WO2009116708A1 - Idling control system and method - Google Patents

Idling control system and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009116708A1
WO2009116708A1 PCT/KR2008/004916 KR2008004916W WO2009116708A1 WO 2009116708 A1 WO2009116708 A1 WO 2009116708A1 KR 2008004916 W KR2008004916 W KR 2008004916W WO 2009116708 A1 WO2009116708 A1 WO 2009116708A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
idling
information
control
signal
ignition
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2008/004916
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Myunghee Son
Hyunsook Cho
Original Assignee
Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute filed Critical Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute
Priority to EP08793426A priority Critical patent/EP2268908A4/en
Publication of WO2009116708A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009116708A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08—Circuits or control means specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F02N11/0814—Circuits or control means specially adapted for starting of engines comprising means for controlling automatic idle-start-stop
    • F02N11/0818—Conditions for starting or stopping the engine or for deactivating the idle-start-stop mode
    • F02N11/0833—Vehicle conditions
    • F02N11/0837—Environmental conditions thereof, e.g. traffic, weather or road conditions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/04—Introducing corrections for particular operating conditions
    • F02D41/08—Introducing corrections for particular operating conditions for idling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W10/00—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
    • B60W10/04—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units
    • B60W10/06—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of combustion engines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W30/00—Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units, or advanced driver assistance systems for ensuring comfort, stability and safety or drive control systems for propelling or retarding the vehicle
    • B60W30/18—Propelling the vehicle
    • B60W30/18009—Propelling the vehicle related to particular drive situations
    • B60W30/18054—Propelling the vehicle related to particular drive situations at stand still, e.g. engine in idling state
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/04—Introducing corrections for particular operating conditions
    • F02D41/042—Introducing corrections for particular operating conditions for stopping the engine
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/14—Introducing closed-loop corrections
    • F02D41/16—Introducing closed-loop corrections for idling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D45/00—Electrical control not provided for in groups F02D41/00 - F02D43/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096708—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • G08G1/096725—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control where the received information generates an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D2200/00—Input parameters for engine control
    • F02D2200/70—Input parameters for engine control said parameters being related to the vehicle exterior
    • F02D2200/701—Information about vehicle position, e.g. from navigation system or GPS signal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/14—Introducing closed-loop corrections
    • F02D41/1438—Introducing closed-loop corrections using means for determining characteristics of the combustion gases; Sensors therefor
    • F02D41/1439—Introducing closed-loop corrections using means for determining characteristics of the combustion gases; Sensors therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
    • F02D41/1441—Plural sensors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N2200/00—Parameters used for control of starting apparatus
    • F02N2200/12—Parameters used for control of starting apparatus said parameters being related to the vehicle exterior
    • F02N2200/125—Information about other vehicles, traffic lights or traffic congestion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N2300/00—Control related aspects of engine starting
    • F02N2300/30—Control related aspects of engine starting characterised by the use of digital means
    • F02N2300/302—Control related aspects of engine starting characterised by the use of digital means using data communication
    • F02N2300/306—Control related aspects of engine starting characterised by the use of digital means using data communication with external senders or receivers, e.g. receiving signals from traffic lights, other vehicles or base stations
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/40—Engine management systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an idling control system and method, and, more particularly, to an idling control system and method, which are suitable for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal while the vehicle is traveling.
  • the telematics unit transmits data about the location and state of a vehicle to the server using a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal, transmits idling restriction area information, an idling restriction signal, restriction time, information about whether a GPS signal has been received, and the state of communication with the server, which are provided by the server, to a controller, and indicates a restricted area.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the server controls idling based on information about the location of the vehicle using a vehicle speed sensor, an engine operation detection unit, a temperature sensor, a power switch/breaker, a controller, etc., sets a restriction signal and a restriction time using the idling restriction area information, vehicle status, and vehicle type data, and transmits information about the set restriction signal and restriction time.
  • the conventional idling prevention technique is limited in that overhead occurs in bidirectional communication between the server and the telematics unit within the vehicle. Moreover, it is difficult to use this technique in practice when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal due to a traffic light, such as a red or yellow traffic light, while the vehicle is traveling.
  • a traffic light such as a red or yellow traffic light
  • an idling control system for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a traffic signal while traveling, including a communication terminal device for receiving traffic signal information transmitted at a preset periodic transmission time; a vehicle control device for determining an idling state and providing idling information; and an idling control device for performing idling control on a basis of the idling information, wherein the idling control device compares the traffic signal information with the idling information and selectively provides an ignition ON/OFF control signal to the vehicle control device according to a signal waiting time.
  • an idling control method of controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a traffic signal while traveling including storing idling information provided by determining an idling state; receiving traffic signal information from a communication terminal device and comparing the traffic signal information with the idling information; and selectively providing an ignition ON/OFF control signal based on a signal waiting time to a vehicle control device as a result of comparison.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an idling control system suitable for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a traffic signal control device suitable for the transmission of traffic signal information at a preset periodic transmission time in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a communication terminal device suitable for the reception of traffic signal information in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an idling control device suitable for controlling idling based on traffic signal information and idling information in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a vehicle control device suitable for turning on or off the ignition of a vehicle in response to a selectively provided ignition ON/OFF control signal in an idling state in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling idling on the basis of idling in- formation and traffic signal information when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for transmitting traffic signal information at the periodic transmission time preset by a traffic signal control device in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for receiving transmitted traffic signal information through a communication terminal device and providing the traffic signal information in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for comparing provided idling information with traffic signal information and controlling idling in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for providing idling information corresponding to an idling state and turning on/off the ignition of a vehicle in response to a selectively provided ignition ON/OFF control signal in accordance with the present invention.
  • the gist of the present invention is to receive traffic signal information by activating a communication terminal device while providing idling information when a vehicle enters an idling state, to compare and analyze the traffic signal information with the idling information, and to control ON/OFF of the ignition of the vehicle on the basis of a signal waiting time and an idling stop time, thus controlling the idling state of the vehicle.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an idling control system suitable for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the idling control system includes a traffic signal control device 100, a communication terminal device 200, an idling control device 300, and a vehicle control device 400.
  • the traffic signal control device 100 functioning to control the
  • the traffic signal control device 100 sets a periodic transmission time at which traffic signal information, including a signal waiting time corresponding to a red or yellow traffic light, is to be transmitted. Further, the traffic signal control device 100 transmits the traffic signal information at the preset periodic transmission time through a wireless communication module or the like in a broadcasting manner after registering and storing information about the periodic transmission time. In this case, the traffic signal control device 100 transmits traffic signal information, such as a signal waiting time corresponding to an indicated traffic signal, at the preset periodic transmission time.
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a traffic signal control device suitable for the transmission of traffic signal information at the preset periodic transmission time in accordance with the present invention.
  • the traffic signal control device includes a traffic signal control unit 102, a signal information storage unit 104 and a traffic signal communication unit 106.
  • the traffic signal control unit 102 functioning to control the entire operation of the traffic signal control device 100, controls the ON/OFF operation of traffic lights, and sets the periodic transmission time at which traffic signal information, including the signal waiting time corresponding to a red or yellow traffic light, is to be transmitted. Further, the traffic signal control device 100 registers and stores periodic transmission time information (for example, the periodic transmission time or the like) in the signal information storage unit 104, and calculates the signal waiting time on the basis of the periodic transmission time information.
  • periodic transmission time information for example, the periodic transmission time or the like
  • the traffic signal control device 100 transmits the traffic signal information, including the signal waiting time, a device identification number, etc., to the traffic signal communication unit 106 so that the traffic signal information is transmitted in a broadcasting manner.
  • the periodic transmission time information of the traffic signal information may be remotely set by a server connected through a wired or wireless communication network, or may be spontaneously set by the traffic signal control unit 102.
  • the signal waiting time can be calculated on the basis of the time for which a red or yellow traffic light is maintained in an ON state.
