Projection device for a motor vehicle and method for projecting optically perceptible elements

Abstract

Projection device (1) for a motor vehicle for projecting optically perceptible figures onto surfaces, comprising a light source (2) which is suitable and intended for emitting radiation and a figure-generating element onto which at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the light source strikes, wherein this figure-generating element has a first light-transmitting area (B1) which at least partially transmits the radiation emitted by the light source (2) and striking the figure-generating element, and a second light-blocking area (B2) which blocks the radiation emitted by the light source and striking the figure-generating element.According to the invention, the second area is scattering and / or reflecting for the radiation emanating from the light source and striking the figure-generating element (4), and the projection device (1) has a radiation-directing device (6) which is suitable and intended to supply at least a portion of the radiation reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the figure-generating element to a further light system.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection device for projecting optically perceptible elements, and in particular a logo projector for a motor vehicle. So-called logo projectors with imaging elements, also known as gobo (graphical optical blackout) projectors or MLA (micro lens array), generate a graphic on a projection surface by projection.

[0002] Currently, the light is focused and used by a single optical element. A portion of the light passes through the imaging element, forming the graphic. The remaining portion is lost or absorbed within the light module, or in the worst case, even generates (multiple) reflections within the housing, stray light, and ghosting. In any case, a portion of the light output is wasted.

[0003] It is known that gobo projectors are used in the automotive industry by various car manufacturers. There, they are usually part of the exterior lighting and project graphics and logos, for example, into the entry area.

[0004] Because some of the light that creates the graphic is allowed to pass through (principle of slide projection), a large part of the generated light is not used.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2017 206 325 A1 discloses a vehicle light and a vehicle with a vehicle light. In this case, a light distribution pattern is projected onto a road. US patent 2016 / 0161913A1 describes an optical device for reproducing three-dimensional images.

[0006] DE 10 2018 220 514 A1 relates to an optical device with at least one light source and an optical element. The optical element has an input coupling body for the light from the light sources and a microlens array as an output coupling body. A mask array is arranged between the input coupling body and the microlens array. At least one light source is assigned to each microlens and simultaneously to each mask of the mask array.

[0007] EP 3 588 187 A1 relates to an image projection system with an LED light source and a gobo made of borosilicate glass, ceramic glass, or a quartz glass substrate (as a support for image generation). This system reduces the color temperature fluctuations of the LED light source and prevents the LED's lifespan from being shortened by light reflections from the gobo.

[0008] From US patent 2017 / 0 097 130 A1, it is known that a gobo consists of a substrate with at least one edge and a body extending from this edge, having two faces and a structural network on at least one of these faces, which generally extends to the edge. An optical pattern is arranged on or through the body, the structural network on the body extending only to one edge of the optical pattern. The structural network is integrally bonded to the substrate.

[0009] A light pattern generator, as defined in US 4,779,176A, produces an image that is projected onto a stage or screen. The image is generated from a beam of light. The light pattern generator consists of a heat-resistant glass plate with a reflective layer on one side.

[0010] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of utilizing a larger portion of the (output) light required for logo projection. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] A projection device according to the invention for a motor vehicle for projecting optically perceptible figures, for example one or more logos, emblems, notices, symbols, information, warnings, and / or the like, onto surfaces, has a light source which is suitable and intended for emitting radiation. In addition, a figure-generating element is provided, onto which at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the light source strikes (i.e.,In particular, the light source and the figure-generating element are arranged such that the radiation emanating from the light source hits the figure-generating element, wherein this figure-generating element has a first light-transmitting area that at least partially transmits the radiation emanating from the light source and hitting the figure-generating element, and a second area and in particular a light-blocking area that blocks the radiation emanating from the light source and hitting the figure-generating element (where the term blocking is understood here in particular as distinct from the term transmitting).

[0012] According to the invention, the second area is scattering and / or reflecting for the light (or radiation) emanating from the light source and striking the figure-generating element, and the projection device has a radiation-directing device which is suitable and intended to supply at least a portion of the radiation reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the figure element (in particular the radiation transmitted by the first area or the radiation scattered and / or reflected by the second area) to a further lighting system.

