Light projection device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Light projection device (10) for a motor vehicle (11) for assisting route guidance, comprising: - a sensor (12) for detecting an actual lane (16) on which the motor vehicle (10) is currently located, - a navigation system (13) for providing a target lane (17) different from the actual lane (16) for route guidance, - a control unit (14) which calculates an area (BF) to be illuminated based on the actual lane (16) and the target lane (17), wherein the area (BF) to be illuminated has a larger extent along a direction of travel (20) of the motor vehicle than perpendicular to the direction of travel (20), and the area (BF) to be illuminated has a first sub-area (T1) with a first centroid (SF1) which lies on the actual lane (16).wherein the first sub-area (T1) extends over the entire width of the actual lane (16) and the area to be illuminated (BF) has a second sub-area (T2) with a second area center of gravity (SF2) which lies on the intended lane (17), wherein the second sub-area (T2) extends over the entire width of the intended lane (17),- a projection unit (15) which projects light accordingly onto the area to be illuminated (BF) calculated by the control unit (14), wherein the control unit (12) is configured to add offset values ​​to parameters of a light distribution, which is a lane light, for calculating the area to be illuminated (BF), wherein the offset values ​​are assigned to a distance to the motor vehicle (11) and the offset values ​​are determined as a function of the distance to the motor vehicle (11),to calculate a continuous illuminated area (BF) starting from the actual lane (16) to the target lane (17).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a light projection device for a motor vehicle to assist with route guidance.

[0002] With navigation guidance activated, the route is often displayed in the so-called man-machine interface (MMI), the instrument cluster, or the head-up display. A lane light, implemented by a high-resolution headlight, illuminates the driver's current lane. However, this requires the driver to take their eyes off the road to follow the route guidance. The lane light itself provides the driver with no information about necessary lane changes or exits and can even be confusing for route guidance, as it only illuminates the currently driven lane.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2014 000 935 A1 relates to a method and an arrangement for generating a roadway light display for vehicles. The arrangement comprises one or more digital projectors for real-time, three-dimensional illumination of the roadway in front of the vehicle, combined with a camera system for real-time virtual 3D reconstruction of the traffic scene. Furthermore, this arrangement includes an information processing unit for image acquisition, image processing, object recognition, graphic generation, graphic processing, and projector control. The invention illuminates desired surfaces in front of the vehicle, particularly the roadway, in such a way that a roadway light display with variable graphic content is created. This display dynamically adapts to the traffic, driving, and environmental conditions, as well as the driver's needs.Another optional camera system is used to detect the driver's head position, direction of gaze and viewing distance to control spatial brightness adjustment or to control projected graphic objects.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2013 222 467 A1 describes a method and a device for providing lateral guidance support to a motor vehicle. For this purpose, a light pattern in the form of two light bars of predetermined length, width, and spacing, running parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, is projected onto the road surface currently being traveled in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel. The light intensity and / or the color of the light bars is a function of the vehicle's position in the current lane. The device for providing lateral guidance to a motor vehicle is preferably used as a warning device to prevent the vehicle from unintentionally leaving its lane.

[0005] The present invention aims to facilitate route guidance.

[0006] This task is solved according to the independent claims. Meaningful further developments arise from the sub-claims.

[0007] The present invention provides a light projection device for a motor vehicle to assist with route guidance. The light projection device includes a sensor for detecting the current lane in which the motor vehicle is located. Furthermore, the light projection device has a navigation system for providing a target lane, different from the current lane, for route guidance. The light projection device also includes a control unit that calculates the area to be illuminated based on the current and target lanes. The area to be illuminated is larger along the direction of travel of the motor vehicle than perpendicular to this direction. The area to be illuminated has a first sub-area with a first center of gravity located on the current lane. This first sub-area extends over the entire width of the current lane.The area to be illuminated also has a second sub-area with a second center of gravity. This second center of gravity lies on the designated lane. Furthermore, this second sub-area extends across the entire width of the designated lane. The light projection device also includes a projection unit that projects light onto the area to be illuminated, as calculated by the control unit.

