DE102013019191A1 - Method and device for operating at least one assistance system of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for operating at least one assistance system (14) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising: detecting respective eye orientations of a driver (18) of the motor vehicle by means of a gaze detection device (16) for a plurality of consecutive times; Determining whether the respectively detected eye orientations are within at least a predetermined angular range (α, β); As long as it is determined that the detected eye orientations are within the predetermined angular range (α, β): determining respective directions of view (24) of the driver (18) based on the respectively detected eye alignments; Storing the determined viewing directions (24); Operating the assistance system (14) taking into account the respectively determined viewing directions (24); Once it is determined that one of the detected eye orientations is outside the predetermined angular range (α, β), determining a leaving vector (26) taking into account the previously stored viewing directions (24), wherein the leaving vector (26) characterizes the direction (36) which the eyes (20) of the driver (18) have been pivoted when leaving the predetermined angular range (α, β); Operating the assistance system (14) taking into account the determined leaving vector (26). Furthermore, the invention relates to a device (12) for operating at least one assistance system (14) of a motor vehicle (10).

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for operating at least one assistance system of a motor vehicle.

Methods and systems are known by means of which different functions of a motor vehicle can be carried out as a function of a detected viewing direction. For example, the shows DE 10 2012 006966 A1 a method for triggering a vehicle-side executable function, wherein a function of the motor vehicle can be triggered depending on a detected line of sight of a driver of the motor vehicle.

Camera and software-based vision systems are usually used in such methods, by means of which the driver's eyes are recorded and the respective images are analyzed in order to determine a line of sight of the driver. The accuracy of the viewing direction detection is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Usually, such gaze detection devices have a limited detection range, within which the eyes of the user must be in order to be able to carry out a sufficiently accurate viewing direction determination.

The US 2006 0023918 A1 and the DE 10241993 B3 show methods by which the position of the head of a driver of a motor vehicle can be detected.

The DE 10 2010 013243 A1 also shows a method for determining a head position of a driver of a motor vehicle, wherein in addition to the head of the driver and a steering wheel of the motor vehicle is recorded by means of a camera.

The DE 10360176 A1 shows a motor vehicle with a sensor for monitoring a driver of the motor vehicle, wherein the sensor is positioned such that a beam path from the sensor to the face of the driver neither by parts of the motor vehicle nor by the driver himself, if this in a while driving the Motor vehicle's usual attitude is locked.

The US 2006 0018518 A1 shows a method and apparatus for detecting a three-dimensional position of a vehicle occupant, wherein a head position of the vehicle occupant is detected by means of an optical sensor.

It is the object of the present invention to enable improved viewing direction determination, in particular for operating at least one assistance system of a motor vehicle.

This object is achieved by a method and by a device for operating at least one assistance system of a motor vehicle having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

• – Erfassen jeweiliger Augenausrichtungen eines Fahrers des Kraftwagens mittels einer Blickerfassungseinrichtung für eine Mehrzahl aufeinander folgender Zeitpunkte;
• – Ermitteln, ob die jeweils erfassten Augenausrichtungen innerhalb zumindest eines vorgegebenen Winkelbereichs liegen;
• – solange ermittelt wird, dass die erfassten Augenausrichtungen innerhalb des vorgegebenen Winkelbereichs liegen: • Ermitteln jeweiliger Blickrichtungen des Fahrers anhand der jeweils erfassten Augenausrichtungen; • Speichern der ermittelten Blickrichtung; • Betreiben des Assistenzsystems unter Berücksichtigung der jeweils ermittelten Blickrichtung;
• – sobald ermittelt wird, dass eine der erfassten Augenausrichtungen außerhalb des vorgegebenen Winkelbereichs liegt: • Ermitteln eines Verlassensvektors unter Berücksichtigung der zuvor gespeicherten Blickrichtungen, wobei der Verlassensvektor die Richtung charakterisiert, in welche die Augen des Fahrers beim Verlassen des vorgegebenen Winkelbereichs verschwenkt worden sind; • Betreiben des Assistenzsystems unter Berücksichtigung des ermittelten Verlassensvektors.

