KR20170076645A - Vehicle and control method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle and a control method thereof, and a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one sensor for obtaining driving information of the vehicle and external environment information of the vehicle; Wherein the vehicles belonging to the first community are traveling in a road including a plurality of lanes, and the traveling information of the vehicle, the external environment information, and the traveling information of the first community And a control unit for determining the target position of the vehicle with respect to the first cluster based on at least one of the plurality of targets and controlling the vehicle to perform at least one operation corresponding to the target position.

Description

VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and a method of operating the same, and more particularly, to a vehicle that runs in a self-running mode and its operation method.

A vehicle is a device that drives a wheel to transport a person or cargo from one place to another. For example, two-wheeled vehicles such as a motorcycle, a four-wheeled vehicle such as a sedan, as well as a train belong to the vehicle.

In order to increase the safety and convenience of users who use the vehicle, development of technologies for connecting various sensors and electronic devices to the vehicle has been accelerated. In particular, a system that provides various functions (eg, smart cruise control, lane keeping assistance) developed for the user's driving convenience is installed in the vehicle. Thereby, so-called autonomous driving in which the vehicle runs on the road in consideration of the external environment itself becomes possible without the driver's operation.

Further, as a conventional technique related to a vehicle, the concept of crowd driving has been proposed. The cluster driving means that a plurality of vehicles bundled in one group share the traveling information with each other and travel on the road while considering the external environment.

One cluster includes a leader vehicle and a follower vehicle. The leader vehicle is the vehicle that leads the cluster at the head of the cluster, and the follower vehicle is the vehicle that follows the leader vehicle.

The follower vehicle of the cluster can keep track of the leader vehicle by using the traveling information (e.g., GPS coordinates, speed, path, direction, and brake stepping information) of the reader vehicle transmitted through the inter-vehicle communication system. Accordingly, the driver of the follower vehicle can freely perform other actions (e.g., smartphone operation, sleeping) other than driving in the room. Such crowd driving increases the convenience of the driver and improves the transportation efficiency.

However, there is a limitation that all of the vehicles in the community have to be aligned in a line. For example, even if there is an empty lane on the road, the crowd's follower vehicle must follow the leader vehicle only in the same lane as the leader vehicle.

In addition, when the other vehicle is caught in the community, the follower vehicle behind the other vehicle can not follow the leader vehicle properly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle which can keep track of a leader vehicle even in a lane different from a leader vehicle when traveling in a road including a plurality of lanes, Method.

The present invention also provides a vehicle and a control method thereof for determining a suitable position for withdrawal and moving to a determined position before withdrawing from a cluster when withdrawal is required.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle and a control method thereof, which can easily select a cluster best suited to the running condition of the vehicle and determine the position of the vehicle with respect to the selected cluster, among a plurality of clusters that can be joined.

In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle and a control method thereof for automatically changing a cluster when a more suitable cluster is searched in a certain community.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: at least one sensor for obtaining driving information of a vehicle and external environment information of the vehicle; Wherein the vehicles belonging to the first community are traveling in a road including a plurality of lanes, and the traveling information of the vehicle, the external environment information, and the traveling information of the first community And a control unit for determining the target position of the vehicle with respect to the first cluster based on at least one of the plurality of target groups and controlling the vehicle to execute at least one operation corresponding to the target position.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

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

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when the vehicle travels in a road including a plurality of lanes, it can keep track of the leader vehicle even in a lane different from the lane leader vehicle. Thereby, the distance from the leader vehicle can be minimized, and the efficiency of the road can be increased. In addition, even if another vehicle in the community is interrupted, the possibility of missing the leader vehicle can be reduced.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when withdrawal from the community is required, it is possible to determine a position suitable for withdrawal and move to the determined position before withdrawing from the community.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily select a cluster best suited to the running state of the vehicle among a plurality of clusters that can be joined, to automatically determine an appropriate position for the selected cluster, The vehicle can be moved to the determined position.

In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, when a cluster more suitable for the surroundings is searched in a certain community, the cluster can be automatically changed.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 shows a block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows an example of the vehicle described above with reference to Fig.
Fig. 3 shows an example of the vehicle described above with reference to Fig.
FIG. 4 shows an example of images generated by the plurality of cameras shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 shows an internal block diagram of the control unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
6A and 6B are views referred to in the description of the operation of the control unit shown in FIG.
7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method related to step S730 shown in FIG.
9 is a flow chart showing another example of the control method related to step S730 shown in FIG.
10 is a flow chart showing another example of the control method related to step S730 shown in FIG.
11 is a flow chart showing another example of the control method related to step S730 shown in FIG.
12A is a diagram referred to explain an operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle associated with the situation shown in FIG. 12A.
Fig. 12C is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig. 12B.
13A is a diagram referred to explain the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle associated with the situation shown in FIG. 13A.
Fig. 13C is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig. 13A.
14A is a diagram referred to explain the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in FIG. 14A.
14C is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle associated with the situation shown in FIG. 14A.
14D is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in FIG. 14A.
Fig. 14E is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle associated with the situation shown in Fig. 14A.
FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method associated with step S1510 shown in FIG.
17 is a flow chart showing another example of the control method associated with step S1510 shown in FIG.
18A is a diagram referred to explain an operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig. 18A.
19A is a diagram referred to explain the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 19B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig. 19A. Fig.
20 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a diagram referred to explain the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
22A to 22C are drawings referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig.
23 is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig.

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. It should also be understood that the term "controlling" one component is meant to encompass not only one component directly controlling the other component, but also controlling through mediation of a third component something to do. It is also to be understood that any element "providing" information or signals to another element is meant to encompass not only providing the element directly to the other element, but also providing it through intermediation of a third element .

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.

The vehicle described in the present specification may be a concept including both an internal combustion engine vehicle having an engine as a power source, a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric motor as a power source, and an electric vehicle having an electric motor as a power source.

1 shows a block diagram of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle 1 includes a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a memory 130, an output unit 140, a vehicle driving unit 150, a sensing unit 160, a control unit 170, an interface unit 180, (Not shown).

The communication unit 110 may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the vehicle 1 and an external device (e.g., portable terminal, external server, other vehicle). In addition, the communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for connecting the vehicle 1 to one or more networks.

The communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a wireless Internet module 112, a local area communication module 113, a location information module 114, and an optical communication module 115.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. Here, the broadcast includes a radio broadcast or a TV broadcast.

The wireless Internet module 112 refers to a module for wireless Internet access and may be built in or externally mounted on the vehicle 1. [ The wireless Internet module 112 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Wireless Internet technologies include, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA, 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) 112 transmit and receive data according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies not listed above. For example, the wireless Internet module 112 may exchange data wirelessly with an external server. The wireless Internet module 112 can receive weather information and road traffic situation information (for example, TPEG (Transport Protocol Expert Group)) from an external server.

The short-range communication module 113 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 113 may form short-range wireless communication networks to perform short-range communication between the vehicle 1 and at least one external device. For example, the short-range communication module 113 can wirelessly exchange data with the occupant's portable terminal. The short-range communication module 113 can receive weather information and road traffic situation information (for example, TPEG (Transport Protocol Expert Group)) from a portable terminal or an external server. For example, when the user has boarded the vehicle 1, the portable terminal of the user and the vehicle 1 can perform the pairing with each other automatically or by the execution of the user's application.

The position information module 114 is a module for obtaining the position of the vehicle 1, and a representative example thereof is a Global Positioning System (GPS) module. For example, when the vehicle utilizes a GPS module, it can acquire the position of the vehicle using a signal sent from the GPS satellite.

The optical communication module 115 may include a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion.

The light receiving section can convert the light signal into an electric signal and receive the information. The light receiving unit may include a photodiode (PD) for receiving light. Photodiodes can convert light into electrical signals. For example, the light receiving section can receive information of the front vehicle through light emitted from the light source included in the front vehicle.

The light emitting unit may include at least one light emitting element for converting an electric signal into an optical signal. Here, the light emitting element is preferably an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The optical transmitter converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and transmits it to the outside. For example, the optical transmitter can emit the optical signal to the outside through the blinking of the light emitting element corresponding to the predetermined frequency. According to an embodiment, the light emitting portion may include a plurality of light emitting element arrays. According to the embodiment, the light emitting portion can be integrated with the lamp provided in the vehicle 1. [ For example, the light emitting portion may be at least one of a headlight, a tail light, a brake light, a turn signal lamp, and a car light. For example, the optical communication module 115 can exchange data with other vehicles through optical communication.

The input unit 120 may include a driving operation unit 121, a microphone 123, and a user input unit 124.

The driving operation means 121 receives a user input for driving the vehicle 1. [ The driving operation means 121 may include a steering input means 121a, a shift input means 121b, an acceleration input means 121c and a brake input means 121d.

The steering input means 121a receives a forward direction input of the vehicle 1 from the user. The steering input means 121a may include a steering wheel. According to the embodiment, the steering input means 121a may be formed of a touch screen, a touch pad, or a button.

The shift input means 121b receives inputs of parking (P), forward (D), neutral (N) and reverse (R) of the vehicle 1 from the user. The shift input means 121b is preferably formed in a lever shape. According to an embodiment, the shift input means 121b may be formed of a touch screen, a touch pad, or a button.

The acceleration input means 121c receives an input for acceleration of the vehicle 1 from the user. The brake input means 121d receives an input for decelerating the vehicle 1 from the user. The acceleration input means 121c and the brake input means 121d are preferably formed in the form of a pedal. According to the embodiment, the acceleration input means 121c or the brake input means 121d may be formed of a touch screen, a touch pad, or a button.

The microphone 123 can process an external acoustic signal into electrical data. The processed data can be variously utilized depending on the function being performed in the vehicle 1. [ The microphone 123 can convert the voice command of the user into electrical data. The converted electrical data may be transmitted to the control unit 170.

The camera 122 or the microphone 123 may be a component included in the sensing unit 160 and not a component included in the input unit 120. [

The user input unit 124 is for receiving information from a user. When information is inputted through the user input unit 124, the control unit 170 can control the operation of the vehicle 1 so as to correspond to the input information. The user input unit 124 may include a touch input means or a mechanical input means. According to an embodiment, the user input 124 may be located in one area of the steering wheel. In this case, the driver can operate the user input unit 124 with his / her finger while holding the steering wheel.

The input unit 120 may include a plurality of buttons or a touch sensor. It is also possible to perform various input operations through a plurality of buttons or touch sensors.

The sensing unit 160 senses a signal relating to the running of the vehicle 1 or the like. To this end, the sensing unit 160 may include a sensor, a steering sensor, a speed sensor, a tilt sensor, a weight sensor, a heading sensor, a yaw sensor, a gyro sensor, Position sensor, vehicle forward / backward sensor, battery sensor, fuel sensor, tire sensor, steering sensor by steering wheel rotation, vehicle internal temperature sensor, internal humidity sensor, ultrasonic sensor, infrared sensor, radar, . ≪ / RTI >

Accordingly, the sensing unit 160 can sense the vehicle collision information, the vehicle direction information, the vehicle position information (GPS information), the vehicle angle information, the vehicle speed information, the vehicle acceleration information, the vehicle tilt information, Fuel information, tire information, vehicle lamp information, vehicle interior temperature information, vehicle interior humidity information, steering wheel rotation angle, and the like. The control unit 170 also controls the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 1 based on the external environment information obtained by at least one of the camera, the ultrasonic sensor, the infrared sensor, the radar, A control signal for changing direction, etc. can be generated. Here, the external environment information may be information related to various objects located within a predetermined distance range from the vehicle 1 while driving. For example, the external environment information may include information on the number of obstacles located within a distance of 100 m from the vehicle 1, the distance to the obstacle, the size of the obstacle, the type of the obstacle, and the like.