[0008] The extension of the first or second sub-area across the entire width of the actual or intended lane means, in particular, that the respective sub-areas have sub-areas that extend across the entire width of the actual or intended lane. These sub-areas do not necessarily have to correspond to the respective sub-areas. This means, in particular, that in a transition zone of the area to be illuminated, the sub-areas do not have to extend across the entire width of the actual or intended lane. Since the area to be illuminated transitions from the actual lane to the intended lane in the transition zone, the design of the area to be illuminated there can be such that the width of the area to be illuminated corresponds to the width of the actual or intended lane, but the area to be illuminated is shifted and / or rotated relative to the respective lane.Outside the transition area of ​​the surface to be illuminated, the surface to be illuminated is preferably located on the actual lane or intended lane and extends over the entire width of the actual lane or intended lane.

[0009] The sensor for detecting the vehicle's current lane position can be designed in various ways. It can be a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a laser scanner, a lidar sensor, or even a sensor system with multiple sensors. This allows the sensor to detect the vehicle's surroundings and derive the current lane position from this data. The sensor can also include a data interface, enabling it to receive the current lane position information from an external device. For example, beacons or RFID chips could be embedded in the road surface, transmitting the current lane position information directly to the sensor. Alternatively, other types of sensors can be used to transmit the current lane position information to the sensor.

[0010] The area to be illuminated has a larger extent along the direction of travel than perpendicular to it. The direction of the lane and the direction of travel of the vehicle are not necessarily the same. When a vehicle changes lanes, its direction of travel is not, at least temporarily, parallel to the respective lanes. If a lane has a curved course, its direction is also curved. The direction of the vehicle primarily follows the lane itself. The area to be illuminated has at least two sub-areas, the centers of which lie on the actual lane and the intended lane, respectively. In particular, the first sub-area is located closer to the vehicle than the second sub-area. The first sub-area is therefore preferably located further proximal than the second sub-area. The second sub-area is therefore preferably located further distally.While it is possible that the first sub-area contains infinitesimal surface areas that are farther away from the vehicle than other infinitesimal surface areas in the second sub-area, the relative positions of the vehicle are based on a point in time when the vehicle has not yet changed lanes and is still in its current lane. However, these two sub-areas are designed such that the center of gravity of the first area is preferentially located closer to the vehicle than the center of gravity of the second area. This means that, as a rule, the second sub-area extends further in the direction of travel than the first sub-area. This allows a kind of "curved light carpet" to be projected onto the roadway, intuitively guiding the driver from the current lane to the intended lane.The driver is thus shown the lane markings necessary for their desired route directly in their field of vision. They no longer need to take their eyes off the road, for example, to look at a navigation device. Since necessary lane changes or exits can be displayed directly in the driver's field of vision, road safety can be increased.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the illuminated surface is formed in one piece. With the aid of such a single-piece illuminated surface, the driver of the motor vehicle can be intuitively guided from the current lane to the desired lane. This minimizes or even eliminates unnecessary confusion.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention provides that a center line located in the direction of travel, which divides the illuminated area into two equal sub-areas, is differentiable. If the center line is differentiable, it is continuous at every point and has no breaks. The resulting illuminated area leads continuously from the actual lane to the intended lane. Due to the differentiable center line, in this embodiment of the invention the illuminated area is neither interrupted nor kinked at any point. The illuminated area calculated in this way can appear more harmonious to a driver than an area that suddenly bends in another direction. This can also intuitively illustrate the necessary lane change to the driver during route guidance.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the surface to be illuminated is symmetrical. The surface to be illuminated is symmetrical, in particular with respect to its centerline. However, the centerline is generally not a straight line, as it leads from the actual lane to the intended lane. The centerline is therefore, in particular, curved. The surface to be illuminated can also, in particular, exhibit point symmetry. That is, there can be a point within the surface to be illuminated with respect to which the surface to be illuminated is point-symmetrical. A symmetrical or point-symmetrical surface to be illuminated is particularly easy for a driver to perceive. Thus, a symmetrical or point-symmetrical surface to be illuminated can contribute to easier route guidance for the driver.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the area to be illuminated has a center of gravity that lies on the intended lane. In route guidance systems, the intended lane is generally more important than the actual lane, since the driver of the vehicle wants to reach their destination. To adequately reflect this, it can be advantageous if the area to be illuminated emphasizes the intended lane more strongly than the actual lane. If the overall center of gravity of the area to be illuminated lies on the intended lane, this means that the proportion of the intended lane within the illuminated area is larger than the proportion of the actual lane. In other words, in this embodiment, the area to be illuminated covers a larger portion of the intended lane than of the actual lane.

