DE102013007257A1 - Method and system for the viewing direction-dependent operation of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps of: determining the direction of view (18) of the driver as soon as it has been detected that a reverse gear of the motor vehicle (10) has been engaged; Check whether the determined line of sight (18) of the driver is directed directly or indirectly at a predetermined rear area (20) of the motor vehicle (10); Outputting a warning signal if it is detected that the line of sight (18) is turned away from the predetermined rear area (20). The invention further relates to a system (12) for operating a motor vehicle (10).

Description

The invention relates to a method and a system for viewing direction-dependent operation of a motor vehicle before and when reversing with the car.

In particular, when reversing with a motor vehicle, there is an increased risk of accidents, since a monitoring of the rear area by the driver is often not given sufficiently. Furthermore, depending on the car, it may happen that the driver accidentally engages in reverse, even though he did not really want to drive backwards. In such cases, for example, rear-end collisions or other traffic-jeopardizing situations may occur, since the driver does not expect when driving off that the vehicle will drive backwards instead of - as expected - forward.

The DE 197 34 307 A1 shows a method for monitoring and influencing the vehicle behavior of a motor vehicle. By means of a gaze determination device, a respective instantaneous line of sight of the driver of the motor vehicle is determined. The determined viewing direction is then compared with the current direction of travel of the motor vehicle. Depending on the result of the comparison, a warning signal and / or an actuating signal for influencing the vehicle behavior are generated, wherein a steering angle change is made more difficult by the actuating signal.

The US 2011 01 48 613 A1 shows a method for controlling a motor vehicle. Before an autonomous control of the motor vehicle is permitted, a detected line of sight of the driver is first checked to see whether it is directed to the traffic ahead in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle. Only in this case, a completely autonomous control of the motor vehicle is allowed.

The DE 10 2007 039 617 A1 shows a method for automatic mirror adjustment of a motor vehicle. It is detected whether a reverse gear of the motor vehicle has been engaged, and if so, the mirrors are adjusted so that a rear portion of the motor vehicle can be well viewed by the driver.

The DE 10 2010 023 160 A1 also shows a method for adjusting one or more mirrors of a motor vehicle. The mirrors are made taking into account detected head or eye movements of the driver.

The DE 10 2008 044 075 A1 shows a method for looking and attention-dependent adjustment of the steering behavior of a motor vehicle. By capturing the driver's gaze, the driver's attention is monitored. If the driver's attention is deemed too low and the driver is steering in the meantime, the steering behavior is changed to make further steering movements more difficult.

The DE 198 18 236 A1 shows a device for monitoring a lane change of a motor vehicle. By means of a detection device, the viewing direction of the driver can be determined and compared with a reference value stored in a memory. If this reference value should be undershot, a warning message is issued by means of a warning device.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a motor vehicle, by means of which the risk of accidents when reversing is reduced.

This object is achieved by a method and a system for operating a motor vehicle with the features of the independent claims.

• – Ermitteln der Blickrichtung des Fahrers, sobald erfasst worden ist, dass ein Rückwärtsgang des Kraftwagens eingelegt worden ist;
• – Überprüfen, ob die ermittelte Blickrichtung des Fahrers direkt oder indirekt auf einen vorgegebenen rückwärtigen Bereich des Kraftwagens gerichtet ist;
• – Ausgeben eines Warnsignals, falls erfasst wird, dass die Blickrichtung von dem vorgegebenen rückwärtigen Bereich abgewendet ist.

To reduce the risk of accident when reversing, the method according to the invention for operating a motor vehicle comprises the following steps:

• - Determining the line of sight of the driver, as soon as it has been detected that a reverse gear of the motor vehicle has been inserted;
• - Check whether the determined viewing direction of the driver is directed directly or indirectly to a predetermined rear area of the motor vehicle;
• - Issuing a warning signal, if it is detected that the viewing direction is turned away from the predetermined rear area.

