Arrangement of an optical display device on a component of a motor vehicle and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (1) of an optical display device (2) on a component (5) of the motor vehicle (4) arranged on an outside (3) of a motor vehicle (4), in which the optical display device (2) has at least one light source (18) for emitting light into an environment (11) of the motor vehicle (4), wherein at least one optical marking (27) perceptible to a person (12) located outside the motor vehicle (4) in an area (28) located in a blind spot (13) can be displayed on a surface (29) by means of the light emitted by the light source (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement of an optical display device on a component of a motor vehicle arranged on the outside of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating an optical display device of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 8.

[0002] DE 10 2015 208 651 A1 discloses a vehicle with a device for indicating a blind spot of the vehicle with a first optical device by means of which a first light beam of at least one first wavelength in a predetermined first wavelength range and / or with a first polarization can be sent only into a first solid angle range around the vehicle, wherein the first solid angle range is a blind spot of the vehicle or a solid angle range disjoint from all blind spots of the vehicle.

[0003] Furthermore, a safety system for a vehicle is known from DE 10 2015 009 442 A1, wherein the vehicle has areas in the surroundings that are not visible to a driver, so-called blind spot areas, comprising a light source for emitting light and a projection system for projecting the light emitted by the light source onto a roadway surrounding the vehicle in such a way that the blind spot areas of the vehicle are projected onto the roadway in a planar fashion.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement of an optical display device on a component of a motor vehicle and a method for operating an optical display device of a motor vehicle, so that the safety of the motor vehicle, in particular pedestrian protection of the motor vehicle, can be particularly increased.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by an arrangement of an optical display device on a component located on the outside of a motor vehicle, comprising the features of claim 1, and by a method for operating an optical display device of a motor vehicle, comprising the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement of at least one optical display device on at least one component of the motor vehicle, which is arranged, and in particular mounted, on an outer surface, particularly on the exterior surface. Thus, the arrangement can be understood to mean, in particular, an arrangement of the optical display device on or on the exterior surface of the motor vehicle. The optical display device is therefore arranged outside the interior of the motor vehicle. This means that the display device is not located within the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0007] The interior, which can also be referred to as the vehicle interior, can be understood to mean, in particular, the passenger compartment or passenger space of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is, for example, a car, especially a passenger car, a commercial vehicle, or a truck. Preferably, the motor vehicle, particularly in its fully manufactured state, has the optical display device. The optical display device is arranged, at least indirectly, and in particular directly, on the component, and especially mounted there.

[0008] The optical display device comprises at least one light source for emitting light into or towards the surroundings of the motor vehicle. Emitting light can be understood, in particular, as radiating light into the surroundings and / or illuminating the surroundings by means of the light source. This means that the light, especially light generated by the light source, can be emitted or radiated into the surroundings of the motor vehicle, or is emitted or radiated. The light source is specifically designed to generate the light. The optical display device can therefore be understood as an illuminated element, which can be referred to, in particular, as a lighting device.The light source can comprise one or more lighting elements for emitting light into the surroundings, particularly separate lighting elements. Furthermore, the optical display device can be understood to include at least one illuminated and / or backlit optical display element, as comprising the light source.

[0009] To significantly enhance the safety of the motor vehicle, particularly pedestrian protection and / or the safety of other vehicles, the invention provides that at least one optical marking, perceptible or perceived by at least one person outside the motor vehicle, can be displayed, for example projected, onto a surface in at least one area located in a blind spot, by means of the light emitted by the light source, particularly into the surroundings, especially to warn the person of the blind spot. This means that the blind spot, and in particular the surface located in the blind spot, is marked, i.e., provided with the optical marking, by means of the light emitted by the light source.In other words, it is intended that, by means of the optical display device, in particular by means of the light emitted by the light source, at least one area of ​​the background characterizing the blind spot can be marked, in particular optically, for example illuminated or irradiated.

[0010] The term "displaying the marking" can refer in particular to showing the marking on the surface. The term "marking the blind spot" can refer in particular to indicating the blind spot to the person.

[0011] For example, it is provided that, particularly for displaying the marking, light emitted by the light source can be directed, and is directed, by means of the light source specifically, and in particular exclusively, towards the area located in the blind spot on the surface. For the targeted emission of the light, the optical display device, in particular the light source, has, for example, at least one lens optic and / or at least one mirror optic.