[0013] Instead of the term "figure-generating element" used in the present application, the term "image-generating element" could also be used. These terms are to be considered synonymous.

[0014] It is therefore proposed that, unlike in the prior art, the radiation not used for projection is not lost but made available to another lighting system. In this way, a higher utilization rate of the original light output can be achieved.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the figure-generating element itself can also act as a radiation-directing device (or as part of such a radiation-directing device), for example, by arranging this figure-generating element in the beam path of the light emitted from the light source in such a way that a certain proportion of this light is deflected, for example, reflected, in a direction in which it can be used for another purpose. This principle can also be reversed by generating the graphic through the reflective surface and directing the transmitted light into another system. In the prior art, unused light is either absorbed or substantially reflected back to the light source.

[0016] Preferably, the figure-generating element can also serve as a radiation-guiding device by being inclined in a beam path of the light emitted by the light source. Preferably, the figure-generating element is arranged such that the surface forming the second region forms an angle with the incident beam direction of the light from the light source that lies between 70° and 90°, preferably between 80° and 89°, more preferably between 85° and 89°, and particularly preferably between 88° and 89°.

[0017] In addition, the figure-generating element can also act as a radiation-guiding device by transmitting those radiation components that are not used for projection, thus enabling them to be used for other purposes. Generally, the radiation-guiding device could also be called a radiation-directing device; however, within the scope of this application, the term radiation-guiding device will continue to be used consistently, whereby guiding the radiation does not necessarily mean deflecting the radiation.

[0018] Preferably, the light or, more generally, the radiation emitted from the light source is used for two different illumination purposes, with the figure-generating element preferably splitting the light for the first and second illumination purposes. Therefore, the figure-generating element preferably acts as a beam splitter, with the beam splitting being effected by the different areas.

[0019] Preferably, the light source is a white light source. In particular, the light source comprises at least one, and preferably several, LEDs. The light source can be monochromatic or multichromatic. Parallelized light is preferably used. The light source can be one or more LEDs; however, other light sources are also conceivable, such as lasers, incandescent lamps, mercury lamps, halogen lamps, translocating elements, etc.

[0020] Preferably, the figure-generating element is designed as a planar element. This means that the figure-generating element preferably extends in a longitudinal direction and in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, as well as in a thickness direction, wherein the extent in the thickness direction is significantly less than the extent in the longitudinal and width directions and preferably less than 10% of the extent in the longitudinal and width directions. In general, the gobo / dia can also have a concave or convex, inclined, or freeform surface. This is explained in more detail below.

[0021] Particularly preferred is the inclusion of at least one optical element arranged between the light source and the figure-generating element. This element may be, for example, a lens or the like.

[0022] The figures (which are generated or can be generated by the figure generation element) can be, in particular, letters, numbers, symbols, shapes, mixtures of several elements, and the like. The figure generation device can be, for example, an MLA, a (glass) slide, or a so-called gobo (graphic optical blackout). It can be mounted on a glass or plastic substrate or consist of a metal element with isolated areas.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the radiation guidance device is suitable and designed to direct the radiation passing through (or transmitted from) the first area or the radiation reflected and / or scattered by the second area to a further lighting system.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the radiation passing through this first area reaches the surface, and the radiation striking the second area does not reach the surface.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the radiation passing through this first area does not reach the surface, and the radiation striking the second area does reach the surface.

[0026] These proposed variants represent possible configurations where, on the one hand, the transmitted light is not used for logo generation, and on the other hand, the reflected light is used for logo generation (or, more generally, for figure generation). Preferably, the radiation emitted by the light source is visible wavelength. It can also be used for non-visible wavelengths (e.g., UV or infrared light invisible to the human eye, which is used for communication between vehicles).

[0027] Preferably, the MLA and / or glass slide or gobo consists of a substrate element that is sealed with a layer, particularly a light-tight layer, in those areas that are not intended to transmit light. This layer can, for example, be a chrome layer. Preferably, the graphic is cut out so that light is transmitted through these cutouts.