The method according to the invention for operating at least one assistance system of a motor vehicle comprises the following steps:

• - Detecting respective eye alignments of a driver of the motor vehicle by means of a gaze detecting device for a plurality of successive points in time;
• - Determining whether the respectively detected eye alignments are within at least a predetermined angular range;
• - as long as it is determined that the detected eye orientations are within the predetermined angular range: • determining respective directions of sight of the driver on the basis of the respectively detected eye alignments; • saving the determined viewing direction; • operating the assistance system taking into account the respective direction of sight;
• As soon as it is determined that one of the detected eye orientations is outside the predetermined angular range: determining a leaving vector taking into account the previously stored viewing directions, wherein the leaving vector characterizes the direction in which the eyes of the driver have been pivoted when leaving the predetermined angular range; • Operating the assistance system taking into account the determined leaving vector.

The invention is based on the finding that for a sufficiently accurate determination of a driver's line of sight not only the positioning of his head and thus his eyes within a certain detection range is required, within which the gaze detection device a sufficiently accurate line of sight of the driver based on the driver's eyes can determine. In particular, as of a certain angular deviation of the driver's eyes from a well detectable angle range of the gaze detection device, a corresponding camera system of the gaze detection device can no longer accurately detect or determine where the driver is heading.

Therefore, it is provided according to the invention to record the driver's eyes for a plurality of consecutive times and to detect the respective eye orientations of the driver on the basis of this. It then determines if the each detected eye alignments are within a predetermined angular range, in which a line of sight of the driver based on the detected eye alignment can still be determined with a predetermined accuracy by means of the gaze detection device. In addition, it is also preferably determined whether the driver's eyes are within a predetermined detection range of the gaze detection device, within which detection of the eyes is possible at all.

As long as it is determined that the detected eye orientations are within the predetermined angular range, the respective directions of the driver are determined and stored based on the detected eye orientations, wherein at least one assistance system of the motor vehicle is operated taking into account the respectively determined viewing directions. However, as soon as it is determined that one of the detected eye orientations lies outside the predetermined angular range, the departure vector according to the invention is determined taking into account the previously stored viewing directions, wherein the exit vector is determined as a function of the previously sufficiently precisely determined viewing directions such that the exit vector characterizes the direction, in which the eyes of the driver have been pivoted when leaving the predetermined angle range. Subsequently, the assistance system is operated taking into account the determined escape vector.

By means of the method according to the invention, it is also possible to operate a gaze detection device with a single or a small number of cameras or camera systems which do not have to be positioned at different positions within the motor vehicle since information about them is obtained with relatively high reliability by means of the method according to the invention can be in which direction the driver is currently looking, even if his eye sightings should be outside the predetermined angular range.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, taking into account the leaving vector, an anticipated viewing direction of the driver is determined and taken into account when operating the assistance system. For example, the exit vector is equated with the prospective driver's line of sight, so that it is easy to estimate or determine in which direction the driver is looking, even if his eye alignments should be outside the predetermined angular range, using the exit vector it is not possible to determine the exact direction of sight using the recorded eye orientations.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that it is determined on the basis of the exit vector whether the driver has directed his gaze to an optical warning device of the assistance system, by means of which an optical warning signal is output. Thus, even if the driver should have his eyes aligned so that a sufficiently accurate viewing direction determination is not possible anyway checked or estimated using the relying vector, whether the driver has directed his eyes on an optical warning device of the assistance system and thus the optical Warning message of the assistance system can perceive at all. This can in turn be used to control the assistance system or also for the parameterization of the assistance system.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that an acoustic and / or haptic warning message is issued if it has been determined on the basis of the exit vector that the driver has averted his gaze from the optical warning device. Thus, as soon as it can be assumed on the basis of the exit vector that the driver has not just directed his gaze to the optical warning device, while an optical warning message is output by the latter, the driver is additionally informed or warned via acoustic and / or haptic warning messages. The perceptibility of the warning signal in question can be increased as needed, so that the perceptibility can be ensured by the driver of the motor vehicle even with a possible eye-response from the optical warning device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that one or more assistance systems, which monitor and / or influence the longitudinal guidance and / or the transverse guidance of the motor vehicle, are operated taking into account the determined escape vector. In other words, the assistance systems may be driver assistance systems, such as a cruise control, a distance warning, a lane detection system, a lane departure warning, a lane change assistant, a lane change assistance or the like, which assist the driver in driving the motor vehicle. With the help of the leaving vector and the presumable, prospective viewing direction of the driver which can be determined in this way, it can also be ensured in cases in which an insufficiently accurate viewing direction determination is possible that the assistance systems in question are determined at least with knowledge of a predicted viewing direction, which is taken into account with the leaving vector. can be operated. This can be the safety be considerably increased when driving the car.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the frequency per unit time, by means of which the respective eye orientations are detected, be changed taking into account the eye movements of the driver. For example, the driver may be such a driver who swivels his eyes relatively frequently and quickly, in which case the detection of the respective eye orientations is detected particularly frequently, for example at 100 hertz or more. If, on the other hand, it is a driver who does not turn his eyes back and forth as frequently or as quickly, the frequency per unit of time by which the respective eye orientations are detected can be correspondingly reduced. By adapting to the gaze habits of the driver, a particularly reliable detection of the eye alignments and thus also a particularly reliable determination of the respective viewing directions or of the corresponding exit vector can be ensured.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the angular range is changed taking into account at least one parameter which influences the accuracy of the viewing direction determination. Preferably, the angular range is changed taking into account the characteristics of the driver and / or the gaze detection device. The driver characteristics can be, for example, the reflection properties of his retina, his ability to focus on particular objects, possible visual aids or even properties of his pupil narrowing or widening. The properties of the gaze detection device may be, for example, a corresponding illumination, by means of which the driver's eyes, for example with infrared light, are illuminated in order to determine the respective eye orientations. In this context, the light intensity, the placement of any light sources and the like can be considered. In addition, a calibration of the gaze detection device can be taken into account, such as the number of calibration points used and the variation of these. By adjusting the angle range, the exact determination of the driver's line of sight can be further improved.

