CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

Control device (1) for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the control device (1) is configured to: - determine (S1) whether semi-automated driving operation of the motor vehicle (10) is possible in a hands-off mode; and - obtain image data from a camera device (2) of the motor vehicle (10), which is directed in an interior (11) of the motor vehicle (10) towards a driver and / or driver's seat of the motor vehicle (10) (S2), characterized in that the control device (1) is configured to: - determine (S3) on the basis of the obtained image data whether the driver's hands are dirty; and - prioritize the hands-off mode (S4) if it has been determined that semi-automated driving operation is possible in hands-off mode and it has been determined that the driver's hands are dirty.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle comprising the control device, and / or a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, a computer program is provided which includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method, at least partially. Additionally, or alternatively, a computer-readable medium is provided which includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method, at least partially.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles, especially automobiles, are increasingly being equipped with driver assistance systems.

[0003] Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are electronic, especially mechatronic, devices in motor vehicles designed to support the driver in certain driving situations. Safety aspects are often a primary focus, but increasing driving comfort is also a key consideration.

[0004] These driver assistance systems make it possible, among other things, to operate motor vehicles in a partially automated driving mode of autonomy level 2 (or Level 2). In such a driving mode, the driver assistance systems take over tasks such as lateral and longitudinal control and lane keeping of the respective vehicle on a suitable section of the road, whereby the driver must constantly monitor the driver assistance systems and the driving operation of the vehicle.

[0005] It must be ensured that the driver is actively involved in the driving and monitoring tasks. This can be achieved, firstly, by having the driver touch the steering wheel (e.g., via capacitive steering wheel sensors or by detecting torque on the steering wheel), which is also referred to as a hands-on mode (or function). Secondly, monitoring can be carried out, for example, via a camera system that monitors the driver's attention and issues a warning if the driver fails to look ahead for too long or too frequently, or if they fail to monitor the driving process. Accordingly, it is possible, for example, in predetermined driving situations or for limited time intervals, for the driver not to have their hands on the steering wheel. This is also referred to as a hands-off mode (or function).

[0006] Many vehicles capable of semi-automated driving offer both modes, often raising the question of which of these two modes is activated by default. Currently, no further sensor or image data relating to the driver, such as the state of their hands, is considered when deciding which of the two modes to prioritize.

[0007] DE 10 2022 104 585 A1 describes a driving system for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel, which includes a hands-off driving function for automated driving, wherein the hands-off driving function in the active state allows hands-off driving operation with at least automated lateral guidance without the driver touching the steering wheel, within the framework of the automated lateral guidance a controllable steering system can be controlled depending on a target signal underlying the control, and the driving system serves to generate the target signal.

[0008] DE 10 2019 119 676 A1 describes a control unit for verifying the hands-on detection function of a steering device located at the driver's position in a vehicle. The control unit is configured to determine when a verification situation exists in which no driver is present at the driver's position in the vehicle. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to verify the hands-on detection function in response to this.

[0009] US 2022 / 0370674 A1 describes a hygiene assessment device capable of accurately evaluating the hygiene status of hands. A hygiene assessment device comprises an image acquisition unit that captures an image of a hand, a calculation unit that calculates an evaluation regarding any substance adhering to the hand using the captured image, and an output unit that outputs the evaluation calculated by the calculation unit.

[0010] DE 10 2021 130 174 A1 describes a vehicle guidance system with a driving function designed to automatically steer a motor vehicle laterally. The vehicle guidance system is configured to determine, while the driving function is operating in hands-on mode, that hands-off operation of the driving function is possible. The vehicle guidance system is further configured to automatically activate hands-off operation of the driving function in response.

[0011] Against the background of this prior art, the purpose of the present disclosure is to specify a device and / or a method, each of which is suitable to enrich the prior art.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent and subordinate claims each contain optional further developments of the disclosure.

[0013] The task is then solved by a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (e.g., one capable of at least partially automated driving). Controlling the operation of the motor vehicle can include controlling a partially automated driving mode, such as controlling (e.g., activating and / or deactivating) a hands-off mode in partially automated driving mode. Controlling the operation of the motor vehicle can also include controlling at least one driver assistance system for a partially automated driving mode.

