Method for locating a motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for locating a motor vehicle (1) by giving a light signal detectable by a person (4) via a lighting device (5, 6) of the motor vehicle (1), comprising the following steps: a) Determining the position of a wireless communication device (8) carried by the person (4) relative to the motor vehicle (1), b) Identification of at least one object obstructing the view that is in a direct line of sight (22) of the person (4) to the motor vehicle (12). c) when identifying such an object (12) identifying one or more potential surfaces (13, 14, 15) in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (1) onto which a light signal can be emitted via the lighting device (5, 6), d) Determining the existence of a direct line of sight (19, 20, 21) of the person (4) to a potential surface (13, 14, 15) taking into account the position of the person (4), e) Determination of an area (14) onto which the light signal is directed, based on the results of steps c) and d). f) Projecting a light signal onto the area (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for locating a motor vehicle by emitting a light signal that can be detected by a person and emitted via a lighting device of the motor vehicle.

[0002] To make it easier to find a parked motor vehicle, it is known that when the motor vehicle is unlocked using a radio key, which can be done from a distance, the motor vehicle emits a light signal via one of its lighting devices, which can be detected by the approaching person, who can then determine the position of the vehicle. This makes it easier to find the vehicle, for example, if it is parked in a parking garage where there are many other vehicles. Such a light signal can, for example, be projected onto the ceiling of the parking garage or an adjacent wall of the parking garage. Motor vehicles that have such a system are known, for example, from DE 20 2020 101 998 U1 or US 2007 / 017040 A1. It is also known that when the vehicle is unlocked, it emits flashing signals, i.e. the direction indicators flash briefly several times to make it easier to find the vehicle.

[0003] However, the existing systems usually require direct eye contact, meaning that the user can either see their vehicle from the front, side, or rear, so that any indicator signal can be detected, or that they can see a ceiling or wall illuminated by a light signal. However, this is not always the case, making it difficult to locate the vehicle in such cases.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the problem of providing an improved method for locating a motor vehicle.

[0005] To solve this problem, a method for locating a motor vehicle by emitting a light signal that can be detected by a person and emitted via a lighting device of the motor vehicle is known according to the invention, comprising the following steps: a) Determination of the position of a wireless communication device carried by the person relative to the motor vehicle, b) Determination of at least one object located in the person’s direct line of sight to the motor vehicle and blocking the view, c) when such an object is identified, identification of one or more potential areas in the vicinity of the motor vehicle onto which a light signal can be emitted via the lighting device, d) Determination of the existence of a direct line of sight of the person to a potential area, taking into account the position of the person, e) Determination of an area onto which the light signal is radiated, based on the results of steps c) and d), f) Applying a light signal to the area.

[0006] The method according to the invention enables the localization of the own vehicle even when the vehicle itself is not directly visible, i.e. when the view of the motor vehicle is blocked by an object blocking the view.

[0007] In step a), the position of a wireless communication device carried by the person relative to the motor vehicle is first determined. For example, the person carries a radio key, a mobile phone, or a similar device that can communicate with the motor vehicle as a wireless communication device in order to send an unlocking signal to the vehicle. If, for example, such an unlocking signal is sent, or if the wireless communication device authenticates itself to the motor vehicle in another way, making it clear that an authorized person is approaching the vehicle, the relative position of this communication device, and thus also the relative position of the person, to the motor vehicle is determined via a vehicle-based detection device.The absolute position of the person in the motor vehicle is known to the detection device; for example, this can be detected using a well-known GPS (Global Positioning System). The relative position can be detected, for example, using suitable initial sensors in the communication device. In any case, according to step a), position information describing the position of the communication device or the person relative to the motor vehicle is available, so that the detection device that carries out or controls the entire method has information about the spatial conditions regarding the position of the vehicle and the person. A detection device can, in principle, be a control device that controls the components integrated into the method according to the invention and controls the method.

[0008] In the next step b), the motor vehicle uses the detection device to determine whether there is an object blocking the person's view in the direct line of sight to the motor vehicle. The person's relative position is known from step a). The motor vehicle is now able to use suitable sensors to detect whether there is an object between the motor vehicle and the person that blocks the person's view of the motor vehicle. If such an object is detected, it is ensured that the person cannot see the motor vehicle directly and therefore cannot recognize any light signal on the vehicle itself.The motor vehicle is equipped with suitable sensors for object detection, for example corresponding environmental sensors, which allow scanning or recording of the vehicle's surroundings and provide corresponding environmental information, based on which the detection device can determine whether a corresponding object is in the field of vision and blocks the view or not.

