Method and system for displaying a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle, and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method (30) for displaying a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle (2) on a display device (3) arranged in the motor vehicle (2), wherein the motor vehicle (2) has at least a first camera (4) for capturing a first environment area (5) of the motor vehicle (2) and a second camera (6) for capturing a second environment area (7) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein the first environment area (5) and the second environment area (7) have an overlapping area (8) and wherein the method (30) comprises the following steps: - Upon receiving an activation signal, display the first ambient area (5) on the display device (3) (31); - After receiving the activation signal, detect whether there is a malfunction of the first camera (4) (32); - Displaying the first ambient area (5) on the display device (3) if there is no malfunction of the first camera (4) (33), and alternatively displaying at least part of the second ambient area (7) on the display device (3) if there is a malfunction of the first camera (4) (34), - Issuing a notice to the driver of the motor vehicle (2) that, as a substitute, at least part of the second surrounding area (7) will be displayed on the display device (3) if there is a malfunction of the first camera (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a system for displaying a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle, wherein, in the event of a malfunction of a first camera attached to the motor vehicle, data acquired by a second camera attached to the motor vehicle, whose field of view overlaps with the field of view of the first camera, are displayed on the display device instead of the data acquired by the first camera.

[0002] To monitor the area behind a motor vehicle, the driver of the motor vehicle usually uses, in addition to the vehicle's interior mirror, left and right exterior mirrors, which are, for example, hinged to the side of the doors or the respective A-pillar.

[0003] Since exterior mirrors are usually located on the outside of the vehicle, they require additional width and thus create additional air resistance, especially at higher speeds, as they act as a wind deflector at higher speeds. An exterior mirror can increase a vehicle's drag coefficient (Cd value) by 5% or more at higher speeds, which in turn results in increased fuel consumption.

[0004] For this reason in particular, the function of the exterior mirrors in ordinary motor vehicles is increasingly supported by cameras and associated display units, or the exterior mirrors of the motor vehicle are completely replaced by cameras and associated display devices.

[0005] From publication DE 10 2012 215 026 A1, a method for operating a motor vehicle is known that has a first and a second camera designed to capture an area around the vehicle. Each camera captures a single image of a first field of view and a second field of view, with the fields of view overlapping in an overlapping area. Based on the image data of the individual images, object correction is performed, and subsequently, after the object correction has been carried out, a composite image is determined, which is then assembled based on the individual images.

[0006] The subsequently published document DE 10 2013 220 506 A1 describes a camera system for a vehicle with multiple vehicle cameras for generating camera images that depict areas of the vehicle's surroundings, whereby the fields of view of the vehicle cameras overlap at least partially. If a camera image transmitted by one vehicle camera fails due to a processing unit, the failed camera image is reconstructed at least partially based on other, at least partially overlapping, camera images from the remaining vehicle cameras, depending on the camera parameters of the remaining vehicle cameras.

[0007] However, since cameras used to capture the surrounding area of ​​a motor vehicle are usually located outside the passenger compartment, they are inevitably exposed to environmental influences, which can lead to malfunctions or even defects of the cameras, for example due to dirt or icing.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for displaying the vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle, with which the vehicle environment can also be viewed if there is a malfunction of a camera that detects the vehicle environment.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claims. Further advantageous developments are the subject matter of dependent claims.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, this problem is solved by a method for displaying the vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has at least one first camera for capturing a first environmental area of ​​the motor vehicle and a second camera for capturing a second environmental area of ​​the motor vehicle, and wherein the first environmental area and the second environmental area have an overlapping area. The method comprises the following steps: first, an activation signal to display the first environmental area on the display device is received, and after receiving the activation signal, it is detected whether there is a malfunction of the first camera. If it is detected that there are no malfunctions of the first camera, the first environmental area is displayed on the display device.If a malfunction of the first camera is detected, at least part of the second surrounding area will be displayed on the display device as a substitute.

[0011] The basic idea is therefore that, in the event of a malfunction of the first camera, data captured by a second camera attached to the vehicle, whose field of view overlaps with that of the first camera, should be displayed on the display device instead of the data captured by the first camera.

