METHOD FOR DRIVING VEHICLE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and benefits of Chinese Patent Application Serial No.

201210099723.2, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of P. R. China on April 6, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a vehicle technical field, more particularly, to a vehicle intelligent key device, a remote control system for driving a vehicle and a remote control method for driving a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, a vehicle as a means of transport is entering every family gradually. Meanwhile, it becomes more and more difficult to find a parking space along with an increasing number of vehicles. Especially for densely populated cities, the parking space for the vehicle is not only in shortage but also becoming much narrower. Therefore, it is difficult for a user to get in or get off the vehicle as the parking space is very narrow and can only accommodate the vehicle.

To this end, there is a demand to control the vehicle to park or start outside the vehicle, so that the user does not need to get in or get off the vehicle in the narrow parking space.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to solve at least one of the problems existing in the prior art to at least some extent, or to provide a user with a useful commercial choice.

According to embodiments of a first broad aspect of the present disclosure, a remote control system for driving a vehicle is provided. The remote control system may comprise: a vehicle intelligent key device, configured to send a starting signal and a control signal; and a vehicle, configured to receive the starting signal and the control signal, to start a remote control mode according to the starting signal and to control a driving state of the vehicle according to the control signal, wherein the vehicle comprises an electric power steering module configured to control a steering wheel of the vehicle to turn according to the control signal when the vehicle is in the remote control mode.

With the remote control system, a user may control the vehicle to run at a low speed within a visual range outside the vehicle simply and conveniently, and thus it is possible to realize various controls for the steering system and the speed control system of the vehicle outside the vehicle, especially to control the vehicle to turn left or right. Therefore it is convenient for users to park or take a vehicle in narrow spaces.

According to embodiments of a second broad aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle intelligent key device is provided. The vehicle intelligent key device may comprise: a starting key; a direction control key; a wireless communication module, configured to communicate with a vehicle wirelessly; and a control module, connected to the starting key, the direction control key and the wireless communication module respectively, and configured to send a starting signal or a control signal to the vehicle when the starting key or the direction control key is activated.

With the vehicle intelligent key device of the present disclosure, a user may control the vehicle with the starting key and the direction control key within a visual range outside the vehicle, and thus realize various controls for the vehicle outside the vehicle.

According to embodiments of a third broad aspect of the present disclosure, a remote control method for driving a vehicle is provided. The remote control method may comprise steps of: generating a starting signal and a control signal by a vehicle intelligent key device; sending the starting signal and the control signal to a vehicle; starting a remote control mode of the vehicle according to the starting signal; detecting whether the vehicle is in the remote control mode after the vehicle received the control signal; and controlling a steering wheel of the vehicle to turn by an electric power steering module according to the control signal when the vehicle is in the remote control mode.

With the remote control method of the present disclosure, a user may control the vehicle to turn left or right within a visual range outside the vehicle, which is convenient for the user to park or take the vehicle in narrow spaces. Furthermore, the remote control method according to the present disclosure is simple and easy to operate.

The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures and the detailed description which follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of present disclosure will be given in part in the following descriptions, and become apparent in part from the following descriptions, or be learned from the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig.l is a block diagram of a remote control system for driving a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.2 is a block diagram of a remote control system in a remote turning mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig.3 is a block diagram of a remote control system in a remote starting mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.4 is a block diagram of a remote control system in a remote control mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.5 is a block diagram of a vehicle intelligent key device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.6 is a schematic view of a control panel of a vehicle intelligent key device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.7 is a flow chart of a remote control method for driving a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figs.8A-8B is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to start a remote control mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.9 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to run forward according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.10 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to reverse according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.11 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to turn left or right according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.12 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to quit the remote control mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Fig.13 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to quit the remote control mode according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein with reference to accompanying drawings are explanatory, illustrative, which are used to generally understand the present disclosure. The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure. The same or similar elements and the elements having same or similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the descriptions.

The remote control system for driving a vehicle according to embodiments of a first broad aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figs.l- 4 below.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a remote control system for driving a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.l, the remote control system according to embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a vehicle 101 and a vehicle intelligent key device 102. The vehicle intelligent key device 102 is configured to send a starting signal and a control signal to the vehicle 101. The vehicle 101 is configured to receive the starting signal and the control signal sent from the vehicle 101, to start a remote control mode according to the starting signal, and to control a driving state of the vehicle 101 according to the control signal. Therein, controlling the driving state of the vehicle 101 may comprise controlling a steering system, a speed control system and a braking system of the vehicle 101.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig.l, the vehicle 101 comprises an electric power steering module (EPS) 401 configured to control a steering wheel of the vehicle 101 to turn according to the control signal when the vehicle is in the remote control mode.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control system in a remote turning mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.2, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle may further comprise an angle sensor 402. The angle sensor 402 is configured to detect a rotation angle of the steering wheel and to feed back the rotation angle to the electric power steering module 401. Then the electric power steering module 401 may control a steering column of the vehicle 101 to turn left or right at a certain speed.