[0012] The visual marking can include colors, text, symbols, and / or pictograms, particularly for warning of blind spots. This means that the light source can emit information in the form of colors, text, symbols, and / or pictograms to represent the marking.

[0013] The phrase "the person is outside the motor vehicle" can be understood to mean, in particular, that the person is in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. This means that the person is not inside the motor vehicle, especially not in the interior. The person could be, for example, a pedestrian or a cyclist. Alternatively, the person could be, for example, a driver or passenger of another vehicle separate from the motor vehicle, such as another motor vehicle.

[0014] A blind spot can be understood to be, in particular, an area that is not visible, or only with great difficulty visible, to the driver of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, a blind spot can be understood to be, in particular, an area that the driver cannot see despite using mirrors, especially rearview mirrors, for example, to the side, in front of, and / or behind the vehicle. This means that the blind spot cannot be seen by the driver using the vehicle's mirrors, especially the interior and / or exterior mirrors. Therefore, a person is considered to be within the driver's field of vision, particularly if they are outside the blind spot.

[0015] Preferably, the motor vehicle has wheels by which it can be supported on the ground. Each wheel is rotatable on its respective axle. In particular, each wheel rolls on the ground while the motor vehicle is moving. The ground can therefore be understood to be, in particular, a roadway. The marking is thus, in particular, a road marking, which can also be referred to as a road marking.

[0016] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: In principle, it is conceivable to affix stickers to a vehicle indicating the blind spot in order to alert pedestrians. Such conventional stickers can thus be used to warn of the blind spot. However, such a sticker is purely passive and, in particular, cannot take into account the person's current position in the surroundings. Furthermore, it is conceivable in principle to warn the person of the blind spot by means of a lenticular image, especially a passive one. Such a passive element could warn the person of the blind spot, since the person can be warned when they are in the blind spot, thus indirectly knowing where the blind spot is located. However, such a lenticular image is typically passive and without backlighting.Especially at night, this can affect the visibility of the lenticular image because pedestrians cannot fully see the vehicle, its dimensions, and the driver. They may also be tired and therefore have limited attention, which can also have a negative impact. Furthermore, the lenticular image can only indicate to a person whether they are currently in the blind spot or not; it cannot tell them exactly where the blind spot is located, thus preventing them from being informed about the remaining distance to it.

[0017] In contrast, the arrangement according to the invention can warn a person of the blind spot both when they are in it and when they are not, or not yet, in it. The latter can be achieved by optically marking the person to indicate the exact position of the blind spot, thus preventing them from moving towards it. This can prevent or significantly reduce accidents caused by pedestrians or drivers of other vehicles misjudging their visibility, particularly using side mirrors (blind spots).This means that the safety of the vehicle can be significantly increased in the event of accidents involving a person outside the vehicle, particularly pedestrians or drivers of other vehicles, especially if the person is in the blind spot or if there is a risk of them entering the blind spot. This significantly enhances pedestrian protection. The visual marking effectively prevents people from misjudging whether or not they are in the blind spot. Furthermore, the light emitted by the light source, especially in the form of the visual marking, effectively warns people of the blind spot, even at night or in darkness.Overall, it is evident that by means of the arrangement according to the invention, in particular in the form of the optical display device, an active lighting element can be provided to indicate the likely blind spot, in particular to prevent accidents.

[0018] Furthermore, it is provided that, in addition to the optical marking, the person outside the vehicle can be illuminated, particularly directly, by means of the light emitted by the light source if the person is in the blind spot, and that the person is not illuminated if they are outside the blind spot. This means that the person in the blind spot can be illuminated by the light emitted by the light source, and the person outside the blind spot cannot be illuminated by the light emitted by the light source.In other words, the light emitted by the light source is designed to be directed into a first area, specifically a first angular area, and is perceptible to a person when they are in that first area. Perception of the light is impossible when the person is in a second area, distinct from the first. Specifically, the first area is the blind spot or a portion thereof. This allows the person to be clearly alerted to their position within the blind spot, thereby significantly improving safety and preventing accidents.

[0019] For example, it is intended that the light intended for illuminating the person can be emitted, or is emitted, by means of a second light element of the light source, distinct from the primary light element. Alternatively, it is of course possible that the light intended for illuminating the person and the light intended for optical marking are emitted, or can be emitted, by means of the same lighting element.