The device according to the invention for operating at least one assistance system of a motor vehicle comprises a gaze detection device which is designed to detect respective eye orientations of a driver of the motor vehicle for a plurality of consecutive times and to determine whether the respectively detected eye orientations are within a predetermined angular range. The device further comprises a data processing device which is designed to determine and store respective directions of the driver's vision based on the respectively detected eye orientations, as long as it is determined that the detected eye orientations are within the predetermined angular range. The data processing device is furthermore designed to determine a leaving vector taking into account the previously stored viewing directions, wherein the leaving vector characterizes the direction in which the eyes of the driver have been pivoted when leaving the predetermined angular range as soon as it is determined that one of the detected eye orientations is outside the predetermined angular range. Furthermore, the device comprises a control device, which is designed to operate the assistance system taking into account the respectively determined viewing directions and taking into account the determined escape vector. Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the device, wherein the device comprises in particular means for performing the method steps.

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.

The drawing shows in:

1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a device for viewing direction-dependent operation of an assistance system of the motor vehicle;

2 a schematic representation of a driver of the motor vehicle, wherein before the driver, a gaze detecting device is arranged;

3 a schematic representation in which different eye orientations of the driver are shown;

4 a schematic side view of the driver, wherein an angular range is shown, within which a line of sight of the driver based on a detected eye alignment can be determined with a predetermined accuracy;

5 a schematic plan view of the driver of the motor vehicle, wherein a further angular range is shown, within which a viewing direction of the vehicle occupant based on the detected eye alignment can be determined with a predetermined accuracy; and in

6 a further schematic plan view of the driver of the motor vehicle, wherein by means of a plurality of dashed lines respective viewing directions of the driver are shown.

A car 10 is in a schematic representation in 1 shown. The car 10 includes a device 12 to operate an assistance system 14 of the motor vehicle 10 , The device 12 includes a gaze detection device 16 , which is adapted to respective eye orientations of a driver 18 of the motor vehicle 10 for a plurality of successive points in time to detect and determine whether the respective detected eye alignments within not shown here, predetermined angle ranges α, β, lie. The eye-tracking device 16 may include one or more cameras not shown here, by means of which the eyes 20 , of which only one is shown in the present case, can be recorded. The eye-tracking device 16 moreover includes a light source, also not shown here, by means of which infrared light in the direction of the eyes 20 the driver 18 can be broadcast, with the camera through the eyes 20 reflected light 20 recorded and evaluated.