[0012] This method has the advantage that the vehicle's surroundings can still be viewed even if a camera capturing the vehicle's environment malfunctions. Because cameras for capturing the area around a vehicle are usually located outside the passenger compartment, they can malfunction or even fail due to environmental factors to which they are inevitably exposed, such as dirt or ice. Since, in this case, data captured by a second camera covering a second area of ​​the vehicle's surroundings, which overlaps with the first, is displayed on the screen, the desired areas of the vehicle's environment can still be shown on the screen, allowing the driver to view them.This can further increase driver comfort. A malfunction of the first camera is defined here as a temporary malfunction, a temporary failure, or a defect, resulting in the camera temporarily or permanently providing no data or only faulty data. The step of detecting whether a malfunction of the first camera exists can be performed once after receiving the activation signal or repeated multiple times during the period for which the first area of ​​the environment is to be displayed on the screen, for example, at regular intervals.

[0013] The substituted portion of the second environment can encompass the overlapping area. This ensures, in particular, that even if the first camera malfunctions, the first environment is at least partially displayed on the screen.

[0014] According to the invention, the method further comprises the following step: a message is displayed to the driver of the motor vehicle indicating that, in the event of a malfunction of the first camera, at least a portion of the second surrounding area will be shown on the display device. Thus, the first surrounding area and the portion of the second surrounding area shown as a substitute are generally not identical, except for the overlapping area.This warning alerts the driver that the first camera is malfunctioning and, consequently, the entire area of ​​the vehicle's surroundings is not displayed on the screen. This is because the first area and the displayed portion of the second area are not identical. The driver is thus made aware that the portion of the second area shown on the screen does not contain all the information about the first area and is merely a temporary representation. The driver is therefore advised to take further action to obtain complete information about the first area, such as performing a shoulder check.

[0015] The step of displaying a warning to the driver that, in the event of a malfunction of the first camera, at least part of the second area of ​​the surroundings is being shown on the display device, can include color-coding the displayed portion of the second area. This has the advantage that the driver can see the warning on the display device, precisely where they would intuitively expect to see the first area of ​​the surroundings. Furthermore, the warning can also take the form of other informational signals suitable for alerting the driver that not the entire first area of ​​the surroundings is being displayed, such as a pop-up window appearing on the display, a corresponding text message, or even an acoustic or haptic signal.

[0016] The first camera can be positioned on a side exterior of the vehicle, with the first area being the side rear of the vehicle, and the second camera can be positioned at the rear of the vehicle, with the second area being the rear of the vehicle. Since the function of exterior mirrors in ordinary vehicles is increasingly supported by cameras and associated display units, or the exterior mirrors are being completely replaced by cameras and associated display devices, even in the event of a malfunction of these cameras, a driver can still at least partially see the side rear area by displaying data captured at least partially by a reversing camera on the display device.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the motor vehicle may further have a third camera for capturing a third environmental area, wherein the first environmental area and the third environmental area have a second overlapping area, and wherein the method further comprises the following steps: the second environmental area and the third environmental area are combined to form a fused representation, and the fused representation is displayed on the display device if a malfunction of the first cameras occurs.Since the merged display thus encompasses parts of the second and third environmental areas, it can contain more information about the first environmental area. Consequently, the driver of the vehicle can glean more information about the first environmental area from the displayed merged display compared to a situation where, alternatively, only part of the second or part of the third environmental area is displayed on the screen in the event of a malfunction of the first camera. The merging of the second and third environmental areas into a single display may, in turn, involve performing object correction.

[0018] The first camera can be positioned at the rear of the vehicle, with the first area of ​​view being the rear of the vehicle; the second camera can be positioned on the left side of the vehicle, with the second area of ​​view being the left rear of the vehicle; and the third camera can be positioned on the right side of the vehicle, with the third area of ​​view being the right rear of the vehicle. This allows the driver to obtain information about the area behind the vehicle from the fused display shown on the screen, which is composed of data from cameras on opposite sides of the vehicle that replace the function of the side mirrors.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, a system for displaying the vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle is also provided, wherein the motor vehicle has at least a first camera for capturing a first environmental area of ​​the motor vehicle and a second camera for capturing a second environmental area of ​​the motor vehicle, wherein the first environmental area and the second environmental area have an overlapping area.The system comprises a processing unit for converting the first environmental area captured by the first camera into a first image data sequence, and the second environmental area captured by the second camera into a second image data sequence; a forwarding unit for forwarding the first and second image data sequences to the display device; a receiving unit for receiving an activation signal to display the first environmental area on the display device; and a detection unit for detecting whether a malfunction of the first camera exists in response to the activation signal. If no malfunction of the first camera is detected, the forwarding unit forwards the first image data sequence to the display device.Furthermore, the forwarding unit forwards at least part of the second image data sequence to the display device for substitute display if there is a malfunction of the first camera.