Once the reverse gear of the motor vehicle has been inserted, so it is checked according to the invention, whether the driver has the rear space of the motor vehicle at all in view. In the event that this is not the case, a warning signal is issued, so that the driver is informed of this fact. The warning signal can be output audibly, for example, acoustically, visually and / or haptically. This will automatically alert the driver to the rear of the car before starting to reverse, should he not have done so when engaging reverse gear. The accident risk when reversing with the car is thereby considerably reduced. In addition, the driver is also referred to in the event of accidental engagement of reverse gear on this fact, as he usually has his eyes not directed to the rear of the car in such a case and thus also with the engagement of the reverse gear or immediately thereafter the warning signal is issued ,

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a reversing with the motor vehicle is limited to a predetermined speed, as long as it is detected that the viewing direction is averted from the predetermined rear area. By interfering with the driving behavior of the motor vehicle and reducing the possible speed at which the driver can reset the motor vehicle, the risk of accidents can be considerably reduced if the gaze is detected from the rear region of the motor vehicle. The predetermined speed may be, for example, walking speed, so that only a small distance can be covered by the motor vehicle within a time span at which the driver has not directed his gaze to the rear space of the motor vehicle. This contributes to a significant reduction in the risk of accident when reversing with the car.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a reverse driving with the motor vehicle is prevented, as long as it is detected that the viewing direction is turned away from the predetermined rear area. This can prevent the driver, without having the rear area in view, with the car at all can drive backwards. This ensures that the driver must have his eyes on the rear area when reversing, otherwise he can not reset the vehicle at all.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the motor vehicle is braked to the predetermined speed or to a standstill, as soon as during reverse driving a gaze is detected by the predetermined rear area. It is not only checked in advance of the reverse driving, whether the driver's gaze is directed to the rear space of the motor vehicle, but it is also checked during the reverse drive, whether the driver's view is directed to the rear space. By reducing the speed or the deceleration of the motor vehicle to a standstill in a detected eye-awareness of the driver, the risk of accidents when reversing is significantly reduced.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the warning signal is issued when reverse gear engaged as long as a look away from the driver is detected by the predetermined rear portion of the motor vehicle. This can ensure that the driver is alerted to the circumstance whenever he should have averted his gaze from the rear of the motor vehicle. In particular, such a warning signal - especially if it is an audible warning signal - perceived as particularly disturbing, so that the driver is quasi educated to keep in mind before and during reversing the rear space of the motor vehicle.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that for checking whether the driver's line of sight is directed indirectly to the predetermined rear area of the motor vehicle, it is determined whether the driver's line of sight is directed to a predetermined area of an interior mirror, an exterior mirror or a vehicle directed to the rear area indicating display device of the motor vehicle.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that to check whether the driver's line of sight is directed directly at the predetermined rear region of the motor vehicle, it is determined whether the driver's line of sight is directed to a predetermined region of a rear window of the motor vehicle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the exterior mirrors and the rearview mirror are adjusted automatically based on a detected user recognition to the respective driver. This will ensure that the review of the indirect glimpse of the rear of the motor vehicle can be checked particularly carefully. Cases in which an incorrect mirror adjustment would suggest to the system that the driver has the rear area in view, although this is not the case due to the positioning of the driver and the mirror adjustment, are thereby avoided.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that, as long as the reverse gear is engaged, is checked at predetermined intervals, whether the viewing direction is directed to the predetermined rear region of the motor vehicle. Thus, a substantially permanent check is made as to whether the driver has directed his gaze to the rear of the motor vehicle as long as the reverse gear is engaged. This may cause warning messages and / or intervention in the control of the motor vehicle Reduction of speed or to avoid reversing be initiated at any time.

The system for operating a motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a gaze detection device which is designed to detect the driver's gaze direction as soon as a reverse gear of the motor vehicle has been engaged. Furthermore, the system according to the invention comprises a control device which is designed to check whether the line of sight of the driver is directed directly or indirectly to a predetermined rear area of the motor vehicle and to trigger a signal device for outputting a warning signal, if it is detected by the control device the viewing direction is averted from the predetermined rear area. Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are also to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the system, wherein the system comprises in particular means to perform the method steps can.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the single figure, in which a motor vehicle is shown with a system for blind detection controlled actuation of the motor vehicle.