[0009] If such an object was identified in step b), step c) involves identifying one or more potential areas in the vicinity of the motor vehicle onto which area or areas a light signal can generally be emitted via the motor vehicle's lighting device. In this step, the motor vehicle, in turn, detects the vehicle's surroundings using suitable sensor technology comprising one or more environmental sensors in order to use the sensor information via the detection device to determine whether there are one or more potential areas that are generally suitable for illumination via the lighting device, i.e. for emitting the light signal. Such a potential area is, for example, a wall surface, i.e. a vertical wall, but also a ceiling surface. Since a headlight system is primarily used as the lighting device, wall surfaces in particular come into consideration as potential areas.

[0010] If, in step c), one or more potential areas which are fundamentally suitable for illumination and thus for emitting a light signal have been identified, the next step d) is to check whether one or which of the several potential areas can not only be directly illuminated by the lighting device, but are also fundamentally visible to the person. It is therefore determined whether or not the person has a direct line of sight to a potential area, taking the person's position into account. As explained, in step a), the relative position of the person to the motor vehicle is known. In step c), the position of a potential area is known. In step d), the determination device now checks whether or not the person has a direct view of the respective potential area from their position.For localization, it is necessary for the person to be able to see the surface in order to detect the light signal projected onto it. Therefore, in step d), it is determined not only whether a potential surface is generally suitable for illumination with a light signal, but also whether it is visible to the person and whether the person can generally perceive the given light signal.

[0011] Once the determination results from steps c) and d) are available, in step e) a specific area is determined that is suitable for emitting the light signal via the lighting device and for detecting the light signal by the person. The determination results from steps c) and d) are then evaluated accordingly in the detection device. Once the area has been determined, in step f) the light signal is emitted onto the area. This means that the vehicle-mounted lighting device, or a lighting device, such as a headlight, is controlled accordingly so that the specific, selected area is illuminated accordingly, producing a sufficiently bright light signal that can be perceived by the person on the area.By detecting this light signal, the person is guided toward their own vehicle, even if it is not directly accessible, either because it is obscured by the detected object or by other objects such as other parked vehicles or the like, or because it is not directly accessible. Since the light signal can, of course, be given for a certain duration, the person can therefore easily find the vehicle, even if it is not directly visible or accessible.

[0012] The method according to the invention therefore makes it easier to locate one's own motor vehicle, even if it is "hidden" in an obscure or not directly accessible position.

[0013] As described, any wireless communication device can be used to locate a person. The communication device simply needs to be capable of communicating with the motor vehicle or a corresponding detection or control device. Furthermore, it must be capable of authentication so that only authorized interaction can occur. The communication device is preferably a radio key, via which an unlocking signal can be sent wirelessly. This can be used as a trigger signal for initiating the method according to the invention.

[0014] According to an expedient development of the invention, it is conceivable that in step a) not only the position of the communication means but also the distance of the communication means to the motor vehicle is determined, wherein steps b) to e) are preferably only carried out if the distance is greater than a minimum distance, in particular ten meters. If the communication means and thus the position are already very close to the motor vehicle, i.e. only a few meters away, it is usually sufficient if only the light signal is emitted, since this ultimately illuminates the area around the motor vehicle to a certain extent, which can be recognized by the person who is already quite close to the motor vehicle. However, if the person is further away, this is often not possible due to the lack of visibility, which is why carrying out the method according to the invention is expedient.For this purpose, the invention also determines the distance of the communication device, and thus of the person, from the motor vehicle. It is expedient to use this information to determine whether or not the method is necessary. This means that the method can be omitted if the person is closer to the vehicle than a predefined minimum distance, for example, ten meters. However, if the determined distance is equal to or greater than the minimum distance, the method according to the invention can be implemented.

[0015] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the position determination in step a) is carried out continuously. This means that, for example, when an unlocking signal is sent via the communication means or the radio key, the method according to the invention is initiated, beginning with the position determination according to step a). However, this is not determined only once, but continuously recorded, even if steps b) to f) can subsequently be performed. This is because the person can continue to move after the unlocking signal has been sent and thus change their position, so that the boundary conditions under which the determinations are carried out in the subsequent steps can also change.For example, the person may move slightly away from the object blocking their view as a result of their movement and be able to see their own vehicle at a certain point in time, or their position relative to the object may change, so that an original potential area can no longer serve as a potential area, or other potential areas would otherwise exist, and so on. This means that the person's position is continuously tracked, with the implementation of subsequent steps being adapted based on the continuously recorded person position information and any changes thereto, and the investigation results may also change if necessary. This means that the entire process is ultimately continuously tracked and adapted to any change in the person's position.This exact position detection and thus also the detection of any even minor position changes is possible since, for example, radio keys have corresponding initial sensors, i.e. sensors sensitive in three spatial directions, which make it possible to detect accelerations and rotations around the three spatial axes.