[0020] Such a system has the advantage that the vehicle's surroundings can still be viewed even if a camera capturing the vehicle's surroundings malfunctions. Because cameras for capturing the area around a vehicle are usually located outside the passenger compartment, they can malfunction or even break down due to environmental factors to which they are inevitably exposed, such as dirt or ice.Since, in this case, the forwarding unit alternatively forwards at least a portion of the second image data sequence to the display device. This sequence is based on data captured by the second camera about a second area surrounding the vehicle, which in turn overlaps with the first area. Therefore, areas of the desired vehicle environment can also be displayed on the display device, allowing the driver to view them. This further enhances driver comfort. A malfunction of the first camera, in this context, refers to a temporary malfunction, a temporary failure, or a defect, meaning that the camera temporarily or permanently provides no data or only faulty data.The detection unit can be designed to detect, either once after receiving the activation signal or multiple times during the period for which the first environmental area is to be displayed on the display device, for example at regular intervals, whether there is a malfunction of the first camera.

[0021] The portion of the second image data sequence forwarded by the forwarding unit to the display device for substitute display can include image data covering the overlapping area. This ensures that even if the first camera malfunctions, at least part of the first environment is displayed on the screen.

[0022] According to the invention, the system further comprises a signal generator for issuing a warning to the driver of the motor vehicle that, in the event of a malfunction of the first camera, at least a part of the second image data sequence is displayed on the display device. Thus, the first environmental area and the part of the second environmental area displayed as a substitute are, as a rule, not identical, except for the overlapping area.The warning signal emitted by the vehicle's signaling device alerts the driver that the first camera is malfunctioning, and consequently, the entire first area of ​​the surroundings is not displayed on the screen. This is because the first area and the displayed portion of the second area are not identical. The driver is thus made aware that the portion of the second area shown on the screen does not contain all the information about the first area and is merely a temporary representation. The driver is therefore advised to take further action to obtain complete information about the first area, such as performing a shoulder check.

[0023] The warning can include color-coding the portion of the second environmental area that is being displayed as a substitute. This has the advantage that the driver can see the warning on the display device, precisely where they would intuitively expect to see the first environmental area displayed. Furthermore, the signal generator can also be designed to produce additional information signals suitable for alerting the driver that the entire first environmental area is not being displayed, such as a pop-up window appearing on the display device, a corresponding text output, or even an acoustic or haptic signal.

[0024] The first camera can be positioned on a side exterior of the vehicle, with the first area being the side rear of the vehicle, and the second camera can be positioned at the rear of the vehicle, with the second area being the rear of the vehicle. Since the function of exterior mirrors in ordinary vehicles is increasingly supported by cameras and associated display units, or the exterior mirrors are being completely replaced by cameras and associated display devices, even in the event of a malfunction of these cameras, a driver can still at least partially see the side rear area by displaying data captured at least partially by a reversing camera on the display device.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the motor vehicle can further include a third camera for capturing a third area of ​​the vehicle's surroundings, wherein the first and third areas have a second overlapping area, and wherein the processing unit converts the third area captured by the third camera into a third image data sequence. The system can further include a processing unit for combining the second and third image data sequences into a fused representation, and the forwarding unit forwards the fused representation to the display device for presentation in the event of a malfunction of the first camera.Since the fused representation generated by the processing unit thus includes parts of the second and third environmental areas, the fused representation can contain more information about the first environmental area. Consequently, the driver of the vehicle can glean more information about the first environmental area from the fused representation displayed on the screen, compared to the situation where, alternatively, only part of the second or part of the third environmental area is displayed on the screen in the event of a malfunction of the first camera. The merging of the second and third environmental areas into a single fused representation by the processing unit may, in turn, involve performing object correction.