Fig, 3 is a block diagram of a remote control system in a remote starting mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.3, if the vehicle 101 is a fuel vehicle, the vehicle 101 may further comprise a key controller (Keyless) 201, a body control module (BCM) 202, an electric steering column lock (ECL) 203, a gateway 204, an engine control module (ECM) 205, an automatic transmission 207 and an electrical park brake (EPB) 208.

In one example of the present disclosure, the automatic transmission 207 may be a dual clutch transmission (DCT).

If the vehicle 101 is an electric vehicle, the vehicle 101 may further comprise a key controller 201, a body control module 202, an electric steering column lock 203, a gateway 204, an electromotor controller 206, an automatic transmission 207 and an electrical park brake 208. The key controller 201, the body control module 202, the electric steering column lock 203, the engine control module (ECM) 205/ electromotor controller 206, the automatic transmission 207 and the electrical park brake 208 are configured to communicate with each other through the gateway 204. Specifically, the key controller 201 may receive the starting signal and the control signal sent from the vehicle intelligent key device 102, and generate a remote starting signal or a remote control signal according to the starting signal and the control signal. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the starting signal may be a high-frequency starting signal and the control signal may be a high-frequency control signal.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Fig. l, the vehicle 101 may further comprise a high-frequency receiving device 103 configured to receive the high-frequency starting signal and the high-frequency control signal sent from the vehicle intelligent key device 102, to demodulate the high-frequency starting signal and the high-frequency control signal so as to obtain the starting signal and the control signal, and to send the starting signal and the control signal to the key controller 201.

The function of the each functional module of the vehicle 101 according to embodiments of present disclosure will be described in detail in the following descriptions.

The body control module 202 is configured to receive the remote starting signal and the remote control signal sent from the key controller 201, and to control the vehicle 101 to power on and to start the remote control mode according to the remote starting signal and to generate an unlocking signal.

The electric steering column lock 203 is configured to receive the unlocking signal sent from the body control module 202 and to unlock a steering wheel of the vehicle 101 according to the unlocking signal.

The gateway 204 is configured to communicate with the key controller 201, the body control module 202 and the electric steering column lock 203 respectively, in other words, the gateway 204 is configured to realize a high/low speed network communication of the vehicle 101, for example, the high speed may be 500Kbps (bit per second); and the low speed may be 125Kbps.

The engine control module 205 is configured to communicate with the gateway 204 and to control an engine of the vehicle 101 to start according to the remote starting signal transmitted by the gateway 204.

The electromotor controller 206 is configured to control the power system of the vehicle 101 to start according to the remote starting signal transmitted by the gateway 204.

The automatic transmission 207 is configured to communicate with the gateway 204, and to control a gear of a gearbox of the vehicle 101 to switch and to generate a parking control signal according to the remote control signal transmitted by the gateway 204, in which the switching of the gear of the gearbox of the vehicle 101 may be the switching of the gear shifts of the speed control system of the vehicle 101.

The electrical park brake 208 is configured to communicate with the gateway 204 and to control the vehicle 101 to park according to the parking control signal transmitted by the gateway 204.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Fig.3, the key controller 201 is further configured to detect whether the vehicle intelligent key device 102 is outside the vehicle 101 after receiving the starting signal and the control signal, and to send the remote starting signal and the remote control signal to the body control module 202 when the vehicle intelligent key device 102 is outside the vehicle 101.

The body control module 202 is further configured to detect a state of the electrical park brake 208 and the gear of the gearbox of the vehicle. When the state of the electrical park brake 208 is "normal" and the gear of the gearbox of the vehicle is "parking", for the fuel vehicle, the engine control module 205 and the key controller 201 perform a pairing operation and if the engine control module 205 and the key controller 201 are paired, the engine control module 205 controls the engine to start. However, for the electric vehicle, the electromotor controller 206 and the key controller 201 perform the pairing operation and if the electromotor 206 and the key controller are paired, the electromotor 206 controls the power system of the vehicle 101 to start. After the engine/power system started, the starting of the remote control mode of the vehicle is finished. The vehicle 101 enters a remote control mode.