[0028] The layer, for example a chrome layer (the so-called blackout), forms a mirror and reflects the light back into the light module or light source in the prior art, where it is absorbed by light-absorbing material in the prior art.

[0029] The invention proposes that, instead of reflecting the light back into the housing, it should be directed into a second light path and fed to a new parallel lighting system by means of a clever arrangement of the optical elements (and in particular the figure-generating element itself). This could, for example, be another logo projector, a video projector, a light guide for vehicle ambient lighting, or a luminaire (as is known from the prior art), as mentioned below. With a clever arrangement, additional projectors could also be connected. Controllable shutters can also be inserted between the individual lighting systems to control, limit, or interrupt the luminous flux based on time or as needed.

[0030] It is possible that the light path is directed to a further light-emitting surface using additional mirrors, light guides, prisms, lenses, etc. In this case, the radiation-directing device preferably includes at least one such element.

[0031] Conversely, the principle could also be implemented by using a gobo where, instead of allowing the projected light to pass through the slide, the graphic is made of chrome or another reflective material. The light is then reflected, and the projection optics direct this reflected image onto the projection surface. The light passing by the mirror or the figure-generating element is then preferentially directed into the second system.

[0032] In this way it is possible to provide a combination of static image source (MLA, slide, gobo) and the use of the reflective properties of the "blackened" area to supply the light to a second lighting system.

[0033] In one embodiment, the radiation-directing device directs the radiation to at least one further light-emitting surface. This light-emitting surface can be a component of said further optical system. In this way, this further light-emitting surface can also serve as a further radiation source for another lighting system.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the radiation guiding device comprises at least one light-refracting and / or light-guiding and / or light-reflecting element. Particularly preferably, this light-refracting and / or light-guiding and / or light-reflecting element is selected from a group of elements that includes mirrors, light guides, prisms, or lenses.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the projection device includes an optical imaging unit arranged between the figure-generating element and the surface. Preferably, this optical imaging unit serves to project the figure onto said surface.

[0036] The additional lighting system is particularly preferred if it is selected from a group of lighting systems that includes another projection device, a video projector, lighting, and ambient vehicle lighting. This allows, for example, the light to be used to illuminate another element of the vehicle.

[0037] The present invention is further directed to a motor vehicle with a projection device of the type described above.

[0038] The present invention further relates to a method for projecting optically perceptible figures onto surfaces for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source which emits radiation and a figure-generating element onto which at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the light source strikes, wherein this figure-generating element has a first light-transmitting area which at least partially (and preferably completely) transmits the radiation emitted by the light source and striking the figure-generating element, and a second light-blocking area which blocks the radiation emitted by the light source and striking the figure-generating element.

[0039] According to the invention, the second area is scattering and / or reflecting, and in particular reflecting, for the radiation emanating from the light source and striking the figure-generating element, and the projection device has a radiation-guiding device which directs at least a portion of the radiation reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the figure-generating element to a further light system.

[0040] A reflective design is understood in particular to mean that at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 80% and preferably at least 90% of the incident radiation is reflected.

[0041] It is therefore also proposed from a procedural standpoint that at least some of the radiation that hits the figure-generating element should be used for further applications.

[0042] Preferably, the projection device is configured, suitable, and / or intended to execute the method described above, as well as all process steps already described above in connection with the method, individually or in combination. Conversely, the method can be equipped with all features described within the scope of the projection device, individually or in combination.

[0043] The present invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a projection device for a vehicle as described above, according to one embodiment. The vehicle may in particular be a (motorized) road vehicle.

[0044] A vehicle can be a motor vehicle, which is in particular a driver-operated vehicle ("driver only"), a semi-autonomous vehicle, an autonomous vehicle (for example, at autonomy levels 3, 4, or 5 (according to the SAE J3016 standard)), or a self-driving vehicle. Autonomy level 5 refers to fully automated vehicles. The vehicle can also be a driverless transport system. In this case, the vehicle can be driven by a driver or drive autonomously. Furthermore, in addition to a road vehicle, the vehicle can also be an air taxi, an aircraft, or another means of transport or vehicle type, such as an aircraft, watercraft, or rail vehicle.

