KR20150137827A - Vehicle control apparatus using steering wheel and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for easily controlling vehicle operation and/or various functions while holding a steering wheel by a hand. More specifically, the present invention comprises: a steering wheel to control a direction of a vehicle; a user input unit having at least one sensor which is arranged adjacent to the steering wheel; and a control unit, in case a user command is received through the user input unit, performing a predetermined function corresponding to the received user command.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control apparatus for controlling a vehicle using a steering wheel,

The present invention relates to a control apparatus for a vehicle and a control method thereof for allowing a user to control the vehicle more easily.

The vehicle control device is a kind of mobile terminal, which enables the user to control not only the vehicle but also the inside / outside environment of the vehicle and various vehicle auxiliary functions. Therefore, a vehicle control device is essential for safe operation.

An operation key for operating the vehicle control device is generally provided close to the driver's seat and can be easily operated by the driver or a passenger sitting in the passenger seat. The operation keys may be disposed, for example, on the inside of a steering wheel (hereinafter referred to as a steering wheel) for controlling the vehicle and / or on a dashboard halfway between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat .

As the convenience functions of the vehicle control device become more diverse, there have been cases where such functions interfere with safe driving. A representative example thereof is playback of a video media. Due to the danger of such a function, regulations have been introduced that prohibit the use of certain functions during vehicle operation in order to prohibit functions that interfere with the safe driving of the driver.

Furthermore, even if the user temporarily releases his / her hand from the steering wheel in order to operate the control key, the user will not be able to operate the vehicle equally well in order to control the essential functions.

Thus, for safe operation, function support and enhancement of such a vehicle, it may be considered to improve the structural and / or software parts of the control device.

The present invention is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems and other problems. Another object of the present invention is to provide a control device for a vehicle and a control method thereof, which can conveniently and safely control various functions of a vehicle while holding a steering wheel with both hands.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle steering apparatus comprising: a steering wheel for controlling a direction of a vehicle; A user input including at least one sensor disposed adjacent the handle; And a controller for performing a predetermined function corresponding to the received user command when the user command is received through the user input unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a vehicle including a steering wheel for controlling a direction of a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a user input portion including at least one sensor disposed adjacent to the handle Receiving a user command through the user interface; And when the user command is received, performing a predetermined function corresponding to the received user command.

Effects of the vehicle control apparatus and the control method thereof according to the present invention will be described as follows.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that various functions of the vehicle can be controlled even in a state in which the handle is held with both hands.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, such as the preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a vehicle control apparatus related to the present invention.
2 is a view showing an example of a user input unit provided on the handle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a position and a shape of a touch screen that may be additionally provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows a control method of separating left and right touch inputs of a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment for differentiating inputs from the front and back of a handle, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying a signal based on an input pattern, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input that can be input through a touch input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating an input for pushing or pulling the handle 200, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram illustrating an input pushing a handle from side to side and an input pulling a handle from side to side, according to one embodiment of the invention.
10 is a diagram illustrating a control method of activating voice recognition to recognize a driver's voice according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a diagram showing a method for controlling the onboard control device 100 using an external mobile terminal connected to the onboard control device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 12 shows a control method capable of outputting a visual guidance to the handle 200 itself, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a diagram illustrating a method for easily controlling modification of speech recognition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role. In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be blurred. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. , ≪ / RTI > equivalents, and alternatives.

Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

It is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, . On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other elements in between.

The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, the terms "comprises", "having", and the like are used to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a component, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a vehicle control apparatus related to the present invention.

The vehicle control apparatus 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, 190), and the like. The components shown in Fig. 1 are not essential for implementing the vehicle control device, and thus the vehicle control device described in this specification can have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, the wireless communication unit 110 among the above-mentioned components can communicate with the vehicle control apparatus 100 and the wireless communication system, between the vehicle control apparatus 100 and another mobile terminal, or between the vehicle control apparatus 100 and the external server Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > wireless < / RTI > In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the onboard controller 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short distance communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The input unit 120 includes a video input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone for inputting an audio signal or an audio input unit, a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example, a touch key, And a mechanical key, etc. The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include at least one sensor for sensing at least one of the information in the on-vehicle control device, the environment information surrounding the control device for the vehicle and / or the vehicle, and the user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, A G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor, a finger scan sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, A microphone, a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (e.g., a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation sensor, a thermal sensor, a gas sensor Etc.), chemical sensors (e.g., electronic nose, healthcare sensors, biometric sensors, etc.). Meanwhile, the vehicle control apparatus disclosed in the present specification can combine and utilize information sensed by at least two of the sensors.