In some embodiment of the present disclosure, the body control module 202 is configured to control the engine and/or the power system to quit the remote control mode if any one of the following conditions is satisfied:

1) no remote control signal is detected by the body control module 202 during a first predetermined time period;

2) no remote control mode signal indicating the vehicle 101 is in the remote control mode is detected by the body control module 202 during a second predetermined time period;

3) a quitting remote control mode signal is detected by the body control module 202;

4) a vehicle door is detected by the body control module 202 to be open;

5) a brake pedal or an accelerator pedal is detected by the body control module 202 to be pressed down;

6) a vehicle speed is detected to be higher than a predetermined vehicle speed threshold or the vehicle speed is not detected by the body control module 202;

7) a remote unlocking signal or a micro switch unlocking signal sent from the key controller 201 is received by the body control module 202.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first predetermined time period may be

10 minutes, the second predetermined time period may be 2 seconds, the predetermined vehicle speed threshold may be 2km/h. The numerical value of the first predetermined time period, the second predetermined time period and the predetermined vehicle speed threshold according to the embodiment described herein are explanatory, illustrative, which are used to generally understand the present disclosure. It shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure. The numerical value of the first predetermined time period, the second predetermined time period and the predetermined vehicle speed threshold may be other numerical value depending on driving habits of different users.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the automatic transmission 207 may be configured to send a fastening signal for fastening a parking cable to the electrical park brake 208 and to set the gear of the gearbox of the speed control system to be "Parking" when the engine and/or the power system quit the remote control mode.

In one example of the present disclosure, the remote control signal may be any one of a remote forward signal, a remote backward signal and a remote turning signal. The remote forward signal is configured to control the vehicle to run forward, the remote backward signal is configured to control the vehicle to reverse, and the remote turning signal is configured to control the vehicle to turn left or right.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a remote control system in a remote control mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.4, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the automatic transmission 207 receives a remote forward signal and detects that the engine and/or the power system are in the remote control mode, the automatic transmission 207 may control the electrical park brake 208 to loosen the parking cable, to feed back a state of the parking cable, and to set the gear of the gearbox to be "Driving", and then the vehicle 101 will run forward at a speed lower than the predetermined vehicle speed (for example, 2km/h).

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Fig.4, when the automatic transmission 207 receives a remote backward signal and detects that the engine and/or the power system are in the remote control mode, the automatic transmission 207 controls the electrical park brake 208 to loosen the parking cable, to feed back the state of the parking cable, and to set the gear of the gearbox to be "Reverse", and then the vehicle 101 will reverse at a speed lower than the predetermined vehicle speed (for example, 2km/h).

With the remote control system according to embodiments of the present disclosure, users may control the vehicle to run forward or reverse at a speed lower than the predetermined vehicle speed (for example, 2km/h), or control the vehicle to turn left or right within a visual range (for example, 10 meters) outside the vehicle. The operation of the remote control system is also simple and easy. Therefore, it is very convenient for a user to park or take a vehicle in a narrow space according to the remote control system of the present disclosure.

Referring to Fig.5 and Fig.6, the vehicle intelligent key device according to embodiments of a second broad aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a vehicle intelligent key device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.5, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle intelligent key device 102 may comprise a starting key 501 ; a direction control key502; a wireless communication module 503 and a control module 504. The wireless communication module 503 is configured to communicate with a vehicle wirelessly. The control module 504 is connected to the starting key 501, the direction control key502 and the wireless communication module 503 respectively, and configured to send a starting signal or a control signal to the vehicle when the starting key 501 or the direction control key 502 is activated.

When the starting key 501 is activated by a user, for example, the starting key 501 is pressed down for a time period greater than a third predetermined time period, the vehicle intelligent key device may modulate relevant information and send a first high frequency starting signal. A high frequency receiving module of the vehicle may receive the first high frequency starting signal and then send a starting signal to a key controller of the vehicle 101 after demodulating the first high frequency starting signal. The key controller authenticates the starting signal, and then sends out a "starting" message to control the vehicle to start. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third predetermined time period may be 2 seconds.