[0014] The control device is designed to determine whether semi-automated driving of the motor vehicle is possible in a hands-off mode.

[0015] The control device is designed to receive image data from a camera system of the motor vehicle, which is directed in an interior of the motor vehicle towards a driver and / or driver's seat of the motor vehicle (e.g. as soon as it has been determined that semi-automated driving operation in hands-off mode is possible).

[0016] The control device is designed to determine, based on the received image data (e.g., using an image recognition function and / or an image recognition algorithm), whether the driver's hands are (optionally at least partially) dirty.

[0017] The control device is designed to prioritize the hands-off mode (e.g., over one of the hands-on modes) if it has been determined that semi-automated driving is possible in hands-off mode and if it has been determined that the driver's hands are dirty. This prioritization can include, for example, activating the hands-off mode or enabling an option to activate the hands-off mode.

[0018] Partially automated driving of a motor vehicle can be understood as driving operation at Autonomy Level 2 (also: Level 2 or Stage 2), e.g., according to standard SAE J3016. During driving operation, tasks such as lateral and longitudinal control, lane keeping, acceleration, and / or braking of the vehicle can be taken over by at least one driver assistance system. The driver of the motor vehicle may be required to continuously monitor the at least one driver assistance system or the driving operation itself and / or be able to intervene in the driving operation at any time within a specified period (or to switch from partially automated driving operation to manual driving operation within the specified period). For example, it is conceivable that the driver is monitored during driving operation by means of a driver monitoring system.in such a way that his gaze is always directed in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle.

[0019] Partially automated driving can be differentiated into hands-on mode and hands-off mode. Hands-off mode (also: hands-off function or hands-off driving function) refers to an activatable driving function (or state) during partially automated driving in which the driver does not need to keep their hands on the steering wheel. Similarly, hands-on mode (also: hands-on function or hands-on driving function) refers to a driving function during partially automated driving in which the driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel. This can be monitored by sensors (e.g., at least one capacitive sensor in and / or on the steering wheel) or a camera system, whereby a warning (e.g., acoustic and / or visual) can be issued if the driver removes their hands from the steering wheel during hands-on mode.

[0020] For example, hands-on mode can be understood as the first stage of semi-automated driving operation, and hands-off mode as the second stage. Switching from the first stage to the second stage is only possible (or the second stage can only be activated) when additional conditions are met, such as when the vehicle is in a predetermined driving situation. This might be the case, for instance, when the vehicle is on a highway with physically separated lanes, such as lanes in opposite directions separated by a guardrail.

[0021] The control device can be designed to detect that the driver's hands are dirty, provided that a level of soiling greater than or equal to a (predefined) minimum level has been identified (or determined). Alternatively, or additionally, it is also conceivable that the control device can be designed to detect that the driver's hands are dirty if one or more regions of the hands, e.g., at least one palm, are dirty. This detection can be carried out, for example, using an image recognition function and / or an image recognition algorithm, whereby the detection of dirt could be based, for example, on detected color deviations on the hands (e.g., compared to clean hands stored as reference data and / or captured by the camera system at the start of a journey).

[0022] The control device or control unit can be part of the driver assistance system or constitute the system itself. The control device can, for example, be an electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit can be an intelligent, processor-controlled unit that can communicate with other modules via a central gateway (CGW) and may form the vehicle's electrical network via fieldbuses such as CAN bus, LIN bus, MOST bus, FlexRay, and / or Automotive Ethernet, for example, together with telematics control units and / or environmental sensors.

[0023] It is conceivable that the control unit manages functions relevant to the vehicle's driving behavior, such as steering, engine control, power transmission, and / or the braking system. Furthermore, driver assistance systems, such as a parking assistant, adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keeping assist, lane change assist, traffic sign recognition, light signal recognition, hill start assist, night vision assist, and / or intersection assist, can be controlled by the control unit.