[0020] To further enhance the safety of the motor vehicle, particularly pedestrian protection and / or the safety of other vehicles, it is also provided, alternatively or additionally, that the optical display device exhibits at least one image that is distinct from the optical marking and perceptible to a person outside the motor vehicle. In other words, the optical display device includes the image information that is perceptible or visible to a person outside the motor vehicle. This image information can be understood to be, in particular, visual information, such as an image.Furthermore, the optical display device comprises several optical elements designed as lenses and / or prisms, through which the image information or the image itself can be displayed to the person as an illuminated lenticular image, particularly by means of the light source, depending on the person's viewing angle to the optical display device. This means that the image information can be displayed or perceived by the person as an illuminated lenticular image by means of the optical elements, depending on the viewing angle from which the person looks at the optical display device.In other words, the optical display device illuminates the image information, or rather the image, for a person outside the vehicle, depending on their viewing angle. This image is displayed as a lenticular image. Put another way, the optical elements display different image information for a person in a different position around the vehicle compared to a person in a different position. This means that the illuminated image information is perceived differently by the person in the first and second positions.The positions are preferably those where the person has a direct view of the optical display device, in particular the image information or the image itself. The term "lens raster image" can thus be understood to mean, in particular, an active lens raster image, which is based at least partially on the light emitted by the light source, for example, by means of the illumination element or the second illumination element. This allows for particularly good visibility of the lens raster image, i.e., the warning against the blind spot, for the person, especially in darkness or at night.

[0021] The term "optical elements" can refer in particular to the optical components of the optical display device. The fact that the image information can be displayed to the person as a lenticular image can be understood to mean, in particular, that the image information can be displayed to the person by means of the optical display device, especially by means of the optical elements, using lenticular technology. Thus, the optical display device preferably incorporates, and in particular illuminated, lenticular technology, which is why the optical display device can be specifically referred to as a lenticular device. The lenticular image can be specifically referred to as a lenticular image or a prism image. In particular, the lenticular image can be understood to be a lenticular image or a flickering image.This means that the image information can be displayed to the person, depending on their viewing angle, according to the principle of a lenticular image. Thus, an effect known from lenticular images can be used to display the image information to the person, particularly depending on their viewing angle. Using the optical display, at least one safety-relevant piece of information can be shown to a person outside the vehicle, depending on their viewing angle and therefore their position in the vehicle's vicinity. This allows the person to be informed about hazards such as blind spots.

[0022] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the image information can be displayed, or is displayed, by means of the optical elements for a person looking directly at the optical display device from the first viewing angle and who is located in the blind spot. This means that the image information is perceptible to the person when they are in the blind spot and are looking directly at the optical display device from the first viewing angle. In other words, it is provided that the image information, or the image itself, or the warning, can be displayed, or is displayed, to the person by means of the optical elements when they are in the first position located in the blind spot.Furthermore, it is provided that for a person looking at the optical display device from a second viewing angle, specifically directly, and located outside the blind spot, the display of image information, particularly the warning, by means of the optical elements is omitted. This means that the image information is not perceptible to the person if they are not in the blind spot. In other words, the person is not displayed by the optical elements if they are in the second position, which is outside the blind spot, that is, in particular, in an area visible to the driver of the vehicle.In other words, with regard to viewing angles and blind spots, the image information can only be displayed by the optical elements to the person who is looking at the optical display device from the first viewing angle and is located in the blind spot. This allows the person to be warned particularly reliably and clearly when they are in the blind spot. Thus, the safety of the vehicle, and especially pedestrian protection, can be significantly increased.