In contrast, when the starting key 501 is shortly pressed down (that is, the starting key is pressed down for a time period less than the third predetermined time period), the vehicle intelligent key device 102 may modulate relevant information and send a second high frequency starting signal. Then the high frequency receiving module of the vehicle may receive the second high frequency starting signal and send a flameout signal to the key controller of the vehicle after demodulating the second high frequency starting signal. The key controller authenticates the flameout signal, and then sends out a "flameout" message to control the vehicle to stall.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a control panel of a vehicle intelligent key device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.6, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction control key 502 may comprise at least one of a left turning key 603, a right turning key 604, a forward key 601 and a backward key 602.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the forward key 601 is activated by a user, for example pressed down by the user, the vehicle intelligent key device may modulate relevant information and send a high frequency forward signal. Then, the high frequency receiving module of the vehicle may receive the high frequency forward signal and send a forward signal to the key controller of the vehicle after demodulating the high frequency forward signal. The key controller authenticates the forward signal, and then sends out a "Driving" message to control the vehicle to run forward at a low speed. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle may run forward at a speed lower than 2km/h. If the user loosens the forward key 601, the vehicle will stop.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the backward key 602 is activated by users, for example pressed down by the user, the vehicle intelligent key device may modulate relevant information and send a high frequency backward signal. Then the high frequency receiving module lof the vehicle may receive the high frequency backward signal and send a backward signal to the key controller of the vehicle after demodulating the high frequency backward signal. The key controller authenticates the backward signal, and then sends out a "Reverse" message to control the vehicle to reverse at a low speed. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle 101 may reverse at a speed lower than 2km/h. If the user loosens the backward key 602, the vehicle will stop.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the left turning key 603 is activated by the user, for example pressed down by the user, the vehicle intelligent key device may modulate relevant information and send a high frequency left turning signal. Then the high frequency receiving module of the vehicle may receive the high frequency left turning signal and then send a left turning signal to the key controller of the vehicle after demodulating the high frequency left turning signal. The key controller authenticates the left turning signal, and then sends out a "left turning" message to control a steering wheel of the vehicle to turn left. If the user loosens the left turning key 603, the vehicle will stop turning left.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the right turning key 604 is activated by the user, for example pressed down by the user, the vehicle intelligent key device may modulate relevant information and send a high frequency right turning signal. Then the high frequency receiving module of the vehicle 101 may receive the high frequency right turning signal and send a right turning signal to the key controller of the vehicle after demodulating the high frequency right turning signal. The key controller authenticates the right turning signal, and then sends out a "right turning" message to control a steering wheel of the vehicle to turn right. If the user loosens the right turning key 604, the vehicle will stop turning right.

It should be noted that, the direction control key 502 will be effective only when the starting key 501 is activated to start a remote control mode, and the left turning key 603, the right turning key 604, the forward key 601 and the backward key 602 could not be operated at the same time. For example, the user can't control the vehicle to turn left or right when controlling the vehicle to run forward or reverse through the forward key 601 or the backward key 602, that is, it is invalid to press down the left turning key 603 or the right turning key 604 during the forward or backward running of the vehicle. Similarly, the user can't control the vehicle to run forward or reverse when controlling the vehicle to turn left or right through the left turning key 603 or the right turning key 604, that is, it is invalid to press down the forward key 601 or the backward key 602 during the left or right turning of the vehicle.

Referring to Fig.6, The vehicle intelligent key device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further comprise a locking key 607, an unlocking key 608, a trunk opening key 609 and a holding key 605.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking key 607 is connected to the control module 504. The control module 504 is configured to control the wireless communication module 503 to send a locking signal to the vehicle when the locking key 607 is activated. In other words, when the locking key 607 is activated by the user, the vehicle intelligent key device may modulate relevant information and send a high frequency locking signal. Then the high frequency receiving module of the vehicle may receive the high frequency locking signal and send the locking signal to the key controller 201 of the vehicle 101 after demodulating the high frequency locking signal. The key controller 201 authenticates the locking signal, and sends out a "remote locking" message. Thus, before a remote control mode of the vehicle, the vehicle can be locked according to the "remote locking" message so as to avoid a misoperation.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the unlocking key 608 is connected to the control module 504. The control module 504 is configured to control the wireless communication module 503 to send an unlocking signal to the vehicle when the unlocking key 608 is activated. In other words, when the unlocking key 608 is activated by the user, the vehicle intelligent key device may modulate relevant information and send a high frequency unlocking signal. Then the high frequency receiving module of the vehicle may receive the high frequency unlocking signal; and then send the unlocking signal to the key controller of the vehicle after demodulating the high frequency unlocking signal. The key controller authenticates the unlocking signal, and sends out a "remote unlocking" message. Thus, the vehicle may be unlocked to quit the remote control mode by activating the unlocking key 608 to unlock the vehicle.