[0016] As described, in step b) an object blocking the view is detected. For this purpose, a corresponding sensor system provided on the vehicle is used, comprising one or more environmental sensors, which can detect objects in the surroundings. Lidar sensors, which are often installed in motor vehicles, are preferably used for this purpose. In principle, however, other environmental sensors such as ultrasonic sensors or radar sensors are also conceivable, although different sensor types can of course also be used simultaneously in order to detect objects at different distances, since the aforementioned sensor types are designed for object detection in different distance ranges. The environmental sensor(s) thus scan the surroundings and provide corresponding environmental signals, based on which the detection device can detect a possible object, not only in terms of its position but also in terms of its size.In addition to determining whether an object is actually blocking the view, and therefore also has a corresponding size, a camera system installed in the vehicle can capture an image of the surroundings, which is then evaluated to identify the object. A potential object is visible in the camera image. The image information can be correlated with corresponding sensor information, allowing additional object identification, particularly with regard to object size and, if applicable, spatial orientation.

[0017] The determination of one or more areas representing a possible potential area, performed in step c), is also performed using vehicle-mounted sensors. Here, too, one or more environmental sensors are expediently used. Lidar sensors are preferred here, but in principle, ultrasonic sensors or radar sensors can also be used, and different sensor types can also be used simultaneously, provided they are installed in the vehicle. Here, too, the environmental sensors provide corresponding environmental information, which the detection device or control device can use to detect any potential area.

[0018] To determine whether a potential area can be illuminated with the light signal, a camera system fitted in the vehicle can be used to capture an image of the surroundings, which is then evaluated to determine the suitability of the area. Additional image information can also be captured and evaluated here, which can then be used to make the final determination as to whether a detected area is actually a potential area that can be illuminated with the light signal. As with the qualification of the object, the qualification of the potential area using the camera images is optional, as detection using the sensor signals can in principle already provide a sufficient basis. Nevertheless, the image data analysis represents an additional level of determination that can be used to substantiate the determination result.

[0019] As already described, a potential surface is a surface that lies in the direct light emission line of the lighting device and, at the same time, is in the direct line of sight of the person. To determine the best possible suitability of a potential surface, it is expedient in a further development of the invention if, in step c), an angle that a potential surface forms relative to the motor vehicle and / or the person is also determined. The potential surface is usually a flat wall surface. According to the embodiment of the invention, the angle that the motor vehicle and thus the potential beam axis of the lighting device has to the surface and / or the angle that the line of sight or visual axis of the person in their current position forms to the flat surface is determined. Ideally, the beam axis and the visual axis run at the same angle, i.e., the angle of incidence would be essentially equal to the angle of reflection.However, this will often not be the case. Nevertheless, the corresponding angles should, of course, be within a range that allows the light signal to be detected. If the plane of the wall surface were to run almost parallel to the person's line of sight or visual axis, meaning that the person could only view the potential surface at a very small angle, this would be far less suitable than a surface that the person could view at a much larger angle of several degrees.

[0020] The area in step e) can expediently be determined by triangulation. Triangulation can easily determine an area that is both directly connected to the motor vehicle, i.e., can be directly illuminated and consequently the beam axis runs directly onto the area, and that is also in direct line of sight to the person. This triangulation analysis can also include the angle of the area to the motor vehicle, to the beam axis of the lighting device, or to the person's line of sight. In principle, the area determined is the one that has a high or the highest probability of a direct line of sight to both the motor vehicle and the person.