A car 10 is in a schematic representation in 1 shown. The car includes a system 12 with a gaze detection device 14 and a control device 16 , The eye-tracking device 14 is designed to be the dashed line from the eye 18 to capture the driver's symbolized line of sight as soon as a reverse of the motor vehicle 10 has been inserted. The control device 16 is designed to check if the line of sight 18 the driver directly or indirectly to a predetermined rear area 20 of the motor vehicle 10 is directed. Furthermore, the control device 16 designed to be a signaling device 22 to drive to output a warning signal, if by means of the control device 16 it captures that line of sight 18 from the given rear area 20 is averted.

The following is a method of operating the motor vehicle 10 explains, by means of which the risk of accidents when reversing is significantly reduced. Once it has been detected that a reverse gear of the motor vehicle 10 has been inserted is by means of the gaze detection device 14 the line of sight 18 determined by the driver. The eye detection can be done, for example, camera-based. The determined viewing direction 18 the driver is from the gaze detector 14 to the controller 16 transfer. The control device 16 Checks based on the transmitted data, whether the line of sight 18 the driver directly or indirectly to the rear area 20 of the motor vehicle 10 is directed.

To check if the line of sight 18 the driver indirectly to the specified rear area 20 of the motor vehicle 10 is directed, by means of the control device 16 Checks if the detected line of sight 18 the driver on a given area 24 an interior mirror 26 , an exterior mirror 28 or on the back area 24 indicating, not shown here display device of the motor vehicle 10 is directed. The car 10 For example, a camera may comprise by means of which the rear area 20 of the motor vehicle 10 is detectable, wherein the captured image on said display device in the car 10 is shown.

Thus from the recorded line of vision 18 to one of the areas 24 the mirror 26 . 28 Also reliable can be concluded that the rear space 20 of the motor vehicle 10 is observed by the driver, the outside mirrors 28 and the rearview mirror 26 automatically adjusted to the respective driver based on a registered user ID. This can be done, for example, that the individual settings on the mirrors by an appropriate detection of a vehicle key, which the driver has with him or operated 28 . 26 be made.

To check if the line of sight 18 the driver directly on the given rear area 20 of the motor vehicle 10 is determined, it determines whether the line of sight 18 the driver on a given area 30 a rear window 32 of the motor vehicle 10 is directed. In other words, it can therefore be recognized by the gaze detection whether the driver has turned or turned his head in such a way after inserting the reverse gear that he is driving directly through the predetermined area 30 the rear window 32 looks and thus the back area 20 in the field of vision.

Once it has been detected that the line of sight 18 from the rear area 20 is averted, controls the controller 16 the signaling device 22 for issuing a warning signal. The signaling device 22 For example, speakers in the interior of the car 10 include, by means of which a corresponding warning sound is output. Additionally or alternatively, the signaling device 22 Also include an actuator, by means of which, for example, a vibration on the steering wheel of the motor vehicle, not shown here 10 can be done to alert the driver that his gaze is instantly from the rear area 20 of the motor vehicle 10 is averted. In addition, the signaling device 22 For example, still an optical signal in the instrument cluster of the motor vehicle 10 spend so that the driver is still visually pointed to the fact that he just did not look right at the rear space 20 of the motor vehicle 10 has directed.

Checking if the line of sight 18 to the back room 20 is directed, takes place while the reverse gear is engaged within predetermined intervals in order to ensure consistently that the driver is the rear space 20 observed in reverse gear.

In addition to the warning signal is reversing the car 10 limited to a predetermined speed, as long as the line of sight is detected 18 from the rear area 20 is averted. For this purpose, the control device 16 a motor control 34 of the motor vehicle 10 trigger in such a way that a speed limit when reversing by the driver can not be exceeded. Alternatively, even a stronger intervention in the control of the motor vehicle 10 done by a reverse drive with the car 10 is prevented, as long as the line of sight is detected 18 from the given rear area 20 is averted. This can also, for example, by a corresponding intervention in the engine control 34 by the control device 16 respectively.

When the reverse gear is engaged, the warning signal is output as long as the driver avoids looking away from the rear area 20 is detected. As soon as the driver's gaze now - whether directly or indirectly - on the rear area 20 with reverse gear engaged, the output of the warning signal stops. In addition, the predetermined speed limit or the prevention of reversing is canceled, so that the driver now with his car 10 can drive backwards.