[0015] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the center of gravity of the first sub-area lies on the actual lane and the center of gravity of the second sub-area lies on the intended lane. This allows the area to be illuminated to be divided into two sub-areas. The first sub-area lies primarily on the actual lane, and the second sub-area lies primarily on the intended lane. The area to be illuminated can, in particular, have exactly two sub-areas which together form the area to be illuminated. In this special case, the area to be illuminated consists of the two sub-areas. This means that, in this case, the two sub-areas, which represent the actual lane and the intended lane respectively, cover 100 percent of the area to be illuminated. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the actual lane is directly adjacent to the intended lane.In this case, it makes sense to limit the area to be illuminated exclusively to the actual lane or the intended lane.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second sub-area comprises at least 30 percent, and in particular more than 50 percent, of the area to be illuminated. The second focal point of the area is located within this second sub-area. Since the destination, in this case the designated lane, is of particular interest in route guidance, it is advantageous to highlight the designated lane accordingly. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention provides that the second sub-area comprises a minimum proportion of the area to be illuminated. In this embodiment, the area share of the second sub-area must be at least 30 percent of the area to be illuminated. Ideally, however, this area share is more than half, i.e., more than 50 percent. Conversely, this means that the area share of the first sub-area is at most 70 percent, and in particular less than 50 percent.This allows the intended lane to be clearly and intuitively highlighted for the driver. The route to the intended lane can thus be intuitively displayed to the driver, and since the area of ​​the first sub-area is limited within the area to be illuminated, their attention can be continuously directed from the current lane to the intended lane.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the surface to be illuminated in one piece leads from the actual lane to the intended lane, and the two lanes are not directly adjacent to each other. Such a situation can occur when the roadway has more than two lanes in each direction. This can be the case, for example, in large cities and on highways. Particularly at highway interchanges, it may be necessary to make several lane changes to reach the intended lane. In this case, there would be additional lanes between the actual lane and the intended lane. In this embodiment, the surface to be illuminated in one piece leads continuously and without interruption from the actual lane to the intended lane. The surface to be illuminated in one piece would thus cross or cover one or more of the intervening lanes.The area to be illuminated runs along the intervening lane in a direction that is not parallel to the direction of travel of that lane. This means the illuminated area can be considered a wider strip of light that initially runs parallel to the current lane, then turns right or left, then runs diagonally to the intervening lane, and upon reaching the intended lane, continuously changes its orientation again so that the light strip is parallel to the direction of travel of the intended lane. In other words, the illuminated area has a center line that, in the area of ​​the intervening lane, is not parallel to the direction of travel of that lane.However, in this variant of the invention, the first and second sub-sections provide that the center line runs parallel to the actual and intended lanes, at least in some sections. The configuration shown here can, in principle, also be applied when the actual and intended lanes are arranged directly adjacent to each other.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the sensor is designed as a camera and is capable of recognizing different lane markings using image processing. Images generated by the camera can be examined for lane markings using various image processing methods, such as optical flow, motion-based structure recognition, or other analysis methods. This allows the camera or the control unit to recognize the actual lane and the intended lane. That is, the image processing can be performed, in particular, or exclusively, by the control unit. Furthermore, it can also be provided that, in addition to the lane markings, other elements in the vicinity of the vehicle are detected and recognized. Such elements could be, for example, a traffic sign, a traffic light, a pedestrian, or other obstacles.