[0026] The first camera can be positioned at the rear of the vehicle, with the first area of ​​view being the rear of the vehicle; the second camera can be positioned on the left side of the vehicle, with the second area of ​​view being the left rear of the vehicle; and the third camera can be positioned on the right side of the vehicle, with the third area of ​​view being the right rear of the vehicle. This allows the driver to obtain information about the area behind the vehicle from the fused display shown on the screen, which is composed of data from cameras on opposite sides of the vehicle that replace the function of the side mirrors.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, a motor vehicle is also specified which has a system described above.

[0028] Such a vehicle has the advantage that the driver can still see the vehicle's surroundings via the display device installed in the vehicle, even if a camera capturing the vehicle's surroundings malfunctions. Because cameras for capturing the area around a vehicle are usually located outside the passenger compartment, they can malfunction or even break down due to environmental influences to which they are inevitably exposed, such as dirt or ice.Since, in this case, at least a portion of the second image data sequence, which is based on data captured by the second camera about a second area surrounding the vehicle (an area that overlaps with the first), is transmitted to the display device, areas of the desired vehicle environment can also be displayed on the device, allowing the driver to view them. This further enhances driver comfort. A malfunction of the first camera, in this context, refers to a temporary malfunction, a temporary failure, or a defect, meaning that the camera temporarily or permanently provides no data or only faulty data.

[0029] In summary, the present invention provides a method and a system for displaying the vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle, with which the vehicle environment can be viewed even if there is a malfunction of a camera that detects the vehicle environment.

[0030] In the event of a malfunction of the first camera capturing a first area of ​​the vehicle's surroundings, data captured by a second camera about a second area of ​​the vehicle's surroundings, which overlaps with the first area, can be displayed on the display device, thus allowing the driver of the motor vehicle to view areas of the desired vehicle surroundings even in this case.

[0031] By issuing a corresponding warning, the driver of the motor vehicle can also be made aware that there is a malfunction of the first camera, consequently the entire first environmental area is not displayed on the display device, since the first environmental area and the displayed part of the second environmental area are not identical, so that the part of the second environmental area displayed on the display device does not contain all the information about the first environmental area.

[0032] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system for displaying the vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a system for displaying a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method for displaying a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system 1 for displaying a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle 2 on a display device 3 arranged in the motor vehicle 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0034] How Fig. Figure 1 shows that the motor vehicle 2 has a first camera 4 for capturing a first environmental area 5 of the motor vehicle 2 and a second camera 6 for capturing a second environmental area 7 of the motor vehicle 2, wherein the first environmental area 5 and the second environmental area 7 have an overlapping area 8.

[0035] Also visible are a computing unit 9 for converting the first environmental area 5 captured by the first camera 4 into a first image data sequence and the second environmental area 7 captured by the second camera 6 into a second image data sequence, and a forwarding unit 10 for forwarding the first image data sequence and the second image data sequence to the display device 3.

[0036] However, since cameras used to capture the surrounding area of ​​a motor vehicle are usually located outside the passenger compartment, they are inevitably exposed to environmental influences, which can lead to malfunctions or even defects of the cameras, for example due to dirt or icing.

[0037] How Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the depicted system 1 further comprises a receiving unit 11 for receiving an activation signal and displaying it on the first ambient area on the display device 3, and a detection unit 12 for detecting whether a malfunction of the first camera 4 exists in response to the receipt of the activation signal. Furthermore, the forwarding unit 10 is configured to forward the first image data sequence to the display device 3 for display if there is no malfunction of the first camera 4, and to forward at least a part of the second image data sequence to the display unit 3 for alternative display if there is a malfunction of the first camera 4.

[0038] Since, in the event of a malfunction of the first camera 4, the forwarding unit 10 alternatively forwards at least a portion of the second image data sequence, which is based on data captured by the second camera 6 concerning a second environmental area 7 of the vehicle 2 (which in turn has an overlapping area 8 with the first environmental area 5), ​​to the display device 3, areas of the desired vehicle environment can still be displayed on the display device 3 and thus viewed by the driver of the vehicle 2. A malfunction of the first camera 4 is understood here to mean a temporary malfunction, a temporary failure, or a defect of the first camera 4, meaning that the camera temporarily or permanently provides no data or only faulty data.The detection unit 12 can be configured to detect, either once after receiving the activation signal or multiple times during the period for which the first environmental area 5 is to be displayed on the display device 3, for example at regular intervals, whether there is a malfunction of the first camera 4.