[0021] A matrix LED lighting device is preferably used as the lighting device, i.e. a lighting device, for example a headlight, which has a correspondingly large LED array, wherein the individual LEDs can be controlled separately, and the beam direction can be changed via the LED array, for example via a corresponding micromirror array, as is well known. Such a matrix LED lighting device enables appropriate beam shaping and beam deflection so that the light beam and thus the light signal can be spatially varied. It is expedient if the light source used, regardless of type, is or has a projection device, wherein the given light signal is generated in such a way that any distortion of the projected light signal visible on the surface is corrected. The lighting device regularly shines onto the surface at an angle.If, for example, the light signal conveys relevant information, such as a logo or a word or something similar, and not just the brightness, it is possible to generate the light signal via the projection device in such a way that any distortion of the image on the surface is corrected, meaning that, for example, a projected light signal logo can be seen in its correct, undistorted form, and the like. In particular, the angle at which the potential surface lies to the motor vehicle or the lighting device or its beam axis can be taken into account. The person therefore sees an undistorted illuminated image and can perceive its information content correctly and directly.

[0022] The light signal itself can be white or, preferably, colored. It can, alternatively or additionally, also be represented as a symbol, for example, as a brand logo or a word symbol or similar. The color and / or size and / or symbol can be varied depending on the distance of the motor vehicle from the area. The distance to the potential area can already be detected in method step c), in which one or more potential areas are determined, particularly if this area detection is carried out using suitable environmental sensors such as lidar sensors or similar sensors. Based on this distance information, the projected light signal can then be varied accordingly with regard to color, size and / or symbol type, if necessary.

[0023] In addition to the method itself, the invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one lighting device, one or more environmental sensors, one or more camera devices, and a control device that communicates with the environmental sensor(s) and the camera device(s) and controls the lighting device, and that is configured to carry out the method according to the embodiments described above. The control device thus has a suitable, programmed algorithm capable of acquiring and evaluating the various vehicle components that provide the corresponding information and generating the corresponding detection results.For this purpose, the control device communicates with the communication device, the environmental sensor(s), and the camera device(s). The algorithm enables it to process and evaluate their information accordingly, and the corresponding units can also be controlled via this algorithm, for example, to conduct targeted information queries and the like. The control device therefore also simultaneously functions as a corresponding detection device, generating the corresponding detection results and, based on these results, ultimately controlling the lighting device. This can be controlled via the control device not only with regard to the emission of the light signal, but also with regard to any signal shaping for distortion correction, signal variation depending on distance, or similar.The control device can be a single control unit, i.e. a central control device, or several control units can be integrated and coupled, which together form the control device.

[0024] Lidar sensors are preferred as environmental sensors, meaning the vehicle is equipped with such sensors. However, ultrasonic or radar sensors can also be integrated.

[0025] The lighting device itself is preferably a projection device or includes one, allowing appropriate beam shaping and beam direction. It is preferably a matrix LED lighting device.

[0026] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings.

[0027] This shows a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention in a typical parking situation in a parking garage. Next to motor vehicle 1, there are other motor vehicles 2, 3. A person 4 wants to get to motor vehicle 1, but no longer knows exactly where it is. For this purpose, a light signal can be emitted via motor vehicle 1, which the person 4 can recognize and guide to their motor vehicle 1, even if the person 4 cannot directly see the motor vehicle 1 itself.

[0028] The motor vehicle 1 has two lighting devices 5, 6, in the example shown, matrix LED headlights, which have the ability to shape the light and variably emit the light in different directions. Also provided is a communication device 7 that can communicate with a radio key 8 carried by the person 4. An unlocking signal can be sent via the radio key 8 to the communication device 7, which then unlocks the motor vehicle 1.

[0029] Furthermore, several environmental sensors 9 are provided in the front and rear areas, with the environmental sensors 9 preferably being lidar sensors. Furthermore, a camera device 10 is provided, in the example shown a front camera and optionally also a rear camera.

[0030] Finally, a central control device 11 is provided, which communicates with the described components and can, in particular, control one or both lighting devices 5, 6 to emit a light signal that serves to locate the motor vehicle 1. In addition to communicating with the components and controlling them, the control device 11 also serves to determine relevant information in the context of implementing the localization method according to the invention.

[0031] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, the person 4 first emits an unlocking signal with the radio key 8, which is detected by the communication device 7, which then causes the motor vehicle 1 to be unlocked. This process is a trigger signal that initiates the implementation of the method according to the invention for emitting the light signal. Within the scope of this method, the position of the radio key 8 carried by the person 4, which is a wireless communication means, relative to the motor vehicle 1 is first determined. This can be done, for example, by the control device itself, which on the one hand knows absolute position data of the motor vehicle 1, for example GPS data, and which on the other hand is able to communicate with inertial sensors provided in the radio key 8, if necessary also via the communication device 7.In any case, the relative position of the radio key 8 to the motor vehicle 1 can be detected by the control device 11, and possibly also by the communication device 7.