[0024] The control device described above offers a number of advantages. Among other things, it provides improved technology that makes it possible to consider the condition of the driver's hands when deciding whether to prioritize hands-off mode over hands-on mode in semi-automated driving. This allows for the most precise possible detection and consideration of any contamination (or degree of contamination) of the driver's hands based on image data (and optionally other sensor data).

[0025] Detecting the driver's dirty hands can prevent or at least reduce steering wheel contamination. This is achieved by prioritizing features and, for example, automatically activating the hand-off mode, allowing the driver to keep their hands off the wheel. By preventing or reducing steering wheel contamination, the system can, among other things, effectively prevent the steering wheel's grip from being diminished by dirt (and thus prevent increased wear). This contributes to improved driving safety (and road safety) when the vehicle is back in manual mode and the driver must steer using the steering wheel.

[0026] Furthermore, dirty hands can be an indication that the driver is, for example, eating while driving and therefore needs their hands free. Accordingly, driver assistance functions can be used more flexibly by automatically allowing the driver to eat or perform activities that require the use of their hands during partially automated driving.

[0027] Furthermore, by avoiding or reducing the soiling of the steering wheel, the depreciation of the steering wheel can be reduced or slowed down.

[0028] Possible further developments of the control device described above are explained in detail below.

[0029] The control device can be configured to prioritize the hands-off mode in order to activate it automatically and / or without driver interaction. In other words, prioritization can include automatic activation of the hands-off mode and / or activation of the hands-off mode without driver interaction.

[0030] The control device can be configured to prioritize the hands-off mode in order to enable an option that allows the hands-off mode to be activated via driver interaction. In other words, prioritization can include enabling an option that allows the hands-off mode to be activated via driver interaction.

[0031] The option can be a control element, such as a button (e.g., mechanical and / or electrical), a sensor button, and / or a control panel on a touchscreen. Driver interaction can involve operating the control element. The hands-off mode can be activated by operating the control element, provided the control element is enabled by the control device. In other words, as long as the control element or option is not enabled by the control device, operating the control element has no effect and does not activate the hands-off mode.

[0032] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the option could be designed to allow activation of the hands-off mode via visual and / or acoustic interaction with the driver. The visual interaction could be a gesture from the driver, which could be detected, for example, by a sensor device and / or the vehicle's camera system. The acoustic interaction could be a voice command from the driver, which could be detected, for example, via at least one microphone in the vehicle's interior.

[0033] The control device can be configured to receive odor data from a vehicle odor sensor located in the vehicle's interior and to consider this data when determining whether the driver's hands are dirty. The odor sensor can be positioned, for example, facing the driver (and / or driver's seat) and / or in the immediate vicinity of the driver (and / or driver's seat). It is conceivable that the received odor data could indicate that the driver's hands are dirty, provided that the received odor data deviates from reference odor data and / or indicates a change in the odor.

[0034] The control device can be designed to release an option (also: toggle option) after the hands-off mode has been activated, which allows switching from hands-off mode to hands-on mode (e.g. via interaction with the driver).

[0035] The (switching) option can be designed to allow switching from hands-off mode to hands-on mode by gripping the steering wheel. In other words, the switch can occur as soon as it is detected (e.g., based on sensor data from the vehicle's sensors and / or image data from the camera system) that the driver has gripped the steering wheel.

[0036] The (switching) option can be a control element, such as a (mechanical and / or electrical) button, a sensor button, and / or a control panel on a touchscreen. Driver interaction can involve activating the control element. Switching can be accomplished by activating the control element, provided the control element is enabled by the control device. It is conceivable that the control element is the same or a different one that enables the activation of a hands-off mode (provided the control element is enabled by the control device to activate hands-off mode).

[0037] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the (switching) option could be designed to allow switching via visual and / or acoustic interaction with the driver. The visual interaction could be a gesture from the driver, which could be detected, for example, by a sensor device and / or the vehicle's camera system. The acoustic interaction could be a voice command from the driver, which could be detected, for example, via at least one microphone in the vehicle's interior.