The device 12 further comprises a data processing device 22 , which is designed to respective, here with the solid line 24 marked directions of the driver 18 Determine and store on the basis of the respectively detected eye alignment, as long as it is determined that the detected eye alignments are within the predetermined angular ranges α, β. The car 10 further comprises an optical warning device 23 , which with the assistance system 14 connected is. The assistance system 14 can control the optical warning device to output if necessary by means of this an optical warning message. In addition, the car includes 10 a display device 23 , which are dependent on the direction of the driver 18 can be controlled. For example, in the case of a captured gaze of the driver 18 on the display device 23 a control, not shown here in the form of a control element are activated, by means of which the driver 18 the display device 23 can control. For example, the display device may be 23 to trade an instrument cluster of the motor vehicle. The eye-tracking device 16 is mainly used to Blickzu- and Blickabwendungen of the display device 21 to capture the previously exemplified interaction of the driver 18 with this to activate or deactivate. The latter can be done, for example, whenever it has been detected that the driver 18 his look from the display device 21 has averted. The eye-tracking device 16 is therefore also in the car 10 positioned the gaze attraction and gaze away from the display device 21 can be determined and recorded as well as possible.

The data processing device 22 is also designed to be a leaving vector, not shown here 26 taking into account the previously stored viewing directions 24 to determine the leaving vector 26 characterizes the direction in which the eyes 20 the driver 18 when leaving the predetermined angular ranges α, β have been pivoted, as soon as it is determined that one of the detected eye alignments outside of at least one of the predetermined angular ranges α, β. Finally, the device includes 12 another control device 28 , which is designed to be the assistance system 14 taking into account the respective directions of view 24 and taking into account the determined leaving vector 26 to operate.

In 2 are the eye-tracking device 16 as well as the driver 18 shown in a schematic representation. To the driver's head 18 around here is a volume element 28 where it is for a sufficiently accurate viewing direction determination of the driver 18 it is necessary that the head and thus also the eyes 20 the driver 18 within this volume element 28 , which is also referred to as a track box, are arranged. In other words, it is the volume element 28 around a detection range of the gaze detection device 16 , wherein a viewing direction determination with a predetermined accuracy is only possible when the eyes 20 find in this area.

Between the gaze detection device 16 and the driver 18 is a hatched area 30 shown. In addition to the positioning of the eyes 20 within the volume element 28 It is necessary for a sufficiently accurate sight determination, moreover, that the driver 18 his eyes 20 aligned so that his view of the area 30 or directed therethrough. Depending on the orientation of his head and his eyes 20 It can happen that the driver 18 not through the area 30 looks through, but for example, laterally past this or over or below it. In such cases, a sufficiently accurate determination of the viewing direction 24 the driver 18 by means of the gaze detection device 16 no longer guaranteed. even if the eyes 20 still within the volume element 28 are located.

Furthermore, in 2 a vehicle-fixed coordinate system is shown, wherein x is the vehicle longitudinal direction, with y the vehicle transverse direction and z is the vehicle vertical direction, which are also indicated on this directional information for better orientation in the following figures.

In 3 are a schematic representation of different eye orientations of the eye 20 the driver 18 shown, with only one of the eyes 20 is provided with a reference numeral in order to ensure the clarity of the presentation. As you can see, the eyes can 20 the driver 18 be pivoted in various ways, the pupil 32 mitverschwenkt accordingly. Under the eye-sighting is however also beside the pure pivoting of the eyes 20 also the orientation of the eyes 20 to understand, which is also a pivoting of the head of the driver 18 results. The eye alignment thus corresponds to the actual viewing direction of the driver 18 ,

In 4 is the driver 18 partially shown in a schematic side view. Furthermore, the preceding angle range α is shown, which is spanned about the vehicle transverse axis y. With the angle range α, therefore, an angle range is predetermined which determines the eye orientations or the pivoting of the eyes 20 the driver 18 describes about the vehicle transverse axis y. The angle range α is taking into account the positioning of the eyes 20 the driver 18 predetermined such that this, if the eye alignment is within the predetermined angular range α, by the in 2 illustrated hatched area 30 looks.

In 5 is the predetermined angle range β drawn, the driver 18 now shown in a schematic plan view. The angular range β is thus spanned about the vehicle vertical axis z. The angular range β thus limits the permissible eye orientations of the driver 18 with respect to possible pivotal movements about the vehicle's vertical axis z, so that when the driver 18 his eye alignment within the predetermined angular range β makes, as before still by the in 2 hatched area marked 30 looks.

