  can detect a gaze of a driver using the external camera  220 , and generate driver gaze information. The processor  270  can determine whether a gaze  2001  of the driver has been beyond a preset region  2002  for a preset period of time or more. If it is determined that the gaze  2001  of the driver has been beyond the preset region  2002  for the preset period of time or more, the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  from a manual driving state to an autonomous driving state. 
     For example, the processor  270  can determine whether the gaze  2001  of the driver has been directed toward the display unit  251  for a preset period of time or more. If it is determined that the gaze  2001  of the driver has been directed toward the display unit  251  for the preset period of time or more, the processor  270  can provide a signal to switch the state of the vehicle  100  from the manual driving state to the autonomous driving state. 
       FIGS. 34 to 36  are diagrams illustrating how to operate after switch to an autonomous driving state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, if criteria for switching to an autonomous driving state is satisfied, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display a screen  3410  for autonomous driving operations. The criteria for switching to an autonomous driving state may be based on at least one of the following: information on execution of a preset application, information about entrance in a preset level or higher of a preset application, driver gaze information, information on a degree of driving difficulty, speed information, and traffic flow information. 
     The screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include a content provision screen  3410 , as shown in  FIG. 34 . For example, the screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include at least one of a screen of providing image contents and a screen of providing music contents. The screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include a screen for operation of a vehicle utility device. For example, the screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include at least one of the following: a screen for operation of a navigation device, a screen for operation of a communication device, a screen for operation of a music play device, a screen for operation of a schedule management device, and a screen for operation of a video play device. In addition, the processor  270  can receive emergency situation information from the object detection device  300  via the interface  245 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 35 , the object detection device  300  may generate emergency situation information based on TTC between the vehicle  100  and an object  3510  (e.g., a preceding object) which is located outside the vehicle  100 . The emergency situation information may be generated based on the information on the TTC between the vehicle  100  and the object  3510 . 
     The object detection device  300  may generate emergency situation information based on information on a distance between the vehicle  100  and the object  3510  outside the vehicle  100 , and information on a speed of the vehicle  100  relative to the object  3510  outside the vehicle  100 . Emergency situation information may be generated based on the information on the distance between the vehicle  100  and the object  3510  outside the vehicle  100 , and the information on the speed of the vehicle  100  relative to the object  3510  outside the vehicle  100 . For example, the emergency situation information may be information about a predicted collision between the vehicle  100  and the object  3510 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , if emergency situation information is received via the interface  245 , the processor  270  can display a screen corresponding to autonomous driving. The screen corresponding to autonomous driving may include a brake input button  3610  or a steering input button  3620 . Further, the processor  270  can control the display unit  251  to display the brake input button  3610  or the steering input button  3620 . 
     If a user input on the brake input button  3610  is received, the processor  270  can provide a signal to the vehicle drive device  600  to control operation of a brake apparatus. Even when the user input is received from a passenger, the processor  270  can provide a signal to control operation of the brake apparatus. 
     If the user input on the brake input button  3610  is received after a gesture is determined to be applied from the front passenger seat, the processor  270  can provide a signal to control operation of the brake apparatus. If a user input on the steering input button  3620  is received, the processor  270  can provide a signal to the vehicle drive device  600  to control operation of a steering apparatus. 
     Even when the user input is received from a passenger, the processor  270  can provide the signal to control operation of the steering apparatus. If the user input on the steering input button  3620  is received after a gesture is determined to be applied from the front passenger seat, the processor  270  can provide a signal to control operation of the steering apparatus. 
     Embodiments of the present invention have one or more of the following effects. First, by controlling an output differently based on whether a gesture is applied from the driver seat or the front passenger seat, it is possible to help a driver to focus on driving and therefore prevent an accident. Second, when a driver does not focus on driving, it is possible to forcibly switch to an autonomous driving mode for the purpose of safety. Third, an output of a display is controlled based on vehicle state information or driver gaze information, thereby reducing a possibility for an occident to occur. 
     The present invention as described above may be implemented as code that can be written on a computer-readable medium in which a program is recorded and thus read by a computer. The computer-readable medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data is stored in a computer-readable manner. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, and an optical data storage device. In addition, the computer-readable medium may be implemented as a carrier wave (e.g., data transmission over the Internet). In addition, the computer may include a processor or a controller. Thus, the above detailed description should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein in all terms, but should be considered by way of example. The scope of the present invention should be determined by the reasonable interpretation of the accompanying claims and all changes in the equivalent range of the present invention are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. 
     Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternatives uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.