[0019] The control unit can be specifically designed to calculate the area to be illuminated based on dynamic traffic signs. For example, if a driver wants to change lanes before reaching a traffic light, the control unit can take the light's status into account when calculating the area to be illuminated. If, for instance, the light were to change from green to red, the control unit could calculate the illuminated area so that it ends before the light. This prevents the driver from accidentally missing the red light. This example can be applied analogously to stationary traffic signs, such as a stop sign, a crosswalk, or to suddenly appearing obstacles, like a child playing.In all these scenarios, the control unit can use the camera to detect or verify a potential stopping point and take this fact into account when calculating the area to be illuminated. In particular, it is ensured that, when a stopping point is verified, the area to be illuminated does not extend beyond the stopping point in the direction of travel.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to add offset values ​​to parameters of a light distribution for calculating the area to be illuminated. Specifically, the offset values ​​are added to the corner points of the lane light parameters to generate the illuminated area. In particular, the initial light distribution before the illuminated area is calculated is a lane light. The lane light is typically a rectangle with a variable length and the width of a lane. By adding offset values ​​to this type of light distribution, parts of the lane light can be shifted to the right or left. This allows the lane light to be transformed into the area to be illuminated.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the offset values ​​are assigned to a distance from the vehicle and are determined as a function of this distance in order to calculate a continuous illuminated area extending from the actual lane to the intended lane. This allows a strip of light, the width of a lane, to be displayed in such a way that it runs continuously, i.e., without interruptions or abrupt transitions, from the actual lane to the intended lane. The further the light distribution, in this example the lane light (rectangular light pattern), is from the vehicle, the higher the offset values. The offset values ​​are specifically related to the initial light distribution, usually the lane light. That is, the offset values ​​generally refer to the actual lane.They are preferably also limited in their magnitude so that the resulting light distribution, i.e., the area to be illuminated, leads to the intended lane and does not encompass other, irrelevant lanes. An offset value of 0, for example, would be assigned to the lane light that is entirely within the actual lane. An offset value of 1, for example, could mean that a corresponding point in the light distribution is shifted exactly one lane width to the right. In the direction of travel, starting from the actual lane, the offset values ​​would increase continuously from 0 to 1. The resulting illuminated area would lead from the actual lane to the intended lane, which would be located immediately to the right of the actual lane. A transition to an intended lane to the left of the actual lane could be achieved in this example with negative offset values.

[0022] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle with a light projection device. The advantages and examples mentioned in the preceding variants also apply analogously to this embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The present invention also provides a method for assisting route guidance for a motor vehicle, comprising a navigation system, a sensor, and a projection unit. In step a), the sensor detects the current lane in which the motor vehicle is located. In step b), a navigation system provides a target lane for route guidance, which differs from the current lane. In step c), the area to be illuminated is calculated based on the current and target lanes. The illuminated area is larger along the direction of travel of the motor vehicle than perpendicular to that direction. Furthermore, the illuminated area has a first sub-area with a first centroid located on the current lane. This first sub-area extends across the entire width of the current lane.The area to be illuminated further comprises a second sub-area and a second center of gravity, which lies on the designated lane. The second sub-area extends over the entire width of the designated lane. In step e), light is projected onto the area to be illuminated. The aforementioned advantages and examples of the preceding variants also apply analogously to the method according to the invention.

[0024] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a motor vehicle with a light projection device and its components; Fig. 2 a schematic representation comparing a track light (left) and an area to be illuminated (right); and Fig. 3 A schematic representation of an area to be illuminated during multiple lane changes.