[0032] As part of determining the position of the radio key 8, a distance between the radio key 8 and the motor vehicle 1 can also be detected. If this distance is less than a minimum distance, for example, ten meters, the method can be omitted, since it can then be assumed that the person 4 is sufficiently close to the motor vehicle 1 and can therefore recognize almost every flashing or light signal emitted by the motor vehicle 1. However, if, as assumed here, the distance between the radio key 8 and thus the person is greater than the minimum distance of, for example, ten meters, the method according to the invention is carried out.

[0033] The next step is to check whether there is any object in the direct line of sight of person 4 to motor vehicle 1 that would block their direct view. For this purpose, the environmental sensors 9 can record corresponding environmental data, which the control device 11 can use, for example, to evaluate whether such an object is present or not. This is possible once the position of the radio key 8 and thus of person 4 is known. The environmental sensors 9 now provide environmental data. In the present case, this data includes, for example, the motor vehicle 3 parked to the left of the motor vehicle 1 and a larger object 12, for example a wall that extends to the ceiling. The control device 11 can therefore detect such an object 12 based on the data from the environmental sensors 9, so that after this step it is clear that person 4 cannot directly recognize the motor vehicle 1.The direct line of sight 22 of person 4 to motor vehicle 1 is obviously blocked by the object.

[0034] Since it is now known that a corresponding view-obstructing object 12 is present, the next step is to determine whether one or more potential surfaces exist in the vehicle's surroundings onto which a light signal can be projected. The environmental information acquired via the environmental sensors 9 is used for this purpose. For example, the front-side environmental sensors 9 detect three potential surfaces 13, 14, 15, which, as larger surfaces, are certainly suitable for projecting a light signal via one of the lighting devices 5, 6. For example, a light signal can be projected onto surface 13 via the lighting device 5, albeit at a very shallow angle. A light signal can in principle be projected onto surface 14 via both lighting devices 5, 6. A light signal can only be projected onto surface 15 via the lighting device 6, and here too at a relatively shallow angle.In principle, however, all three surfaces 13, 14, 15 are suitable as potential surfaces for irradiation to deliver the light signal.

[0035] During this step, an environmental image can also be recorded using camera device 10 – in this case the front camera, which is therefore directed forwards – which shows the situation in front of the motor vehicle and also shows areas 13, 14, 15. This can be used to further qualify such an area as a potential area. If, for example, it turns out that there is a large break in area 14, even locally, this area can be marked out, meaning that it is generally not considered a potential area, and the like. The image information from camera device 10, which in turn is processed in control device 11, can thus be used to verify or qualify the determination result resulting from the evaluation of the sensor signals from environmental sensors 9.

[0036] The result of this step is in any case that there are one or more potential surfaces in the vicinity of motor vehicle 1 onto which a light signal can be radiated.

[0037] In this step, an angle can also be recorded at which the respective potential surface 13, 14, 15 runs either to the motor vehicle 1 or its longitudinal axis or to a line of sight of the person 4. This angle can be included in subsequent further processing, which will be discussed below. It is clear that the surfaces 13, 14, 15 are at significantly different angles, particularly to the motor vehicle 1 or its longitudinal axis. While surface 14 runs almost orthogonally to it, surfaces 13 and 15 run at very shallow angles to it. There, light would therefore be projected at a very shallow angle, while surface 14 can be projected at a larger angle. The corresponding beam or projection axes are shown in the figure.While the beam or projection axis 16 of the lighting device 5 runs at a very small angle to the surface 13, the beam or projection axis 17 of the lighting device 5 runs at a significantly larger angle to the surface 14. The beam or projection axis 18 of the lighting device 6 onto the surface 15 runs at a somewhat larger angle compared to the angle of the beam or projection axis 16 onto the surface 13.

[0038] It is then checked whether one of the potential surfaces 13, 14, 15 is directly visible to person 4, i.e., whether a direct line of sight to one of these surfaces 13, 14, 15 exists. This is possible since the control device knows the relative position of the radio key 8 and thus of person 4. As the figure shows, a direct line of sight 19 exists from the person to the potential surface 13. Likewise, a direct line of sight 20 exists from person 4 to the potential surface 14. However, there is no line of sight 21 to the potential surface 15; rather, the object 12 is in the way there.