[0023] Alternatively, a further embodiment provides that the image information comprises at least one first image element and at least one second image element that differs from the first. It is provided that, for a person looking at the optical display device from the first viewing angle, particularly directly, and located in the blind spot, only the first image element can be displayed by means of the optical elements. This means that for a person looking at the optical display device from the first viewing angle and located in the blind spot, only the first image element can be displayed by means of the optical elements, and the second image element is not displayed.In other words, the optical display is designed so that, for a person viewing the display from the first angle and located in the blind spot, only the first image element is displayed. This means that, for a person viewing the display from the first angle, only the first image element is displayed when that person is in the blind spot and viewing the display from the first angle. Put another way, for a person viewing the display from the first angle, only the first image element is displayed when that person is in the blind spot.Thus, the first image element is perceptible to the person because the person is located in an area not visible to the driver and is looking at the optical display device from the first viewing angle. The second image element is preferably not perceptible to the person when the person is located in an area not visible to the driver and is looking at the optical display device from the first viewing angle. It is intended that for a person looking at the optical display device from the second viewing angle, particularly directly, and located in the blind spot, only the second image element can be displayed by the optical elements.This means that for a person viewing the optical display from a second angle and located in the blind spot, the second image element can be displayed by means of the optical elements, while the first image element is not displayed. In other words, for a person viewing the optical display from a second angle and located outside the blind spot (i.e., outside the driver's field of vision), only the second image element can be displayed as image information by means of the optical display.This means that the optical elements display the second image element for the person when the person is within the driver's field of vision and when the person is viewing the optical display from a second viewing angle. Conversely, the first image element is preferably not displayed when the person is within the driver's field of vision and when the person is viewing the optical display from a second viewing angle. In other words, the optical elements can only display the second image element for the person when the person is in the second position, which is within the driver's field of vision and outside the blind spot.Thus, the second image element is perceptible to the person when they are within the driver's field of vision and when they view the optical display from a second angle, while the first image element is preferably not perceptible to the person when they are within the driver's field of vision and when they view the optical display from a second angle. This allows the person to be clearly warned, for example, whether or not they are in a potentially hazardous area. Alternatively or additionally, the person can be warned regarding the severity or degree of the hazard. This significantly increases the safety of the vehicle.

[0024] The term "person viewing the optical display device from the respective angle" can be understood to mean, in particular, that the person is positioned in the vicinity of the motor vehicle in such a way that they are viewing the optical display device from the respective angle, especially directly. "Image information" can be understood to mean, in particular, illuminated image information. "Respective image element" can be understood to mean, in particular, a respective illuminated image element.

[0025] In a further embodiment, at least one electronic computing device is provided by means of which the light source, in particular the lighting element and / or the second lighting element, can be controlled for emitting the light, in particular for adjusting the range and / or intensity of the emitted light, depending on the current speed of the motor vehicle and / or depending on the current time and / or depending on the current date, in particular depending on the current season and / or depending on the current distance of the person from the motor vehicle. This means that the control is carried out or can be carried out depending on the current speed, the current time and / or the current date and / or the distance.In other words, the light emitted by the light source is designed to be emitted, or is emitted, depending on the current driving speed, the current time, the current date (especially the current season), and / or the distance between the person and the vehicle. Thus, the optical display device includes, for example, at least one adjustment device by which the light emitted by the light source, in particular its range and / or intensity, can be adjusted, preferably in a targeted manner, depending on the current driving speed, the current time, and / or the current date (especially the current season).The adjustment device includes, for example, at least one mirror optic and / or at least one intensity control. This allows the range of the light intended to illuminate the person and / or the optical marking, particularly the ground marking, to be adjusted, for example, independently of each other, depending on speed, time of day, season, and / or distance. The respective light can thus be emitted as needed, for example, to ensure particularly good visibility of the person. The distance-dependent adjustment allows for consideration of any potential hazards to a person, especially those located in the blind spot.

[0026] For example, it is stipulated that the blind spot is an area obstructed for the driver's view of the vehicle by at least one vehicle pillar, such as the A-pillar and / or C-pillar. This means that the driver's view into the blind spot, whether direct or caused by reflections, is prevented or can be prevented by the vehicle pillar. Thus, the person located behind the vehicle pillar relative to the driver can be particularly well protected, thereby significantly improving the vehicle's safety.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the component is designed as a body panel of the motor vehicle. A body panel can be understood to be, in particular, a component or part of a motor vehicle body, especially a self-supporting one. In other words, the optical display device is arranged at least indirectly, and especially directly, on the body panel of the motor vehicle. This allows the optical display device and the image information to be seen particularly well by the person. This significantly increases the safety of the motor vehicle.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the component is designed as a wing element, in particular as a vehicle door, of the motor vehicle. In other words, the optical display device is arranged at least indirectly, and in particular directly, on the wing element. This allows the optical display device, or the image information, to be seen particularly well by the person. This significantly increases the safety of the motor vehicle.