[0038] The control device can be designed to determine whether the vehicle's partially automated driving operation in hands-off mode is possible. This is achieved by using (digital) map data and / or environmental data from the vehicle's environmental sensor system to ascertain whether the vehicle is on a suitable section of the road where partially automated driving in hands-off mode is feasible. The (digital) map data can take into account the vehicle's current position (e.g., based on current GPS data).

[0039] The control device can be designed to determine that the partially automated driving operation of the motor vehicle is possible in hands-off mode, provided that it has been determined that the motor vehicle is on a suitable section of road.

[0040] The control device can be configured to determine whether the driver's hands are dirty by detecting the hands in the received image data (e.g., using an image recognition function and / or an image recognition algorithm) and by identifying (e.g., using the image recognition function and / or the image recognition algorithm) any dirtiness and / or degree of dirtiness on the hands. The control device can be configured to determine that the driver's hands are dirty if the dirtiness has been identified and / or the identified degree of dirtiness is greater than or equal to a minimum level of dirtiness.

[0041] The above can be summarized in other words and in a possible more concrete elaboration of the revelation as described below, whereby the following description is to be interpreted as not being restrictive for the revelation.

[0042] According to the present disclosure, the contamination or degree of contamination of a driver's hands can be detected by interior cameras and optionally also odor sensors in order to prioritize the hands-off mode (e.g. also: hands-off function, level 2 hands-off function and / or L2 hands-off function) when the hands are dirty, while still giving the driver the option to drive hands-on (i.e. in hands-on mode) if preferred.

[0043] If the hands-off mode or function is available, it can be activated by default when using the driver assistance system, so that the driver's hands do not need to be on the steering wheel. The degree of hand soiling can be detected, for example, in the case of eating (i.e., the driver is eating while driving), via at least one interior camera and optionally at least one odor sensor. Other types of soiling (e.g., from gardening) can also be detected by the interior camera (e.g., comparing the state of the hands at a time when they are clean to a state at another time). If the hands are partially soiled, the hands-off mode can be prioritized. However, if a driver still wants to drive hands-on, they can always switch the function manually.

[0044] Furthermore, a motor vehicle will be provided which includes the control device described above.

[0045] The motor vehicle may include the camera system. The camera system may be located inside the motor vehicle and directed towards the driver and / or driver's seat. The camera system may include at least one camera (which, for example, is directed towards the driver and / or driver's seat).

[0046] The vehicle may include an environmental sensor system. This system may be designed to collect environmental data from the vehicle's surroundings. For example, the environmental sensor system may include at least one camera and / or at least one lidar sensor. The environmental data may be used, for example, for partially automated driving of the vehicle.

[0047] The control device can be connected to the camera system (and optionally the environmental sensor system) via a signal connection.

[0048] The motor vehicle may be automated. The motor vehicle may be designed to take over longitudinal and / or lateral control, at least partially and / or at least temporarily, by means of the control device during automated driving.

[0049] Automated driving can be implemented in such a way that the vehicle's movement is (largely) autonomous. Automated driving can also be controlled at least partially and / or temporarily by the control device.

[0050] It is conceivable that the vehicle actively intervenes in the lateral guidance of the vehicle through a driver assistance system, e.g. by adjusting the actual steering wheel position, and optionally passively, e.g. by displaying a turning instruction.

[0051] The motor vehicle can be a Level 0 autonomous vehicle, i.e., the driver takes over the dynamic driving task, even if support systems (e.g., ABS or ESP) are present.

[0052] The motor vehicle may be a Level 1 autonomous vehicle, i.e., it may have certain driver assistance systems that support the driver in operating the vehicle, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC).

[0053] The motor vehicle can be a Level 2 autonomous vehicle, i.e., so semi-automated that functions such as automatic parking, lane keeping or lateral guidance, general longitudinal guidance, acceleration and / or braking are taken over by driver assistance systems.

[0054] The vehicle can be a Level 3 autonomous vehicle, meaning it is so conditionally automated that the driver does not need to constantly monitor it. The vehicle independently performs functions such as activating the turn signals, changing lanes, and / or maintaining its lane. The driver can attend to other tasks but will be prompted by the system to take over driving within a reasonable warning period if necessary.