The following is a procedure for operating the assistance system 14 described. For a plurality of consecutive times, respective eye orientations of the driver 18 by means of the gaze detection device 16 detected. It is determined whether the respective detected eye alignments within the predetermined angular ranges α, β are. As long as it is determined that the detected eye orientations are within the predetermined angular ranges α, β, respective directions of sight are 24 the driver 18 determined on the basis of the respectively acquired eye orientations and the viewing directions 24 then saved. The assistance system 14 is thereby taking into account the respective directions of view 24 operated. The assistance system can be, for example, a lane change assistant, which is also referred to as Blind Spot Assist, which acts as the driver 18 warns of imminent collisions when changing lanes. As soon as, for example, an approaching vehicle has been determined on a left neighbor lane, a warning message is sent to the driver 18 , for example, via the aforementioned warning device 23 , by means of which an optical warning signal, for example, in the region of a left outside mirror of the motor vehicle 10 is issued.

Once it is determined that one of the detected eye orientations of the driver 18 is outside the predetermined angular ranges α, β, the leaving vector 26 determined.

In 6 is the driver 18 shown in a schematic plan view, wherein the angle range β and a variety of viewing directions 24 the driver 18 are shown by the dashed lines, which have already been determined and stored. The leaving vector 26 is thus taking into account the previously stored viewing directions 24 determined, wherein the leaving vector 26 characterizes the direction in which the eyes 20 the driver 18 have been pivoted when leaving the predetermined angular range β.

In the present case, the direction of pivoting of the eyes 20 of the driver 18 with the arrow 34 characterized. The driver 18 has his eyes 20 In the present case, therefore, successively pivoted from left to right and thereby leave the angular range β. With the far right dotted line 36 is the actual current line of sight of the driver 18 shown. Taking into account the leaving vector 26 then becomes an expected line of sight of the driver 18 determined and taken into account when operating the assistance system. In the present case, the driver has 18 with his eyes 20 So leave the angle range β to the right, so that is assumed from an anticipated line of sight to the right.

On the basis of the leaving vector 26 or the basis of the leaving vector 26 determined prospective line of sight of the driver 18 it is determined if the driver 18 his view of the optical warning device 23 of the assistance system 14 directed, by means of which an optical warning signal is issued. In the case described here, therefore, an approaching vehicle was determined on the left adjacent lane, so that by the optical warning device 23 , which as mentioned, for example, in the left side mirror of the motor vehicle 10 is arranged, an optical warning message is issued. Im in 6 case shown, it is assumed that the driver 18 this warning message does not recognize, considering the leaving vector 26 it is assumed that the driver 18 his gaze to the right, and thus averted from the left side mirror. In such a case, an audible and / or haptic warning message is issued to the driver 18 to inform about the on the left neighbor lane approaching vehicle or warning him of a lane change. The acoustic warning message can be output for example via a corresponding loudspeaker of the motor vehicle, wherein a haptic warning message, for example, by a steering wheel shake or the like can also be issued.

Should, however, the driver 18 his eyes 20 not like in 6 to the right but to the left beyond the predetermined angular range β have swung out, so would the leaving vector 26 exactly in the opposite direction, in the present case, therefore, to the left, and thus also assume that the driver 18 his gaze to the left and no longer to the right. In this case, it would be assumed that the driver 18 his view of the optical warning device 23 has directed. The previously described additional acoustic and / or haptic output of a warning message is then omitted, since it can be assumed that the driver perceives the visual warning message in the left side mirror.

In addition to the assistance system designed as a lane change assistant 14 can in the car 10 even more assistance systems and in particular driver assistance systems be provided, which the longitudinal guide and / or the transverse guide of the motor vehicle 10 monitor and / or influence, these also taking into account the determined escape vector 26 can be operated.

The frequency per unit time by which the respective eye orientations are detected, taking into account the respective eye movements of the driver 18 changed. Is it the driver 18 For example, to such a driver, which changes his viewing direction very frequently and very quickly, the frequency per unit time, by means of which the respective eye orientations are detected, is correspondingly increased and vice versa.