The sensing unit 160 may further include an accelerator pedal sensor, a pressure sensor, an engine speed sensor, an air flow sensor AFS, an intake air temperature sensor ATS, a water temperature sensor WTS, A sensor (TPS), a TDC sensor, a crank angle sensor (CAS), and the like.

The sensing unit 160 may include a biometric information sensing unit. The biometric information sensing unit senses and acquires the biometric information of the passenger. The biometric information may include fingerprint information, iris-scan information, retina-scan information, hand geo-metry information, facial recognition information, Voice recognition information. The biometric information sensing unit may include a sensor that senses the passenger's biometric information. Here, the camera 162 and the microphone 123 can operate as sensors. The biometric information sensing unit can acquire the hand shape information and the face recognition information through the camera 162. [

The sensing unit 160 may include at least one camera 161 for photographing the outside of the vehicle 2. [ For example, the sensing unit 160 may include a plurality of cameras 161 disposed at different positions of the vehicle exterior. The camera 161 may include an image sensor and an image processing module. The camera 161 can process still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD). The image processing module may process the still image or the moving image obtained through the image sensor, extract necessary information, and transmit the extracted information to the control unit 170.

The sensing unit 160 may include at least one camera 162 for photographing the interior of the vehicle 1. [ For example, the camera 162 may generate an image including the occupant of the vehicle 1, and then provide the image to the control unit 170. [

The cameras 161 and 162 may include an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD) and an image processing module. In addition, the cameras 161 and 162 can process still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor. The image processing module can process the still image or moving image obtained through the image sensor. In addition, the cameras 161 and 162 can acquire images including at least one of traffic lights, traffic signs, pedestrians, other vehicles, and road surfaces.

The output unit 140 may include a display unit 141, an acoustic output unit 142, and a haptic output unit 143 for outputting information processed by the control unit 170.

The display unit 141 may display information processed by the controller 170. [ For example, the display unit 141 can display vehicle-related information. Here, the vehicle-related information may include vehicle control information for direct control of the vehicle, or vehicle driving assistance information for a driving guide to the vehicle driver. Further, the vehicle-related information may include vehicle state information indicating the current state of the vehicle or vehicle driving information related to the driving of the vehicle.

The display unit 141 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

The display unit 141 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 124 to provide an input interface between the vehicle 1 and the user and at the same time provide an output interface between the vehicle 1 and the user. In this case, the display unit 141 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display unit 141 so as to receive a control command by a touch method. When a touch is made to the display unit 141, the touch sensor senses the touch, and the control unit 170 generates a control command corresponding to the touch based on the touch. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, an instruction in various modes, a menu item which can be designated, and the like.

Meanwhile, the display unit 141 may include a cluster so that the driver can check the vehicle state information or the vehicle driving information while driving. Clusters can be located on the dashboard. In this case, the driver can confirm the information displayed in the cluster while keeping the gaze ahead of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment, the display unit 141 may be implemented as a Head Up Display (HUD). When the display unit 141 is implemented as a HUD, information can be output through a transparent display provided in the windshield. Alternatively, the display unit 141 may include a projection module to output information through an image projected on the windshield.

The sound output unit 142 converts an electric signal from the control unit 170 into an audio signal and outputs the audio signal. For this purpose, the sound output unit 142 may include a speaker or the like. It is also possible that the sound output unit 142 outputs a sound corresponding to the operation of the user input unit 124. [

The haptic output unit 143 generates a tactile output. For example, the haptic output section 143 may vibrate the steering wheel, the seat belt, and the seat so that the user can operate to recognize the output.

The vehicle driving unit 150 can control the operation of various devices of the vehicle. The vehicle driving unit 150 includes a power source driving unit 151, a steering driving unit 152, a brake driving unit 153, a lamp driving unit 154, an air conditioning driving unit 155, a window driving unit 156, an airbag driving unit 157, A driving unit 158, and a wiper driving unit 159. [0035]

The power source drive unit 151 may perform electronic control of the power source in the vehicle 1. [ The power source drive section 151 may include an accelerator for increasing the speed of the vehicle 1 and a decelerator for decreasing the speed of the vehicle 1. [

For example, when the fossil fuel-based engine (not shown) is a power source, the power source drive unit 151 can perform electronic control of the engine. Thus, the output torque of the engine and the like can be controlled. When the power source drive unit 151 is an engine, the speed of the vehicle can be limited by limiting the engine output torque under the control of the control unit 170. [

In another example, when the electric motor (not shown) is a power source, the power source drive unit 151 can perform control on the motor. Thus, the rotation speed, torque, etc. of the motor can be controlled.

The steering driver 152 may include a steering apparatus. Thus, the steering driver 152 can perform electronic control of the steering apparatus in the vehicle 1. [ For example, the steering driver 152 may be provided with a steering torque sensor, a steering angle sensor, and a steering motor, and the steering torque applied by the driver to the steering wheel 12 may be sensed by the steering torque sensor. The steering driver 152 can control the steering force and the steering angle by changing the magnitude and direction of the current applied to the steering motor based on the speed of the vehicle 1 and the steering torque. In addition, the steering driver 152 can determine whether the running direction of the vehicle 1 is properly adjusted based on the steering angle information obtained by the steering angle sensor. Thereby, the running direction of the vehicle can be changed. The steering driver 152 increases the steering force of the steering motor to lower the weight of the steering wheel 12 when the vehicle 1 travels at a low speed and decreases the steering force of the steering motor when the vehicle 1 travels at a high speed The weight of the steering wheel 12 can be increased. In the case where the autonomous running function of the vehicle 1 is executed, the steering drive unit 152 is configured to detect the steering angle of the steering wheel 160 even in a situation where the driver operates the steering wheel 12 (e.g., Based on a sensing signal output by the control unit 170 or a control signal provided by the control unit 170, the steering motor may be controlled so as to generate an appropriate steering force.

The brake driver 153 can perform electronic control of a brake apparatus (not shown) in the vehicle 1. [ For example, it is possible to reduce the speed of the vehicle 1 by controlling the operation of the brakes disposed on the wheels. As another example, it is possible to adjust the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 to the left or right by differently operating the brakes respectively disposed on the left wheel and the right wheel.

The lamp driving unit 154 may control the turn-on / turn-off of at least one or more lamps disposed inside or outside the vehicle. The lamp driver 154 may include a lighting device. Further, the lamp driving unit 154 can control intensity, direction, etc. of light output from each of the lamps included in the lighting apparatus. For example, it is possible to perform control for a direction indicating lamp, a head lamp, a brake lamp, and the like.

The air conditioning driving unit 155 may perform electronic control on an air conditioner (not shown) in the vehicle 1. [ For example, when the temperature inside the vehicle is high, the air conditioner can be operated to control the cool air to be supplied to the inside of the vehicle.

The window driving unit 156 may perform electronic control of the window apparatus in the vehicle 1. [ For example, it is possible to control the opening or closing of the side of the vehicle with respect to the left and right windows.

The airbag driving unit 157 may perform electronic control of the airbag apparatus in the vehicle 1. [ For example, in case of danger, the airbag can be controlled to fire.

The sunroof driving unit 158 may perform electronic control of a sunroof apparatus (not shown) in the vehicle 1. [ For example, the opening or closing of the sunroof can be controlled.

The wiper driving unit 159 can control the wipers 14a and 14b provided in the vehicle 1. [ For example, the wiper drive 159 may be configured to provide an electronic control for the number of drives, drive speeds, etc. of the wipers 14a, 14b in response to user input upon receipt of a user input instructing to drive the wiper through the user input 124 Can be performed. The wiper drive unit 159 may determine the amount or intensity of the rainwater based on the sensing signal of the rain sensor included in the sensing unit 160 so that the wipers 14a and 14b may be used without user input, Can be automatically driven.

Meanwhile, the vehicle driving unit 150 may further include a suspension driving unit (not shown). The suspension driving unit may perform electronic control of a suspension apparatus (not shown) in the vehicle 1. [ For example, when there is a curvature on the road surface, it is possible to control the suspension device so as to reduce the vibration of the vehicle 1. [

The memory 130 is electrically connected to the controller 170. The memory 130 may store basic data for the unit, control data for controlling the operation of the unit, and input / output data. The memory 130 may be, in hardware, various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, hard drive, and the like. The memory 130 may store various data for operation of the entire vehicle 1, such as a program for processing or controlling the controller 170. [

The interface unit 180 may serve as a pathway to various kinds of external devices connected to the vehicle 1. [ For example, the interface unit 180 may include a port connectable to the portable terminal, and may be connected to the portable terminal through the port. In this case, the interface unit 180 can exchange data with the portable terminal.

The interface unit 180 may receive the turn signal information. Here, the turn signal information may be a turn-on signal of the turn signal lamp for the left turn or the turn right turn inputted by the user. When the left or right turn signal turn-on input is received through the user input portion (724 in Fig. 6) of the vehicle, the interface portion 180 can receive left turn signal information or right turn signal information.

The interface unit 180 may receive vehicle speed information, rotation angle information of the steering wheel, or gear shift information. The interface unit 180 may receive the sensed vehicle speed information, the steering wheel rotation angle information, or the gear shift information through the sensing unit 160 of the vehicle. Alternatively, the interface unit 180 may receive the vehicle speed information, the steering wheel rotation angle information, or the gear shift information from the control unit 170 of the vehicle. Here, the gear shift information may be information on which state the shift lever of the vehicle is in. For example, the gear shift information may be information on which state the shift lever is in the parking (P), reverse (R), neutral (N), running (D) .

The interface unit 180 may receive a user input received via a user input 124 of the vehicle 1. [ The interface unit 180 may receive user input from the input unit 120 of the vehicle 1 or via the control unit 170. [

The interface unit 180 can receive information obtained from an external device. For example, when the traffic light change information is received from the external server through the communication unit 110 of the vehicle 1, the interface unit 180 can receive the traffic light change information from the control unit 170. [

The control unit 170 can control the overall operation of each unit in the vehicle 1. [ The control unit 170 may be referred to as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

The control unit 170 may be implemented in hardware as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) ), Controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electronic units for performing other functions.

The power supply unit 190 can supply power necessary for the operation of each component under the control of the controller 170. [ In particular, the power supply unit 190 can receive power from a battery (not shown) or the like inside the vehicle.

The AVN (Audio Video Navigation) device 400 can exchange data with the control unit 170. [ The control unit 170 may receive navigation information from the AVN apparatus or a separate navigation apparatus (not shown). Here, the navigation information may include set destination information, route information according to the destination, map information relating to the vehicle driving, or vehicle location information.