The output unit 150 includes at least one of a display unit 151, an acoustic output unit 152, a haptic tip module 153, and a light output unit 154 to generate an output related to visual, auditory, can do. The display unit 151 may have a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or may be integrally formed to realize a touch screen. Such a touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 for providing an input interface between the vehicle control apparatus 100 and the user and may provide an output interface between the vehicle control apparatus 100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a path to various kinds of external devices connected to the vehicle control device 100. The interface unit 160 is connected to a device having a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, And may include at least one of a port, an audio I / O port, a video I / O port, and an earphone port. In the vehicle control apparatus 100, corresponding to the connection of an external device to the interface unit 160, it is possible to perform appropriate control relating to the connected external device.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the on-vehicle control device 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs (application programs or applications) driven by the onboard control device 100, data for operation of the onboard control device 100, and commands. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. At least a part of these application programs may exist on the on-vehicle control apparatus 100 from the time of shipment for the basic functions (e.g., call incoming, outgoing, message reception, and origination functions) of the on- have. On the other hand, the application program is stored in the memory 170, installed on the on-vehicle control device 100, and can be driven by the control unit 180 to perform the operation (or function) of the on-vehicle control device.

In addition to the operations related to the application program, the control unit 180 typically controls the overall operation of the on-vehicle control device 100. [ The control unit 180 may process or process signals, data, information, and the like input or output through the above-mentioned components, or may drive an application program stored in the memory 170 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170. FIG. Furthermore, the control unit 180 may operate at least two or more of the components included in the vehicular controller 100 in combination with each other for driving the application program.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power to the respective components included in the vehicular controller 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery (e.g., a vehicle-exclusive battery), and the battery may be an internal battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the respective components may operate in cooperation with one another to implement an operation, control, or control method of a vehicle control apparatus according to various embodiments described below. Further, the operation, control, or control method of the on-vehicle control device may be implemented on the on-vehicle control device by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170. [

Hereinafter, the components listed above will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1 before explaining various embodiments implemented through the vehicle control device 100 as described above.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or broadcast channel switching for at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 may be a mobile communication module or a mobile communication module such as a mobile communication module or a mobile communication module that uses technology standards or a communication method (e.g., Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution And an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network established according to a long term evolution (AR), a long term evolution (AR), or the like.

The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 is a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built in or externally mounted on the vehicle control apparatus 100. [ The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive a wireless signal in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Wireless Internet technologies include, for example, wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro Interoperability for Microwave Access, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) 113 transmit and receive data according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies not listed above.

The wireless Internet module 113 for performing a wireless Internet connection through the mobile communication network can be used for wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE or LTE- May be understood as a kind of the mobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is for short-range communication, and includes Bluetooth ™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB) (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technology. The short-range communication module 114 is connected between the on-vehicle control device 100 and the wireless communication system via the short-range wireless communication network, between the onboard control device 100 and another onboard control device 100, And can support wireless communication between the control apparatus 100 and the network where the other vehicle control apparatus 100 (or the external server) is located. The short-range wireless communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

Here, the other on-vehicle control device 100 is a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch) capable of interchanging (or interlocking) data with the onboard control device 100 according to the present invention, Smart glass, HMD (head mounted display)). The short-range communication module 114 can sense (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the on-vehicle control device 100 around the on-vehicle control device 100. [ Further, when the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the onboard control device 100 according to the present invention, the control unit 180 controls the at least part of the data processed in the onboard control device 100, Module 114 to the wearable device. Therefore, the user of the wearable device can utilize the data processed in the vehicle control device 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, the user can make a telephone call through the wearable device when a phone call is received in the vehicle control device 100, or when the message is received in the vehicle control device 100, It is possible to confirm the received message.