[0039] From the position information regarding the radio key 8 or the person 4, in conjunction with the angle that the respective surface 13, 14, 15 forms relative to the motor vehicle 1, it is also possible to determine the angle at which the line of sight 19, 20 extends to the respective surface 13, 14. Likewise, the angle at which the respective beam or projection axis 16, 17 extends to the respective surface 13, 14 is known. A corresponding evaluation by the control device 11 in this case reveals that, although the potential surface 13 is clearly visible, it can hardly be illuminated with the light signal because the angle of incidence is too small. However, for surface 14, an acceptable angle exists both from the line of sight 20 and the beam or projection line 17, so that the potential surface 14 is selected as the surface onto which the light signal is radiated, which is subsequently performed via the lighting device 5.

[0040] The light signal is projected, for example, as a colored light spot or as a symbol, word, or other image, which is easily possible with the lighting device 5 described above in the form of a matrix LED lighting device with an integrated projection device. Furthermore, the projection device, controlled by the control device 11, can project the light signal in such a way that the light signal is projected without distortion, meaning, for example, that the given symbol or vehicle logo on the surface 14 is perceived undistorted by the person 4.

[0041] The corresponding area determination can be carried out, for example, by triangulation, after the control device 11 has all the information, both concerning the position and the orientation, as well as the corresponding positions and spatial orientations of potential areas. Continuous tracking of the position of the radio key 8 and thus of the person 4 can also be carried out, since any movement can naturally change the boundary conditions underlying the method-based determination of an area, meaning that the method or system operates adaptively. It is also conceivable, once the distance of a potential area from the motor vehicle 1 can be determined, if the area is determined based on the environmental sensor data, that the light signal is adapted depending on the given distance.For example, the color or brightness of the given light signal may change depending on the distance, or its size and the like. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This 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

[0000] DE 20 2020 101 998 U1

[0002] US 2007 / 017040 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method for locating a motor vehicle (1) by emitting a light signal which can be detected by a person (4) and emitted via a lighting device (5, 6) of the motor vehicle (1), comprising the following steps: a) determining the position of a wireless communication device (8) carried by the person (4) relative to the motor vehicle (1), b) Determination of at least one object 12 located in a direct line of sight (22) of the person (4) to the motor vehicle and blocking the view), c) upon detection of such an object (12), detection of one or more potential areas (13, 14, 15) in the surroundings of the motor vehicle (1) onto which a light signal can be radiated via the lighting device (5, 6), d) determining the presence of a direct line of sight (19, 20, 21) of the person (4) to a potential area (13, 14, 15) taking into account the position of the person (4), e) determining an area (14) onto which the light signal is radiated, based on the results of the determination of steps c) and d), f) Applying a light signal to the surface (14). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that a radio key (8) is determined as a means of communication. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that in step a) in addition to the position also the distance of the communication means (8) to the motor vehicle (1) is determined, wherein preferably steps b) - e) are only carried out if the distance is greater than a minimum distance, in particular of 10 m. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the determination of the position in step a) is carried out continuously. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in step b) one or more environmental sensors (9), in particular lidar sensors, provided in the motor vehicle (1) are used to determine an object (12) obstructing the view. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in order to determine one or more areas representing a possible potential area (13, 14, 15) in step c), one or more environmental sensors (9) provided in the motor vehicle (1), in particular lidar sensors, are used. [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by in that, in order to qualify whether an object (12) blocks the view and / or whether a potential area (13, 14, 15) can be irradiated with the light signal, an image of the surroundings is recorded by means of a camera device (10) provided in the motor vehicle (1), which image is evaluated to determine the object (12) and / or the suitability of a potential area (13, 14, 15). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in step c) an angle which a potential surface (13, 14, 15) takes relative to the motor vehicle (1) and / or the person (4) is determined. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the determination of the area (14) in step e) is carried out by triangulation. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light source (5, 6) used is or comprises a projection device, wherein the given light signal is generated in such a way that a distortion of the projected light signal visible on the surface is corrected. [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light signal is displayed in color and / or as a symbol. [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized bythat the colour and / or the size and / or the symbol is varied depending on the distance of the motor vehicle (1) to the surface (14). [13] Motor vehicle, comprising at least one lighting device (5, 6), a communication device (7) communicating with the communication means (8), one or more environmental sensors (9), one or more camera devices (10), and a control device (11) which communicates with the communication device (7), the environmental sensor(s) (9) and the camera device(s) (10) and controls the lighting device (5, 6), and which is designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims. [14] Motor vehicle according to claim 13, characterized by that the environmental sensors (9) are lidar sensors. [15] Motor vehicle according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that the lighting device (5, 6) is or comprises a projection device.

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