  • the signal information storage unit 104 functioning to store device information about the relevant traffic signal control device 100, stores device identification number information, periodic transmission time information, transmission method information, etc., which are extracted as needed and are provided to the traffic signal control unit 102.
  • the traffic signal communication unit 106 which includes a wireless communication module and transmits a wireless signal in a broadcasting manner, periodically transmits the traffic signal information received from the traffic signal control unit 102 at the periodic transmission time.
  • the communication terminal device 200 receives traffic signal information using a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), having a navigation function, a wireless communication function, and a device cooperation function, and provides the traffic signal in- formation.
  • PDA Personal Digital Assistant
  • PMP Portable Multimedia Player
  • the communication terminal device 200 activates respective components thereof by supplying power to the components in response to a power ON control signal provided by the idling control device 300.
  • the communication terminal device 200 receives the traffic signal information, transmitted from the traffic signal control device 100 at the preset periodic transmission time, and provides the traffic signal information to the idling control device 300.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a communication terminal device suitable for the reception of traffic signal information in accordance with the present invention.
  • the communication terminal device includes a terminal control unit 202, a terminal power supply unit 204, a wireless communication unit 206, and an output unit 208.
  • the terminal control unit 202 functions to control the entire operation of the communication terminal device 200 having a navigation function, a wireless communication function, a device cooperation function, etc.
  • the terminal control unit 202 provides a control signal for the supply of power to the terminal power supply unit 204 in response to a power ON control signal provided by the idling control device 300 when the vehicle enters an idling state.
  • the terminal control unit 202 receives traffic signal information through the wireless communication unit 206, the wireless communication function of which has been activated by the supply of power, and provides the traffic signal information to the idling control device 300.
  • the traffic signal information is provided to the output unit 208, and can be displayed on a display device, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED).
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • OLED Organic Light Emitting Diode
  • the terminal power supply unit 202 supplies power to respective components of the communication terminal device 200 in response to a control signal provided by the terminal control unit 202, thus activating the operation of the communication terminal device 200.
  • the wireless communication unit 206 activates a wireless communication function, and receives traffic signal information, which is transmitted at the preset periodic transmission time in a broadcasting manner. Afterwards, the wireless communication unit 206 transmits the traffic signal information to the terminal control unit 202.
  • the output unit 208 configured to include a display device, such as an
  • the output unit 208 may receive traffic signal in- formation, including a signal waiting time, from the terminal control unit 202, and may display it as the guidance message "10 seconds are left before the light changes", which can also be output as a voice message.
  • the idling control device 300 is a device for controlling idling using both traffic signal information and idling information.
  • the idling control device 300 is configured to store idling information provided by the vehicle control device 400 when the vehicle enters an idling state, provide a power ON control signal to the communication terminal device 200 to receive the traffic signal information while counting idling time using an idling timer, and compare the traffic signal information provided by the communication terminal device 200 with the stored idling information. Further, the idling control device 300 provides an ignition ON/OFF control signal for the vehicle to the vehicle control device 400 on the basis of the signal waiting time.
  • the idling control device 300 when it is determined on the basis of the idling information and the traffic signal information that the signal waiting time is equal to or lasts longer than an idling stop time based on the counted idling time (that is, the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re-ignition, become identical to each other), the idling control device 300 provides a vehicle ignition OFF control signal to the vehicle control device 400 while activating a re-ignition timer.
  • the idling control device 300 provides a vehicle ignition ON control signal to the vehicle control device 400 when a re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time through the re- ignition timer.
  • the idling stop time can be described as the time point at which, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas emitted due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other.
  • the control of idling can be performed using at least one of the consumed amount of fuel and the emitted amount of exhaust gas.
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an idling control device suitable for controlling idling based on traffic signal information and idling information in accordance with the present invention.
  • the idling control device 300 includes a device cooperation unit 302, an idling control unit 304, an idling information storage unit 306, and a timer unit 308.
  • the device cooperation unit 302 is configured to allow the idling control device 300 and the vehicle control device 400 to operate in cooperation with each other, thus mutually providing various types of data (or various types of signals).
  • the device cooperation unit 302 transmits idling information, provided by the vehicle control device 400, to the idling control unit 304, and selectively transmits a vehicle ignition ON/OFF control signal, provided by the idling control unit 304, to the vehicle control device 400.
  • the idling control unit 304 counts idling time by activating the idling timer of the timer unit 308 while storing the idling information, provided through the device cooperation unit 302, in the idling information storage unit 306. Moreover, the idling control unit 304 provides a control signal, required to turn on the power of the communication terminal device 200 (that is, a power ON control signal), to the communication terminal device 200 in order to receive the traffic signal information corresponding to the idling information.
  • a control signal required to turn on the power of the communication terminal device 200 (that is, a power ON control signal)
  • the idling control unit 304 compares the traffic signal information, provided by the communication terminal device 200, with the idling information, and determines whether a signal waiting time, included in the traffic signal information, is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time, included in the idling information. If it is determined that the signal waiting time is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time, the idling control unit 304 transmits an ignition OFF control signal, required to turn off the ignition of the vehicle, to the device cooperation unit 302 to allow the ignition OFF control signal to be provided to the vehicle control device 400 while counting re-ignition time by activating the re-ignition timer of the timer unit 308.
  • the idling control unit 304 transmits an ignition ON control signal, required to turn on the ignition of the vehicle, to the device cooperation unit 302 to allow the ignition ON control signal to be provided to the vehicle control device 400.
  • ignition ON control signal required to turn on the ignition of the vehicle
  • the term “idling stop time” means, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the time point at which the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other.
  • the idling control can be performed using at least one of the consumed amount of fuel and the emitted amount of exhaust gas, and the term “signal waiting time” means a residual signal waiting period at the preset periodic transmission time.
  • the idling information storage unit 306 stores the idling information and the traffic signal information, which are transmitted from the idling control unit 304.
  • the stored information is extracted as needed, and is provided to the idling control unit 304.
  • the timer unit 308 includes timers for counting an idling time, a re-ignition time, etc. Further, the timer unit 308 is configured to count idling time by activating the idling timer under the control of the idling control unit 304 when the idling in- formation corresponding to an idling state is provided, and provide information about the counted idling time to the idling control unit 304 as needed.
  • the timer unit 308 is configured to count re-ignition time by activating the re-ignition timer when a vehicle ignition OFF control signal is provided, and provide information about the re- ignition time to the idling control unit 304 when the re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time.
  • the vehicle control device 400 is a device which includes an Engine
  • ECU Control Unit
  • the vehicle control device 400 After continuously determining whether the vehicle enters an idling state while traveling (that is, the state in which ignition is turned on and a vehicle speed is O'), the vehicle control device 400 provides idling information, including idling stop time corresponding to the vehicle, to the idling control device 300 operating in cooperation with the vehicle control device 400 if it is determined that the vehicle enters the idling state. Thereafter, the vehicle control device 400 selectively turns on or off the ignition of the vehicle in response to the vehicle ignition ON/OFF control signal selectively provided by the idling control device 300.
  • idling information including idling stop time corresponding to the vehicle
  • Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a vehicle control device suitable for turning on or off the ignition of the vehicle in response to the ignition ON/OFF control signal, selectively provided in the idling state, in accordance with the present invention.
  • the vehicle control device includes a vehicle control unit 402 and an ignition unit 404.
  • the vehicle control unit 402 functioning to perform the control of a vehicle engine using an ECU or the like, determines the engine state or idling state of the vehicle, and provides idling information of the vehicle (for example, idling stop time, etc.) to the idling control unit 300 if it is determined that the current state is the idling state.
  • idling information of the vehicle for example, idling stop time, etc.
  • the ignition unit 404 functioning to turn on or off the ignition of the vehicle, is configured to turn off the ignition of the vehicle in an idling state when the ignition OFF control signal is provided by the idling control device 300, and to turn on the ignition of the vehicle in the ignition OFF state when the ignition ON control signal is subsequently provided.