The angle ranges α and β can also take into account at least one parameter which the accuracy of the viewing direction determination by the gaze detection device 16 influenced, changed. For example, the angle ranges α and β may be in consideration of the characteristics of the driver 18 and / or the gaze detection device 16 to be changed. It can, for example, properties of the eyes 20 the driver 18 such as the reflection properties of the retina, the ability to focus through the eyes 20 , any visual aids and the like. Furthermore, properties of the gaze detection device can also be used 16 be taken into account, such as the light intensity, by means of which the eyes 20 the driver 18 are illuminated with infrared light, the positioning of the corresponding light source and the like.

By the explained method and the device explained 10 So it's about the corresponding exit vector 26 possible, an anticipated line of sight of the driver 18 even if the driver 18 by a corresponding pivoting of his eyes 20 has left a predetermined angular range α, β, in which a viewing direction of the driver 18 can be determined with a predetermined accuracy based on the optically detected eye alignment. So it can be determined without additional cameras with a relatively high reliability, in which direction the driver 18 just looking.

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 102012006966 A1 [0002]
• US 20060023918 A1 [0004]
• DE 10241993 B3 [0004]
• DE 102010013243 A1 [0005]
• DE 10360176 A1 [0006]
• US 20060018518 A1 [0007]

Claims (9)

Method for operating at least one assistance system ( 14 ) of a motor vehicle ( 10 ), comprising the steps of: - detecting respective eye orientations of a driver ( 18 ) of the motor vehicle by means of a gaze detection device ( 16 ) for a plurality of consecutive times; - Determining whether each detected eye alignments are within at least a predetermined angular range (α, β); - As long as it is determined that the detected eye orientations are within the predetermined angular range (α, β): determining respective directions of sight ( 24 ) of the driver ( 18 ) on the basis of the respective eye sightings; • Save the determined viewing directions ( 24 ); • operating the assistance system ( 14 ) taking into account the respective directions of view ( 24 ); - As soon as it is determined that one of the detected eye orientations is outside the predetermined angular range (α, β): • determining a leaving vector ( 26 ) taking into account the previously stored viewing directions ( 24 ), wherein the leaving vector ( 26 ) the direction ( 36 ) into which the eyes ( 20 ) of the driver ( 18 ) have been pivoted when leaving the predetermined angular range (α, β); • operating the assistance system ( 14 ) taking into account the determined leaving vector ( 26 ). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that taking into account the leaving vector ( 26 ) an anticipated line of sight of the driver ( 18 ) and when operating the assistance system ( 14 ) is taken into account. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the basis of the leaving vector ( 26 ) determines whether the driver ( 18 ) his view of an optical warning device ( 23 ) of the assistance system ( 14 ), by means of which an optical warning signal is output. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that an audible and / or haptic warning message is issued, if based on the leaving vector ( 26 ), the driver has his eyes detected by an optical warning device ( 23 ) has averted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more assistance systems ( 14 ), which monitor and / or influence the longitudinal guidance and / or the transverse guidance of the motor vehicle, taking into account the determined escape vector ( 26 ) operate. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frequency per unit of time, by means of which the respective eye orientations are detected, taking into account the eye movements of the driver ( 18 ) to be changed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angular range (α, β) is changed taking into account at least one parameter which influences the accuracy of the viewing direction determination. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the angular range (α, β) taking into account the characteristics of the driver ( 18 ) and / or the eye detection device ( 16 ) is changed. Contraption ( 12 ) for operating at least one assistance system ( 14 ) of a motor vehicle ( 10 ), comprising: - a gaze detection device ( 16 ), which is adapted to a respective driver's eye sightings ( 18 ) of the motor vehicle ( 10 ) for a plurality of successive points in time and to determine whether the respective detected eye alignments are within at least a predetermined angular range (α, β); A data processing device ( 22 ), which is designed to: • respective viewing directions ( 24 ) of the driver ( 18 ) to determine and store on the basis of the respectively detected eye orientations, as long as it is determined that the detected eye orientations are within the predetermined angular range (α, β); A leaving vector ( 26 ) taking into account the previously stored viewing directions ( 24 ), wherein the leaving vector ( 26 ) the direction ( 36 ) into which the eyes ( 20 ) of the driver ( 18 ) have been pivoted when leaving the predetermined angular range (α, β) as soon as it is determined that one of the detected eye orientations is outside the predetermined angular range (α, β); A control device ( 28 ), which is designed to support the assistance system ( 14 ) taking into account the respective directions of view ( 24 ) and taking into account the determined leaving vector ( 26 ) to operate.

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