The position information module 115 is a module for obtaining the position (or current position) of the on-vehicle control device, and representative examples thereof include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, when the vehicle control device utilizes the GPS module, it can acquire the position of the vehicle control device using a signal sent from the GPS satellite. As another example, the vehicle control device can utilize the Wi-Fi module to acquire the position of the vehicle control device based on the information of the wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) transmitting or receiving the wireless signal with the Wi-Fi module have. Optionally, the location information module 115 may perform any of the other functions of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data relating to the location of the on-vehicle control device, in addition or alternatively. The position information module 115 is a module used to obtain the position (or current position) of the on-vehicle control device, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or acquires the position of the onboard control device.

Next, the input unit 120 is for inputting image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. For inputting image information, the vehicle control apparatus 100 One or more cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. [ A plurality of cameras 121 provided in the vehicular controller 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure and the vehicle controller 100 may be provided with various angles or angles through a camera 121 having a matrix structure. A plurality of pieces of image information having a focus can be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to acquire a left image and a right image for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes the external acoustic signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be utilized variously according to functions (or application programs being executed) being performed in the vehicular controller 100. Meanwhile, the microphone 122 may be implemented with various noise reduction algorithms for eliminating noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from the user. When information is inputted through the user input unit 123, the control unit 180 can control the operation of the vehicular controller 100 to correspond to the input information have. The user input unit 123 may include a mechanical input unit (or a mechanical key such as a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.) located in the center of the vehicle, Means. For example, the touch-type input means may comprise a virtual key, a soft key or a visual key displayed on the touch screen through software processing, And a touch key disposed on the touch panel. Meanwhile, the virtual key or the visual key can be displayed on a touch screen having various forms, for example, a graphic, a text, an icon, a video, As shown in FIG.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 senses at least one of the information in the on-vehicle control device, the surrounding information on the vehicle and / or the on-vehicle control device, and the user information, and generates a corresponding sensing signal. The control unit 180 may control the driving or the operation of the onboard controller 100 based on the sensing signal or may perform data processing, functions, or operations related to the application program installed on the onboard controller 100. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 140 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface, or the presence of an object in the vicinity of the detection surface, without mechanical contact by using electromagnetic force or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 141 may be disposed near the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. In the case where the touch screen is electrostatic, the proximity sensor 141 can be configured to detect the proximity of the object with a change of the electric field along the proximity of the object having conductivity. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

The touch sensor uses a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit 151) by using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistance film type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, an ultrasonic type, Detection.

For example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen or a capacitance generated in a specific portion to an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, an area, a pressure at the time of touch, a capacitance at the time of touch, and the like where a touch object touching the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object may be a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like as an object to which a touch is applied to the touch sensor.

Thus, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. Thus, the control unit 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 is touched or the like. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the control unit 180, and may be the control unit 180 itself.

On the other hand, the touch sensors and the proximity sensors discussed above can be used independently or in combination to provide a short touch (touch), a long touch, a multi touch, a drag touch ), Flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, and the like. Touch can be sensed.

The camera 121 includes at least one of a camera sensor (for example, a CCD, a CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or an image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to sense a touch of the sensing object with respect to the three-dimensional stereoscopic image. The photosensor can be laminated to the display element, which is adapted to scan the movement of the object to be detected proximate to the touch screen. More specifically, the photosensor mounts photo diodes and TRs (Transistors) in a row / column and scans the contents loaded on the photosensor using an electrical signal that varies according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor performs coordinate calculation of the object to be sensed according to the amount of change of light, and position information of the object to be sensed can be obtained through the calculation.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information to be processed by the onboard control device 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the on-vehicle control device 100, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information based on the execution screen information have.

In addition, the display unit 151 may be configured as a stereoscopic display unit for displaying a stereoscopic image.

In the stereoscopic display unit, a three-dimensional display system such as a stereoscopic system (glasses system), an autostereoscopic system (no-glasses system), and a projection system (holographic system) can be applied.

The sound output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, The sound output unit 152 also outputs sound signals related to functions (e.g., call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the on-vehicle control device 100. [ The audio output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of the vibration generated in the haptic module 153 can be controlled by the user's selection or the setting of the control unit. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize and output different vibrations or sequentially output the vibrations.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 may be configured to perform various functions such as a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, a spraying force or suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, a touch on the skin surface, And various tactile effects such as an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using an endothermic or exothermic element can be generated.