  • the present invention can obtain fuel consumption reduction effects thanks to ignition ON/OFF states by comparing and analyzing the signal waiting time of traffic signal information with the idling stop time of the idling information through the idling control system.
  • the idling control system above includes the traffic signal control device, the communication terminal device, the idling control device, and the vehicle control device, and can prevent the departure of the vehicle from being delayed by turning on the ignition of the vehicle again on the basis of the re-ignition time of the vehicle.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling idling on the basis of idling information and traffic signal information at the time of waiting for a desired traffic signal in accordance with the present invention.
  • the vehicle control unit 402 of the vehicle control device 400 determines, using the ECU or the like, whether the current state of the vehicle is an idling state (that is, the state in which ignition is turned on, but vehicle speed is O') attributable to waiting for a signal or the like at step 604.
  • an idling state that is, the state in which ignition is turned on, but vehicle speed is O'
  • the vehicle control unit 402 of the vehicle control device 400 provides idling information for the vehicle (for example, idling stop time for each vehicle, etc.) to the idling control device 300 at step 606.
  • idling stop time means the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re-ignition, become identical to each other.
  • the term "idling stop time” means, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the time point at which the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other. Idling control can be performed using at least one of the consumed amount of fuel and the emitted amount of exhaust gas.
  • the idling control unit 304 of the idling control device 300 counts idling time
  • the idling control unit 304 provides a power ON control signal, required to activate the communication terminal device 200, to the communication terminal device 200 at step 610.
  • the idling control unit 304 stores the idling information provided by the device cooperation unit 302 in the idling information storage unit 306.
  • the terminal control unit 202 of the communication terminal device 200 provides a control signal for the supply of power to the terminal power supply unit 204 in response to the power ON control signal provided by the idling control unit 304. Accordingly, the terminal power supply unit 204 activates respective components of the communication terminal device 200 by supplying power to the components, and transmits the traffic signal information, which is provided by the traffic signal control device 100 and is received from the wireless communication unit 206, to the terminal control unit 202. Thereafter, the traffic signal information above is provided to the idling control unit 304 of the idling control device 300, at step 612.
  • the traffic signal information is transmitted from the traffic signal control device 100 at the preset periodic transmission time in a broadcasting manner.
  • the traffic signal information may include a device identification number, signal waiting time, etc., and the signal waiting time may be calculated to correspond to the time for which the ON state of a red or yellow traffic light is maintained.
  • the idling control unit 304 of the idling control device 300 determines whether the signal waiting time of the traffic signal information is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time of the idling time, in which the counted idling time is considered, at step 614.
  • the idling stop time is the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re-ignition, become identical to each other.
  • the signal waiting time is a residual signal waiting period at the preset periodic transmission time.
  • the idling control unit 304 counts re-ignition time by controlling the timer unit 308 and activating the re-ignition timer for the re-ignition of the vehicle at step 616, and provides an ignition OFF control signal, required to turn off the ignition of the vehicle (that is, an ignition stop signal) to the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 618.
  • the re-ignition time is the time at which the ignition ON control signal is provided to turn on the ignition of the vehicle again on the basis of the signal waiting time, without causing a time delay in the departure of the vehicle.
  • the ignition unit 404 of the vehicle control device 400 turns off the ignition of the vehicle in response to the provided ignition OFF control signal at step 620.
  • the idling control unit 304 of the idling control device 300 receives the re-ignition time information, counted by the re-ignition timer, from the timer unit 308, and thus determines whether the re-ignition time for the vehicle is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time at step 622.
  • the idling control unit 304 continuously determines the re-ignition time in the state in which the ignition of the vehicle is turned off, whereas, if it is determined that the re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time, the idling control unit 304 provides a control signal (that is, a re-ignition signal), required to turn on the ignition of the vehicle, to the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 624.
  • the ignition unit 404 of the vehicle control device 400 turns on the ignition of the vehicle in response to the ignition ON control signal provided by the idling control device 300 at step 626.
  • the present invention when the vehicle enters an idling state while traveling, the present invention provides the idling information, and compares and analyzes the traffic signal information, received by the operation of the communication terminal device, with the idling information, so that control is performed to selectively turn on or off the ignition of the vehicle on the basis of the signal waiting time and the idling stop time, thus preventing the departure of the vehicle from being delayed while improving fuel efficiency.
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for transmitting traffic signal information through the traffic signal control device at the preset periodic transmission time in accordance with the present invention.
  • the traffic signal control unit 102 sets periodic transmission time information (for example, a device identification number, a periodic transmission time, etc.), required to transmit traffic signal information (for example, a device identification number, signal waiting time, etc.), through a separate server, which is remotely connected to the traffic signal control device 100 over a communication network, or the input means included in the traffic signal control device 100, at step 704.
  • periodic transmission time information is registered and stored in the signal information storage unit 104, and is extracted as needed and provided to the traffic signal control unit 102.
  • the traffic signal control unit 102 counts the periodic transmission time on the basis of the set periodic transmission time information at step 706, and determines whether a periodic transmission time, required to transmit the traffic signal information, has been reached at step 708.
  • the traffic signal control unit 102 detects and calculates traffic signal information, including a device identification number, signal waiting time, etc., and transmits the traffic signal information to the traffic signal communication unit 106. Subsequently, the traffic signal communication unit 106 transmits the traffic signal information, received from the traffic signal control unit 102, in a broadcasting manner at step 710.
  • the signal waiting time may be calculated on the basis of the time for which the red or yellow traffic light is maintained in an ON state.
  • the present invention can set the periodic transmission time information required to transmit traffic signal information through the traffic signal control device, and transmit traffic signal information, including signal waiting time at the periodic transmission time, in a broadcasting manner on the basis of the preset periodic transmission time information.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for receiving transmitted traffic signal information through the communication terminal device and providing the traffic signal information.
  • the terminal control unit 202 determines whether a power ON control signal, generated in an idling state, is provided by the idling control device 300 at step 804.
  • the terminal control unit 202 provides a control signal to the terminal power supply unit 204 so that power is supplied to respective components of the communication terminal device 200. Accordingly, the terminal power supply unit 204 activates the communication terminal device 200 by supplying power to respective components of the communication terminal device 200 at step 806.
  • the wireless communication unit 206 activates a wireless communication function by being supplied with power from the power supply unit 204. Thereafter, the wireless communication unit 206 receives the traffic signal information, transmitted from the traffic signal control device 100 at the periodic transmission time in a broadcasting manner, and transmits the traffic signal information to the terminal control unit 202 at step 808.
  • the terminal control unit 202 provides the traffic signal information from the wireless communication unit 206 to the idling control device 300 at step 810.
  • the terminal control unit 202 turns off the power of the communication terminal device 200 by providing a power OFF control signal to the terminal power supply unit 204 at step 812.
  • the terminal control unit 202 transmits traffic signal information to the output unit 208 before controlling the power OFF operation of the communication terminal device 200, thus indicating the signal waiting time in the form of text or a voice through a display device, such as an LCD or OLED (not shown).
  • the terminal control unit can activate the operation of the communication terminal device by turning on the power thereof, receive the transmitted traffic signal information, and provide the traffic signal information to the idling control device.
  • traffic signal information can be provided in the form of a guidance message.
  • ON control signal to the communication terminal device on the basis of provided idling information when the vehicle enters an idling state, comparing and analyzing traffic signal information, provided by the communication terminal device, with idling information, and selectively providing a vehicle ignition ON/OFF control signal, required for idling control, to the vehicle control device is described in detail below.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for comparing provided idling information with traffic signal information and controlling idling in accordance with the present invention.
  • the idling control unit 304 determines whether idling information is provided by the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 904.
  • the term “idling stop time” means the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re- ignition, become identical to each other.