[0039] According to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 The part of the second image data sequence forwarded by the forwarding unit 10 to the display device 3 for substitute display includes image data over the overlapping area 8. This ensures that even in the event of a malfunction of the first camera 4, the first ambient area 5 is at least partially displayed on the display device 3.

[0040] Furthermore, a signal generator 13 is visible, which is designed to issue a warning to the driver of the motor vehicle 2 that, as a substitute, at least part of the second image data sequence will be displayed on the display device 3 if there is a malfunction of the first camera 4. By issuing this warning, the driver of the motor vehicle 2 can be made aware that there is a malfunction of the first camera 4, and consequently, not the complete first environmental area 5 is displayed on the display device 3, since the first environmental area 5 and the displayed part of the second environmental area 7 are not identical, so that the part of the second environmental area 7 displayed on the display device 3 does not contain all the information about the first environmental area 5.

[0041] According to the embodiment of the Fig. 1. The indication includes coloring the substituted portion of the second image data sequence. Furthermore, the signal generator can also be designed to produce additional information signals suitable for alerting the driver that the entire first area of ​​the environment is not displayed on the display device, for example, a pop-up window appearing on the display device, a corresponding text output, or an acoustic or haptic signal.

[0042] The first camera 4 is arranged on a lateral exterior area 14 of the motor vehicle 2, and the first surrounding area 5 is a lateral rear area of ​​the motor vehicle 2. The second camera 6 is arranged on a rear area 15 of the motor vehicle 2, and the second surrounding area 7 is a rear area of ​​the motor vehicle 2. Since, in ordinary motor vehicles, the function of the exterior mirrors is increasingly supported by cameras and associated display units, or the exterior mirrors of the motor vehicle are completely replaced by cameras and associated display devices, a driver of the motor vehicle can at least partially see the lateral rear area even if these cameras malfunction, by displaying data captured at least partially by a reversing camera on the display device 3.The display device 3 can, for example, be a display device of such an external mirror replacement system of the motor vehicle 2.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a system 20 for displaying the vehicle environment of a motor vehicle 2 on a display device 3 arranged in the motor vehicle 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Components and parts with the same function or construction as in Fig. Items 1 use the same reference symbols and are not discussed separately.

[0044] According to the embodiment of the Fig. 2 the motor vehicle 2 further has a third camera 21 for capturing a third environmental area 22 of the motor vehicle 2, wherein the first environmental area 5 and the third environmental area 22 have a second overlapping area 23 and wherein the computing unit 9 converts the third environmental area 22 captured by the third camera 21 into a third image data sequence.

[0045] How Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the system 20 further comprises a processing unit 24 for combining the second and third image data sequences into a fused representation, wherein the forwarding unit 10 forwards the fused representation to the display device 3 for display in the event of a malfunction of the first camera 4. The combining of the second 7 and the third environmental area 22 by the processing unit 24 into a fused representation again includes performing an object correction.

[0046] The first camera 4 can be positioned on the rear section 15 of the vehicle 2, and the first surrounding area 5 can be the rear area of ​​the vehicle 2; the second camera 6 can be positioned on a left side exterior area 25 of the vehicle 2, and the second surrounding area 7 can be a left side rear area of ​​the vehicle; and the third camera 21 can be positioned on a right side exterior area 26 of the vehicle 2, and the third surrounding area 22 can be a right side rear area of ​​the vehicle 2. Thus, if the reversing camera of the vehicle 2 malfunctions, the driver of the vehicle 2 can still obtain information about the rear area of ​​the vehicle 2 from the fused display shown on the display device 3, which is composed of data captured by cameras on opposite sides of the vehicle 2 that replace the function of the exterior mirrors.The display device 3 can, for example, be a display device of an interior mirror replacement system of the motor vehicle 2.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method 30 for displaying a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention.

[0048] Specifically, it shows Fig. 3 a method 30 for displaying a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle on a display device arranged in the motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has at least a first camera for capturing a first environment area of ​​the motor vehicle and a second camera for capturing a second environment area of ​​the motor vehicle, and wherein the first environment area and the second environment area have an overlapping area.