[0029] The wing element is preferably pivotable between at least two positions relative to a component of the motor vehicle, and in particular is held directly on the component of the motor vehicle. A first position is, for example, an open position, and a second position is, for example, a closed position. Particularly when the wing element is designed as a vehicle door, the interior of the motor vehicle is, for example, open in the open position, allowing a vehicle occupant to enter or exit the interior. In the closed position, the interior is preferably closed. The term "vehicle door" can be understood to refer in particular to a side door of the motor vehicle, which is, for example, designed as a driver's door or a passenger's door.

[0030] For example, the optical display device is designed to be located in the area of ​​the vehicle's A-pillar. In other words, the optical display device is positioned at least near or directly on the vehicle's A-pillar. This allows the optical display device and the image information it displays to be easily visible to the driver. Furthermore, multiple blind spots can be displayed, such as a blind spot obscured by the A-pillar and a blind spot obscured by the vehicle's C-pillar, ensuring that the driver, when in the respective blind spot, has a particularly good view of the display device located in the A-pillar area. This significantly enhances the vehicle's safety.

[0031] Overall, it is evident that the optical display device, in particular the light source, is mounted, for example, at least in the area of ​​the wing element and / or the A-pillar. This means that the optical display device is visible from virtually any or a particularly large number of viewing angles.

[0032] Alternatively, the optical display device is located, for example, in the area of ​​the C-pillar of the vehicle. In other words, the optical display device is located, for example, at least near or directly on the C-pillar of the vehicle.

[0033] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an optical display device of a motor vehicle. The method can be understood, in particular, as a method for operating an arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0034] The optical display device, which is arranged, in particular held, on a component located on the outside of the motor vehicle, has at least one light source by means of which light is emitted into or to the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

[0035] In order to increase the safety of the motor vehicle, in particular pedestrian protection of the motor vehicle, it is provided according to the invention that at least one optical marking perceptible to a person located outside the motor vehicle is displayed, in particular shown or projected, on a surface in an area located in a blind spot by means of the light emitted by the light source, in particular into the surroundings.

[0036] It is intended that the light emitted by the light source will illuminate the person outside the motor vehicle if the person is in the blind spot, and that the person will not be illuminated if the person is outside the blind spot.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the optical display device has at least one image information that is different from the optical marking and perceptible to the person located outside the motor vehicle and several optical elements designed as lenses and / or prisms, by which the image information is displayed to the person as an illuminated lens grid image depending on the person's viewing angle to the optical display device.

[0038] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0039] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention in which a person is located in a blind spot; and Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention, in which a person is located outside a blind spot; and Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention, in which a person is located in a further blind spot; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an optical display device of an arrangement according to the invention.

[0040] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0041] Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 3 each shows, in a schematic perspective view, an arrangement 1 of an optical display device 2 on a component 5 of the motor vehicle 4 located on an outer surface 3. In particular, the optical display device 2 is arranged, for example, directly on an outwardly facing surface of the component 5 or of the motor vehicle 4.

[0042] For example, component 5 is designed as a body component 6 of the body of the motor vehicle 4. For example, component 5 is designed as a wing element 7, which in this case is designed as a side door 8 of the motor vehicle 4. The optical display device 2 is, for example, part of the body or is designed separately from the body.

[0043] As in Fig. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 3, the optical display device 2 in the exemplary embodiment is arranged in the area of ​​an A-pillar 9 of the motor vehicle 4, in particular in the body of the motor vehicle 4. For example, the optical display device 2 is arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle below or below an exterior mirror 10 of the motor vehicle 4. Alternatively, the optical display device 2 is arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle above or above the exterior mirror 10.

[0044] As in Fig. 1 to 3 recognizable, is located outside the motor vehicle 4, that is, in an environment 11 of the motor vehicle 4, a person 12.