  • the term “idling stop time” means, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the time point at which the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas emitted due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other.
  • Idling control can be performed using at least one of the consumed amount of fuel and the emitted amount of exhaust gas
  • the term “signal waiting time” means a residual signal waiting period at the preset periodic transmission time.
  • the idling control unit 304 counts idling time (that is, the time for which idling is maintained) by providing a control signal to the timer unit 308 and activating the idling timer while storing the provided idling information in the idling information storage unit 306 at step 906.
  • the idling control unit 304 provides a power ON control signal to the communication terminal device 200 so as to receive traffic signal information at the time point at which the idling time is counted at step 908.
  • the idling control unit 304 determines whether the signal waiting time is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time corresponding to the counted idling time at step 912.
  • the idling control unit 304 activates the re-ignition timer required for the re-ignition of the vehicle by providing a control signal to the timer unit 308, thus counting the re-ignition time at step 914.
  • the idling control unit 304 provides a vehicle ignition stop signal (that is, an ignition OFF control signal), required to stop the idling of the vehicle, to the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 916.
  • a vehicle ignition stop signal that is, an ignition OFF control signal
  • the idling control unit 304 continuously determines through the re- ignition timer of the timer unit 308 whether the re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time at step 918.
  • the idling control unit 304 provides a re-ignition signal (that is, an ignition ON control signal), required to turn on the ignition of the vehicle, to the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 920. That is, the re-ignition time in which the signal waiting time, based on the time for which the ON state of a red or yellow traffic light is maintained, is considered is counted, and thus the re-ignition signal can be provided before a green light is turned on.
  • a re-ignition signal that is, an ignition ON control signal
  • the power ON control signal is provided to the communication terminal device, and the traffic signal information, provided on the basis of the power ON control signal, is compared and analyzed with idling information, so that the ignition of the vehicle can be selectively turned on or off so as to control idling on the basis of the signal waiting time and the idling stop time.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for providing idling information based on an idling state and turning on or off the ignition of the vehicle in response to a selectively provided ignition ON/OFF control signal in accordance with the present invention.
  • the vehicle control unit 402 determines whether the vehicle enters an idling state (that is, the state in which the ignition is 'ON', but the vehicle speed is O') due to waiting for a desired traffic signal at step 1004.
  • the vehicle control unit 402 If it is determined at step 1004 that the vehicle enters the idling state, the vehicle control unit 402 provides vehicle idling information (for example, idling stop time, etc.) to the idling control device 300 at step 1006.
  • vehicle idling information for example, idling stop time, etc.
  • the idling information can be provided through the ECU of the vehicle, or using a separate sensor.
  • the idling stop time means the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re-ignition, become identical to each other.
  • the idling stop time means, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the time point at which the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas emitted due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other.
  • the vehicle control unit 402 continuously determines whether a specific control signal corresponding to the idling state is provided by the idling control device 300.
  • the ignition unit 404 determines whether an ignition stop signal (that is, an ignition OFF control signal) is provided by the idling control device 300 under the control of the vehicle control unit 402 at step 1008.
  • step 1008 If it is determined at step 1008 that the ignition stop signal is provided, the ignition unit 404 performs control so that the ignition of the vehicle is turned off at step 1010.
  • the ignition unit 404 determines whether a re-ignition signal (that is, an ignition ON control signal), required for the re-ignition of the vehicle, is provided by the idling control device 300, at step 1012.
  • a re-ignition signal that is, an ignition ON control signal
  • step 1012 If it is determined at step 1012 that the re-ignition signal is provided, the ignition unit
  • the present invention can perform the ignition control of the vehicle, such as by determining the idling state of the vehicle through the vehicle control device, providing idling information to the idling control device when the vehicle enters an idling state, and preventing the departure of the vehicle from being delayed in response to the vehicle ignition ON/OFF control signal, selectively provided by the idling control device on the basis of idling information.
  • the present invention is advantageous in that traffic signal information, including signal waiting time, is received from a traffic signal control device, idling information, including an idling stop time, is compared and analyzed with traffic signal information, and the ignition ON/OFF of the vehicle is selectively controlled on the basis of the signal waiting time and the idling stop time, so that the idling state, attributable to a traffic signal, such as a red or yellow traffic light at the time of waiting for a desired traffic signal, can be efficiently controlled.
  • a traffic signal such as a red or yellow traffic light
  • idling is controlled according to the location of a vehicle using a telematics unit so as to prevent idling in an idling restriction area.
  • idling occurring at the time of waiting for a traffic signal can be selectively controlled according to the idling stop time based on fuel consumption or the emitted amount of exhaust gas using traffic signal information, including signal waiting time for a traffic signal, such as a red or yellow traffic light, thus mitigating the problems of wasted fuel and increased exhaust gas.
  • traffic signal information including signal waiting time for a traffic signal, such as a red or yellow traffic light

Abstract

An idling control system for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a traffic signal while traveling, is provided with a communication terminal device for receiving traffic signal information transmitted at a preset periodic transmission time; a vehicle control device for determining an idling state and providing idling information; and an idling control device for performing idling control on a basis of the idling information. Further, the idling control device compares the traffic signal information with the idling information and selectively provides an ignition ON/OFF control signal to the vehicle control device according to a signal waiting time.

Description

Description IDLING CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD
Technical Field
[1] The present invention claims priority of Korean Patent Application No.
10-2008-0025698, filed on March 20, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[2] The present invention relates to an idling control system and method, and, more particularly, to an idling control system and method, which are suitable for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal while the vehicle is traveling. Background Art
[3] As well known to those skilled in the art, the idling of a vehicle, habitually done by a vehicle driver, not only unnecessarily wastes energy, but also causes suffocation in a hermetically sealed space, and is a major cause of air pollution. Accordingly, it is preferable to prevent unnecessary idling.
[4] The prior art related to vehicle control for preventing such idling is described below.
That is, there has been proposed an idling prevention technique using a telematics unit and a server. The telematics unit transmits data about the location and state of a vehicle to the server using a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal, transmits idling restriction area information, an idling restriction signal, restriction time, information about whether a GPS signal has been received, and the state of communication with the server, which are provided by the server, to a controller, and indicates a restricted area. Further, the server controls idling based on information about the location of the vehicle using a vehicle speed sensor, an engine operation detection unit, a temperature sensor, a power switch/breaker, a controller, etc., sets a restriction signal and a restriction time using the idling restriction area information, vehicle status, and vehicle type data, and transmits information about the set restriction signal and restriction time.
[5] However, the conventional idling prevention technique is limited in that overhead occurs in bidirectional communication between the server and the telematics unit within the vehicle. Moreover, it is difficult to use this technique in practice when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal due to a traffic light, such as a red or yellow traffic light, while the vehicle is traveling.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
[6] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an idling control system and method, which compare and analyze idling information with traffic signal information in an idling state when a vehicles waits for a desired traffic signal, thus reducing fuel consumption attributable to the waiting time and selectively preventing idling in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas of the vehicle. Technical Solution
[7] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an idling control system for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a traffic signal while traveling, including a communication terminal device for receiving traffic signal information transmitted at a preset periodic transmission time; a vehicle control device for determining an idling state and providing idling information; and an idling control device for performing idling control on a basis of the idling information, wherein the idling control device compares the traffic signal information with the idling information and selectively provides an ignition ON/OFF control signal to the vehicle control device according to a signal waiting time.