Similarly, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the trunk opening key 609 is connected to the control module 504. The control module 504 is configured to control the wireless communication module 503 to send a trunk opening signal to the vehicle when the trunk opening key 609 is activated. In other words, when the trunk opening key 609 is activated by the user, the vehicle intelligent key device may modulate relevant information and send a high frequency trunk opening signal. Then the high frequency receiving module of the vehicle may receive the high frequency trunk opening signal; and then send the trunk opening signal to the key controller of the vehicle after demodulating the high frequency trunk opening signal. The key controller authenticates the signal, and sends out a "remote trunk opening" message.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding key 605 is connected to the control module 504, and the control module 504 is configured to lock the keys of the vehicle intelligent key device (that is, the starting key 501, the direction control key 502, the locking key 607, the unlocking key 608 and the trunk opening key 609) when the holding key 605 is activated. In other words, when the holding key 605 is activated by the user, the vehicle intelligent key device may modulate relevant information and send a high frequency holding signal. Then the high frequency receiving module of the vehicle may receive the high frequency holding signal and send the holding signal to the key controller of the vehicle after demodulating the high frequency holding signal. The key controller authenticates the holding signal, and sends out a "holding" message to control the vehicle not to execute any action according to the signal sent from the vehicle intelligent key device (for example, the starting signal or the direction controlling signal) when the vehicle is already in a desired condition (for example, the vehicle is already parked in a given location). Thus, the misoperation may be avoided.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle intelligent key device may further comprise an indicator 606 configured to indicate an electric quantity of the vehicle intelligent key device. The indicator 606 may be red. Furthermore, the indicator 606 may be lightened for a fourth predetermined time period whenever the vehicle intelligent key device sends out a signal.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth predetermined time period may be 250 milliseconds. When the indicator 606 is lightened normally, it indicates that the vehicle intelligent key device operates smoothly, while when the indicator 606 is darkening, it indicates that the electric quantity of the vehicle intelligent key device is low or the signal sent is too weak.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle intelligent key device may further comprise a transponder (not shown) configured to communicate with the vehicle when the wireless communication module 503 is interfered. When the electric quantity of the vehicle intelligent key device is low or zero, the transponder may also communicate with the vehicle.

With the vehicle intelligent key device according to the present disclosure, users may control the vehicle to start according to the activation of the starting key 501, to run forward/reverse and turn left/right at a low speed within a visual range (for example, about 10 meters around the vehicle) according to the activation of the direction control key502 . Thus, it is possible to realize various controls for the vehicle outside the vehicle, and it is easy and convenient for users to park or take the vehicle in narrow spaces. The operation of the vehicle intelligent key device is also simple and convenient.

Referring to Fig.7 to Fig.13, The remote control method for driving a vehicle according to embodiments of a third broad aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the remote control method may comprise steps of: generating a starting signal and a control signal by a vehicle intelligent key device; sending the starting signal and the control signal to a vehicle; starting a remote control mode of the vehicle according to the starting signal; detecting whether the vehicle is in the remote control mode after the vehicle receives the control signal; and controlling a steering wheel of the vehicle to turn by an electric power steering module according to the control signal when the vehicle is in the remote control mode.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart of a remote control method for driving a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.7, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the remote control method may comprise the following step.

In step 701, the vehicle intelligent key device generates a starting signal or a control signal when the vehicle intelligent key device is activated by the user, and then sends the starting signal or the control signal to the vehicle.

In step 702, the vehicle receives the starting signal and the control signal, and then unlocks and starts a power system and/or an engine of the vehicle to start a remote control mode according to the starting signal, and controls a driving state of the vehicle according to the control signal. Therein controlling the driving state of the vehicle may comprise controlling the steering system, the speed control system and the braking system of the vehicle.

In step 703, it is detected whether the vehicle is in the remote control mode when the steering system of the vehicle receives the control signal.

In step 704, the steering system controls a steering wheel of the vehicle to rotate according to the control signal when the vehicle is in the remote control mode.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the starting signal may be a high-frequency starting signal, and the control signal may be a high-frequency control signal.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the high frequency receiving module of the vehicle may receive the high frequency starting signal and the high frequency control signal sent from the vehicle intelligent key device, and then send the starting signal and the control signal to the key controller of the vehicle after demodulating the high frequency starting signal and the high frequency control signal. The key controller generates a remote starting signal and a remote control signal according to the starting signal and the control signal. The remote control signal may be a remote forward signal, a remote backward signal or a remote turning signal.

In addition, the key controller of the vehicle may detect whether the vehicle intelligent key device is outside the vehicle after receiving the starting signal or the control signal, and if yes, the key controller may send the remote starting signal or the remote control signal to a body control module of the vehicle so as to start a remote control mode of the vehicle and to control the driving state of the vehicle.

Figs.8A-8B is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to start the remote control mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figs.8A-8B, controlling the vehicle to start the remote control mode (i.e. the step 702) may comprise the following steps.

In step 801, the starting key of the intelligent key device is pressed down for a third time period during a fifth time period after the locking key is pressed down. Specifically, the locking key is pressed down by the user so as to keep the vehicle in the locking state. During the fifth time period after the locking key is pressed down, the starting key is pressed down for a third time period. Thus, the intelligent key device sends a starting signal to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the third time period may be 2seconds, the fifth time period may be 5 seconds.