[0045] In Fig. 1. Person 12 is located in a blind spot 13, which can be specifically referred to as the first blind spot 13. In Fig. 3. The person is located in a second blind spot 14, which is different from the first blind spot 13 and can be described in particular as a further blind spot. In this case, the view is obstructed. Fig. 1 the A-pillar 9 a view of a driver of the motor vehicle 4 into the first blind spot 13, that is, in particular of the person located in the first blind spot 13. In Fig. 3. A C-pillar 15 of the motor vehicle 4, in particular the bodywork, obstructs the driver's view of the second blind spot 14, and in particular of the person 12 located in the second blind spot 14. In the second blind spot 14, the exterior mirrors 10 and / or rearview mirrors of the motor vehicle 4 do not provide a view, meaning that the person 12 cannot be seen by the driver via the exterior mirror 10 or the rearview mirror. Fig. 2. Person 12 is located outside the blind spots 13, 14, that is, not in any blind spot 13, 14. Thus, in Fig. 2. The driver's view of person 12 is not obstructed by vehicle pillars, for example, in the form of the A-pillar 9 and / or the C-pillar 15. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the respective blind spot 13, 14 is an area obstructed for the driver of the motor vehicle 4 by a vehicle pillar of the motor vehicle 4, namely, in the form of the first blind spot 13, an area obstructed by the A-pillar 9, and in the form of the second blind spot 14, an area obstructed by the C-pillar 15.

[0046] The respective blind spot 13, 14 is, for example, limited or formed by the respective boundaries of the driver's field of vision, and in particular at least partially, for example predominantly or completely. The boundaries of the field of vision are in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 illustrated by means of arrows 16. Since person 12 is in Fig. 1 and Fig. Since person 12 is located, so to speak, between the edges of the driver's field of vision, the person is not visible to the driver. The driver's view of person 12 is in Fig. 2 illustrated by means of an arrow 17, whereby in Fig. 2. The person is visible to the driver.

[0047] Fig. Figure 4 shows the optical display device 2 in a particularly schematic representation, for example in a side view relating to the motor vehicle 4. The optical display device 2 has at least one light source 18 for emitting light into the surroundings 11 of the motor vehicle 4. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the optical display device 2, in particular the light source 18, is designed to emit light, especially in a targeted manner, in several different directions 19 to 22, for example at least four directions 19, 20, 21, 22. This means that the light can be emitted, or is emitted, in several different directions 19 to 22 by means of the optical display device 2, in particular by means of the light source 18. In other words, the light is directed by means of the optical display device 2, in particular by means of the light source 18, into several different surrounding areas 23 to 26, for example at least four surrounding areas 23 to 26. The surrounding areas 23 to 26 are located in the respective directions 19 to 22 with respect to the optical display device 2, in particular with respect to the light source 18.This means that each of the respective ambient areas 23 to 26 is assigned one of the respective directions 19 to 22, so that, in particular, the emission of light into the respective ambient area 23 to 26 in the respective direction 19 to 22 assigned to the respective ambient area 23 to 26 can effect, or is effected. The light emitted in the respective direction 19 to 22 and / or into the respective ambient area can differ in its light intensity and / or light color from the light emitted from at least one other of the ambient areas 23 to 26 or in at least one other of the directions 19 to 22.

[0048] To significantly improve the safety of the motor vehicle 4, and in particular pedestrian safety, it is provided that at least one optical marking 27, perceptible to a person 12 outside the motor vehicle 4, can be displayed or shown on a surface 29, for example a roadway, in an area 28 located in one of the blind spots 13, 14, by means of the light emitted by the light source 18, in particular in at least one of the directions 19 to 22 and / or in at least one of the surrounding areas 23 to 26. This optical marking 27 is projected onto the surface 29 in the first and / or the second blind spot 13, 14. The surface 29 is separate from the motor vehicle.

[0049] For example, it is provided that the person 12 located outside the motor vehicle 4, i.e., in the surroundings 11, can be illuminated by means of the light emitted by the light source 18 or by means of a further light source of the optical display device 2 that is different from the light source, if the person is located in the respective blind spot 13, 14, and that the person 12 is not illuminated if the person 12 is located outside the respective blind spot 13, 14. The person 12 can thereby, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates that the optical indicator 2, specifically the illuminating element, allows the person 12 to recognize that they are in the respective blind spot 13, 14 and are therefore not seen or cannot be seen by the driver. It is possible that light emitted in different directions 19 to 22 and / or in different ambient areas 23 to 26 can be used to display the optical marker 27 and to illuminate the person 12.

[0050] For example, the optical display device 2 has at least one image information different from the optical marking 27 and perceptible or visible to the person 12 located outside the motor vehicle 4, and several optical elements designed as lenses and / or prisms, by which the image information can be displayed to the person 12 as an illuminated lens grid image depending on a viewing angle 30, 31, 32 on the optical display device 2.