[8] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an idling control method of controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a traffic signal while traveling, including storing idling information provided by determining an idling state; receiving traffic signal information from a communication terminal device and comparing the traffic signal information with the idling information; and selectively providing an ignition ON/OFF control signal based on a signal waiting time to a vehicle control device as a result of comparison. Brief Description of the Drawings
[9] The objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[10] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an idling control system suitable for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[11] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a traffic signal control device suitable for the transmission of traffic signal information at a preset periodic transmission time in accordance with the present invention;
[12] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a communication terminal device suitable for the reception of traffic signal information in accordance with the present invention;
[13] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an idling control device suitable for controlling idling based on traffic signal information and idling information in accordance with the present invention;
[14] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a vehicle control device suitable for turning on or off the ignition of a vehicle in response to a selectively provided ignition ON/OFF control signal in an idling state in accordance with the present invention;
[15] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling idling on the basis of idling in- formation and traffic signal information when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal in accordance with the present invention;
[16] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for transmitting traffic signal information at the periodic transmission time preset by a traffic signal control device in accordance with the present invention;
[17] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for receiving transmitted traffic signal information through a communication terminal device and providing the traffic signal information in accordance with the present invention;
[18] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for comparing provided idling information with traffic signal information and controlling idling in accordance with the present invention; and
[19] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for providing idling information corresponding to an idling state and turning on/off the ignition of a vehicle in response to a selectively provided ignition ON/OFF control signal in accordance with the present invention. Mode for the Invention
[20] The gist of the present invention is to receive traffic signal information by activating a communication terminal device while providing idling information when a vehicle enters an idling state, to compare and analyze the traffic signal information with the idling information, and to control ON/OFF of the ignition of the vehicle on the basis of a signal waiting time and an idling stop time, thus controlling the idling state of the vehicle. The problems of the prior art can be solved through such a technical means.
[21] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that they can be readily implemented by those skilled in the art.
[22] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an idling control system suitable for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a desired traffic signal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The idling control system includes a traffic signal control device 100, a communication terminal device 200, an idling control device 300, and a vehicle control device 400.
[23] Referring to Fig. 1, the traffic signal control device 100, functioning to control the
ON/OFF operation of traffic lights and transmit traffic signal information, sets a periodic transmission time at which traffic signal information, including a signal waiting time corresponding to a red or yellow traffic light, is to be transmitted. Further, the traffic signal control device 100 transmits the traffic signal information at the preset periodic transmission time through a wireless communication module or the like in a broadcasting manner after registering and storing information about the periodic transmission time. In this case, the traffic signal control device 100 transmits traffic signal information, such as a signal waiting time corresponding to an indicated traffic signal, at the preset periodic transmission time.
[24] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a traffic signal control device suitable for the transmission of traffic signal information at the preset periodic transmission time in accordance with the present invention. The traffic signal control device includes a traffic signal control unit 102, a signal information storage unit 104 and a traffic signal communication unit 106.
[25] With reference to Fig. 2, the traffic signal control device 100 will be described in detail below. The traffic signal control unit 102, functioning to control the entire operation of the traffic signal control device 100, controls the ON/OFF operation of traffic lights, and sets the periodic transmission time at which traffic signal information, including the signal waiting time corresponding to a red or yellow traffic light, is to be transmitted. Further, the traffic signal control device 100 registers and stores periodic transmission time information (for example, the periodic transmission time or the like) in the signal information storage unit 104, and calculates the signal waiting time on the basis of the periodic transmission time information. Furthermore, the traffic signal control device 100 transmits the traffic signal information, including the signal waiting time, a device identification number, etc., to the traffic signal communication unit 106 so that the traffic signal information is transmitted in a broadcasting manner. In this case, the periodic transmission time information of the traffic signal information may be remotely set by a server connected through a wired or wireless communication network, or may be spontaneously set by the traffic signal control unit 102. The signal waiting time can be calculated on the basis of the time for which a red or yellow traffic light is maintained in an ON state.
[26] Further, the signal information storage unit 104, functioning to store device information about the relevant traffic signal control device 100, stores device identification number information, periodic transmission time information, transmission method information, etc., which are extracted as needed and are provided to the traffic signal control unit 102.
[27] Further, the traffic signal communication unit 106, which includes a wireless communication module and transmits a wireless signal in a broadcasting manner, periodically transmits the traffic signal information received from the traffic signal control unit 102 at the periodic transmission time.
[28] Meanwhile, the communication terminal device 200 receives traffic signal information using a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), having a navigation function, a wireless communication function, and a device cooperation function, and provides the traffic signal in- formation. When the vehicle enters an idling state, the communication terminal device 200 activates respective components thereof by supplying power to the components in response to a power ON control signal provided by the idling control device 300. Subsequently, the communication terminal device 200 receives the traffic signal information, transmitted from the traffic signal control device 100 at the preset periodic transmission time, and provides the traffic signal information to the idling control device 300.
[29] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a communication terminal device suitable for the reception of traffic signal information in accordance with the present invention. The communication terminal device includes a terminal control unit 202, a terminal power supply unit 204, a wireless communication unit 206, and an output unit 208.
[30] With reference to Fig. 3, the communication terminal device 200 is described in detail below. The terminal control unit 202 functions to control the entire operation of the communication terminal device 200 having a navigation function, a wireless communication function, a device cooperation function, etc. The terminal control unit 202 provides a control signal for the supply of power to the terminal power supply unit 204 in response to a power ON control signal provided by the idling control device 300 when the vehicle enters an idling state. Further, the terminal control unit 202 receives traffic signal information through the wireless communication unit 206, the wireless communication function of which has been activated by the supply of power, and provides the traffic signal information to the idling control device 300. Here, the traffic signal information is provided to the output unit 208, and can be displayed on a display device, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED).
[31] Further, the terminal power supply unit 202 supplies power to respective components of the communication terminal device 200 in response to a control signal provided by the terminal control unit 202, thus activating the operation of the communication terminal device 200.
[32] Further, when the power is supplied by the terminal power supply unit 204, the wireless communication unit 206 activates a wireless communication function, and receives traffic signal information, which is transmitted at the preset periodic transmission time in a broadcasting manner. Afterwards, the wireless communication unit 206 transmits the traffic signal information to the terminal control unit 202.
[33] Meanwhile, the output unit 208, configured to include a display device, such as an
LCD or an OLED, and a speaker, and to output various types of data, outputs navigation data and video data, and displays traffic signal information, provided by the terminal control unit 202, on the LCD or OLED when traffic signal information is designated to be output. For example, the output unit 208 may receive traffic signal in- formation, including a signal waiting time, from the terminal control unit 202, and may display it as the guidance message "10 seconds are left before the light changes", which can also be output as a voice message.
[34] Next, the idling control device 300 is a device for controlling idling using both traffic signal information and idling information. The idling control device 300 is configured to store idling information provided by the vehicle control device 400 when the vehicle enters an idling state, provide a power ON control signal to the communication terminal device 200 to receive the traffic signal information while counting idling time using an idling timer, and compare the traffic signal information provided by the communication terminal device 200 with the stored idling information. Further, the idling control device 300 provides an ignition ON/OFF control signal for the vehicle to the vehicle control device 400 on the basis of the signal waiting time.
[35] In this case, when it is determined on the basis of the idling information and the traffic signal information that the signal waiting time is equal to or lasts longer than an idling stop time based on the counted idling time (that is, the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re-ignition, become identical to each other), the idling control device 300 provides a vehicle ignition OFF control signal to the vehicle control device 400 while activating a re-ignition timer. Subsequently, the idling control device 300 provides a vehicle ignition ON control signal to the vehicle control device 400 when a re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time through the re- ignition timer. In this case, the idling stop time can be described as the time point at which, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas emitted due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other. The control of idling can be performed using at least one of the consumed amount of fuel and the emitted amount of exhaust gas.
[36] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an idling control device suitable for controlling idling based on traffic signal information and idling information in accordance with the present invention. The idling control device 300 includes a device cooperation unit 302, an idling control unit 304, an idling information storage unit 306, and a timer unit 308.
[37] With reference to Fig. 4, the idling control device 300 is described in detail below.
The device cooperation unit 302 is configured to allow the idling control device 300 and the vehicle control device 400 to operate in cooperation with each other, thus mutually providing various types of data (or various types of signals). The device cooperation unit 302 transmits idling information, provided by the vehicle control device 400, to the idling control unit 304, and selectively transmits a vehicle ignition ON/OFF control signal, provided by the idling control unit 304, to the vehicle control device 400.