The haptic module 153 can transmit the tactile effect through the direct contact, and the tactile effect can be felt by the user through the muscles of the finger or arm. The haptic module 153 may include two or more haptic modules 153 according to the configuration of the vehicular controller 100.

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event using the light of the light source of the vehicular controller 100.

The interface unit 160 serves as a pathway to all the external devices connected to the vehicle control device 100. The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device or receives power from the external device and transmits the data to each component in the vehicle control device 100 or data in the vehicle control device 100 is transmitted to an external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, an audio I / O port, a video I / O (input / output) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 160.

The memory 170 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180, and temporarily store input / output data. The memory 170 may store data related to vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk type, an SDD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), a multimedia card micro type ), Card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read memory, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and / or an optical disk.

Meanwhile, as described above, the control unit 180 controls the operation related to the application program and the general operation of the on-vehicle control device 100.

In addition, the control unit 180 may perform control and processing related to voice communication, data communication, or the like, or may perform pattern recognition processing capable of recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively. Further, the control unit 180 may control any one or a plurality of the above-described components in order to implement various embodiments described below on the onboard control device 100 according to the present invention.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for operation of the respective components.

In the following, various embodiments may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

On the other hand, such a vehicle control apparatus is generally not exposed except for a user input unit (for example, a key region) that is generally mounted inside the vehicle and receives an operation from the user. Therefore, in describing the vehicle control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the structure and control method of the user input unit exposed to the user will be mainly described. In particular, a user input according to an embodiment of the present invention is proposed to be disposed adjacent to a handle, and in the following drawings and detailed description for explaining such an embodiment, a user input portion adjacent to the handle will be mainly described.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to a control method that can be implemented in the vehicle control apparatus configured as above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

As described above, the functions of the in-vehicle control apparatus 100 are gradually expanding, and the expansion of such functions is directly related to safe driving. In particular, the vehicle control apparatus 100 and the various mobile terminals can be connected by near-field communication, etc., and it may be a problem in controlling the connected mobile terminal in this manner and also in safe operation.

If the operation of the essential functions for safe operation is cumbersome or complicated, it is merely an inconvenience and threatens the safe operation. Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention proposes a more convenient and intuitive control method in performing such a complicated function. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed to arrange the user input section so as to be adjacent to the position of the hand held when the user normally grips the handle. Details of the structure and arrangement of the user input portion on the handle will be described with reference to FIG.

2 is a view showing an example of a user input unit provided on the handle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Since the handle 200 is basically used to control the orientation of the vehicle, the input to the user input should not interfere with the operation of such a vehicle. Conversely, the operation of the handle 200 for controlling the direction of the vehicle should not be misinterpreted as a signal to the user input section. Therefore, the user input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention proposes to include a pressure-reducing sensor. This is because it is possible to distinguish between the pressure for the operation of the handle 200 itself and the pressure for the operation of the user input portion by using the pressure reduction sensor. For example, when the value of the pressure reduction sensor is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 180 determines that the pressure is a pressure for operating the handle 200 itself. If the value of the pressure reduction sensor is greater than a predetermined value, It can be judged. Such a pressure-reducing sensor may be composed of a piezoelectric element.

FIG. 2 (a) shows an example of a user input portion disposed on the front surface of the handle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the state of the handle 200 in the balanced state will be described with reference to the drawings as shown on the basis of the drawings, but it is to be understood that the state of the handle 200 can be rotated something to do.

A representative configuration of the steering wheel 200 includes a hub 200a located at the center of the handle 200 and coupled to one end of the steering shaft, a circular shape having a predetermined diameter A rim 200b located at the periphery of the handle 200 and a plurality of spokes 200c connecting the rim 200b and the hub 200a, .

In general, when the driver holds the handle 200 with both hands, the position of each of the hands may be the left end and the right end of the rim 200b for safe and accurate directional manipulation (see Fig. 2 (a) 201R). Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed to provide user inputs 201L and 201R at the left end and the right end of the rim 200b, respectively. In particular, the user input portion may be a reduced pressure input portion using a reduced pressure sensor. This is because this position is the most common position when the driver holds the handle 200 with both hands and is the most suitable position to receive the control input from the driver. In the embodiments of the present invention described below, it is assumed that the 201L and 201R are the depressurization input unit, but the present invention is not limited to the types of the input.