On the other hand, some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may not be essential for realizing the vehicle 1. Fig. Thus, the vehicle 1 described herein may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

Fig. 2 shows an example of the vehicle 1 described above with reference to Fig. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 2, the vehicle 1 may include at least one or more radar 201, LR 202, and an ultrasonic sensor 203.

The radar 201 is mounted on one side of the vehicle 1 and can emit electromagnetic waves toward the periphery of the vehicle 1 and can receive electromagnetic waves reflected from various objects existing around the vehicle 1. [ For example, the radar 201 can measure the time of an electromagnetic wave reflected by an object and acquire information related to the distance, direction, and altitude of the object.

The lidar 202 is mounted on one side of the vehicle 1 and emits laser toward the periphery of the vehicle 1. [ The laser emitted by the laser 202 may be scattered or reflected back to the vehicle 1 and the laser 202 may be based on a change in the time, intensity, frequency, , Information on the physical characteristics such as the distance, speed, and shape of the target located around the vehicle 1 can be obtained.

The ultrasonic sensor 203 is mounted on one side of the vehicle 1 and generates ultrasonic waves toward the periphery of the vehicle 1. [ The ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic sensor 203 has a high frequency (about 20 KHz or more) and a short wavelength. Such an ultrasonic sensor 203 can be used mainly for recognizing an obstacle close to the vehicle 1 and the like.

The radar 201, the radar 202 and the ultrasonic sensor 203 shown in FIG. 2 may be sensors included in the sensing unit 160 shown in FIG.

Fig. 3 shows another example of the vehicle 1 described above with reference to Fig. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 3, four cameras 301, 302, 303, and 304 may be mounted at different positions of the vehicle 1 exterior.

The plurality of cameras 301, 302, 303, and 304 may be disposed at the front, left, right, and rear of the vehicle 1, respectively. Each of the plurality of cameras 301, 302, 303, and 304 may be a camera 161 shown in FIG.

The front camera 301 may be disposed near the windshield, near the ambulance, or near the radiator grill.

The left camera 302 may be disposed in a case surrounding the left side mirror. Alternatively, the left camera 302 may be disposed outside the case surrounding the left side mirror. Alternatively, the left camera 302 may be disposed in one area outside the left front door, the left rear door, or the left fender.

The right camera 303 may be disposed in a case surrounding the right side mirror. Or the right camera 303 may be disposed outside the case surrounding the right side mirror. Alternatively, the right camera 303 may be disposed in one area outside the right front door, the right rear door, or the right fender.

On the other hand, the rear camera 304 may be disposed in the vicinity of a rear license plate or a trunk switch.

The respective images photographed by the plurality of cameras 301, 302, 303 and 304 are transmitted to the control unit 170, and the control unit 170 may synthesize the respective images to generate a peripheral image of the vehicle.

Each of the plurality of cameras 301, 302, 303, and 304 shown in FIG. 3 may be the same as the camera 161 of the sensing unit 160 shown in FIG.

In addition, although FIG. 3 shows that four cameras are mounted on the outer surface of the vehicle 1, the present invention is not limited to the number of cameras, and a smaller or larger number of cameras may be disposed at positions different from the positions shown in FIG. Lt; / RTI >

FIG. 4 shows an example of images generated by the plurality of cameras 301, 302, 303, and 304 shown in FIG.

4, the composite image 400 includes a first image area 401 photographed by the front camera 301, a second image area 402 photographed by the left camera 302, a right camera 303 A third image area 403 taken by the back camera 304 and a fourth image area 404 taken by the back camera 304. [ The composite image 400 may be named an around view monitoring image.

At the time of generating the composite image 400, the boundary lines 411, 412, 413, and 414 occur between any two images included in the composite image 400. These boundary portions can be naturally displayed by image blending processing.

On the other hand, boundary lines 411, 412, 413, and 414 may be displayed at the boundaries between the plurality of images. In addition, a predetermined image may be included in the center of the composite image 400 to indicate the vehicle 1.

Further, the composite image 400 can be displayed on a display device mounted in the interior of the vehicle 1. [

The control unit 170 may process the image received from the cameras 161 and 162 shown in FIG. 1 based on computer vision to generate vehicle-related information. The vehicle-related information may include vehicle-control information for direct control of the vehicle, or vehicle-driving assistance information for a driver's guide to the vehicle driver. Here, the cameras 161 and 162 may be mono cameras or stereo cameras.

The memory 130 may store programs and various data for the processing or control of the controller 170.

The memory 130 may store data for object identification. For example, when a predetermined object is detected in the image obtained through the cameras 161 and 162, the memory 130 may store data for determining what the object corresponds to according to a predetermined algorithm.

The memory 130 may store data on traffic information. For example, when predetermined traffic information is detected in the image obtained through the cameras 161 and 162, the memory 130 stores data for checking what the traffic information corresponds to according to a predetermined algorithm .

Meanwhile, the memory 130 may be various storage devices such as a ROM, a RAM, an EPROM, a flash drive, a hard drive, and the like in hardware.

The control unit 170 may process the vehicle front image or the vehicle periphery image obtained by the cameras 161 and 162. In particular, the controller 170 performs signal processing based on computer vision. Accordingly, the control unit 170 can acquire images of the vehicle front or the vehicle surroundings from the cameras 161 and 162, and can perform object detection and object tracking based on the images. Particularly, when detecting an object, the control unit 170 controls the lane detection (LD), the vehicle detection (VD), the pedestrian detection (PD), the light detection (Brightspot Detection, BD) Traffic sign recognition (TSR), road surface detection, and the like.

On the other hand, the traffic signal may mean predetermined information that can be transmitted to the driver of the vehicle 1. Traffic signals can be delivered to the driver through a traffic light, traffic sign, or road surface. For example, the traffic signal may be a Go or Stop signal of a vehicle or pedestrian output from a traffic light. For example, the traffic signal may be various designs or texts displayed on a traffic sign. For example, traffic signals may be various designs or texts displayed on the road surface.

The control unit 170 can detect information in the vehicle surroundings image generated by the cameras 161 and 162. [

The information may be information on the driving situation of the vehicle. For example, the information may be a concept including road information, traffic regulation information, surrounding vehicle information, vehicle or pedestrian signal information, construction information, traffic situation information, parking lot information, lane information, etc., which the vehicle travels.

The information may be traffic information. The control unit 170 can detect traffic information from any one of a traffic light, a traffic sign, and a road surface included in the image obtained by the cameras 161 and 162. For example, the control unit 170 can detect a Go or a Stop signal of a vehicle or a pedestrian from a signal light included in an image. For example, the control unit 170 can detect various patterns or texts from the traffic signs included in the image. For example, the control unit 170 can detect various designs or texts from the road surface included in the image.

The controller 170 can compare the detected information with the information stored in the memory 130 to confirm the information.

For example, the control unit 170 detects a graphic or text indicating a lampway in the object included in the acquired image. Here, the object may be a traffic sign or a road surface. Pattern or text. The control unit 170 may compare the traffic information stored in the memory 130 with the detected pattern or text to check the lampway information.

For example, the control unit 170 detects a graphic or text indicating a vehicle or a pedestrian stop in the object included in the acquired image. Here, the object may be a traffic sign or a road surface. The control unit 170 can compare the traffic information stored in the memory 130 with the detected pattern or text to check the stop information. Alternatively, the control unit 170 detects a stop line from the road surface included in the acquired image. The control unit 170 can compare the traffic information stored in the memory 130 with the stop line to confirm the stop information.

For example, the control unit 170 can detect the presence or absence of a lane in an object included in the acquired image. Here, the object may be a road surface. The control unit 170 can check the color of the detected lane. The control unit 170 can confirm whether the detected lane is a driving lane or a waiting lane.

For example, the control unit 170 may detect the Go or Stop information of the vehicle from the object included in the acquired image. Here, the object may be a vehicle traffic light. Here, the Go information of the vehicle may be a signal instructing the vehicle to go straight, turn left or right. The stop information of the vehicle may be a signal instructing the vehicle to stop. The Go information of the vehicle may be displayed in green, and the Stop information of the vehicle may be displayed in red.

For example, the control unit 170 can detect the Go or Stop information of the pedestrian from the object included in the acquired image. Here, the object may be a pedestrian signal or the like. Here, the Go information of the pedestrian may be a signal instructing the pedestrian to cross the lane in the pedestrian crossing. The stop information of the pedestrian may be a signal instructing the pedestrian to stop in the pedestrian crossing.

Meanwhile, the control unit 170 can control the zoom of the cameras 161 and 162. [ For example, the control unit 170 can control the zoom of the cameras 161 and 162 in accordance with the object detection result. For example, if a traffic sign is detected but the contents displayed on the traffic sign are not detected, the control unit 170 may control the cameras 161 and 162 to zoom in.

Meanwhile, the control unit 170 can receive weather information, road traffic situation information, for example, TPEG (Transport Protocol Expert Group) information through the communication unit 110.

On the other hand, the controller 170 may grasp real-time or periodic traffic situation information about the vehicle, which is based on the stereo image.

Meanwhile, the control unit 170 can receive navigation information and the like from the AVN apparatus or another navigation apparatus through the interface unit 180.

The controller 170 may receive the sensor information from the controller 170 or the sensing unit 160 through the interface unit 180. [ Here, the sensor information includes at least one of vehicle direction information, vehicle position information (GPS information), vehicle angle information, vehicle speed information, vehicle acceleration information, vehicle tilt information, vehicle forward / backward information, battery information, fuel information, Lamp information, vehicle interior temperature information, vehicle interior humidity information, and steering wheel rotation information.

Meanwhile, the controller 170 may receive navigation information from the controller 170, the AVN device, or another navigation device through the interface unit 180.

The controller 170 may be implemented as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processors (DSP), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) May be implemented using at least one of controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing other functions.

The display unit 141 can display various kinds of information processed by the controller 170. The display unit 141 can display an image related to the operation of the vehicle 1. [ In order to display such an image, the display unit 141 may include a cluster or an HUD (Head Up Display) on the inside of the vehicle interior. On the other hand, when the display unit 141 is the HUD, it may include a projection module that projects an image on the windshield of the vehicle 1. [

The power supply unit 190 can supply power necessary for the operation of each component under the control of the control unit 170. [ In particular, the power supply unit 190 can receive power from a battery or the like in the vehicle 1. [

FIG. 5 shows an example of an internal block diagram of the controller 170 shown in FIG.

5, the control unit 170 may include an image preprocessing unit 510, a disparity calculating unit 520, an object detecting unit 534, an object tracking unit 540, and an application unit 550 .

The image preprocessor 510 may receive an image provided from the cameras 161 and 162 shown in FIG. 1 and perform preprocessing.

In particular, the image preprocessing unit 510 may perform noise reduction, rectification, calibration, color enhancement, color space conversion (CSC) Interpolation, camera gain control, and the like. Thus, it is possible to obtain a clearer image than the stereo image photographed by the cameras 161 and 162.

The disparity calculator 520 receives the image signal processed by the image preprocessing unit 510, performs stereo matching on the received images, and performs disparity calculation based on stereo matching, A disparty map can be obtained. That is, it is possible to obtain the disparity information about the stereo image with respect to the front of the vehicle.

At this time, the stereo matching may be performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis of stereo images or on a predetermined block basis. On the other hand, the disparity map may mean a map in which binaural parallax information of stereo images, i.e., left and right images, is numerically expressed.

