Method and device for influencing an optical output of image data on an output device in a vehicle

A method for influencing output of optically displayed image data on an output device in a vehicle, the method comprising:

• determining a gaze direction of a driver of the vehicle in the vehicle,
• fading-out, responsive to the determined gaze direction being directed at the output device, the optically displayed image data at an average fade-out rate DOWN, wherein the fade-out rate DOWN gradually reduces of visibility of the optically displayed image data averaged over time, wherein the output device is a front-seat passenger display;
• and
• fading-in, responsive to the determined gaze direction being directed at the output device and then being directed away from the input device, the optically displayed image data at an average fade-in rate UP, wherein the fade-in rate UP gradually increases visibility of the optically displayed image data averaged over time,
• wherein, when, within a pre-determined interval of time relative to a start of the fading-in, the determined gaze direction is directed again at the output device, the optically displayed image data is faded-out at an increased average fade-out rate DOWN1 relative to the average fade-out rate DOWN, and
• wherein, when the determined gaze direction is away from the output device, an imaginary fade-in function lagging behind a fade-in function having the fade-in rate UP with a time delay is generated by decrementing a current level of a degree of fade-out, and
• wherein the increased average fade-out rate DOWN1 is caused, responsive to the determined gaze being turned towards the output device before a point in time at which the imaginary fade-in function is decremented to a degree of fade-out of 0%, by jumping to the degree of fad-out of the imaginary fade-out function when the determined gaze is at the output device.

A system for influencing output of optically displayed image data on an output device in a vehicle, the system comprising:

• a sensor system arranged in the vehicle and configured to a gaze direction of a driver of the vehicle;
• and
• a control unit coupled to the sensor system and configured to control the output device by
• fading-out, responsive to the determined gaze direction being directed at the output device, the optically displayed image data at an average fade-out rate DOWN, wherein the fade-out rate DOWN gradually reduces of visibility of the optically displayed image data averaged over time, wherein the output device is a front-seat passenger display;
• and
• fading-in, responsive to the determined gaze direction being directed at the output device and then being directed away from the input device, the optically displayed image data at an average fade-in rate UP, wherein the fade-in rate UP gradually increases visibility of the optically displayed image data averaged over time,
• wherein, when, within a pre-determined interval of time relative to a start of the fading-in, the determined gaze direction is directed again at the output device, the optically displayed image data is faded-out at an increased average fade-out rate DOWN1 relative to the average fade-out rate DOWN, and
• wherein, when the determined gaze direction is away from the output device, an imaginary fade-in function lagging behind a fade-in function having the fade-in rate UP with a time delay is generated by decrementing a current level of a degree of fade-out, and
• wherein the increased average fade-out rate DOWN1 is caused, responsive to the determined gaze being turned towards the output device before a point in time at which the imaginary fade-in function is decremented to a degree of fade-out of 0%, by jumping to the degree of fad-out of the imaginary fade-out function when the determined gaze is at the output device.