[38] Further, the idling control unit 304 counts idling time by activating the idling timer of the timer unit 308 while storing the idling information, provided through the device cooperation unit 302, in the idling information storage unit 306. Moreover, the idling control unit 304 provides a control signal, required to turn on the power of the communication terminal device 200 (that is, a power ON control signal), to the communication terminal device 200 in order to receive the traffic signal information corresponding to the idling information.
[39] Further, the idling control unit 304 compares the traffic signal information, provided by the communication terminal device 200, with the idling information, and determines whether a signal waiting time, included in the traffic signal information, is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time, included in the idling information. If it is determined that the signal waiting time is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time, the idling control unit 304 transmits an ignition OFF control signal, required to turn off the ignition of the vehicle, to the device cooperation unit 302 to allow the ignition OFF control signal to be provided to the vehicle control device 400 while counting re-ignition time by activating the re-ignition timer of the timer unit 308. When the re-ignition time counted by the timer unit 308 is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time, the idling control unit 304 transmits an ignition ON control signal, required to turn on the ignition of the vehicle, to the device cooperation unit 302 to allow the ignition ON control signal to be provided to the vehicle control device 400. Here, the term "idling stop time" means the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re-ignition, become identical to each other. In other words, the term "idling stop time" means, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the time point at which the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other. The idling control can be performed using at least one of the consumed amount of fuel and the emitted amount of exhaust gas, and the term "signal waiting time" means a residual signal waiting period at the preset periodic transmission time.
[40] Meanwhile, the idling information storage unit 306 stores the idling information and the traffic signal information, which are transmitted from the idling control unit 304. The stored information is extracted as needed, and is provided to the idling control unit 304.
[41] Next, the timer unit 308 includes timers for counting an idling time, a re-ignition time, etc. Further, the timer unit 308 is configured to count idling time by activating the idling timer under the control of the idling control unit 304 when the idling in- formation corresponding to an idling state is provided, and provide information about the counted idling time to the idling control unit 304 as needed. Furthermore, the timer unit 308 is configured to count re-ignition time by activating the re-ignition timer when a vehicle ignition OFF control signal is provided, and provide information about the re- ignition time to the idling control unit 304 when the re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time.
[42] Meanwhile, the vehicle control device 400 is a device which includes an Engine
Control Unit (ECU) or the like and controls the vehicle. After continuously determining whether the vehicle enters an idling state while traveling (that is, the state in which ignition is turned on and a vehicle speed is O'), the vehicle control device 400 provides idling information, including idling stop time corresponding to the vehicle, to the idling control device 300 operating in cooperation with the vehicle control device 400 if it is determined that the vehicle enters the idling state. Thereafter, the vehicle control device 400 selectively turns on or off the ignition of the vehicle in response to the vehicle ignition ON/OFF control signal selectively provided by the idling control device 300.
[43] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a vehicle control device suitable for turning on or off the ignition of the vehicle in response to the ignition ON/OFF control signal, selectively provided in the idling state, in accordance with the present invention. The vehicle control device includes a vehicle control unit 402 and an ignition unit 404.
[44] With reference to Fig. 5, the vehicle control device 400 is described in detail below.
The vehicle control unit 402, functioning to perform the control of a vehicle engine using an ECU or the like, determines the engine state or idling state of the vehicle, and provides idling information of the vehicle (for example, idling stop time, etc.) to the idling control unit 300 if it is determined that the current state is the idling state.
[45] Further, the ignition unit 404, functioning to turn on or off the ignition of the vehicle, is configured to turn off the ignition of the vehicle in an idling state when the ignition OFF control signal is provided by the idling control device 300, and to turn on the ignition of the vehicle in the ignition OFF state when the ignition ON control signal is subsequently provided.
[46] Therefore, the present invention can obtain fuel consumption reduction effects thanks to ignition ON/OFF states by comparing and analyzing the signal waiting time of traffic signal information with the idling stop time of the idling information through the idling control system. The idling control system above includes the traffic signal control device, the communication terminal device, the idling control device, and the vehicle control device, and can prevent the departure of the vehicle from being delayed by turning on the ignition of the vehicle again on the basis of the re-ignition time of the vehicle. [47] Next, in the idling control system having the above construction, a process for performing idling control by comparing and analyzing idling information, provided by the determination of an idling state, with traffic signal information, transmitted in a broadcasting manner, and by performing control to turn on or off the ignition of the vehicle on the basis of the signal waiting time and the idling stop time, is described below.
[48] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling idling on the basis of idling information and traffic signal information at the time of waiting for a desired traffic signal in accordance with the present invention.
[49] Referring to Fig. 6, in the travel mode of the vehicle at step 602, the vehicle control unit 402 of the vehicle control device 400 determines, using the ECU or the like, whether the current state of the vehicle is an idling state (that is, the state in which ignition is turned on, but vehicle speed is O') attributable to waiting for a signal or the like at step 604.
[50] If it is determined at step 604 that the current state is an idling state, the vehicle control unit 402 of the vehicle control device 400 provides idling information for the vehicle (for example, idling stop time for each vehicle, etc.) to the idling control device 300 at step 606. Here, the term "idling stop time" means the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re-ignition, become identical to each other. In other words, the term "idling stop time" means, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the time point at which the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other. Idling control can be performed using at least one of the consumed amount of fuel and the emitted amount of exhaust gas.
[51] Further, the idling control unit 304 of the idling control device 300 counts idling time
(that is, the time for which idling is maintained) by activating the idling timer of the timer unit 308 on the basis of the idling information provided by the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 608. Moreover, the idling control unit 304 provides a power ON control signal, required to activate the communication terminal device 200, to the communication terminal device 200 at step 610. Here, the idling control unit 304 stores the idling information provided by the device cooperation unit 302 in the idling information storage unit 306.
[52] Next, the terminal control unit 202 of the communication terminal device 200 provides a control signal for the supply of power to the terminal power supply unit 204 in response to the power ON control signal provided by the idling control unit 304. Accordingly, the terminal power supply unit 204 activates respective components of the communication terminal device 200 by supplying power to the components, and transmits the traffic signal information, which is provided by the traffic signal control device 100 and is received from the wireless communication unit 206, to the terminal control unit 202. Thereafter, the traffic signal information above is provided to the idling control unit 304 of the idling control device 300, at step 612. Here, the traffic signal information is transmitted from the traffic signal control device 100 at the preset periodic transmission time in a broadcasting manner. For example, the traffic signal information may include a device identification number, signal waiting time, etc., and the signal waiting time may be calculated to correspond to the time for which the ON state of a red or yellow traffic light is maintained.
[53] Meanwhile, the idling control unit 304 of the idling control device 300 determines whether the signal waiting time of the traffic signal information is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time of the idling time, in which the counted idling time is considered, at step 614. In this case, the idling stop time is the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re-ignition, become identical to each other. The signal waiting time is a residual signal waiting period at the preset periodic transmission time.
[54] If it is determined at step 614 that the signal waiting time is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time, the idling control unit 304 counts re-ignition time by controlling the timer unit 308 and activating the re-ignition timer for the re-ignition of the vehicle at step 616, and provides an ignition OFF control signal, required to turn off the ignition of the vehicle (that is, an ignition stop signal) to the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 618. Here, the re-ignition time is the time at which the ignition ON control signal is provided to turn on the ignition of the vehicle again on the basis of the signal waiting time, without causing a time delay in the departure of the vehicle.
[55] Further, the ignition unit 404 of the vehicle control device 400 turns off the ignition of the vehicle in response to the provided ignition OFF control signal at step 620.
[56] Thereafter, the idling control unit 304 of the idling control device 300 receives the re-ignition time information, counted by the re-ignition timer, from the timer unit 308, and thus determines whether the re-ignition time for the vehicle is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time at step 622.