In step 802, the key controller of the vehicle receives the starting signal and detects whether the vehicle intelligent key device is inside the vehicle. If yes, return to 801 ; if no, execute the step 803. In step 803, the key controller generates a remote starting signal according to the starting signal and sends the remote starting signal to the body control module.

In step 804, the body control module receives the remote starting signal sent from the key controller and detects that all of the vehicle doors, the forward hatches and the trunk are locked. That is, the vehicle is in a burglary prevention setting or a burglary prevention state.

In step 805, the body control module sends an unlocking signal to an electric steering column lock. If the unlocking is failed, execute step 806, if the unlocking is successful, execute step 807.

In step 806, the body control module controls the indicator of the starting key to blink and controls an alarm apparatus to buzz. For example, the body control module feeds back a failed unlocking signal to the vehicle intelligent key device and controls an orange indicator of the starting key to blink and the alarm apparatus to buzz one time.

In step 807, the body control module sets the power mode to be "ON", and sends out a pairing operation signal to the engine control module. For the fuel vehicle, the body control module actuates relays, such as an ACC relay, an IG1 relay and an IG2 relay, sets the power mode to be "ON", and sends out a pairing operation signal.

In step 808, the body control module detects whether a "Parking" signal sent from the gearshift and a "normal" signal sent from the electrical park brake are received within a sixth predetermined time period. If yes, execute step 809; if no, execute step 810. In other words, if the body control module detects the "Parking" signal sent from the gearshift and the "normal" signal sent from electrical park brake within the sixth predetermined time period (counting from the time when the IG relay is actuated), execute step 809, otherwise, execute step 810. In one embodiment, the sixth predetermined time period may be 1 second.

In step 809, the engine control module is paired with the key controller. If the engine control module and the key controller are paired, the burglary prevention of the engine will be removed, the engine control module sends out a signal to permit starting of the vehicle, and then execute step 811; if the burglary prevention of the engine isn't removed within a seventh predetermined time period (for example, 2 seconds, counting from the time when the pairing operation signal is sent out) and the engine control module doesn't send out a signal to permit starting of the vehicle, it is indicated that the pairing operation is failed, and then execute step 810. For the electric vehicle, when the pairing operation is successful, the power system of the vehicle is unlocked.

In step 810, the body control module disconnects the ACC relay, the IG1 relay and the IG2 relay, and sets the power mode to be "OFF".

In step 811, the body control module actuates an engine relay, and the engine control module controls the engine (for the fuel vehicle) to ignite and start. If the engine fails to start, then execute step 810; otherwise execute step 812. For the electric vehicle, the electromotor controller controls the vehicle to start.

In step 812, the body control module sets the power mode to be "START" and sends out a remote control mode signal.

In step 813, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) enters a remote control mode.

In step 814, the body control module detects whether the remote control mode signal fed back by the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) is received within a predetermined time period (for example, 2 seconds). If yes, return to step 812; if not, then execute step 815.

In step 815, the body control module quits the remote control mode, loses communication with the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) and records the communication failure.

Fig. 9 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to run forward according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, after the vehicle enters the remote control mode, controlling the vehicle to run forward may comprise the following steps.

In step 901, the forward key of the vehicle intelligent key device is pressed down, and a forward signal is sent to the key controller of the vehicle.

In step 902, the key controller receives the forward signal and detects whether the vehicle intelligent key device is inside the vehicle. If yes, return to step 901, if no, execute step 903.

In step 903, the key controller generates a remote forward signal according to the forward signal and sends the remote forward signal to the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle).

In step 904, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) detects whether the driving state sent from the body control module is the remote control mode. If yes, then execute step 906; if no, then execute step 905.

In step 905, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) keeps the driving state unchanged and doesn't response to the remote forward signal.

In step 906, it is detected whether the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) doesn't receive the remote forward signal sent from the key controller within a predetermined time period (for example, 100ms). If yes, then execute step 907; if not, then execute step 910.

In step 907, it is detected whether the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) receives a signal that the body control module quits the remote control mode. If yes, then execute step 908; if not, then return to step 906.

In step 908, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) sends a signal for fastening the parking cable to the electrical park brake.

In step 909, the electrical park brake fastens the parking cable, and the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) sets the gear of the gearbox to be "Parking".

In step 910, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) sends a signal for loosening the parking cable to the electrical park brake.

In step 911, the electrical park brake loosens the parking cable and feeds back the state of the parking cable.

In step 912, it is detected whether the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) receives the signal indicating that the parking cable is loosened within a predetermined time period such as 2 seconds. If yes, then execute step 913, if not, return to step 906.

In step 913, the dual clutch transmission (for fuel vehicle)/electromotor controller (for electric vehicle) sets the gear of the gearbox to be "Driving".

In step 914, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) controls the vehicle to run forward at a speed lower than the predetermined speed threshold (for example, 2km/h).