[0025] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0026] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a motor vehicle 11 , which is located on an existing lane 16 It is located to the left of the current lane. 16 is immediately following the current lane 16a designated lane 17 These two lanes are each separated by appropriate lane markings. 18 marked or separated from each other. The motor vehicle 11 features a light projection device 10 up. The light projection device 10 is found in the example of Fig. 1 in the front of the vehicle. Ideally, the light projection device 10 The light projection device is located near the headlights or integrated directly into them. 10 a navigation system indicates 13 , a control unit 14 , a projection unit 15 as well as a sensor 12 up. The sensor 12 Its primary purpose is to record the current actual lane position. 16 Is the sensor 12 If the camera is designed as a camera, it can take pictures of the current lane. 16and, if necessary, also from the designated lane 17 Furthermore, the camera can detect other objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. 11 Objects in the environment of the motor vehicle can be detected using the recorded images and with the help of appropriate image processing. 11 can be recognized. Using a convolutional neural network, the camera or control unit can also determine the object type of the detected object.

[0028] Based on the recorded images and the known position of the camera, the actual lane can be determined using image processing. 16 must be clearly determined. In this case, the following are examples, starting from the sensor: 12 Two dashed arrows are indicated, one pointing left and the other right. They each lead to the lane marking. 18 , which defines and marks the current lane. In this case, the sensor detects 12the left or right lane marking 18 starting from the motor vehicle 11 The resulting lane can be controlled by the control unit. 14 subsequently clearly as the actual lane 16 Identify. Recognize the current lane. 16 Depending on the design, it can be done by the sensor either 12 as well as through the control unit 14 take place.

[0029] Lane changes are frequently necessary when using navigation or route guidance. The navigation system 13 In this example, it is determined that the designated lane 17 to the left of the current lane 16 is ordered. A driver of the motor vehicle 11 Ideally, you should enter a destination address into the navigation system before starting your journey. 13 entered. The navigation system 13 can be determined based on the current position of the vehicle 11as well as the target lane entered by the driver 17 determine. The control unit 14 receives from the sensor 12 The current lane information is displayed. 16 and from the navigation system 13 as information on the target lane to be reached 17 These two pieces of information are sent to the control unit. 14 transmitted, which takes this information into account for calculating an area BF to be illuminated.

[0030] In Fig. 2 are examples of several areas to be illuminated BF Figures A and B illustrate the function of a track light. SL , the Fig. C and Fig. Figure D shows exemplary embodiments of the illuminated area BF The track light SL is in the direction of travel 20 in front of the motor vehicle 11 arranged. The track light SL is exclusively on the actual lane 16arranged. It includes, in particular, the width of the existing lane. 16 and can have a variable length. A center of gravity SSL this track light SL is located exactly in the middle. Fig. C and Fig. D comprises the area BF to be illuminated next to the current lane 16 additionally the designated lane 17 The area to be illuminated BF It can also be called route lighting. The area to be illuminated BF or the route light begins, as in the Fig. 2A or Fig. 2B shown, in an area in front of the motor vehicle 11 For example, the area BF to be illuminated can be in a range of approximately 1 to 5 meters in the direction of travel. 20 in front of the motor vehicle 11 begin. The area to be illuminated BF Examples C and D show two sub-areas T1 and T2 up. The first sub-area T1is in the actual lane 16 arranged, the second sub-area T2 on the designated lane 17 . This involves a center of gravity. SF1 of the first sub-area T1 on the actual lane 16 arranged and a center of gravity SF2 of the second sub-area T2 on the designated lane 17 .

[0031] In the Fig. C are both sub-areas T1 and T2 approximately the same size. The second sub-area T2 has a slightly larger area than the first sub-area T1 In example D of the Fig. 2, on the other hand, is the second sub-area. T2 significantly larger than the first sub-area T1 In example D, the motor vehicle 11 onto the designated exit lane 17 change lanes. To change lanes 17 opposite the actual lane 16The first sub-area to be emphasized more strongly here is T1 significantly smaller than the second sub-area T2 trained. Each of these sub-areas has its own area of ​​focus. SF1 or SF2 The first centroid SF1 lies on the actual lane 16 , the second center of gravity SF2 is in the designated lane 17 The area to be illuminated BF in example D of the Fig. 2 has a total area center of gravity SBL on, which also like the center of gravity SF2 of the second section on the designated lane 17 lies.