[57] If it is determined at step 622 that the re-ignition time is neither equal to nor does not last longer than the signal waiting time, the idling control unit 304 continuously determines the re-ignition time in the state in which the ignition of the vehicle is turned off, whereas, if it is determined that the re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time, the idling control unit 304 provides a control signal (that is, a re-ignition signal), required to turn on the ignition of the vehicle, to the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 624. [58] Next, the ignition unit 404 of the vehicle control device 400 turns on the ignition of the vehicle in response to the ignition ON control signal provided by the idling control device 300 at step 626.
[59] Therefore, when the vehicle enters an idling state while traveling, the present invention provides the idling information, and compares and analyzes the traffic signal information, received by the operation of the communication terminal device, with the idling information, so that control is performed to selectively turn on or off the ignition of the vehicle on the basis of the signal waiting time and the idling stop time, thus preventing the departure of the vehicle from being delayed while improving fuel efficiency.
[60] Next, in the above-described idling control process, the process in which the traffic signal control device transmits traffic signal information at the preset periodic transmission time in a broadcasting manner is described below.
[61] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for transmitting traffic signal information through the traffic signal control device at the preset periodic transmission time in accordance with the present invention.
[62] Referring to Fig. 7, in the standby mode of the traffic signal control device 100 at step 702, the traffic signal control unit 102 sets periodic transmission time information (for example, a device identification number, a periodic transmission time, etc.), required to transmit traffic signal information (for example, a device identification number, signal waiting time, etc.), through a separate server, which is remotely connected to the traffic signal control device 100 over a communication network, or the input means included in the traffic signal control device 100, at step 704. Such periodic transmission time information is registered and stored in the signal information storage unit 104, and is extracted as needed and provided to the traffic signal control unit 102.
[63] Further, the traffic signal control unit 102 counts the periodic transmission time on the basis of the set periodic transmission time information at step 706, and determines whether a periodic transmission time, required to transmit the traffic signal information, has been reached at step 708.
[64] If it is determined at step 708 that the periodic transmission time required to transmit the traffic signal information has been reached, the traffic signal control unit 102 detects and calculates traffic signal information, including a device identification number, signal waiting time, etc., and transmits the traffic signal information to the traffic signal communication unit 106. Subsequently, the traffic signal communication unit 106 transmits the traffic signal information, received from the traffic signal control unit 102, in a broadcasting manner at step 710. Here, the signal waiting time may be calculated on the basis of the time for which the red or yellow traffic light is maintained in an ON state.
[65] Therefore, the present invention can set the periodic transmission time information required to transmit traffic signal information through the traffic signal control device, and transmit traffic signal information, including signal waiting time at the periodic transmission time, in a broadcasting manner on the basis of the preset periodic transmission time information.
[66] Next, in the above-described idling control process, a process for activating the communication terminal device in response to a provided power ON control signal, receiving transmitted traffic signal information and providing the traffic signal information to the idling control device when a vehicle enters the idling state is described in detail below.
[67] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for receiving transmitted traffic signal information through the communication terminal device and providing the traffic signal information.
[68] Referring to Fig. 8, in the standby mode of the communication terminal device 200 at step 802, the terminal control unit 202 determines whether a power ON control signal, generated in an idling state, is provided by the idling control device 300 at step 804.
[69] If it is determined at step 804 that the power ON control signal is provided by the idling control device 300, the terminal control unit 202 provides a control signal to the terminal power supply unit 204 so that power is supplied to respective components of the communication terminal device 200. Accordingly, the terminal power supply unit 204 activates the communication terminal device 200 by supplying power to respective components of the communication terminal device 200 at step 806.
[70] Further, the wireless communication unit 206 activates a wireless communication function by being supplied with power from the power supply unit 204. Thereafter, the wireless communication unit 206 receives the traffic signal information, transmitted from the traffic signal control device 100 at the periodic transmission time in a broadcasting manner, and transmits the traffic signal information to the terminal control unit 202 at step 808.
[71] Next, the terminal control unit 202 provides the traffic signal information from the wireless communication unit 206 to the idling control device 300 at step 810.
[72] Thereafter, when the provision of the traffic signal information to the idling control device 300 has been completed, the terminal control unit 202 turns off the power of the communication terminal device 200 by providing a power OFF control signal to the terminal power supply unit 204 at step 812. Of course, the terminal control unit 202 transmits traffic signal information to the output unit 208 before controlling the power OFF operation of the communication terminal device 200, thus indicating the signal waiting time in the form of text or a voice through a display device, such as an LCD or OLED (not shown).
[73] Therefore, when the power ON control signal is provided by the idling control device, the terminal control unit can activate the operation of the communication terminal device by turning on the power thereof, receive the transmitted traffic signal information, and provide the traffic signal information to the idling control device. Such traffic signal information can be provided in the form of a guidance message.
[74] Next, in the above-described idling control process, a process for providing a power
ON control signal to the communication terminal device on the basis of provided idling information when the vehicle enters an idling state, comparing and analyzing traffic signal information, provided by the communication terminal device, with idling information, and selectively providing a vehicle ignition ON/OFF control signal, required for idling control, to the vehicle control device is described in detail below.
[75] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for comparing provided idling information with traffic signal information and controlling idling in accordance with the present invention.
[76] Referring to Fig. 9, in the standby mode of the idling control device 300 at step 902, the idling control unit 304 determines whether idling information is provided by the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 904. Here, the term "idling stop time" means the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re- ignition, become identical to each other. In other words, the term "idling stop time" means, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the time point at which the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas emitted due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other. Idling control can be performed using at least one of the consumed amount of fuel and the emitted amount of exhaust gas, and the term "signal waiting time" means a residual signal waiting period at the preset periodic transmission time.
[77] If it is determined at step 904 that the idling information is provided, the idling control unit 304 counts idling time (that is, the time for which idling is maintained) by providing a control signal to the timer unit 308 and activating the idling timer while storing the provided idling information in the idling information storage unit 306 at step 906.
[78] Further, the idling control unit 304 provides a power ON control signal to the communication terminal device 200 so as to receive traffic signal information at the time point at which the idling time is counted at step 908.
[79] Next, after receiving traffic signal information, including signal waiting time, from the communication terminal device 200 at step 910, the idling control unit 304 determines whether the signal waiting time is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time corresponding to the counted idling time at step 912.
[80] If it is determined at step 912 that the signal waiting time is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time, the idling control unit 304 activates the re-ignition timer required for the re-ignition of the vehicle by providing a control signal to the timer unit 308, thus counting the re-ignition time at step 914.
[81] Further, the idling control unit 304 provides a vehicle ignition stop signal (that is, an ignition OFF control signal), required to stop the idling of the vehicle, to the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 916.
[82] Meanwhile, the idling control unit 304 continuously determines through the re- ignition timer of the timer unit 308 whether the re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time at step 918.
[83] If it is determined at step 918 that the re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time, the idling control unit 304 provides a re-ignition signal (that is, an ignition ON control signal), required to turn on the ignition of the vehicle, to the vehicle control device 400 through the device cooperation unit 302 at step 920. That is, the re-ignition time in which the signal waiting time, based on the time for which the ON state of a red or yellow traffic light is maintained, is considered is counted, and thus the re-ignition signal can be provided before a green light is turned on.
[84] Therefore, when idling information is provided by the vehicle control device, the power ON control signal is provided to the communication terminal device, and the traffic signal information, provided on the basis of the power ON control signal, is compared and analyzed with idling information, so that the ignition of the vehicle can be selectively turned on or off so as to control idling on the basis of the signal waiting time and the idling stop time.
[85] Next, in the above-described idling control process, a process for providing idling information to the idling control device when a vehicle enters an idling state, and controlling the ignition of the vehicle in response to a vehicle ignition ON/OFF control signal, selectively provided according to the idling information, is described below.