[0055] The vehicle can be a Level 4 autonomous vehicle, meaning it can be so highly automated that the vehicle's control system is permanently responsible for driving. If the system can no longer handle the driving tasks, the driver may be prompted to take over.

[0056] The vehicle can be a Level 5 autonomous vehicle, meaning it is so fully automated that a driver is not required to perform the driving task. No human intervention is necessary except for setting the destination and starting the system. The vehicle can operate without a steering wheel and pedals.

[0057] The above description with reference to the control device also applies analogously to the motor vehicle and vice versa.

[0058] Furthermore, a procedure for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle is provided.

[0059] The procedure includes determining whether semi-automated driving of the motor vehicle is possible in a hands-off mode.

[0060] The procedure involves obtaining image data from a camera device of the motor vehicle, which is located inside the vehicle and directed towards a driver and / or driver's seat of the motor vehicle.

[0061] The procedure involves determining, based on the image data obtained, whether the driver's hands are dirty.

[0062] The procedure includes prioritizing the hands-off mode if it has been determined that semi-automated driving is possible in hands-off mode and it has been established that the driver's hands are dirty.

[0063] The (control) procedure can be a computer-implemented procedure, i.e., one, several or all steps of the procedure can be at least partially carried out by a computer or a data processing device, optionally the control device.

[0064] What has been described above with reference to the control device and the motor vehicle also applies analogously to the procedure and vice versa.

[0065] Furthermore, a computer program comprising commands that, when executed by a computer, cause it to at least partially execute the procedure described above is provided.

[0066] The program code of a computer program can be in any type of code, especially code suitable for controlling motor vehicles.

[0067] What has been described above with reference to the control device, the motor vehicle and the procedure also applies analogously to the computer program and vice versa.

[0068] Furthermore, a computer-readable medium, in particular a computer-readable storage medium, is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to at least partially execute the procedure described above.

[0069] This means that a computer-readable medium can be provided that contains a computer program as defined above. The computer-readable medium can be any digital data storage device, such as a USB flash drive, a hard drive, a CD-ROM, an SD card, or an SSD card (or SSD drive / SSD hard drive).

[0070] The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium in order to be made available to the motor vehicle, but can also be obtained via the Internet or other external sources.

[0071] The above description relating to the procedure, the control device, the computer program and the motor vehicle also applies analogously to the computer-readable medium and vice versa.

[0072] The following is an optional embodiment with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle as disclosed, with a control device for controlling an operation of the motor vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a flowchart of a procedure according to the disclosure for controlling the operation of the motor vehicle.

[0073] The in Fig. The motor vehicle 10, shown only schematically, comprises the control device 1 and a camera device 2, which may be connected to the control device 1 via a signaling system. The motor vehicle 10 can be operated in a partially automated driving mode.

[0074] The camera device 2 is arranged in an interior space 11 of the motor vehicle 10 and is directed towards the driver and / or driver's seat of the motor vehicle 10. In other words, the camera device 2 can have at least one camera that is directed towards the driver and / or the driver's seat in order to capture the driver's hands.

[0075] The control device 1 is designed to control the operation of the motor vehicle 10, in order to also refer to the following Fig. 2 procedures described in detail 100 to be carried out.

[0076] In a first procedural step S1, it is determined whether a partially automated driving operation of the motor vehicle 10 is possible in a hands-off mode.

[0077] To this end, map data and / or environmental data acquired by a sensor device of the vehicle 10 can be used to determine whether the vehicle 10 is on a suitable section of road where partially automated driving in hands-off mode is possible. Subsequently, it can be determined that partially automated driving in hands-off mode is possible, provided it has been determined that the vehicle 10 is on a suitable section of road.

[0078] In a second process step S2, image data is received from the camera device 2, e.g. as soon as it has been determined in the first process step S1 that semi-automated driving operation is possible in hands-off mode.

[0079] In a third process step S3, the image data obtained is used to determine whether the driver's hands are dirty.