During reverse driving is through the system 12 continuously checks if the line of sight 18 on the back area 20 is directed to ensure that the driver the traffic in the back room 20 of the motor vehicle 10 always has in view. Once it is determined that a look away from the given area 20 whether directly or indirectly, the warning signal is output again. In addition, the car 10 braked to the predetermined speed or to a standstill, as soon as during rearward driving a glance away from the rear area 20 is detected.

It may further be provided that the driver is the system 12 Essentially, it can freely configure so that it determines the type of warning signal as well as the degree of engagement of the system 12 on the reverse, whether it is the default speed limit or preventing reverse driving, can adjust to his liking. For example, the system can 12 be set so that a Rückwärtslosfahren is prevented in a gaze averted, but a deceleration does not take place to a standstill when reversing and thereby detected gaze. In addition, for example, the speed limit can be adjusted with which the car 10 can be driven backwards when taking a look away from the given area 20 has been recorded. In essence, the system can 12 be freely configurable.

Overall, by the explained method and system 12 the security when reversing significantly increased, since it always checks whether the driver is the rear space 20 ever in sight, before he wants to drive backwards or while he drives backwards. In particular, those cases are prevented in which the driver has accidentally engaged, for example, the reverse gear, as he usually does not look backwards in such cases and he about this circumstance on the warning signal or even on the explained interventions in the engine control 34 is informed.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19734307 A1 [0003]
• US 20110148613 A1 [0004]
• DE 102007039617 A1 [0005]
• DE 102010023160 A1 [0006]
• DE 102008044075 A1 [0007]
• DE 19818236 A1 [0008]

Claims (10)

Method for operating a motor vehicle ( 10 ), with the steps: - determining the viewing direction ( 18 ) of the driver as soon as it has been detected that a reverse of the motor vehicle ( 10 ) has been entered; - Check whether the determined viewing direction ( 18 ) of the driver directly or indirectly to a predetermined rear area ( 20 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ) is directed; Issuing a warning signal if it is detected that the viewing direction ( 18 ) from the predetermined rear area ( 20 ) is averted. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a reversing with the motor vehicle ( 10 ) is limited to a predetermined speed, as long as it is detected that the viewing direction ( 18 ) from the predetermined rear area ( 20 ) is averted. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a backwards driving with the motor vehicle ( 10 ) is prevented as long as it is detected that the viewing direction ( 18 ) from the predetermined rear area ( 20 ) is averted. Method according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the motor vehicle ( 10 ) is decelerated to the predetermined speed or to a standstill, as soon as during reverse driving, a glance away from the predetermined rear area ( 20 ) is detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the warning signal is issued when reverse gear engaged as long as a driver's eye-awareness of the predetermined rear area ( 20 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ) is detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for checking whether the viewing direction ( 18 ) of the driver indirectly to the predetermined rear area ( 20 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ), it is determined whether the viewing direction ( 18 ) of the driver to a predetermined range ( 24 ) of an interior mirror ( 26 ), an exterior mirror ( 28 ) or one the rear area ( 20 ) indicating display device of the motor vehicle ( 10 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for checking whether the viewing direction ( 18 ) of the driver directly to the predetermined rear area ( 20 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ), it is determined whether the viewing direction ( 18 ) of the driver to a predetermined range ( 30 ) a rear window ( 32 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exterior mirrors ( 28 ) and the rearview mirror ( 26 ) are automatically set to the respective driver based on a registered user ID. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as long as the reverse gear is engaged, it is checked at predetermined intervals whether the viewing direction ( 18 ) to the predetermined rear area ( 20 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ). System ( 12 ) for operating a motor vehicle ( 10 ), comprising: - a gaze detection device ( 14 ), which is adapted to the viewing direction ( 18 ) of the driver as soon as a reverse of the motor vehicle ( 10 ) has been entered; A control device ( 16 ), which is designed to check whether the viewing direction ( 18 ) of the driver directly or indirectly to a predetermined rear area ( 20 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ), and a signaling device ( 22 ) for outputting a warning signal, if by means of the control device ( 16 ) is detected that the viewing direction ( 18 ) from the predetermined rear area ( 20 ) is averted.

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