In one embodiment of the present invention, further, it is proposed to further include user inputs 202L and 202R at the upper left and upper right of the rim 200b, respectively. In particular, the user input units 202L and 202R are assumed to be the touch input unit in the following example, but the present invention is not limited to these types of input.

In addition, the handle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a touch screen 301 on the outside of the hub 200a. This arrangement of the touch screen 301 is advantageous for outputting the information for providing to the user because it is the front view of the driver.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), it is proposed that a user input portion is also provided on the back side of the handle 200. The position of the user input unit provided on the back surface of the handle 200 may be provided on the front surface at positions 203L and 203R corresponding to the reduced pressure input units 201L and 201R. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the user input portion on the back side is also the reduced pressure input portion as in the front view.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a position and a shape of a touch screen that may be additionally provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3, a first touch screen 301a provided outside the hub 200a and a second touch screen 301b provided at the upper end of the rim 200b are illustrated. The upper end of the rim 200b is located at the front of the driver's sight, and may be a position for displaying information to the driver. Furthermore, the second touch screen 301b can receive the touch input from the user by replacing the touch input units 202L and 202R.

2 and 3, one embodiment of the present invention may include a user input to be adjacent to the handle 200. [ Based on the control input of the driver received through the user input unit, the control unit 180 may control not only various functions for the vehicle but also various mobile terminals that can be connected to the vehicle control unit 100 . On the other hand, the number of such user input units may not be sufficient when compared with the number of control commands to be controlled. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the pattern of the input received through the user input unit can be further detected, and the execution of the predetermined function can be matched to the detected pattern of the input.

Hereinafter, a pattern of input that can be received through the user input unit will be described first.

Fig. 4 shows a control method of separating left and right touch inputs of a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention, to assist the intuitive input of the user, it is proposed to distinguish the right input (including touch and pressure input) from the left input to determine the type of command or function. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the case of the right input of the handle, the positive input is mainly matched (yes, ok, accept or forward) , decline, or rewind). On the other hand, the distinction between the left and right inputs is not limited to the example, but may be matched to the contrary.

On the other hand, in the case of the touch input, the boundary between left and right may not be unclear. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention, when the left and right boundary regions 401 are touched, the control unit 180 may invalidate the corresponding input and perform no operation.

Referring to an example of the arrangement of the user input section described with reference to FIG. 2, the reduced-pressure input section is disposed not only on the front side but also on the rear side of the handle. In this case, the driver can distinguish the control signal from the decompression input unit existing on the front surface and the control signal from the decompression input unit existing on the rear surface. This division will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment for differentiating inputs from the front and back of a handle, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

5 (a), a driver grasps the handle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention with both hands (the left hand 501L and the right hand 501R). 5 (b), when the thumb 200 is held by the handle 200, it is possible to input the first and second reduced pressure input portions 201L and 201R existing on the front surface of the handle 200 It will be natural to do. It is natural that the remaining four fingers excluding the thumb are used to input to the third and fourth reduced pressure input units 203R and 203L existing on the rear surface of the handle 200. [

Hereinafter, the control signal received through the first depressurization input unit 201L positioned on the left front and the control signal received through the second depressurization input unit 201R located on the right front surface are referred to as R1, respectively. Likewise, the control signal received through the third decompression input section 203L located on the left rear surface is referred to as L2, and the control signal received via the fourth decompression input section 203R located on the right rear surface is referred to as R2. Therefore, the control unit 180 according to an embodiment of the present invention can divide each of the signals received through the first to fourth pressure reduction input units 201L, 201R, 203L, and 203R into L1, R1, L2, and R2 There will be.

In Fig. 5, signals are classified according to the position of the reduced pressure input section. FIG. 6 shows a control method for distinguishing signals based on input patterns.

6 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying a signal based on an input pattern, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the number of user input units is limited, but it is possible to divide input patterns to match more functions than the number of user input units. That is, the control unit 180 can execute the first function when the first input pattern is received and the second function when the second input pattern is received, even if the control signal is received through the same user input unit.