[0045] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings:

[0046] It shows: Fig. 1 a projection device in a first embodiment to illustrate the principle underlying the invention; Fig. 2. the division of the luminous flux into a primary and a secondary system using reflective elements; Fig. 3 the construction of a character generation element in the form of a Graphical Optical Blackouts (GOBO); Fig. 4a,b The division of the luminous flux into a primary system and a secondary system using a GOBO (negative image and positive image) Fig. 5 The division of the luminous flux into a primary system and subsequent systems Two, Three, etc. using reflective GOBOs; Fig. 6a,b another embodiment of a projection device according to the invention using reflective light surfaces; Fig. 7a,b another embodiment of a projection device according to the invention using reflective light surfaces; Fig. 8a,b another embodiment of a projection device according to the invention using a lens; Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b another embodiment of a projection device according to the invention using reflective surfaces; Fig. 10, Fig. 15 another embodiment of the projection device according to the invention; Fig. 11 another embodiment of the projection device according to the invention; Fig. 12 another embodiment of the projection device according to the invention; Fig. 13 a schematic representation of a further possible design; and Fig. 14 a projection device according to the invention with the in Fig. 13 shown design.

[0047] Fig. Figure 1 shows a representation of a projection device. In particular, the figure-generating element 4 is shown, which transmits a portion of the light that then reaches an imaging optic 12 and subsequently projects an image. Fig. Section 1 therefore explains the principle underlying the invention according to one embodiment. The portion reflected by the figure-generating element 4 enters a system 2 and can be used there. The transmitted portion enters the system 1 and is preferably imaged by an imaging optic 12.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a more detailed representation of the principle using the figure generation element 4. Fig. 2. Figure generation element 4 in this case has a slide carrier (e.g. glass or plastic), shown here as not filled, and a blackout (or the masking that creates the image ( Fig. 3 B2) in this case in the form of a reflective layer (e.g., made of chrome), shown here as a checkered pattern. Preferably, the figure-generating element 4 consists of the slide carrier and the blackout. The figure-generating element 4 masks the light beam so that only a portion of the light B1 is transmitted and subsequently imaged. The light that does not pass through the mask is transmitted in a second light beam B2 and can be used further in a separate system 20. In this case, too, the figure-generating element 4 also acts as a light-guiding device, whereby the light-guiding consists of reflecting the light desired for further use and directing it to a subsequent system 20. (i.e., guided by the character generation element).

[0049] This results in the luminous flux being divided into a primary system and a second system using reflective Graphical Optical Blackouts (GOBO) or Graphical MLA.

[0050] Fig. Figure 3 shows a representation of a figure-generating element 4 in the form of a reflective graphical optical blackout (GOBO). This figure-generating element has a first region B1 that transmits incident light. In this way, for example, the Fig. Figure 5 is projected onto a projection surface. Reference symbol B2 indicates a reflective portion of the figure-generating element 4, which scatters or preferentially reflects the incident light.

[0051] In this way, the in Fig. The mask shown in Figure 5 is projected onto a projection surface. The light reflected by the reflective area B2 can be used for other applications. This approach can also be reversed, so that the reflected part of the light is used to display the graphic and the transmitted part is used in a second system. The principle is described in the Fig. 4 a and b illustrate.

[0052] The Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows a simplified representation of the situation in which the figure-generating element 4 also acts as a radiation-directing device 6. In area B1, the light is transmitted and can thus be used for projection. In area B2, the light is reflected and can thus be used for another application. Conversely, it would also be conceivable that the light reflected from area B2 is used for projection and the transmitted light is supplied to another lighting system.

[0053] This results in the luminous flux being split into a primary system and a second system using reflective graphical optical blackouts (GOBO) or graphical MLA. In the Fig. In the situation shown in 4a, the graphic representation is carried out by System 1 using a negative of the GOBO. The residual light is used in System 2. In the Fig. In the situation shown in 4b, the graphical representation is carried out by System 1 using a positive image of the GOBO. The residual light is used in System 2.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a projection device. Here, two projection surfaces 20 and 28 are again provided, onto which figures can be projected by means of two figure generation elements 4. A further portion of the incident light is reflected along arrow P3 to another application 32.