The segmentation unit 532 may perform segmenting and clustering on at least one of the images based on the dispetity information from the disparity calculating unit 520. [

Specifically, the segmentation unit 532 can separate the background and the foreground for at least one of the stereo images based on the disparity information.

For example, an area having dispaly information within a disparity map of a predetermined value or less can be calculated as a background, and the corresponding part can be excluded. Thereby, the foreground can be relatively separated.

As another example, an area in which the dispetity information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the disparity map can be calculated with the foreground, and the corresponding part can be extracted. Thereby, the foreground can be separated.

Thus, by separating the foreground and the background based on the disparity information information extracted based on the stereo image, it becomes possible to shorten the signal processing speed, signal processing amount, and the like at the time of object detection thereafter.

Next, the object detector 534 can detect the object based on the image segment from the segmentation unit 532. [

That is, the object detecting unit 534 can detect an object for at least one of the images based on the disparity information.

Specifically, the object detecting unit 534 can detect an object for at least one of the images. For example, an object can be detected from a foreground separated by an image segment.

Next, the object verification unit 536 classifies and verifies the separated object.

For this purpose, the object identification unit 536 identifies the object using the neural network identification method, the SVM (Support Vector Machine) method, the AdaBoost identification method using the Haar-like feature, or the Histograms of Oriented Gradients Etc. may be used.

On the other hand, the object checking unit 536 can check the objects by comparing the objects stored in the memory 130 with the detected objects.

For example, the object identifying unit 536 can identify nearby vehicles, lanes, roads, signs, hazardous areas, tunnels, etc. located in the vicinity of the vehicle.

An object tracking unit 540 may perform tracking on the identified object. For example, it sequentially identifies an object in the acquired stereo images, calculates a motion or a motion vector of the identified object, and tracks movement of the object based on the calculated motion or motion vector . Accordingly, it is possible to track nearby vehicles, lanes, roads, signs, dangerous areas, tunnels, etc., located in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Next, the application unit 550 can calculate the risk of the vehicle 1 and the like based on various objects (e.g., other vehicles, lanes, roads, signs, etc.) located around the vehicle 1 . It is also possible to calculate the possibility of a collision with a preceding vehicle, whether the vehicle is slipping or the like.

Then, the application unit 550 can output a message or the like for notifying the user to the user as vehicle driving assistance information, based on the calculated risk, possibility of collision, sleep, or the like. Alternatively, a control signal for attitude control or running control of the vehicle 1 may be generated as the vehicle control information.

The controller 170 may include an image preprocessing unit 510, a dispaly computing unit 520, a segmentation unit 532, an object detection unit 534, an object verification unit 536, an object tracking unit 540, and an application unit 550, as shown in FIG. For example, when the cameras 161 and 162 are cameras providing only two-dimensional images, the disparity calculating unit 520 may be omitted.

6A and 6B are diagrams referred to in the description of the operation of the controller 170 shown in FIG.

6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the operation method of the controller 170 of FIG. 5, based on the stereo image obtained in the first and second frame periods, respectively.

First, referring to FIG. 6A, when the camera 161 is a stereo camera, the camera 161 acquires a stereo image during a first frame period.

The disparity calculating unit 520 in the control unit 170 receives the stereo images FR1a and FR1b signal-processed by the image preprocessing unit 510 and performs stereo matching on the received stereo images FR1a and FR1b , And a disparity map (620).

The disparity map 620 is obtained by leveling the parallax between the stereo images FR1a and FR1b. The higher the disparity level, the closer the distance to the vehicle, and the lower the disparity level, The distance can be calculated to be far.

On the other hand, when such a disparity map is displayed, it may be displayed so as to have a higher luminance as the disparity level becomes larger, and a lower luminance as the disparity level becomes smaller.

In the figure, first to fourth lanes 628a, 628b, 628c, and 628d have corresponding disparity levels in the disparity map 620, and the construction area 622, the first forward vehicle 624 ) And the second preceding vehicle 626 have corresponding disparity levels, respectively.

The segmentation unit 532, the object detection unit 534 and the object identification unit 536 determine whether or not the segments, the object detection, and the object (s) for at least one of the stereo images FR1a and FR1b based on the disparity map 620 Perform verification.

In the figure, using the disparity map 620, object detection and confirmation for the second stereo image FRlb is performed.

That is, in the image 630, the first to fourth lanes 638a, 638b, 638c, 638d, the construction area 632, the first forward vehicle 634, the second forward vehicle 636, And verification may be performed.

Next, referring to FIG. 6B, during the second frame period, the stereo camera 161 acquires a stereo image.

The disparity calculating unit 520 in the control unit 170 receives the stereo images FR2a and FR2b signal-processed by the image preprocessing unit 510 and performs stereo matching on the received stereo images FR2a and FR2b , And a disparity map (640).

In the figure, the first to fourth lanes 648a, 648b, 648c, and 648d have corresponding disparity levels in the disparity map 640, and the construction area 642, the first front vehicle 644, and the second front vehicle 646 have corresponding disparity levels, respectively.

The segmentation unit 532, the object detection unit 534 and the object identification unit 536 determine whether or not the segments, the object detection, and the object (s) for at least one of the stereo images FR2a and FR2b based on the disparity map 640 Perform verification.

In the figure, using the disparity map 640, object detection and confirmation for the second stereo image FR2b is performed.

That is, the first to fourth lanes 658a, 658b, 658c, and 658d, the construction area 652, the first forward vehicle 654, and the second forward vehicle 656 in the image 650 are used for object detection and Verification can be performed.

On the other hand, the object tracking unit 540 may compare the FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B to perform tracking on the identified object.

Specifically, the object tracking unit 540 can track the movement of the object, based on the motion or motion vector of each object identified in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Accordingly, it is possible to perform tracking on the lane, the construction area, the first forward vehicle, the second forward vehicle, and the like, which are located in the vicinity of the vehicle.

The vehicle 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention to be described later can be driven in either the manual driving mode or the autonomous driving mode. Also, in the autonomous mode, the vehicle 1 can be driven solely, or can be subscribed to the cluster to follow the leader vehicle of the cluster. Such a cluster may run on a road including a plurality of lanes. For example, all the vehicles included in the community may be traveling back and forth within a certain lane included in the road. As another example, some vehicles included in the community may be traveling within one of the lanes included in the road, and the remaining vehicles may be traveling in another lane included in the road. All vehicles in the community, including leader cars, can share their driving information with other vehicles in the community. In addition, all the vehicles in the community excluding the leader vehicle can drive the road without intervention of the driver while ensuring the longitudinal safety distance and the lateral safety distance between each other based on the shared driving information and the external environment information.

Also, a vehicle joined to the cluster may withdraw from the cluster, and a new vehicle may join the cluster. When the vehicle that has joined the cluster withdraws from the cluster or a new vehicle joins the cluster, that is, when the cluster size (i.e., the number of vehicles included in the cluster) changes, the speed or position of the cluster is changed by the leader vehicle .

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method (S700) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle described in Fig. 7 may be the vehicle 1 described with reference to Fig. Further, the control method (S700) according to Fig. 7 includes a plurality of steps, and each step can be performed by at least one of the elements shown in Fig. In addition, the vehicle described in Fig. 7 may be subscribed to the cluster. Such a cluster includes at least a leader vehicle and the vehicle.

In step S710, the controller 170 receives driving information and external environment information of the vehicle subscribed to the cluster. Here, the running information of the vehicle may include at least one of the current position, the current speed, the current lane, and the current direction of the vehicle. The running information of such a vehicle may be obtained by at least one sensor included in the sensing unit described in FIG. 1, and then provided to the control unit 170.

Further, the external environment information of the vehicle includes information about at least one obstacle existing in the vicinity of the vehicle (for example, within 10 m from the vehicle). The obstacle may be another vehicle, and the other vehicle may be a vehicle joined or not joined to the community. If the obstacle is another vehicle, the external environment information may include driving information of another vehicle. The running information of the other vehicle may include at least one of the current position, the current speed, the current lane, and the current direction of the other vehicle. The external environment information may be obtained by at least one sensor included in the sensing unit described in FIG. 1, and then provided to the control unit 170.

In step S720, the control unit 170 receives the running information of the cluster. The running information of the cluster includes the running information of the leader vehicle of the cluster. The running information of the cluster may further include running information of at least one other vehicle subscribed to the cluster (hereinafter referred to as a follower vehicle). The driving information of the leader vehicle includes at least one of the current position, the current speed, the current lane, and the current lane of the leader vehicle. The running information of the leader vehicle may further include a path of the leader vehicle. Here, the path of the leader vehicle may be a path that has been searched for the destination of the leader vehicle. The running information of the follower vehicle includes at least one of the current position, the current speed, the current lane, and the current direction of the follower vehicle.

The traveling information of the cluster may be transmitted from the reader vehicle or the follower vehicle subscribed to the cluster to the vehicle through inter-vehicle communication. For example, the communication unit may receive the running information of the cluster transmitted from the leader vehicle of the cluster, and then provide the information to the controller 170.

On the other hand, steps S710 and S720 may be performed in parallel as shown in FIG. 7, or one may precede the other.

In step S730, the controller 170 determines the target position of the vehicle for the cluster based on at least one of the running information of the vehicle, the external environment information, and the running information of the cluster. Here, the target position of the vehicle may be within any one of a plurality of lanes included in the road. Alternatively, the target position of the vehicle may be a point within a predetermined distance from the leader vehicle of the cluster. The step S730 will be described later with reference to Figs. 8 to 11. Fig.

In step S740, the control unit 170 may control the vehicle so as to execute at least one operation corresponding to the target position. For example, when the current position and the target position of the vehicle are the same, the control unit 170 can control the vehicle so that the vehicle maintains the current speed and the current direction. Alternatively, when the current position and the target position of the vehicle are different from each other, the control unit 170 may be configured to execute at least any one of acceleration, deceleration, direction change, and lane change to move the vehicle from the current position to the target position, The vehicle can be controlled.

8 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method S800 associated with step S730 shown in Fig.

In step S810, the controller 170 determines the current position of the vehicle and the current lane on the basis of the travel information of the vehicle received through step S710.

In step S820, the controller 170 determines the current position and the current lane of the leader vehicle based on the traveling information of the community received through step S720.

In step S830, the controller 170 determines the longitudinal distance between the vehicle and the leader vehicle. For example, the control unit 170 can determine the longitudinal distance between the vehicle and the leader vehicle based on the difference between the current longitudinal position of the vehicle and the present longitudinal position of the leader vehicle.

In step S840, the controller 170 determines whether the longitudinal distance between the vehicle and the leader vehicle is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The threshold value may be a value pre-stored in the memory.

If it is determined that the longitudinal distance between the vehicle and the leader vehicle is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the controller 170 executes step S850. On the other hand, when it is determined that the longitudinal distance between the vehicle and the leader vehicle is less than the threshold value, the controller 170 may terminate the execution of the control method S800.

In step S850, the controller 170 determines whether the present vehicle of the vehicle is the same as the current vehicle of the leader vehicle. For example, the control unit 170 can determine whether the vehicle and the leader vehicle are traveling in the same lane based on the difference between the current lateral position of the vehicle and the current lateral position of the leader vehicle.