The reduced pressure input section can be implemented using a piezoelectric sensor, and in the case of a piezoelectric sensor, it is possible to classify the intensity of the pressure.

6 (a) to 6 (d) are merely examples of the input pattern, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In the graph shown, the horizontal axis is the time axis, the direction is from left to right, and the length of the graph represents the intensity.

The pressure input pattern shown in Fig. 6 (a) shows a pattern (a pattern) inputted a plurality of times so as to gradually count the pressure. The pressure input pattern shown in FIG. 6 (b) shows a pattern in which the pressure is inputted a plurality of times so as to be constant. 6B shows a pattern input for a predetermined time or more at a constant pressure shown in FIG. 6C. The pressure input pattern shown in Fig. 6 (d) shows a pattern in which a pressure equal to or lower than a predetermined value is inputted a plurality of times shortly.

The control unit 180 according to an embodiment of the present invention can distinguish the input patterns and perform control to perform corresponding functions. For example, when the a pattern input is received through the first decompression input unit 201L, it is possible to control the volume of the audio signal to increase. Alternatively, when the a pattern input is received through the first and second reduced pressure input units 201L and 201R, the route guiding function can be performed by the bypass road that is not blocked. Alternatively, when the cruise function (the function of automatically controlling the speed of the vehicle), the speed of the vehicle can be controlled to be increased.

7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input that can be input through the touch input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the handle 200 includes the first and second touch input units 202L and 202R described above with reference to FIG. The control unit 180 may perform a function corresponding to an input for touching each of the first and second touch input units 202L and 202R.

Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed to perform a function corresponding to an input to touch-drag on the first and second touch input units 202L and 202R.

The first and second touch input units 202L and 202R in the example shown in Fig. 7 may be formed long along the rim in the left and right direction in the upper rim 200b. Accordingly, when an input for dragging 10b while holding the touch 10a after touching any one point of the first touch input unit 202L is received, the touch corresponding to the touch drag 10a and 10b 1 function.

Similarly, when an input for dragging (10d) is received while holding a touch (10c) after touching (10c) a certain point of the second touch input unit (202R), the touch corresponding to the touch drag (10c and 10d) 2 function can be performed.

Examples of the first and second functions corresponding to the touch drag input include a function of scrolling the display screen, zooming in / zooming out, and controlling the volume or brightness of the screen, which is a function that can be performed in proportion to the distance to be dragged However, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Meanwhile, the control unit 180 according to an embodiment of the present invention proposes to further detect the input that pushes or pulls the handle 200. This embodiment will be described with reference to Fig.

8 is a diagram illustrating an input for pushing or pulling the handle 200, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The controller 180 grasps the handle 200 in a state where the driver 801 is seated in the driver's seat and controls the controller 180 in accordance with the input to push or pull the handle in the direction approaching the body or in the direction 802 away You can do it.

For example, when the driver 801 senses an input for pulling the handle 200 toward his / her body, the control unit 180 enters the emergency mode and lights at least one of the emergency light of the vehicle, You can do it.

Alternatively, when the driver 801 senses an input of pushing the handle 200 in the direction opposite to the body of the driver, the controller 180 enters the emergency mode and performs at least one of emergency lighting, sudden stop, and crease operation It will be possible. In addition, when performing the sudden stop function, the control unit 180 may output the back screen to at least one of the touch screens 301a and 301b.

On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed to not only push and pull the handle, but also to pull the handle from side to side, or to further sense the input from the left and right. An embodiment of such an input will be described with reference to Fig.

9 is a diagram illustrating an input pushing a handle from side to side and an input pulling a handle from side to side, according to one embodiment of the invention.

9 (a) shows an input to pull the handle 200 from side to side in a state in which the driver holds the handle 200 with both hands. Fig. 9 (b) shows the input from the left and right in a state where the driver holds the handle 200 with both hands. The control unit 180 may perform a function corresponding to the received input when the right or left pulling input or the left and right pushing input is received.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed to recognize a driver's voice and to perform a predetermined function corresponding to the recognized voice. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG.

10 is a diagram illustrating a control method of activating voice recognition to recognize a driver's voice according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the case of speech recognition, it may be appropriate to activate speech recognition only when needed, in order to reduce false recognition and waste of power. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, when a voice recognition activation command is received through the user input unit, the voice recognition function is activated in response to the activation command.