[0032] In contrast to C, the Fig. 2 bends in example D of the Fig. 2 the area to be illuminated BF starting from the current lane 16 Turn sharply to the right to quickly get into the designated lane. 17 to guide. That is, the area to be illuminated. BF initially runs parallel to the current lane 16 , then bends to the right to leave the current lane 16 onto the designated lane 17 to get there. In the direction of travel 20 The area to be illuminated is located at the level of the overall area center point SBL. BF on the designated lane 17 Completely mapped. That is, from the total area center of gravity SBL in the direction of travel. 20 Does the area BF to be illuminated encompass the entire width of the designated lane? 17 . Between the overall area center of gravity SBL and the motor vehicle 11 If the area to be illuminated (BF) does not encompass the entire width of the designated lane 17 Despite the stronger transition in example D from Fig. 2 compared to example C is the area to be illuminated BF continuously trained. The area to be illuminated BF is preferably designed as a curved, wide strip of light. Instead of as in examples A and B of the Fig. 2. Within the scope of this invention, the light strip can be modified in such a way that a curved or bent light strip is created, which continuously deviates from the actual lane. 16 to the designated lane 17 This leads to the preferred use of the designated lane. 17 highlighted by the fact that the second sub-area T2 is more developed than the first sub-area T1 .

[0033] In Fig. Figure 3 shows an example in which the motor vehicle 11 who wants to perform multiple lane changes. The sensor also detects this in this case. 12 based on the road markings 18 the actual lane 16 as well as the designated lane 17 Unlike the Fig. 2 are in Fig. 3 the actual lane 16 and the designated lane 17not arranged directly next to each other, but separated by another lane between them. In this case too, the first section is T1 on the actual lane 16 and the second sub-area T2 on the designated lane 17 arranged. However, these two sub-areas are here T1 and T2 They are not directly connected. The area to be illuminated, BF, runs directly from the first sub-area. T1 to the second sub-area T2 The route light or the area to be illuminated BF The path runs at an angle or diagonally in the area of ​​the intervening lane. The course of the area to be illuminated BF is in the example of the Fig. 3 through a center line ML hinted at.

[0034] The center line ML It runs centrally through the area to be illuminated and divides it into two large parts. In particular, it runs through the two centers of gravity of the area. SF1 and SF2 the two sub-areas T1 and T2 The center line ML clearly shows that it runs diagonally in the area of ​​the intervening lane. The center line ML is therefore particularly not in the direction of the intervening lane 20 parallel. In the example of the Fig. 3 recognizes the navigation system 13 The number of lanes and the existence of an exit or junction are recorded, and this data is transmitted to the control unit. 14 A sensor designed as a camera 12 recognizes in the example of the Fig. 3, that the motor vehicle 11 on the far left lane, the actual lane 16, is arranged. Using appropriate image processing, the camera can detect properties of the road markings. 18 It can recognize. In particular, it can recognize whether the road markings 18 solid or dashed lines. Furthermore, the lateral distance to the motor vehicle can also be indicated. 11 as well as the curvature of the road markings 18 This can be determined. Image processing can be performed by both the camera and the control unit. 14 This can happen. However, the camera can also only transmit image information from the control unit. 14 transmit, whereby the control unit 14 The image processing is performed. This involves processing the data from the sensor. 12 and the navigation system 13 The information provided is transmitted to the control unit, in particular by means of a BUS technology, for example by means of a CAN network. 14 transmitted. Based on all this information, the control unit 14the actual lane 16 as well as the designated lane 17 determine this. Based on this, the area BF to be illuminated can be calculated. This is done, for example, by adding offset values ​​to the corner points of the lane light parameters. Based on the sensor 12 and the navigation system 13 The control unit can use the transmitted information 14 Determine the area BF to be illuminated and select the appropriate projection unit. 15 control. The projection unit 15 It can be designed as a high-resolution spotlight to implement a high-resolution light distribution.