[86] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for providing idling information based on an idling state and turning on or off the ignition of the vehicle in response to a selectively provided ignition ON/OFF control signal in accordance with the present invention.
[87] Referring to Fig. 10, in the vehicle travel mode of the vehicle control device 400 at step 1002, the vehicle control unit 402 determines whether the vehicle enters an idling state (that is, the state in which the ignition is 'ON', but the vehicle speed is O') due to waiting for a desired traffic signal at step 1004.
[88] If it is determined at step 1004 that the vehicle enters the idling state, the vehicle control unit 402 provides vehicle idling information (for example, idling stop time, etc.) to the idling control device 300 at step 1006. Here, the idling information can be provided through the ECU of the vehicle, or using a separate sensor. The idling stop time means the time point at which fuel consumption, occurring during the maintenance of idling, and fuel consumption, occurring at the time of re-ignition, become identical to each other. In other words, the idling stop time means, in consideration of the emitted amount of exhaust gas, the time point at which the amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and the increasing amount of exhaust gas emitted due to the maintenance of idling become identical to each other.
[89] Further, the vehicle control unit 402 continuously determines whether a specific control signal corresponding to the idling state is provided by the idling control device 300. The ignition unit 404 determines whether an ignition stop signal (that is, an ignition OFF control signal) is provided by the idling control device 300 under the control of the vehicle control unit 402 at step 1008.
[90] If it is determined at step 1008 that the ignition stop signal is provided, the ignition unit 404 performs control so that the ignition of the vehicle is turned off at step 1010.
[91] Meanwhile, after the ignition of the vehicle has been turned off, the ignition unit 404 determines whether a re-ignition signal (that is, an ignition ON control signal), required for the re-ignition of the vehicle, is provided by the idling control device 300, at step 1012.
[92] If it is determined at step 1012 that the re-ignition signal is provided, the ignition unit
404 performs control such that the ignition of the vehicle is turned on at step 1014.
[93] Therefore, the present invention can perform the ignition control of the vehicle, such as by determining the idling state of the vehicle through the vehicle control device, providing idling information to the idling control device when the vehicle enters an idling state, and preventing the departure of the vehicle from being delayed in response to the vehicle ignition ON/OFF control signal, selectively provided by the idling control device on the basis of idling information.
[94] Unlike the prior art, in which an idling state is controlled according to the location of a vehicle using GPS signals and a telematics unit, the present invention is advantageous in that traffic signal information, including signal waiting time, is received from a traffic signal control device, idling information, including an idling stop time, is compared and analyzed with traffic signal information, and the ignition ON/OFF of the vehicle is selectively controlled on the basis of the signal waiting time and the idling stop time, so that the idling state, attributable to a traffic signal, such as a red or yellow traffic light at the time of waiting for a desired traffic signal, can be efficiently controlled. As a result, the problems of wasted fuel and increased exhaust gas, caused by idling at the time of waiting for a traffic signal, can be solved, thus guaranteeing stable fuel efficiency.
[95] Therefore, in the prior art, idling is controlled according to the location of a vehicle using a telematics unit so as to prevent idling in an idling restriction area. In contrast, in the control technique of the present invention, idling occurring at the time of waiting for a traffic signal can be selectively controlled according to the idling stop time based on fuel consumption or the emitted amount of exhaust gas using traffic signal information, including signal waiting time for a traffic signal, such as a red or yellow traffic light, thus mitigating the problems of wasted fuel and increased exhaust gas. [96] While the invention has been shown and described with respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

Claims
[1] An idling control system for controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a traffic signal while traveling, comprising: a communication terminal device for receiving traffic signal information transmitted at a preset periodic transmission time; a vehicle control device for determining an idling state and providing idling information; and an idling control device for performing idling control on a basis of the idling information, wherein the idling control device compares the traffic signal information with the idling information and selectively provides an ignition ON/OFF control signal to the vehicle control device according to a signal waiting time.
[2] The idling control system of claim 1, wherein the idling control device comprises: a device cooperation unit for transmitting the idling information and providing the ignition ON/OFF control signal to the vehicle control device in cooperation with the vehicle control device; and an idling control unit for comparing the traffic signal information with the idling information, and providing the ignition ON/OFF control signal to the device cooperation unit on a basis of the signal waiting time and an idling stop time.
[3] The idling control system of claim 2, wherein the idling control device further comprises: a timer unit for activating an idling timer under control of the idling control unit when the idling information is provided, and activating a re-ignition timer for the ignition ON/OFF control signal.
[4] The idling control system of claim 3, wherein the idling control unit provides a power ON control signal to the communication terminal device to receive the traffic signal information when the idling information is provided.
[5] The idling control system of claim 1, wherein the traffic signal information received by the communication terminal device is transmitted from a traffic signal control device.
[6] The idling control system of claim 5, wherein the traffic signal control device comprises: a signal information storage unit for storing periodic transmission time information required to transmit the traffic signal information; a traffic signal control unit for counting the periodic transmission time on a basis of the periodic transmission time information, and providing the traffic signal in- formation when the periodic transmission time is reached; and a traffic signal communication unit for transmitting the traffic signal information in a broadcasting manner.
[7] The idling control system of claim 6, wherein the communication terminal device comprises: a terminal power supply unit for supplying power to respective components in response to the power ON control signal; a wireless communication unit for receiving the traffic signal information; and a terminal control unit for providing a power supply control signal to the terminal power supply unit in response to the power ON control signal, and providing the received traffic signal information to the idling control device.
[8] The idling control system of claim 7, wherein the vehicle control device comprises: a vehicle control unit for determining the idling state, and providing the idling information corresponding to the idling state to the idling control device; and an ignition unit for turning on or off ignition of the vehicle in response to the ignition ON/OFF control signal provided by the idling control device.
[9] The idling control system of claim 8, wherein the traffic signal information includes the signal waiting time.
[10] The idling control system of claim 9, wherein the idling information includes an idling stop time indicating a time point at which fuel consumption occurring during maintenance of idling and fuel consumption occurring at a time of re- ignition become identical to each other, or a time point at which an amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and an increasing amount of exhaust gas due to maintenance of idling become identical to each other.
[11] An idling control method of controlling idling when a vehicle waits for a traffic signal while traveling, comprising: storing idling information provided by determining an idling state; receiving traffic signal information from a communication terminal device and comparing the traffic signal information with the idling information; and selectively providing an ignition ON/OFF control signal based on a signal waiting time to a vehicle control device as a result of comparison.
[12] The idling control method of claim 11, wherein the ignition ON/OFF control signal is selectively provided by comparing the signal waiting time with an idling stop time, which indicates a time point at which fuel consumption occurring during maintenance of idling and fuel consumption occurring at a time of re- ignition become identical to each other, or a time point at which an amount of exhaust gas emitted due to re-ignition and an increasing amount of exhaust gas due to maintenance of idling become identical to each other.
[13] The idling control method of claim 12, wherein, when the signal waiting time is equal to or lasts longer than the idling stop time, the ignition ON/OFF control signal is provided.
[14] The idling control method of claim 13, wherein, when the ignition ON/OFF control signal is provided, an ignition OFF control signal is primarily provided, and an ignition ON control signal is subsequently provided when a re-ignition time is equal to or lasts longer than the signal waiting time.
[15] The idling control method of claim 11, wherein the storing the idling information is performed to provide a power ON control signal to the communication terminal device while counting an idling time to be compared with the signal waiting time.
[16] The idling control method of claim 15, wherein the communication terminal device is activated in response to the power ON control signal, and thereafter the traffic signal information is received.
[17] The idling control method of claim 16, wherein the traffic signal information is transmitted in a broadcasting manner according to periodic transmission time information preset by a traffic signal control device.
PCT/KR2008/004916 2008-03-20 2008-08-22 Idling control system and method WO2009116708A1 (en)

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