Referring to FIG. 10 (a), the current speech recognition status guide can be output through the touch screen 301 of the handle 200. That is, the user can confirm that speech recognition is in a disabled state through the touch screen 301.

Upon receiving a command for activating speech recognition, the control unit 180 can activate speech recognition and switch to a speech recognition standby state. 10B, the controller 180 can output the guidance for notifying the user of the voice recognition waiting state through the touch screen 301. [

When voice input is received from the user, the control unit 180 recognizes the voice and can perform a function corresponding to the recognized voice.

As described above, the vehicle control apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention establishes a data communication session (hereinafter, referred to as a connection) with other external mobile terminals through a local communication (not limited thereto) can do. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the onboard controller 100 based on a user input received through the input unit of the connected mobile terminals is proposed. This embodiment will be described with reference to Fig.

11 is a diagram showing a method for controlling the onboard control device 100 using an external mobile terminal connected to the onboard control device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the connected external mobile terminal is a mobile terminal 1101 (hereinafter referred to as a ring terminal) in the form of a ring. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this form.

The ring terminal 1101 may have the configurations described with reference to FIG. 1 inside the ring. In particular, the outer surface and the inner surface of the ring terminal 1101 may include a touch sensor capable of receiving various touch inputs received from a user.

The ring terminal 1101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can receive various types of input from a user using the touch sensor.

For example, there may be an input for touching the surface of the ring terminal 1101, an input for touch dragging the surface of the ring terminal 1101, and an input for rotating the ring terminal 1101.

The controller 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a predetermined function based on a control signal received from the ring terminal 1101. [

This ring terminal 1101 is advantageous in that it can be conveniently worn on the user's fingers so that the control input can be conveniently applied in any situation or action.

In response to the input received through the ring terminal 1101, the functions that the onboard control device 100 can perform include forward / back switching of playback music, volume control, item movement between playlists, (Moving / selecting) a received message, and receiving / rejecting a call. Further, the functions related to the vehicle control include a driver authentication before the boarding of the vehicle and / or a vehicle start, a customized load (adjustment of the side mirror, adjustment of the vehicle seat, etc.) Lighting may be present.

On the other hand, it may be required to provide information (visual output, acoustic output, etc.) corresponding to the user for the execution of the functions and guidance of the vehicle state. In one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, a control method of outputting to the handle 200 itself in order to provide a visual output is proposed. This embodiment will be described with reference to Fig.

Fig. 12 shows a control method capable of outputting a visual guidance to the handle 200 itself, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 3, the handle 200 may have a touch screen 301b in the upper rim 200b. The vehicle control apparatus 100 may control the display 301b to output the information to be provided to the user as shown in FIG. 12 (b).

In an embodiment of the present invention, it is further proposed to output information at a position on the handle 200 through the display of the wearable device 1201 while wearing the wearable device 1201 in the form of a glasses. That is, when the shape of the vehicle steering wheel 200 is detected through the wearable device 1201 in a state of being connected to the vehicle control device 100, the information can be outputted at a position corresponding to the detected shape.

Referring to the shape of the handle 200 shown in FIG. 12 (b), a time alarm for receiving a call signal is output through the touch screen 301b, and a button for accepting a call signal and a button for rejecting a call signal Respectively. When the button for accepting the call signal is touched in response to the output of the time alarm, the controller 180 can accept the call signal and establish a call session. In this case, in order to detect a button touch, a user input received through the pressure reduction input unit or the touch input unit may be used.

Meanwhile, an embodiment of the present invention proposes a control method that can be easily modified when performing speech recognition (TTS: Text To Speech) through the touch screen 301b.

13 is a diagram illustrating a method for easily controlling modification of speech recognition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described with reference to FIG. 10, when the recognized voice command of the user exists, the recognized voice command 1300 can be output on the touch screen 301b. In addition to the output of the voice command 1300 on the touch screen 301b, a cursor 1301 for indicating a position to be corrected or further input may be further output.

The controller 180 may move the cursor 1301 to the corresponding point as shown in FIG. 13 (b) when the touch 10f is input at a predetermined point on the output voice command 1300 . The operator can easily perform an editing operation including deletion by moving the cursor to a desired point.