[0035] The examples and explanations mentioned above show how the function of the SL lane light can be enhanced with an additional lighting function. With the help of this invention, the lane light can be... SL to be transformed into a route light. The route light is the area to be illuminated. BF shows to a driver of the motor vehicle 11 intuitively make a necessary lane change from the current lane 16 onto the designated lane 17 to follow a desired route. This allows necessary lane changes or exits to be displayed more clearly by adjusting the light distribution accordingly. The route lighting can intuitively project the necessary route guidance information onto the road surface. The driver of the vehicle 11 He does not have to take his eyes off the road and is thus illuminated by the route light, i.e., by the area to be illuminated. BF , assists with navigation. 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 102014000935 A1

[0003] DE 102013222467 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Light projection device (10) for a motor vehicle (11) to assist in route guidance with, - a sensor (12) for detecting an actual lane (16) on which the motor vehicle (10) is currently located, - a navigation system (13) for providing a target lane (17) different from the actual lane (16) for route guidance, - a control unit (14) which calculates an area (BF) to be illuminated based on the actual lane (16) and the intended lane (17), wherein the area (BF) to be illuminated has a larger extent along a direction of travel (20) of the motor vehicle than perpendicular to the direction of travel (20) and the area (BF) to be illuminated has a first sub-area (T1) with a first centroid (SF1) which lies on the actual lane (16), wherein the first sub-area (T1) extends over the entire width of the actual lane (16) and the area (BF) to be illuminated has a second sub-area (T2) with a second centroid (SF2) which lies on the intended lane (17), wherein the second sub-area (T2) extends over the entire width of the intended lane (17), - a projection unit (15) which projects light onto the area (BF) to be illuminated as calculated by the control unit (14). [2] Light projection device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the area (BF) to be illuminated is formed in one piece. [3] Light projection device (10) according to claim 2, wherein a center line (ML) located in the direction of travel (20), which divides the area (BF) to be illuminated into two equal sub-areas, is differentiable. [4] Light projection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the area (BF) to be illuminated is symmetrical. [5] Light projection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the area (BF) to be illuminated has a center of gravity (SF) which lies on the intended lane (17). [6] Light projection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the center of gravity (SF1) of the first sub-area (T1) is located on the actual lane (16) and the center of gravity (SF2) of the second sub-area (T2) is located on the intended lane (17). [7] Light projection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second sub-area (T2) comprises at least 30%, in particular more than 50% of the area (BF) to be illuminated. [8] Light projection device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the area (BF) to be illuminated in one piece leads from the actual lane (16) to the intended lane (17) and the two lanes (16, 17) are not arranged directly next to each other. [9] Light projection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (12) is designed as a camera and is able to detect different road markings (18) by means of image processing. [10] Light projection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to add offset values ​​to parameters of a light distribution for calculating the area (BF) to be illuminated. [11] Light projection device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the offset values ​​are assigned to a distance to the motor vehicle (11) and the offset values ​​are determined as a function of the distance to the motor vehicle (11) in order to calculate a continuous area to be illuminated (BF) starting from the actual lane (16) to the intended lane (17). [12] Motor vehicle (11) with a light projection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [13] Method for assisting in route guidance for a motor vehicle (11) with a navigation system (13), a sensor (12) and a projection unit (15) by performing the following process steps: a) Detecting the actual lane (16) on which the motor vehicle (11) is currently located using the sensor (12), b) Providing a target lane (17) different from the actual lane (16) for route guidance by a navigation system (13), c) Calculating an area (BF) to be illuminated as a function of the actual lane (16) and the intended lane (17), wherein the area (BF) to be illuminated has a larger extent along a direction of travel (20) of the motor vehicle (11) than perpendicular to the direction of travel (20), and the area (BF) to be illuminated has a first sub-area (T1) with a first centroid (SF1) located on the actual lane (16), wherein the first sub-area (T1) extends over the entire width of the actual lane (16), and the area (BF) to be illuminated has a second sub-area (T2) with a second centroid (SF2) located on the intended lane (17), wherein the second sub-area (T2) extends over the entire width of the intended lane (17). e) Projecting light onto the surface to be illuminated (BF).

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