If it is determined that the present vehicle of the vehicle is the same as the current vehicle of the leader vehicle, the control unit 170 executes step S860. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a different lane than the leader vehicle, the control unit 170 may terminate the execution of the control method S800.

In step S860, the control unit 170 determines the target position of the vehicle with respect to the cluster, in a region different from the current lane of the vehicle. For example, the control unit 170 may select a lane other than the current lane of the vehicle among a plurality of lanes included in the road, and determine one point in the area of the selected lane as the target position

9 is a flow chart showing another example of the control method (S900) associated with step S730 shown in Fig.

In step S910, the controller 170 determines the current lane of the vehicle based on the travel information of the vehicle received through step S710.

In step S920, the controller 170 determines the current lane of the leader vehicle based on the traveling information of the community received through step S720.

In step S930, the controller 170 detects the other vehicle ahead of the vehicle based on the external environment information received through step S710. The other vehicle in step S930 may be a vehicle that has not entered the community.

In step S940, the controller 170 determines whether the present vehicle of the vehicle is the same as the present vehicle of the leader vehicle. That is, the control unit 170 can determine whether the vehicle and the leader vehicle are traveling in the same lane.

If it is determined that the present vehicle of the vehicle is the same as the current vehicle of the leader vehicle, the controller 170 executes step S950. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a different lane than the leader vehicle, the control unit 170 may terminate the execution of the control method (S900).

In step S950, the control unit 170 determines whether another vehicle is located between the vehicle and the leader vehicle. That is, the controller 170 may determine whether the position of the other vehicle detected in step S930 is the front of the vehicle and the rear of the leader vehicle. For example, the other vehicle detected in step S930 may be another vehicle that suddenly interrupts the front of the vehicle. Alternatively, the other vehicle detected in step S930 may be a follower vehicle subscribed to the cluster.

If it is determined that another vehicle is positioned between the vehicle and the leader vehicle, the control unit 170 executes step S960. On the other hand, when it is determined that the other vehicle is not positioned between the vehicle and the leader vehicle, the control unit 170 may terminate the execution of the control method (S900).

In step S960, the control unit 170 determines the target position of the vehicle with respect to the cluster within the area of the lane different from the current lane of the vehicle. For example, the control unit 170 may select a lane other than the current lane of the vehicle among a plurality of lanes included in the road, and determine one point in the area of the selected lane as the target position.

10 is a flow chart showing another example of the control method (S1000) related to step S730 shown in Fig.

In step S1010, the controller 170 determines the current lane of the vehicle based on the travel information of the vehicle received through step S710.

In step S1020, the controller 170 determines the current lane of the leader vehicle based on the traveling information of the community received through step S720.

In step S1030, the controller 170 determines whether the present vehicle of the vehicle is the same as the current vehicle of the leader vehicle. That is, the control unit 170 can determine whether the vehicle and the leader vehicle are traveling in the same lane.

If it is determined that the present vehicle of the vehicle is the same as the current vehicle of the leader vehicle, the controller 170 executes step S1040. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a different lane than the leader vehicle, the control unit 170 may terminate the execution of the control method S1000.

In step S1040, the controller 170 detects an empty lane among a plurality of lanes included in the road based on the external environment information. An empty lane may mean a lane without any obstacle (e.g., another vehicle) located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

In step S1050, the control unit 170 determines the target position of the vehicle for the cluster within the area of the empty lane detected in step S1040. For example, the control unit 170 can determine, as the target position of the vehicle, one point of the area belonging to a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 m) from the leader vehicle among the entire area of the empty lane.

11 is a flow chart showing another example of the control method S1100 associated with step S730 shown in Fig. It is assumed that a plurality of follower vehicles are included in the cluster illustrated in FIG.

In step S1110, the controller 170 determines the current position of the vehicle and the current lane on the basis of the travel information of the vehicle received through step S710.

In step S1120, the controller 170 determines the current position and the current lane of the leader vehicle based on the travel information of the community received through step S720.

In step S1130, the controller 170 determines the current location and the current lane of each of the plurality of follower vehicles based on the travel information of the community received through step S720. At this time, all of the plurality of follower vehicles may be running ahead of the vehicle. For example, when the first follower vehicle and the second follower vehicle are subscribed to the cluster, the controller 170 determines the current position and the current lane of the first follower vehicle based on the running information of the first follower vehicle, 2 Based on the running information of the follower vehicle, it is possible to determine the current position and the current lane of the second follower vehicle. At this time, the present lane of the first follower vehicle and the present lane of the second follower vehicle may be the same or different.

In step S1140, the control unit 170 selects any one of the plurality of follower vehicles. Specifically, the control unit 170 can select any one of the plurality of follower vehicles in accordance with a predetermined rule. Here, the rule may be associated with at least one of speed, distance, fuel economy, lane, and path. For example, the control unit 170 may select any one of a plurality of follower vehicles having a speed closest to the speed of the leader vehicle. As another example, the control unit 170 can select the follower vehicle having the shortest longitudinal distance from the leader vehicle among the plurality of follower vehicles. As another example, the control unit 170 can select the follower vehicle having the best fuel economy among a plurality of follower vehicles. As another example, the control unit 170 may select a follower vehicle that is most similar to the route of the vehicle among the plurality of follower vehicles. For example, the control unit 170 can receive the destination and waypoints of each of the plurality of follower vehicles through inter-vehicle communication, and compare the destination and waypoints of the vehicles with the vehicle's destination and waypoints, thereby selecting the longest follower vehicle with the common route . The above-mentioned rule may be stored in the memory and may be changed in accordance with the command of the driver of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the control unit 170 can select any one of a plurality of follower vehicles according to a command (e.g., voice, touch, gesture) of the driver of the vehicle. For example, the controller 170 may display indicators indicating a plurality of followers on a touch screen of a vehicle interior, and may select a follower vehicle corresponding to the touched indicator when a driver of the vehicle touches an indicator.

In step S1150, the control unit 170 determines the target position of the vehicle for the cluster within the area of the lane of the follower vehicle selected in step S1140. For example, the target position of the vehicle determined by the control unit 170 may be a predetermined distance behind the selected follower vehicle.

12A is a diagram referred to explain an operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12A illustrates a top view 1200 of a situation in which a cluster 1210 is running on a road that includes four lanes 1201, 1202, 1203, and 1204. Vehicle 1 is subscribed to cluster 1210. All the vehicles 1211, 1212, 1213, 1214 and 1 of the cluster 1210 share the running information of each other through the inter-vehicle communication, . The other vehicle 1215 which is not included in the cluster 1210 is traveling along the + y direction on the lane 1201 different from the cluster 1210. The leader vehicle 1211 is located at the front of the cluster 1210 and the vehicle is located at the back of the cluster 1210. Three follower vehicles 1212, 1213 and 1214 are located between the leader vehicle 1211 and the vehicle have.

The vehicle 1 can confirm the running state of each of the leader vehicle 1211 and the follower vehicles 1212, 1213 and 1214 in the cluster 1210 in the autonomous running mode. The driving condition can mean the current position, the current speed, the current car, and the distance between vehicles. For example, the control unit 170 calculates the distance G1 between the leader vehicle 1211 and the follower vehicle 1212, the distance between the follower vehicle 1212 and the follower vehicle 1212, based on the running information of the vehicle 1 and the running information of the cluster 1210, The distance G3 between the follower vehicle 1213 and the follower vehicle 1213 and the distance G3 between the follower vehicle 1213 and the follower vehicle 1214 and the distance G4 between the follower vehicle 1214 and the vehicle 1 can be calculated. At this time, the inter-vehicle distances G1, G2, G3, and G4 may be equal to or greater than predetermined safety distances to prevent collision between vehicles during the cluster travel.

The control unit 170 can calculate the longitudinal distance L1 between the vehicle 1 and the leader vehicle 1211 based on the running information of the vehicle 1 and the running information of the leader vehicle 1211. [ In addition, the controller 170 may determine whether the longitudinal distance L1 between the vehicle and the leader vehicle is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1. 12A, the threshold value T1 may be a distance (e.g., 100 m) set in the cluster 1210 to prevent situations where the vehicle 1 and the leader vehicle 1211 are excessively distant from each other. For example, when the vehicle 1 is located too far from the leader vehicle 1211, it becomes difficult for the vehicle 1 to follow the leader vehicle 1211, so that the threshold value T1 is set, 1) and the leader vehicle 1211 can be driven together within an appropriate range.

12B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle associated with the situation shown in FIG. 12A.

12B shows a case where the longitudinal distance L1 between the vehicle 1 and the leader vehicle 1211 exceeds the threshold value T1 as shown in Fig. And a top view 1230 for explaining the top view.

The control unit 170 can detect an empty lane in the image. In one example, the control unit 170 can detect empty lanes 1203 and 1204 in an image provided from the camera 161 of the vehicle 1. [

Alternatively, the control unit 170 may control the driving of the left lane of the current lane 1202 of the vehicle 1 based on a sensing signal provided from at least one sensor (e.g., a radar) included in the sensing unit 160 It can be determined whether the vehicle 1201 or the right lane 1203 is empty, that is, whether there is no other vehicle.

If two or more empty lanes are detected, the control unit 170 can select a lane closer to the leader vehicle 1211 among the two or more empty lanes. For example, when the other vehicle 1215 is running, the control unit 170 can determine that the two lanes 1203 and 1204 on the right side of the current lane 1202 are empty lanes, The lane 1203 closer to the leader vehicle 1203 among the two lanes 1203 and 1204 can be selected.

The control unit 170 can determine the target position within the area of the selected lane 1203. 12B, one point 1240 in the area corresponding to the threshold value T1 from the leader vehicle 1211 among the entire area of the selected lane 1203 can be determined as the target position of the vehicle 1 have.

Fig. 12C is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig. 12B.

Fig. 12C illustrates a top view 1250 for illustrating an operation corresponding to the target position 1240 shown in Fig. 12B.

The control unit 170 can generate at least one or more operations required to move from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target position 1240 when the determination of the target position is completed. For example, at least one operation required to move from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target position 1240 may include at least one of acceleration, deceleration, direction change, and lane change.

The current position of the vehicle 1 is within the lane 1202 and the target position 1240 is within the lane 1203 so that the current position of the vehicle 1 is shifted from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target position 1240 At least one operation required for moving to the lane 1202 includes a change from the lane 1202 to the lane 1203. In addition, at least one operation may include an acceleration operation to the forward target position 1240 after the vehicle 1 has moved into the lane 1203.

12A and 12B, when the vehicle 1 is excessively moved away from the leader vehicle 1211, the vehicle 1 moves in the same direction as that of the leader vehicle 1211 in the lane different from the current lane of the leader vehicle 1211 Can continue. In this case, since the vehicle 1 and the leader vehicle 1211 are located in different lanes in the cluster 1210, it is not necessary to secure the safety distance between the vehicles and the total length of the cluster 1210 can be reduced .

Further, when at least one or more follower vehicles 1212, 1213, and 1214 are located between the vehicle 1 and the leader vehicle 1211, the leader vehicle 1212, 1213, 1211) can be maintained. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the vehicle 1 misses the leader vehicle 1211 in the cluster 1210, and the efficiency of the road operation can be improved.