The present invention described above can be embodied as computer-readable codes on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer readable medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer readable medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, , And may also be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet). Also, the computer may include a control unit 180 of the terminal. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed in a limiting sense in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

100: mobile terminal 110: wireless communication unit
120: Input unit
140: sensing unit 150: output unit
160: interface unit 170: memory
180: control unit 190: power supply unit

Claims (18)

A steering wheel for controlling the direction of the vehicle;
A user input including at least one sensor disposed adjacent the handle; And
And a controller for performing a predetermined function corresponding to the received user command when the user command is received through the user input unit.
Vehicle control device. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a wireless communication unit for connecting with at least one external device,
Wherein the predetermined function is a function for controlling at least one external device connected thereto,
Vehicle control device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of a piezoelectric sensor and a touch sensor,
Vehicle control device. The method of claim 3,
The handle includes a hub coupled to one end of a steering shaft of the vehicle, a rim for gripping the vehicle when the driver steers the vehicle, and a plurality of rims for connecting the rim to the hub Including spokes,
Wherein the piezoelectric sensor comprises:
Vehicle control device. 5. The method of claim 4,
The rim has a symmetrical shape with respect to a center line,
The piezoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein at least two or more of the piezoelectric sensors are disposed at the rim first and second positions, and the first and second positions are symmetrical with respect to the rim,
Vehicle control device. 6. The method of claim 5,
The first and second positions being arranged in the driver's direction on the rim,
Wherein at least two or more of the third and fourth positions are disposed at the third and fourth positions of the rim, and each of the third and fourth positions is a position opposite the driver corresponding to the first and second positions,
Vehicle control device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the controller further detects a pattern of a result sensed through the at least one sensor,
Wherein the user command comprises a pattern of the sensed result,
Vehicle control device. 8. The method of claim 7,
The at least one sensor further senses the strength of the input
The pattern of the sensed result includes at least one of inputting a predetermined number of times, inputting a predetermined number of times of constant intensity, input for maintaining a predetermined intensity for a predetermined time or less, inputting a predetermined number of times or less of a predetermined value, ,
Vehicle control device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one sensor further comprises a sensor for sensing an input to pull the handle toward the driver,
Vehicle control device. A method of controlling a vehicle including a steering wheel for controlling a direction of the vehicle,
Receiving a user command through a user input including at least one sensor disposed adjacent to the handle; And
And when the user command is received, performing a predetermined function corresponding to the received user command.
Vehicle control method. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the vehicle further includes a wireless communication unit for connecting with at least one external device,
Wherein the predetermined function is a function for controlling at least one external device connected thereto,
Vehicle control method. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of a piezoelectric sensor and a touch sensor,
Vehicle control method. 13. The method of claim 12,
The handle includes a hub coupled to one end of a steering shaft of the vehicle, a rim for gripping the vehicle when the driver steers the vehicle, and a plurality of rims for connecting the rim to the hub Including spokes,
Wherein the piezoelectric sensor comprises:
Vehicle control method. 14. The method of claim 13,
The rim has a symmetrical shape with respect to a center line,
The piezoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein at least two or more of the piezoelectric sensors are disposed at the rim first and second positions, and the first and second positions are symmetrical with respect to the rim,
Vehicle control method. 15. The method of claim 14,
The first and second positions being arranged in the driver's direction on the rim,
Wherein at least two or more of the third and fourth positions are disposed at the third and fourth positions of the rim, and each of the third and fourth positions is a position opposite the driver corresponding to the first and second positions,
Vehicle control method. 11. The method of claim 10,
Further comprising sensing a pattern of results sensed through the at least one sensor,
Wherein the user command comprises a pattern of the sensed result,
Vehicle control method. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising sensing the strength of the input through the at least one sensor,
The pattern of the sensed result includes at least one of inputting a predetermined number of times, inputting a predetermined number of times of constant intensity, input for maintaining a predetermined intensity for a predetermined time or less, inputting a predetermined number of times or less of a predetermined value, ,
Vehicle control method. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the at least one sensor further comprises a sensor for sensing an input to pull the handle toward the driver,
Vehicle control method.

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