[0055] In this configuration, both figure-generating elements 4 also act as radiation-directing devices, because they each direct the reflected radiation to a further application 28, 32. In this way, further lighting applications could also be supplied with radiation.

[0056] This involves splitting the luminous flux into a primary system and subsequent systems 2, 3, etc., using reflective Graphical Optical Blackouts (GOBO) or Graphical MLA.

[0057] The Fig. 6a and Fig. Figure 6b shows two further embodiments of the present invention. Here, a projection is used for the application of GOBOs with a reflective light surface for residual light utilization. The illumination here is from the left. Two prisms 44 and 42 are provided, between which an air gap 46 is formed. The reference numeral 40 refers to the entire optical system. Here, too, part of the light is used for... Fig. Part of the material was directed to system 1. Another part was directed to system 2. Preferably, the air gap has a width greater than 2 µm, preferably greater than 3 µm, preferably greater than 4 µm, and particularly preferably greater than 5 µm. Preferably, the air gap has a width less than 30 µm, preferably less than 20 µm, preferably less than 15 µm, and particularly preferably less than 10 µm.

[0058] At Fig. 6a. The graphic representation is carried out by System 1 using the negative of the GOBO - and the residual light is used in System 2. Fig. 6b the graphic representation is carried out by system 1 using a positive of the GOBO and residual light is used in system 2.

[0059] The Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b shows a similar situation to the Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b. At the in the Fig. 7a, Fig. In the situation shown in 7b, the light is emitted from the upper right.

[0060] The Fig. 8a and Fig. Figure 8b shows a further procedure. Here, a lens 52, preferably a field lens 52, is used as an additional element.

[0061] During the Fig. 9a and Fig. In the situation shown in 9b, the GOBO 4 is used again to supply both systems with light.

[0062] Fig. Figure 10 shows a projection device 2 according to the invention in a further embodiment. A radiation source or light source 2 is provided which emits light here to the left along the arrow.

[0063] Reference symbol 4 designates the figure-generating element. It can be seen that a portion of the emitted light passes through the figure-generating element and is focused onto a projection surface 10 via an imaging optic 12. The imaging optic here has three lenses, but a different number of lenses can also be used.

[0064] This means that a figure is projected onto the projection surface 10 here by the transmitted light.

[0065] A further portion of the light is reflected and directed to a light guide 62. This light guide can then direct the light to another application. By arranging the figure-generating element 4 at an angle of 45° (preferably as perpendicular as possible, but not perpendicular, for example, between 85° and < 90°) relative to the incident light, the back side of the figure-generating element, or a reflective part thereof, also acts as a light-guiding device, enabling a portion of the light emitted by the light source 2 to be used for other lighting systems. The light guide 62 is also preferably a component of the light-guiding device. Generally, however, it is preferred if the figure-generating element is positioned approximately orthogonally to the light path.

[0066] These can be different types of lighting systems, but especially additional lighting or the like.

[0067] Fig. Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a projection device 1. Here, a light source 2 is again provided, which projects a figure onto the projection surface 10 via the figure generation element 4.

[0068] A further portion of the light is reflected by the back of the figure-generating element, which in turn functions as part of a light-guiding device 6, and passes through a light-mixing device (e.g., light tunnel; tube with reflective walls, light guide, curved / straight / expanding diffuser, etc., or Fly's Eye Array; single- or double-sided multi-lens array, etc.) 24 and, if necessary, additional optics for optimized illumination / light distribution (*reference in image) onto another figure-generating element 4 and from there onto another imaging optic 26, where it is projected onto a projection surface. Reference numeral 25 designates a lighting device or lighting optic. Reference numeral 13 designates an imaging optic.

[0069] In this case, light is used to project two figure elements onto two projection surfaces.

[0070] Fig. Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of a projection device 1. In this embodiment, the light from the light source (not shown) is also partially transmitted or imaged onto the projection surface 10, but partially reflected back into another light system 20, which may, for example, be another figure-generating element, a lighting element, or a video projection. Reference numeral 6 denotes a mirror.