13A is a diagram referred to explain the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

13A illustrates a top view 1300 in a situation where a community 1310 is running on a road including three lanes 1301, 1302, and 1303. FIG. Vehicle 1 is subscribed to cluster 1310. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that no follower vehicle subscribed to cluster 1310 is present. The vehicle 1 and the leader vehicle 1311 can share each other's driving information periodically or in real time through inter-vehicle communication.

The leader vehicle 1311 of the cluster 1310 and the vehicle 1 are running in a line along the + y direction within the same lane 1302 of the road. At this time, the other vehicle 1321 which is not included in the community 1310 may travel in the lane 1303 different from the community 1310, and may be interposed between the leader vehicle 1311 and the vehicle 1 through the lane change.

The control unit 170 can detect the other vehicle 1321 in front of the same lane as the vehicle 1 based on the image or the sensing signal provided from the sensing unit. That is, the control unit 170 can determine whether another vehicle not in the cluster 1310 is positioned between the leader vehicle 1311 and the vehicle 1. [

13B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle associated with the situation shown in FIG. 13A.

13B illustrates a target position 1340 determined by the control unit 170 of the vehicle 1 when the other vehicle 1321 is positioned between the vehicle 1 and the leader vehicle 1311 as shown in Fig. Gt; 1330 < / RTI >

The control unit 170 can detect an empty lane in the image. For example, the control unit 170 can detect empty lanes 1301 and 1303 in an image provided from the camera 161 of the vehicle 1. [

Alternatively, the control unit 170 may control the driving of the left lane 1302 of the current lane 1302 of the vehicle 1 based on a sensing signal provided from at least one sensor (for example, a radar) included in the sensing unit 160 It is possible to judge whether the vehicle 1301 or the right lane 1303 is empty, that is, whether there is no other vehicle.

If two or more empty lanes are detected, the control unit 170 can select only one of two or more empty lanes based on the driver's seat position of the vehicle 1. [ For example, when the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 is on the left side, the controller 170 can select the leftmost lane 1301 among two or more empty lanes 1301 and 1303. [

The control unit 170 can determine the target position within the area of the selected lane 1301. [ 13B, one point 1340 within a predetermined distance from the leader vehicle 1311 among the entire area of the selected lane 1301 can be determined as the target position of the vehicle 1. [

The control unit 170 can generate at least one or more operations required to move from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target position 1340 when the determination of the target position 1340 is completed. For example, at least one operation required to move from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target position 1340 may include at least one of acceleration, deceleration, direction change, and lane change.

13A and 13B, the current position of the vehicle 1 is within the lane 1302, and the target position 1340 is within the lane 1301. Accordingly, the current position of the vehicle 1 from the current position of the vehicle 1 ) Includes a change from the lane 1302 to the lane 1301. In the example shown in Fig. In addition, at least one or more operations may include an accelerating operation to the forward target position 1340 after moving into the lane 1303.

Fig. 13C is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig. 13A.

13C illustrates a target position 1360 determined by the control unit 170 of the vehicle 1 when the other vehicle 1321 is positioned between the vehicle 1 and the leader vehicle 1311 as shown in Fig. Gt; 1350 < / RTI >

13C, the control unit 170 can determine the target position within the area of the current lane 1302 of the vehicle 1, unlike Fig. 13B. Specifically, the control unit 170 may calculate the distance d between the leader vehicle 1311 and the other vehicle 1321, and determine whether the distance d is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2. As shown in the figure, when the distance d is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2, the control unit 170 sets one point 1360 between the leader vehicle 1311 and the other vehicle 1321 to the target position .

The control unit 170 can generate at least one or more operations required to move from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target position 1360 when the determination of the target position 1360 is completed. For example, at least one operation required to move from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target position 1360 may include at least one of acceleration, deceleration, direction change, and lane change.

13A and 13B, both the current position and the target position 1360 of the vehicle 1 are within the lane 1302 and the target position 1360 is between the leader vehicle 1311 and the other vehicle 1321 At least one operation required to move from the current position of the vehicle 1 to the target position 1360 includes an operation of passing the other vehicle 1321. [ Specifically, the operation for passing the other vehicle 1321 includes a change to two consecutive cars. That is, it is necessary to change from the lane 1301 to the lane 1302 after changing from lane 1302 to lane 1301. The operation of passing the other vehicle 1321 may include a deceleration or acceleration operation of the vehicle 1 in accordance with the speed of the leader vehicle 1311. [

13A to 13C, when the other vehicle 1321 independent of the cluster 1310 is located between the leader vehicles 1311, the vehicle 1 is changed to the other vehicle The follower of the leader vehicle 1311 can be continued without being disturbed by the driver 1321.

On the other hand, when the other vehicle 1321 which is not related to the community 1310 is located between the leader vehicles 1311, the control unit 170 transmits an alarm notification to the other vehicle 1321 through inter- Lt; / RTI > The driver of the other vehicle 1321 can move the other vehicle 1321 to another car in accordance with the alarm notification.

14A is a diagram referred to explain the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

14A illustrates a top view 1400 of a situation in which a cluster 1410 is traveling in a road including three lanes 1401, 1402, and 1403. FIG. In the cluster 1410, it is assumed that the leader vehicle 1411 and two follower vehicles 1412 and 1413 are included. The leader vehicle 1411 and the follower vehicle 1413 are traveling in the middle lane 1402 and the follower vehicle 1413 is traveling in the right lane 1403 and the vehicle 1 is traveling in the left lane 1401 .

All the vehicles 1411, 1412, and 1413 of the cluster 1410 can share each other's driving information periodically or in real time through inter-vehicle communication.

The control unit 170 of the vehicle 1 transmits a request for joining the cluster 1410 to the leader vehicle 1411 via the inter-vehicle communication, and the leader vehicle 1411 transmits the joining request to the cluster 1410, .

The control unit 170 can determine the target position of the vehicle 1 with respect to the cluster 1410 according to a predefined rule. In addition, the control unit 170 can update the target position of the vehicle 1 in the cluster 1410 in real time or periodically. Here, the rule applied to determine the target position of the vehicle 1 with respect to the cluster 1410 may be related to speed, distance, fuel economy, lane, route, etc., as described above.

Alternatively, the control unit 170 can determine the target position of the vehicle 1 with respect to the cluster 1410, in accordance with a command from the driver of the vehicle 1. [

14B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in FIG. 14A.

14B illustrates a top view 1420 when applying the first rule defined to determine the target position within the area of the same lane 1402 as the leader vehicle 1411. Fig.

The control unit 170 can confirm the current position and the current lane of the leader vehicle 1411, the follower vehicle 1412, the follower vehicle 1413, and the vehicle 1, respectively. The control unit 170 can determine that the leader vehicle 1411 and the follower vehicle 1413 are running in the right lane 1402 of the current lane 1401 of the vehicle 1. [

In addition, the control unit 170 can determine the target position in the area 1430 in the area of the current lane 1402 of the leader vehicle 1411 according to the first rule. In one example, the target position 1430 may be the rear of the follower vehicle 1413.

Then, the control unit 170 may determine at least one operation corresponding to the target position 1430. At least one operation corresponding to the target position 1430 includes a change from the current lane 1401 of the vehicle 1 to the lane 1402 to which the target position 1430 belongs.

14C is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle associated with the situation shown in FIG. 14A.

14C shows a top view 1440 of the follower vehicles 1412 and 1413 of the cluster 1410 when applying the second rule defined to determine the target position within the lane of the follower vehicle closest to the leader vehicle 1411 ).

The control unit 170 can confirm the current position and the current lane of the leader vehicle 1411, the follower vehicle 1412, the follower vehicle 1413, and the vehicle 1, respectively. Accordingly, the control unit 170 can determine that the follower vehicle 1412 is closest to the leader vehicle 1411 among the followers vehicles 1412 and 1413 of the cluster 1410.

In addition, the control unit 170 can determine the target point 1450 within the area of the current lane 1403 of the follower vehicle 1412 according to the second rule. As an example, the target position 1450 may be the rear of the follower vehicle 1412 as shown.

Then, the controller 170 may determine at least one operation corresponding to the target position 1450. At least one operation corresponding to the target position 1450 includes a change to two cars from the current lane 1401 of the vehicle 1 to the lane 1403 to which the target position 1450 belongs. For example, a change from the current lane 1401 of the vehicle 1 to the first lane from the center lane 1402 to the second lane from the center lane 1402 to the right lane 1403 may be included. The control unit 170 can also control the vehicle 1 to execute the acceleration operation until the vehicle 1 enters the right lane 1403 and reaches the target position 1450. [

14D is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in FIG. 14A.

14D illustrates a top view 1460 when applying the third rule defined to determine the target position for the cluster 1410 within the current lane of the vehicle 1. [

The control unit 170 can confirm the current position and the current lane of the leader vehicle 1411, the follower vehicle 1412, the follower vehicle 1413, and the vehicle 1, respectively. Accordingly, the control unit 170 also sets one point within a predetermined distance from the leader vehicle 1411 as the target position (the first position) in the entire area of the current lane 1401 of the vehicle 1, according to the second rule, (1470).

Next, the controller 170 may determine at least one operation corresponding to the target position 1470. [ When the third rule is applied, at least one operation includes a lane keeping operation, and the change is not included in the lane. In addition, the control unit 170 can control the vehicle 1 to execute the acceleration operation until the vehicle 1 reaches the target position 1470 from the present time.

14D, the vehicle 1 can follow the leader vehicle 1411 in the cluster 1410 while maintaining the current lane 1401, so that the risk associated with the lane change (for example, Can be reduced.

Fig. 14E is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle associated with the situation shown in Fig. 14A.

14E illustrates a guidance screen 1480 provided to the driver of the vehicle 1 in the situation 1400 shown in FIG. 14A. As an example, the guide screen 1480 may be displayed on one of the displays included in the display unit.

The guidance screen 1480 includes an indicator 1481 indicating a leader vehicle 1411 of the cluster 1410, an indicator 1482 indicating a follower vehicle 1412, an indicator 1483 indicating a follower vehicle 1413, (Not shown). The indicator 1481 indicating the leader vehicle 1411 may be displayed differently in color, shape, size, thickness, etc. from the indicators 1482 and 1483 indicating the followers vehicles 1412 and 1413.

The guidance screen 1480 also includes an indicator 1491 indicating a target position 1430 corresponding to the first rule, an indicator 1492 indicating a target position 1450 corresponding to the second rule, And an indicator 1493 that points to a target location 1470.

If the guidance screen 1480 is displayed on the touch screen, the driver can select any one of the indicators 1491, 1492, and 1493 indicating the target positions 1430, 1450, and 1470 through the touch. The controller 170 may determine the target position indicated by one of the indicators 1491, 1492, and 1493 selected by the driver as the target position of the vehicle. For example, when the driver selects the indicators 1491, the control unit 170 can control the vehicle 1 to change lanes from the current lane 1401 to another lane 1402. [

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method (S1500) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle described in Fig. 15 may be the vehicle 1 described with reference to Fig. The control method S1500 according to FIG. 15 may be performed in parallel with at least one of the plurality of steps included in the control method S700 shown in FIG.