Briefly, when a user presses down the forward key, the gear of the gearbox changes to be "Driving", the parking cable of the electrical park brake will be loosened, and the vehicle will run forward. If the user loosens the forward key, the parking cable of the electrical park brake will be strained; the gear of the gearbox will be set to be "Parking", and the vehicle stops.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to reverse according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.10, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, after the vehicle enters the remote control mode, controlling the vehicle to reverse may comprise the following steps.

In step 1001, the backward key of the vehicle intelligent key device is pressed down, and a backward signal is sent to the key controller of the vehicle. In step 1002, the key controller receives the backward signal and detects whether the vehicle intelligent key device is inside the vehicle. If yes, return to step 1001, if no, then execute step 1003.

In step 1003, the key controller generates a remote backward signal according to the backward signal and sends the remote backward signal to the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle).

In step 1004, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) detects whether the driving state sent from the body control module is the remote control mode. If yes, execute step 1006; if no, then execute step 1005.

In step 1005, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) keeps the driving state unchanged and doesn't respond to the remote backward signal.

In step 1006, it is detected whether the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) receives the remote backward signal sent from the key controller within a predetermined time period (for example, 100ms). If yes, execute step 1007; if no, then execute step 1009.

In step 1007, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) sends a signal for fastening the parking cable to the electrical park brake.

In step 1008, the electrical park brake fastens the parking cable, and the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) sets the gear of the gearbox to be "Parking".

In step 1009, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) sends a signal for loosening the parking cable to the electrical park brake.

In step 1010, the electrical park brake loosens the parking cable and feeds back the state of the parking cable.

In step 1011, it is detected whether the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) receives the signal indicating that the parking cable is loosened within a predetermined time period such as 2 seconds. If yes, execute step 1012, if no, return to step 1006.

In step 1012, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) sets the gear of the gearbox to be "Reverse".

In step 1013, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) controls the vehicle to reverse at a speed lower than the predetermined speed threshold (for example, 2km/h).

Briefly, when a user presses down the backward key, the gear of a gearbox will be switched to be "Reverse", the parking cable of the electrical park brake will be loosened, and the vehicle will reverse. If the user loosens the backward key, the parking cable of the electrical park brake will be strained; the gear of the gearbox will be set to be "Parking", and the vehicle stops.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to turn left or right according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.11, after the vehicle enters the remote control mode, controlling the vehicle to turn left or right may comprise the following steps.

In step 1101, the left turning key of the vehicle intelligent key device or the right turning key of the vehicle intelligent key device is pressed down, and a left turning signal or a right turning signal is sent to the key controller of the vehicle.

In step 1102, the key controller receives the left turning signal or the right turning signal and detects whether the vehicle intelligent key device is inside the vehicle. If yes, return to step 1101, if no, then execute step 1103.

In step 1103, the key controller generates a remote left turning signal or a remote right turning signal according to the left turning signal or the right turning signal and sends the remote left turning signal or the remote right turning signal to the electric power steering module.

In step 1104, the electric power steering module detects whether the driving state sent from the body control module is the remote control mode. If yes, execute step 1106; if no, then execute step 1105.

In step 1105, the electric power steering module keeps the driving state of the vehicle unchanged and doesn't respond to the remote left turning signal or the remote right turning signal.

In step 1106, it is detected whether the electric power steering module doesn't receive the remote left turning signal or the remote right turning signal sent from the key controller within a predetermined time period (for example, 100ms). If yes, execute step 1105; if not, then execute step 1108.

In step 1107, the angle sensor provides the angle of the steering wheel, that is, the angle sensor detects the rotation angle of the steering wheel and feeds back the rotation angle to the electric power steering module.

In step 1108, the electric power steering module controls the steering column to turn left or right at a certain speed. Briefly, when a user presses down the left turning key, the electric power steering module will control the steering wheel to turn left; and if the user loosens the left turning key, the steering wheel stops turning left. When a user presses down the right turning key, the electric power steering module will control the steering wheel to turn right; and if the user loosens the right turning key; the steering wheel stops turning right.

Fig. 12 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to quit the remote control mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.12, controlling the vehicle to quit the remote control mode may comprise the following steps.

In step 1201, the body control module receives the remote starting signal sent from the key controller, in which the remote starting signal is generated by the key controller according to the starting signal sent from the starting key when the starting key is shortly pressed down.

In step 1202, the body control module detects whether the vehicle is in the remote control mode. If yes, execute step 1203, if no, then return to step 1201.

In step 1203, it is detected whether the body control module doesn't receive a remote forward signal, a remote backward signal or a remote turning signal within a first predetermined time period (for example, 10 minutes). If yes, execute step 1204; if no, return to step 1203.