[0051] For example, it is provided that for person 12 looking at the optical display device 2 from a first viewing angle 30 and located in the first blind spot 13, the image information can be displayed, in particular illuminated, by means of the optical elements, and is displayed, and for person 12 looking at the optical display device 2 from a second viewing angle 31, different from the first viewing angle 30, and located outside the respective blind spot 13, 14, the image information is not displayed by means of the optical elements. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the person is located in particular between the blind spots 13, 14, and in particular not in any blind spot 13, 14. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that for the person 12, who is looking at the optical display device 2 from a third viewing angle 32 different from the first and second viewing angles 30, 31 and is located in the second blind spot 14, the image information can be displayed or is displayed by means of the optical elements, in particular illuminated.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided, for example, that the image information has at least a first image element and at least a second image element that differs from the first image element, wherein for the person looking at the optical display device 2 from the first viewing angle 30 and located in the first blind spot 13, only the first image element can be displayed by means of the optical elements, and for the person looking at the optical display device 2 from the second viewing angle 31, which differs from the first viewing angle 30 and is located outside the respective blind spot 13, 14, only the second image element can be displayed by means of the optical elements.Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment it is provided that for the person 12 looking at the optical display device 2 from the third viewing angle 32 and located in the second blind spot 14, only the first image element or a third image element different from the first and the second image element can be displayed or is displayed with regard to the image elements.

[0053] In particular, it is provided that at least one warning for the person regarding the respective blind spot 13, 14 can be characterized by means of the light emitted by the optical display device 2, in particular the light source 18. This means that the optical marking 27 and / or the image information and / or the first image element characterizes the warning for the person.

[0054] In the Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, at least one electronic computing device 33 is provided by means of which the light source 18 can be controlled for emitting the light, in particular for adjusting the range and / or intensity of the emitted light, preferably depending on the current speed of the motor vehicle, the current time and / or the current date, especially the current season. Thus, the motor vehicle 4 preferably has at least one sensor element for detecting the current speed of the motor vehicle 4 and / or at least one time and / or date detection device for detecting the current time and date.For example, the electronic computing unit can be coupled to, or is coupled with, the sensor element and / or the time and / or date recording device to control the light source 18 depending on the current driving speed, the current time, and / or the current date. By controlling the light source based on the current driving speed, the emitted light, in particular the optical marker 27 shown, can be adjusted, for example, by increasing or decreasing its size. This significantly improves the visibility of the optical marker 27. Furthermore, for example, an increased risk to the person at higher driving speeds can be addressed by increasing the size of the optical marker 27; that is, an area not intended for human access can be enlarged.By controlling the system based on the current time, the emitted light, in particular the optical marker 27, can be adjusted depending on the time of day, i.e., specifically on the prevailing ambient light conditions. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided, for example, that the light source 18 for emitting the light, in particular for adjusting the range and / or the intensity of the emitted light, can be controlled by the electronic computing unit 33 depending on the current distance of the person from the motor vehicle.

[0055] Overall, it is evident that the optical display device 2 can be used to create a backlit optical display element, optionally with lens optics and / or a laser scan (mirror optics) or the like, to warn of the blind spot, i.e., the area in which a driver cannot see a pedestrian or can only see them very poorly. This optical display device 2 can be mounted in or on the component 5. For example, the optical display device 2 may only be visible from certain areas or may project information (colors, text, symbols, and / or pictograms) only in a specific direction. Additional information, not just warnings, can also be displayed. The light or information can illuminate the pedestrian directly, thus drawing their attention to the blind spot.Alternatively or additionally, an area relevant to the blind spot can be marked on the ground in the form of the surface 29, whereby a danger to other road users may exist in this area with regard to the blind spot. A mirror optic and / or an intensity control can be used to adjust the range of the light and / or the optical marking 27, which is specifically referred to as a ground marking, particularly independently of each other, for example, depending on speed, time of day, and / or season. In this respect, the distance of person 12 from a hazard source, i.e., in this case from the motor vehicle 4, can also be relevant information, because if person 12 is, for example, a particularly large distance, e.g., 50 meters, from the motor vehicle 4, but is nevertheless in a blind spot, the corresponding information is probably not needed by the person.It can therefore be provided that a maximum range of the emitted light is set such that the emitted light is visible to person 12 when person 12 is at a first distance from the motor vehicle 4, and the emitted light is not visible to person 12 when person 12 is at a second distance that differs from the first distance, in particular a greater distance than the first. List of reference symbols 1 arrangement 2 optical display device 3 Outside 4 Motor vehicle 5 building element 6 Body component 7 wing element 8 Side door 9 A-pillar 10 exterior mirrors 11 Environment 12 people 13 first blind spot 14 second blind spot 15 C-pillar 16 Arrow 17 Arrow 18 Light source 19 first direction 20 second direction 21 third direction 22 fourth direction 23 first surrounding area 24 second surrounding area 25 third environmental area 26 fourth surrounding area 27 optical marking 28 area 29 Underground 30 first view 31 second view 32 third perspective 33 electronic computing equipment