[0071] Fig. Section 13 explains a further principle that can be used for the present invention. The slide (or GOBO) does not necessarily have to be designed as a minimally thin element in the imaging plane; it can also be an image on a highly reflective block. Here, a negative image of the projection is displayed. The image is directed through the opening(s) in the slide into a second light system. The shape can also be concave, convex, freeform, or "oblique," depending on how the light is to be directed.

[0072] Fig. 14 shows the application of the in Fig. 13. In principle, a graphic can also be displayed from the transmitted light, which is then projected into system 2 by an imaging optic. The residual light would then be used further in system 1.

[0073] Several implementation options are conceivable. The "GOBO" can also consist of individual light guides, individual optical fibers, or light tunnels with a reflective surface. Small, separate graphic points (pixels) can be isolated, or they can be connected shape elements. The "tunnels" do not have to run in a straight line but could change direction as desired, as long as the light is not reflected back into system 1. The light entering the openings is, however, passed through within the opening and into a second system.

[0074] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. Reference symbol list 1 Projection device 2 light sources 4. Character generation element 6 Light guidance system 10 projection surfaces 12 Imaging optics 20 other applications or optics 24 Light mixing unit 28 Imaging optics / further lighting system 26 Imaging optics 62 fiber optic cables B1 first area B2 second area

Claims

[1] Projection device (1) for a motor vehicle for projecting, preferably, optically perceptible figures onto surfaces, comprising a light source (2) which is suitable and / or intended for emitting radiation and a figure-generating element (4) onto which at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the light source strikes, wherein this figure-generating element (4) has a first light-transmitting area (B1) which at least partially transmits the radiation emitted by the light source (2) and striking the figure-generating element (4) and a second light-blocking area (B2) which blocks the radiation emitted by the light source and striking the figure-generating element (4), characterized by, that the second area is scattering and / or reflecting for the radiation emanating from the light source and striking the figure-generating element (4) and the projection device (1) has a radiation-directing device (6) which is suitable and / or intended to supply at least a portion of the radiation reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the figure-generating element to a further lighting system. [2] Projection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the radiation steering device (6) is suitable and / or intended to direct the radiation passing through the first area or the radiation reflected and / or scattered by the second area to the further lighting system. [3] Projection device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the radiation passing through this first area (B1) reaches the surface and the radiation hitting the second area (B2) does not reach the surface, or that the radiation passing through this first area (B1) does not reach the surface and the radiation hitting the second area (B2) does reach the surface. [4] Projection device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radiation steering device (6) directs the radiation to at least one further light emission surface. [5] Projection device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the radiation guiding device (6) has at least one light-refracting and / or light-guiding and / or light-reflecting element, wherein preferably this light-refracting and / or light-guiding and / or light-reflecting element is selected from a group of elements which includes mirrors, light guides, prisms or lenses. [6] Projection device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the figure-generating element (4) also acts as part of the radiation-guiding device (6), and / or that the radiation-guiding device (6) includes the figure-generating element (4). [7] Projection device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the projection device (1) has an optical imaging unit (12) which is arranged between the figure-generating element (4) and the surface (10). [8] Projection device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the additional lighting system is selected from a group of lighting systems which includes an additional projection device, a video projector, lighting and vehicle ambient lighting. [9] Motor vehicle with a projection device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims. [10] Method for projecting optically perceptible figures onto surfaces for a motor vehicle comprising a light source (2) which emits radiation and a figure-generating element (4) onto which at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the light source strikes, wherein this figure-generating element has a first light-transmitting area (B1) which at least partially transmits the radiation emitted by the light source (2) and striking the figure-generating element, and a second light-blocking area (B2) which blocks the radiation emitted by the light source and striking the figure-generating element (4), characterized by, that the second area (B2) is scattering and / or reflecting for the radiation emanating from the light source and striking the figure-generating element (4) and the projection device (1) has a radiation-directing device (6) which directs at least a portion of the radiation reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the figure-generating element (4) to a further light system.

Images