Apparatus and method for controlling variable valve timing of internal combustion engine

An apparatus for controlling the variable valve timing of an internal combustion comprising:

• an engine equipped with an intake valve and an exhaust valve, valve timing of which is variably controlled;
• a start detection unit for detecting an engine start;
• an elapsed period detection unit for detecting an elapsed period after said engine start;
• an idling condition detection unit for detecting an engine idling condition;
• an operation condition detection unit for detecting an engine operation condition including an engine load and an engine rotation speed;
• a reference valve timing setting unit for setting the reference valve timing of said intake valve and said exhaust valve based on said detected operation condition;
• and
• a valve timing setting unit for engine start and idling condition, for setting a valve overlap center at an advance side from an exhaust top dead center, while maintaining valve overlap amounts to be substantially the same, with respect to said reference valve timing, at said engine start time and in said idling condition during a predetermined period of time after said engine start.