In step 1204, the body control module sends out a quitting remote control mode signal. In step 1205, the electrical park brake fastens the parking cable, and the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) sets the gear of the gearbox to be "Parking".

In step 1206, it is detected whether the body control module receives a "Parking" signal and a signal indicating that the parking cable is fastened within a predetermined time period (for example, 2 seconds). If yes, execute step 1207, if no, then execute step 1208.

In step 1207, the body control module sends out a message to switch off electricity, disconnects the ACC relay, the IG1 relay and the IG3 relay, and sets the power mode to be "OFF".

In step 1208, the body control module sends out a message to switch off electricity, and sets the power mode to be "ACC".

In step 1209, the body control module controls the electric steering column lock to lock. Fig. 13 is a flow chart of controlling the vehicle to quit the remote control mode according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.13, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, controlling the vehicle to quit the remote control mode may comprise the following steps. In step 1301, the body control module, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) are in the remote control mode.

In step 1302, it is detected whether the body control module doesn't receive a remote control mode signal sent from the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) within a predetermined time period (for example, 2 seconds). If yes, execute step 1309.

In step 1303, the body control module detects whether the vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined vehicle speed threshold (for example, 2km/h) or the speed signal is failed to be detected. If yes, execute step 1310.

In step 1304, it is detected whether the body control module receives a remote unlocking signal or a micro switch unlocking signal sent from the key controller. If yes, execute step 1310.

In step 1305, the body control module detects whether the doors of the vehicle is open. If yes, execute step 1310.

In step 1306, the body control module detects whether the brake pedal is pressed down.

If yes, execute step 1310.

In step 1307, the body control module detects whether the quitting remote control mode signal sent from the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) is received. If yes, execute step 1310.

In step 1308, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) detects whether the accelerator pedal is pressed down, and the gear of the gearshift is switched. If yes, execute step 1307.

In step 1309, the body control module quits the remote control mode (under normal driving mode), doesn't change the power mode, and records that the body control module loses communication with the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle), and then execute step 1312.

In step 1310, the body control module quits the remote control mode (under normal driving mode), and doesn't change the power mode.

In step 1311, the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) quits the remote control mode.

In step 1312, the dual clutch transmission (for fuel vehicle)/electromotor controller (for electric vehicle) sends out a signal for fastening the parking cable to the electrical park brake.

In step 1313, the electrical park brake fastens the parking cable, and the dual clutch transmission (for the fuel vehicle)/the electromotor controller (for the electric vehicle) sets the gear of the gearbox to be "Parking".

It should be noted that the steps 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1306, 1307and 1308 may be executed simultaneously or sequentially, and the order of these steps could be changed. Furthermore, once one of the conditions described in these steps is satisfied, the vehicle will quit the remote control mode, and the other steps will not be executed.

In brief, the vehicle will quit the remote control mode if any one of the following conditions is satisfied.

(1) No remote controlling operation is implemented over a predetermined time period (for example, 10 minutes). At this time, the parking cable of the electrical park brake is fastened, the gear of the gearbox is set to be "Parking", the vehicle stops and shuts down, and the electric steering column lock is locked.

(2) The starting key is shortly pressed down. At this time, the parking cable of the electrical park brake is fastened, the gear of the gearbox is set to be "Parking", the vehicle stops and shuts down, and the electric steering column lock is locked.

(3) The vehicle intelligent key device is unlocked or a micro switch is unlocked to open doors of the vehicle. At this time, the parking cable of the electrical park brake is fastened; the gear of the gearbox is set to be "Parking", the vehicle stops but does not shut down.

(4) An accelerator pedal or a brake pedal is pressed down. At this time, the gear of a gear lever is changed to quit the remote control mode, and the vehicle does not shut down.

(5) The vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined speed threshold, for example higher than 2km/h, or a vehicle speed signal is faulty. At this time, the vehicle quits the remote control mode, but the vehicle does not shut down.

It is advantageous for quitting the remote control mode in the cases that: the vehicle in the remote control mode is driven by the user; the vehicle is forgotten to be shut down, which results in that the vehicle is in the remote control mode for a long time; the vehicle loses the remote control function as the direction control key fails.

With the remote control method for driving a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, users may control the vehicle to start, run forward or reverse, turn left or right within a visual range (for example, 10 meters) outside the vehicle. The control operation is also simple. Therefore, it is convenient for a user to park or take a vehicle in a narrow space.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "one embodiment", or "embodiments," means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment", "in embodiments", in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Although explanatory embodiments have been shown and described, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments can not be construed to limit the present disclosure, and changes, alternatives, and modifications can be made in the embodiments without departing from spirit, principles and scope of the present disclosure.