Further, the control method S1500 according to FIG. 15 includes a plurality of steps, and each step may be performed by at least one of the elements shown in FIG. Further, the vehicle described in Fig. 15 may be subscribed to the cluster. Such a cluster includes a leader vehicle and the vehicle. Such a cluster may be traveling on a road including a plurality of lanes. For example, all the vehicles included in the community may be traveling in any one of the roads included in the road. As another example, some vehicles included in the community may be traveling within one of the lanes included in the road, and the remaining vehicles may be traveling in another lane included in the road.

In step S1510, the controller 170 determines a vehicle withdrawal position for the cluster based on at least one of the running information of the vehicle, the external environment information, and the running information of the cluster. For example, when performing any one of the steps described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, when a situation in which the vehicle can no longer follow the leader vehicle of the cluster, step S1510 may be performed. A situation where the vehicle can no longer follow the lead vehicle of the cluster can be identified as a fuel shortage, a vehicle failure, or a path search different from the path of the cluster.

The step S1510 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG.

In step S1520, the control unit 170 can control the vehicle so as to execute at least one operation corresponding to the withdrawal position of the vehicle. As an example, the control unit 170 may provide a notification to guide the withdrawal position. In this case, the notification may be provided before the vehicle reaches the withdrawal position (e.g., 1 km behind the withdrawal position). In addition, the notification may include a message informing the at least one action (e.g., steering wheel catching, forward gaze, route confirmation) that the driver of the vehicle should take before reaching the leaving position. As another example, the control unit 170 may transmit a withdrawal request to the leader vehicle of the cluster before the vehicle reaches the withdrawal position. At this time, the withdrawal request is transmitted to the leader vehicle of the cluster only when all of the actions to be taken before the driver of the vehicle reaches the withdrawal position are all completed. As another example, when the control unit 170 reaches the withdrawal position, it can switch the vehicle from the autonomous running mode to the manual running mode. As another example, the control unit 170 can search for other clusters existing around the leaving position.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method (S1600) associated with step S1510 shown in FIG.

In step S1610, the control unit 170 calculates the travelable distance based on the fuel consumption and fuel amount of the vehicle. At this time, the travelable distance can be calculated based on at least one of the current speed of the vehicle, the average speed during a predetermined time, and the state of the road (e.g., slope).

In step S1620, the controller 170 can determine whether the travelable distance is shorter than the length of the remaining route in the search path of the reader vehicle. For example, if the destination of the leader vehicle of the cluster is the same as the destination of the vehicle, the control unit 170 calculates the remaining distance from the current position of the vehicle to the destination and outputs the calculated remaining distance as the travelable distance It is possible to judge whether or not the present fuel amount is smaller than the fuel amount necessary for reaching the destination. If the travelable distance is shorter than the remaining path length of the community search path

In step S1630, the controller 170 can determine the vehicle withdrawal position for the cluster based on the travelable distance. For example, the control unit 170 can determine the vehicle leaving position by a distance of 8/10 of the travelable distance from the current position of the vehicle. As another example, the control unit 170 can receive the position of the gas station existing within the travelable distance from the communication unit, and determine one point around the gas station as the vehicle leaving position.

17 is a flow chart showing another example of the control method (S1700) associated with step S1510 shown in Fig.

In step S1710, the control unit 170 can confirm the common route between the search path of the leader vehicle and the search path of the vehicle. Specifically, the control unit 170 can receive the search path of the leader vehicle through inter-vehicle communication. In addition, the control unit 170 can receive the search path of the vehicle from the navigation system provided in the vehicle. For example, if the search path of the leader vehicle is "current position → position A → position B → position C" and the search path of the vehicle is "current position → position A → position B → position D" A → position B 'can be identified as a common path.

In step S1720, the control unit 170 determines a vehicle withdrawal position for the cluster based on the common route. In the example described above with reference to step S1710, the control unit 170 can determine the position B, which is the end position of the common route, as the vehicle withdrawal position for the cluster.

18A is a diagram referred to explain an operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

18A illustrates a top view 1800 of a situation in which a cluster 1810 is running in a road including three lanes 1801, 1802 and 1803. FIG. Vehicle 1 is subscribed to cluster 1810. The communities 1810 are all running in a line along the + y direction within the same lane 1802. The leader vehicle 1811 is located at the front of the cluster 1810 and the vehicle 1 is located at the rear end of the cluster 1810 and a follower vehicle 1812 is positioned between the leader vehicle 1811 and the vehicle 1. [ Is located.

The control unit 170 calculates the travelable distance L2 based on the speed (e.g., instantaneous speed, average speed) of the vehicle 1, the fuel consumption and the remaining fuel amount, ). The gas station 1820 is close to the right lane 1803.

In this case, the control unit 170 can determine the withdrawal position 1830 of the vehicle 1 between the current position of the vehicle 1 and the position of the gas station 1820. [ For example, the withdrawal position 1830 may be a predetermined distance T3 rearward from the position of the gas station 1820 in the -y direction. The control unit 170 may transmit a withdrawal request including the withdrawal position 1830 to the leader vehicle 1811. [

18B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig. 18A.

FIG. 18B illustrates a guidance screen 1850 provided to the driver of the vehicle 1 in the situation 1800 shown in FIG. 18A. For example, the guide screen 1850 may be displayed on one of the displays included in the display unit.

The guidance screen 1850 provides a notice to guide the withdrawal position 1820 before the vehicle 1 reaches the withdrawal position 1820. [

Specifically, the guidance screen 1850 may include an indicator 1851 indicating a leader vehicle 1811, an indicator 1852 indicating a follower vehicle 1812, and an indicator 1853 indicating a vehicle 1. [ At this time, the indicator 1851 indicating the leader vehicle 1811 may be displayed differently in color, shape, size, thickness, and the like from the indicator 1852 indicating the follower vehicle 1812. The guidance screen 1850 may also include an indicator 1860 pointing to the gas station 1820 and an indicator 1870 pointing to the target location 1830.

On the other hand, before or after the presentation time of the guidance screen 1850, the control unit 170 controls the vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 makes a change from the current lane 1802 to the lane 1803 to which the withdrawn position 1830 belongs, Can be controlled. After the change to the car, when the vehicle 1 reaches the withdrawal position 1830, the vehicle 1 withdraws from the cluster 1810. That is, the inter-vehicle communication with the leader vehicle 1811 is released. Immediately after leaving the cluster 1810, the control unit 170 can switch the vehicle 1 from the autonomous running mode to the manual running mode.

19A is a diagram referred to explain the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

19A illustrates a top view 1900 of a situation in which a cluster 1910 is traveling in a road including three lanes 1901, 1902 and 1903. FIG. The three lanes 1901, 1902 and 1903 are all in the + y direction, and the right lane 1903 is connected to the lane 1904 in the -x direction.

The vehicle 1 is traveling in the same lane 1902 with the leader vehicle 1911 behind the leader vehicle 1911 of the cluster 1910. [

The control unit 170 can compare the search path of the vehicle 1 and the search path of the leader vehicle 1911 to extract a common path between the two.

If the search path of the vehicle 1 includes entering the lane 1904 while the search path of the leader vehicle 1911 does not include entering the lane 1904, . ≪ / RTI >

In this case, the control unit 170 can determine the withdrawal position 1930 of the vehicle 1 between the current position of the vehicle 1 and the start position of the lane 1904. As an example, the withdrawal position 1930 may be the end position of the common path. The control unit 170 can determine the target position 1920 of the vehicle 1 between the current position of the vehicle 1 and the withdrawal position 1930. [

The control unit 170 may transmit a withdrawal request including the withdrawal position 1930 to the leader vehicle 1911. [

Fig. 19B is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig. 19A. Fig.

FIG. 19B illustrates a guidance screen 1950 provided to the driver of the vehicle 1 in the situation 1900 shown in FIG. 19A. As an example, the guide screen 1950 may be displayed on one of the displays included in the display unit.

The guidance screen 1950 provides a notice to guide the withdrawal position 1930 before the vehicle 1 reaches the withdrawal position 1930. [

Specifically, the guidance screen 1950 includes an indicator 1951 indicating a leader vehicle 1911, an indicator 1953 indicating a vehicle 1, an indicator 1960 indicating a target position 1920, a withdrawal position 1930 An indicator 1970 indicating the indicator, and an indicator 1980 indicating the path from the withdrawal position 1930. At this time, the indicator 1951 indicating the leader vehicle 1911 may be displayed differently in color, shape, size, thickness, etc. from the indicator 1952 indicating the follower vehicle 1912.

On the other hand, the controller 170 may control the vehicle 1 to execute at least one operation corresponding to the withdrawal position 1930 before or after the presentation time of the guidance screen 1950. [ For example, at least one operation corresponding to the withdrawal position 1930 is performed when the vehicle 1 withdraws the change operation from the current lane 1902 to the lane 1903 from the target position 1920 to the lane 1903 from the target position 1920 Position 1930 may include a retaining operation. After the change to the car, when the vehicle 1 reaches the leaving position 1930, the vehicle 1 leaves the cluster 1910. That is, the inter-vehicle communication with the leader vehicle 1911 is released. When the vehicle 1 reaches the withdrawal position 1930, the control unit 170 can switch the vehicle 1 from the autonomous running mode to the manual running mode.

19A and 19B, the control unit 170 controls the leader vehicle 1911 in the lane 1903 different from the leader vehicle 1911 until the vehicle 1 withdraws from the cluster 1910. In this case, It is possible to control the vehicle 1 so as to follow the vehicle. This allows the vehicle 1 to enter the lane 1904 in the -x direction more easily than when the vehicle 1 follows the leader vehicle 1911 in the lane 1902 of the leader vehicle 1911.

The control unit 170 controls the vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 moves to the withdrawal position 1930 via the target position 1920 so that the driver of the vehicle 1 performs the necessary actions Steering wheel catch, front sight, route confirmation).

20 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method (S2000) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle described in Fig. 20 may be the vehicle 1 described with reference to Fig. 20 may be performed in parallel with at least one of the plurality of steps included in the control method S700 shown in Fig. 7 or the control method S1500 shown in Fig. 15 Lt; / RTI >

Further, the control method (S2000) according to FIG. 20 includes a plurality of steps, and each step may be performed by at least one of the elements shown in FIG. In addition, the vehicle described in Fig. 20 may be subscribed to any one of the communities in the autonomous driving mode, or may be traveling in accordance with the operation of the driver in the manual driving mode.

In step S2010, the control unit 170 searches for a cluster around the vehicle. For example, the control unit 170 can receive a message transmitted by a cluster existing within a predetermined range from the current position of the vehicle through inter-vehicle communication, and search for a cluster around the vehicle based on the received message . The message sent by the cluster may include the cluster ID and the running information of the cluster. The traveling information of the cluster may include the location of the cluster, the speed of the cluster, the path of the cluster, the fuel consumption of the cluster, the size of the cluster, and the driver's state of the cluster.

On the other hand, the step S2010 can be executed only when a predefined condition has occurred. For example, step S2010 may be executed when an instruction of a driver requesting a cluster search around the stage vehicle is received. As another example, if the withdrawal position of the vehicle is determined by step S1510 shown in Fig. 15, step S2010 may be executed.

In step S2020, the controller 170 may determine whether the cluster found in step S2010 exists. If only one cluster is not searched, the controller 170 may return to step S2010.