Claims

[1] Arrangement (1) of an optical display device (2) on a component (5) of the motor vehicle (4) arranged on an outer side (3) of a motor vehicle (4), in which the optical display device (2) has at least one light source (18) for emitting light into an environment (11) of the motor vehicle (4), wherein by means of the light emitted by the light source (18) at least one optical marking (27) perceptible by a person (12) located outside the motor vehicle (4) can be displayed in an area (28) located in a blind spot (13) on a background (29), characterized by , that • the person (12) located outside the motor vehicle (4) can be illuminated by means of the light emitted by the light source (18) if the person (12) is located in the blind spot (13), and the person (12) is not illuminated if the person (12) is located outside the blind spot (13), and / or • the optical display device (2) has at least one image information which is different from the optical marking (27) and can be perceived by the person (12) located outside the motor vehicle (4) and has a plurality of optical elements designed as lenses and / or as prisms, by means of which the image information can be displayed as an illuminated lenticular image for the person (12) as a function of a viewing angle (30, 31, 32) of the person (12) onto the optical display device (2). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that • for the person (12) looking at the optical display device (2) from a first viewing angle (30) and located in the blind spot (13), the image information can be displayed by means of the optical elements, and for the person (12) looking at the optical display device (2) from a second viewing angle (31) different from the first viewing angle (30) and located outside the blind spot (13), the image information is not displayed by means of the optical elements, or • the image information comprises at least a first image element and at least one second image element which is different from the first image element, wherein, for the person (12) looking at the optical display device (2) from the first viewing angle (30) and located in the blind spot (13), only the first image element can be displayed by means of the optical elements with respect to the image elements, and for the person (12) looking at the optical display device (2) from the second viewing angle (31) which is different from the first viewing angle (30) and located outside the blind spot (13), only the second image element can be displayed by means of the optical elements with respect to the image elements. [3] Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byat least one electronic computing device (33), by means of which the light source (18) can be controlled to emit the light, in particular to adjust a luminous range and / or a light intensity of the emitted light, depending on • a current driving speed of the motor vehicle (4) and / or • a current time and / or • a current date, especially a current season, and / or • the current distance of the person from the motor vehicle. [4] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the blind spot (13) is an area blocked for a driver of the motor vehicle by a vehicle pillar of the motor vehicle (4). [5] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the component (5) is designed as a body component of the motor vehicle (4). [6] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the component (5) is designed as a wing element (7) of the motor vehicle (4). [7] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the optical display device (2) is arranged in the region of an A-pillar (9) of the motor vehicle (4). [8] Method for operating an optical display device (2) of a motor vehicle (4), in which the optical display device (2), which is arranged on a component (5) arranged on an outer side (4) of the motor vehicle (4), has at least one light source (18) by means of which light is emitted into an environment (11) of the motor vehicle (4), wherein by means of the light emitted by the light source (18) at least one optical marking (27) perceptible by a person (12) located outside the motor vehicle (4) is displayed in an area (28) located in a blind spot (13) on a background (29), characterized by , that • the person (12) located outside the motor vehicle (4) is illuminated by means of the light emitted by the light source (18) if the person (12) is located in the blind spot (13), and the person (12) is not illuminated if the person (12) is located outside the blind spot (13), and / or • the optical display device (2) has at least one image information which is different from the optical marking (27) and can be perceived by the person (12) located outside the motor vehicle (4) and has a plurality of optical elements designed as lenses and / or as prisms, by means of which the image information is displayed as an illuminated lenticular image for the person (12) as a function of a viewing angle (30, 31, 32) of the person (12) onto the optical display device (2).

Images