[0080] Furthermore, it is conceivable to obtain odor data from an odor sensor device of the motor vehicle, which is arranged in the interior 11 of the motor vehicle 10, and to take the obtained odor data into account when determining whether the driver's hands are dirty. In other words, in the third process step S3, it can be determined, based on the obtained image data and additionally on the obtained odor data, whether the driver's hands are dirty.

[0081] In a fourth procedural step S4, the hands-off mode is prioritized if it has been determined that semi-automated driving is possible in hands-off mode and it has been determined that the driver's hands are dirty.

[0082] Prioritizing the hands-off mode can include activating it automatically and / or without driver interaction. Alternatively, an option can be enabled that allows the hands-off mode to be activated via driver interaction, such as operating a vehicle control, making a gesture via gesture control, and / or giving a voice command via voice control.

[0083] Once the hands-off mode has been prioritized and activated, either automatically or via driver interaction, a further option (or toggle option) can be enabled that allows switching from hands-off mode to hands-on mode. This switching could occur automatically, for example, when the driver takes the steering wheel again, and / or via driver interaction, such as by pressing a control, making a gesture, and / or using a voice command. Reference symbol list 1 Control device 2 camera setup 10 motor vehicle 11 Interior of the motor vehicle 100 procedures S1-S4 process steps QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 104 585 A1

[0007] DE 10 2019 119 676 A1

[0008] US 2022 / 0370674 A1

[0009] DE 10 2021 130 174 A1

[0010]

Claims

[1] Control device (1) for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the control device (1) is designed to: - to determine (S1) whether a partially automated driving operation of the motor vehicle (10) is possible in a hands-off mode; and - to obtain image data from a camera device (2) of the motor vehicle (10) which is located in an interior (11) of the motor vehicle (10) and is directed towards a driver and / or driver's seat of the motor vehicle (10) (S2), characterized by , that the control device (1) is designed to: - to determine, based on the image data obtained (S3), whether the driver's hands are dirty; and - to prioritize the hands-off mode (S4) if it has been determined that semi-automated driving is possible in hands-off mode and it has been determined that the driver's hands are dirty. [2] Control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the control device (1) is designed to prioritize (S4) the hands-off mode in order to: - to activate the hands-off mode automatically and / or without interaction with the driver. [3] Control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control device (1) is designed to prioritize (S4) the hands-off mode in order to: - to enable an option that allows the activation of hands-off mode via interaction with the driver. [4] Control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the control device (1) is designed to: - to obtain odor data from an odor sensor device of the motor vehicle, which is arranged in the interior (11) of the motor vehicle (10); and - to take the obtained odor data into account when determining whether the driver's hands are dirty. [5] Control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the control device (1) is designed to: - to enable an option to switch from Hands-Off mode to Hands-On mode after activating Hands-Off mode. [6] Control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the control device (1) for determining (S1) whether semi-automated driving operation is possible in hands-off mode is designed to: - to determine, using map data and / or environmental data from an environmental sensor device of the motor vehicle (10), whether the motor vehicle (10) is on a suitable section of road where partially automated driving in hands-off mode is possible; and - to determine that semi-automated driving operation in hands-off mode is possible, provided that it has been determined that the motor vehicle (10) is on a suitable section of road. [7] Motor vehicle (10), characterized by , that the motor vehicle (10) comprises the control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Method (100) for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the method (100) comprises: - Determine (S1) whether semi-automated driving of the motor vehicle (10) is possible in a hands-off mode; and - Receiving (S2) image data from a camera device (2) of the motor vehicle (10) which is located in an interior (11) of the motor vehicle (10) and is directed towards a driver and / or driver's seat of the motor vehicle (10), characterized by , that the procedure (100) includes: - Determine (S3) from the image data obtained whether the driver's hands are dirty; and - Prioritizing (S4) the hands-off mode if it has been determined that semi-automated driving is possible in hands-off mode and it has been determined that the driver's hands are dirty. [9] Computer program, characterized by , that the computer program includes instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method (100) according to claim 8. [10] Computer-readable medium, characterized by that the computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method (100) according to claim 8.

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