In step S2030, the controller 170 may determine whether there are a plurality of communities searched in step S2010. For example, the controller 170 may determine whether there are one or more clusters found in step S2010, based on the clusters included in the messages received through the inter-vehicle communication. If there is only one cluster searched in step S2010, step S2040 is executed. If there are a plurality of groups found in step S2010, step S2050 is executed.

In step S2040, the control unit 170 subscribes to the discovered community. Specifically, the control unit 170 transmits a join request to the searched cluster through inter-vehicle communication. Thereafter, upon receipt of the approval message for the subscription request from the searched community, the control unit 170 can subscribe to the corresponding community.

In step S2050, the controller 170 selects one of the plurality of clusters. Specifically, the control unit 170 can select any one of the plurality of clusters according to a command from the driver of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the controller 170 may select any one of the plurality of clusters using a predefined rule. The rule may be associated with at least one of the location, speed, path, fuel economy, size, and driver condition of the cluster. In addition, the rules can be set and changed by the driver of the vehicle. Specifically, one of a plurality of clusters can be selected by applying the running information of each of the plurality of clusters to a predefined rule. That is, any one of the plurality of clusters that best matches the predefined rule can be selected.

In step S2060, the controller 170 subscribes to the cluster selected in step S2050. Specifically, the control unit 170 transmits the subscription request to the selected cluster through inter-vehicle communication. Thereafter, upon receiving an approval message for the subscription request from the selected cluster, the control unit 170 can subscribe to the cluster.

21 is a diagram referred to explain the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the vehicle 1 is currently in the autonomous mode.

Fig. 21 illustrates a top view 2100 of a road including four lanes 2101, 2102, 2103 and 2104. Within the road, three different communities 2110, 2120, 2130 and the vehicle 1 are traveling in the + y direction. Specifically, the four vehicles joined to the cluster 2110 are traveling in the first lane 2101 and the second lane 2102, and all three vehicles joined to the lane 2120 are traveling in the second lane 2102 And the five vehicles joined to the cluster 2130 are traveling in the third lane 2103 and the fourth lane 2104.

The communication unit of the vehicle 1 receives the cluster notification message including the ID of the cluster and the running information of the cluster from each of the clusters 2110, 2120 and 2130 through inter-vehicle communication. The control unit 170 receives the cluster notification message from the communication unit and can confirm that three clusters 2110, 2120, and 2130 exist around the vehicle 1. [

22A to 22C are drawings referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig.

FIG. 22A illustrates a situation 2210 in which one of the clusters 2110, 2120, 2130 is selected by applying a first rule to the travel information of each of the clusters 2110, 2120, 2130. The first rule may be one that is defined to select a cluster closest to the vehicle 1. In FIG. 21, since the cluster 2120 is located closer to the vehicle 1 than the remaining two cluster 2110 and 2120, the controller 170 can select the cluster 2120. The control unit 170 may transmit the subscription request to the selected cluster 2120 and receive the approval by the leader vehicle of the cluster 2120 to join the vehicle 1 to the cluster 2120. [ In this case, as shown in the figure, the vehicle 1 can be moved to the rear end of the cluster 2120 by a change in the car, and can start traveling in the cluster 2120.

22B illustrates a situation 2220 of selecting any one of the clusters 2110, 2120, 2130 by applying a second rule to the travel information of each of the clusters 2110, 2120, 2130. The second rule may be that the driver status of the leader vehicle of each of the clusters 2110, 2120, and 2130 is defined to select the cluster that is most stable. For example, the leader vehicle of each of the cluster 2110, 2120, and 2130 can determine whether the driver is sleeping on the basis of the driver image provided by the camera installed in the indoor space. Alternatively, the leader vehicle of each cluster 2110, 2120, and 2130 may receive the driver's biometric information from the wearable device worn by the driver, and may determine whether the driver is stable or unstable based on the biometric information have. The information on the driver condition determined by each of the leader vehicles may be included in the above-described cluster notification message and transmitted to the vehicle 1. [

Suppose that the driver of the leader vehicle of the two clusters 2120 and 2130 out of the three clusters 2110, 2120 and 2130 is driving the drowsy, the controller 170 sets the cluster 2110 according to the second rule, Can be selected. The control unit 170 may send a join request to the selected cluster 2110 and receive the approval by the leader vehicle of the cluster 2110 to join the vehicle 1 to the cluster 2110. [ In this case, as shown in the figure, the vehicle 1 can make a change from the second lane 2102 to the first lane 2101 after changing from the current lane 2103 to the second lane 2102. [ Thus, the vehicle 1 can move to the rear end of the cluster 2110 and start traveling in the cluster 2110. [

22C illustrates a situation 2220 in which any one of the clusters 2110, 2120, 2130 is selected by applying a third rule to the travel information of each of the clusters 2110, 2120, 2130. The third rule may be defined to select a cluster having the highest fuel economy (e.g., instant fuel economy, average fuel economy) among a plurality of clusters.

Assuming that the fuel consumption of the cluster 2110 is 17 km / l, the fuel consumption of the cluster 2120 is 13 km / l and the fuel consumption of the cluster 2130 is 18 km / l, the controller 170, The cluster 2130 can be selected. The control unit 170 may transmit the subscription request to the selected cluster 2130 and receive the approval by the leader vehicle of the cluster 2130 to join the vehicle 1 to the cluster 2130. [ In this case, as shown, the vehicle 1 can be moved to the rear end of the cluster 2130 by acceleration without changing to the car, and can start driving in the cluster 2130.

22A to 22B, the cluster selection operation according to the first to third rules has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, various rules related to the speed, size, etc. of the cluster can be applied to the cluster selection.

23 is a diagram referred to explain the operation of the vehicle related to the situation shown in Fig.

According to Fig. 23, in the situation 2300 shown in Fig. 21, a guidance screen 2310 can be provided to the driver of the vehicle 1. Fig. For example, the guide screen 2310 may be displayed on one of the displays included in the display unit.

The guidance screen 2310 provides a notice to guide the withdrawal position 2330 before the vehicle 1 reaches the withdrawal position 2330. [

Specifically, the guide screen 2310 includes an indicator 2311 indicating a vehicle 1, an indicator 2321 indicating a first community 2110, an indicator 2322 indicating a second community 2120, And an indicator 2323 indicating the display unit 2130. In this case, the indicator 2321, the indicator 2322, and the indicator 2323 may have different colors, shapes, or sizes. For example, as shown, the indicator 2321 may be represented by a rectangle, the indicator 2322 may be represented by a circle, and the indicator 2323 may be represented by a triangle. Accordingly, the driver of the vehicle 1 can easily distinguish the clusters.

The guide screen 2310 includes a menu 2351 for navigating the running information of the first cluster 2110, a menu 2352 for guiding the running information of the second cluster 2120, And a menu 2353 for guiding information.

When the display for outputting the guidance screen 2310 is a touch screen, the driver can select any one of the menus 2351, 2352, and 2353 by applying a touch input to the touch screen.

For example, when the driver of the vehicle 1 touches the menu 2351, the control unit 170 can select the first community 2110. [ In this case, as shown in Fig. 22B, the control section 170 can control the vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 moves into the first lane 2101. Fig.

As another example, when the driver of the vehicle 1 touches the menu 2352, the controller 170 may select the second cluster 2120. [ In this case, as shown in Fig. 22A, the control section 170 can control the vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 moves into the second lane 2102. [

As another example, when the driver of the vehicle 1 touches the menu 2353, the control unit 170 can select the third group 2130. [ In this case, as shown in Fig. 22C, the control unit 170 can control the vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 accelerates to a position in the tail of the third cluster 2130. [

The embodiments of the present invention described above are not only implemented by the apparatus and method but may be implemented through a program for realizing the function corresponding to the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention or a recording medium on which the program is recorded, The embodiments can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art from the description of the embodiments described above.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to be illustrative, The present invention is not limited to the drawings, but all or some of the embodiments may be selectively combined so that various modifications may be made.

1: vehicle

Claims (20)

In a vehicle,
At least one sensor for obtaining driving information of the vehicle and external environment information of the vehicle; And
A method of operating a plurality of lanes, the method comprising: receiving driving information of a first community performing a lane driving using a plurality of lanes;
When the vehicle is joined to the first community and travels,
Selects a lane on which the vehicle is to be driven, based on at least one of the running information of the vehicle, the external environment information, the driver's selection input, and the running information of the first cluster, A control unit for controlling the vehicle to drive in a lane; Lt; / RTI >
Wherein,
Determines the distance between the leader vehicle and the vehicle in the first cluster based on the running information of the first cluster and the running information of the vehicle,
And a lane different from the current lane when the distance between the leader vehicle and the vehicle is equal to or greater than a threshold value.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Determining a target position of the vehicle in the selected lane,
And controls the vehicle so that the vehicle travels in correspondence with the target position.
3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein,
Based on the external environment information, judges whether another vehicle not registered in the first community is caught in front of the vehicle,
And determines the target position within a region of a lane different from the current lane of the vehicle when it is determined that the other vehicle is caught in the front of the vehicle.
3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein,
Detecting an empty lane among the plurality of lanes based on the external environment information,
In the area of the empty lane, the target position.
3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein,
Determining whether at least one or more follower vehicles are subscribed to the first community based on the travel information of the first community,
And determines the target position within the area of any one of the at least one follower vehicles when determining that at least one follower vehicle is subscribed to the first cluster.
3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein,
When a plurality of follower vehicles subscribed to the first cluster are traveling in two or more lanes,
And determines the target position within a region of any one of the plurality of follower vehicles.
3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein,
And controls the vehicle to move from the current lane of the vehicle into the lane to which the target position belongs when the current lane of the vehicle and the lane to which the target position belongs are inconsistent.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
And determines a withdrawal position from the first community based on at least one of travel information of the vehicle, external environment information, and travel information of the first community.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein,
Extracting a common path between the path of the leader vehicle and the path of the vehicle,
Within the common path, the resigning position.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein,
And provides a notification to guide the withdrawal position before the vehicle reaches the withdrawal position.
11. The method of claim 10,
The notification,
And a message informing at least one action to be taken before the driver of the vehicle reaches the withdrawal position.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein,
And transmits a withdrawal request including the withdrawal position to the leader vehicle of the first community before the vehicle reaches the withdrawal position.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein,
And switches the vehicle from the self-running mode to the manual-drive mode upon reaching the withdrawal position.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein,
After determining a withdrawal position from the first cluster, searching for another cluster.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Based on at least one of the running information of the vehicle, the outside environment information, the driver's selection input, and the running information of the first cluster,
A vehicle that searches for different clusters.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein,
And provides a notification to guide whether or not the other community has been searched.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein,
And when the plurality of communities are searched, the indicators indicating respective ones of the plurality of societies.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein,
When a plurality of clusters are searched, selecting one of the plurality of clusters based on an input of a driver of the vehicle,
And transmits a join request to the selected cluster.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein,
Wherein when a plurality of clusters are searched, the running information of each of the plurality of clusters is applied to a predefined rule to select any one of the plurality of clusters,
And transmits a join request to the selected cluster.
20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the traveling information of the plurality of communities includes:
And at least one of a position, a speed, a route, a fuel consumption, a size, and a driver state of each of the plurality of communities.

Images