[0049] How Fig.As shown in Figure 3, the procedure 30 comprises the following steps: In a first step 31, an activation signal is received to display the first environmental area on the display device. After receiving the activation signal, in step 32, it is detected whether there is a malfunction of the first camera. If step 32 detects that there is no malfunction of the first camera, in step 33 the first environmental area is displayed on the display device. If step 33 detects that there is a malfunction of the first camera, in step 34 at least a part of the second environmental area is displayed on the display device as a substitute.In this context, a malfunction of the first camera refers to a temporary malfunction, a temporary failure of the first camera, or a defect of the first camera, meaning that the camera temporarily or permanently delivers no data, or only faulty data. Reference symbol list 1 system 2 motor vehicles 3 Display device 4 first camera 5 first surrounding area 6 second camera 7 second surrounding area 8 overlapping area 9 Calculation unit 10 forwarding unit 11 Receiving unit 12 recording units 13 signal transmitters 14 side exterior 15 Rear area 20 System 21 third camera 22 third environmental area 23 second overlapping area 24 processing units 25 left side exterior 26 right side exterior 30 procedures 31st procedural step 32nd process step 33. Procedure step 34th process step

Claims

[1] Method (30) for displaying a vehicle environment of a motor vehicle (2) on a display device (3) arranged in the motor vehicle (2), wherein the motor vehicle (2) has at least a first camera (4) for capturing a first environment area (5) of the motor vehicle (2) and a second camera (6) for capturing a second environment area (7) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein the first environment area (5) and the second environment area (7) have an overlapping area (8) and wherein the method (30) comprises the following steps: - Upon receiving an activation signal, display the first ambient area (5) on the display device (3) (31); - After receiving the activation signal, detect whether there is a malfunction of the first camera (4) (32); - Displaying the first ambient area (5) on the display device (3) if there is no malfunction of the first camera (4) (33), and alternatively displaying at least part of the second ambient area (7) on the display device (3) if there is a malfunction of the first camera (4) (34), - Issuing a notice to the driver of the motor vehicle (2) that, as a substitute, at least part of the second surrounding area (7) will be displayed on the display device (3) if there is a malfunction of the first camera (4). [2] Method (30) according to claim 1, wherein the substitute part of the second surrounding area (7) comprises the overlapping area (8). [3] Method (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of issuing a notification to a driver of the motor vehicle (2) that, as a substitute, at least a part of the second surrounding area (7) is displayed on the display device (3) if there is a malfunction of the first camera (4), comprises coloring the substitute displayed part of the second surrounding area (7). [4] Method (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first camera (4) is arranged on a lateral exterior area (14) of the motor vehicle (2) and the first surrounding area (5) is a lateral rear space of the motor vehicle (2) and the second camera (6) is arranged on a rear area (15) of the motor vehicle (2) and the second surrounding area (7) is a rear space of the motor vehicle (2). [5] Method (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the motor vehicle (2) further comprises a third camera (21) for capturing a third environmental area (22), wherein the first environmental area (5) and the third environmental area (22) have a second overlapping area (23), and wherein the method (30) further comprises the following steps: - Combining the second environment area (7) and the third environment area (22) into a merged representation; - Displaying the fused image on the display device (3) if there is a malfunction of the first camera (4). [6] Method (30) according to claim 5, wherein the first camera (4) is arranged on the rear area (15) of the motor vehicle (2) and the first surrounding area (5) is the rear space of the motor vehicle (2), the second camera (6) is arranged on a left side exterior area (25) of the motor vehicle (2) and the second surrounding area (7) is a left side rear space of the motor vehicle (2), and the third camera (21) is arranged on a right side exterior area (26) of the motor vehicle (2) and the third surrounding area (22) is a right side rear space of the motor vehicle (2). [7] System (1, 20) for displaying the vehicle environment of a motor vehicle (2) on a display device (3) arranged in the motor vehicle (2), wherein the motor vehicle (2) has at least a first camera (4) for capturing a first environmental area (5) of the motor vehicle (2) and a second camera (6) for capturing a second environmental area (7) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein the first environmental area (5) and the second environmental area (7) have an overlapping area (8), and wherein the system (1, 20) includes a processing unit (9) for converting the first environmental area (5) captured by the first camera (4) into a first image data sequence and the second environmental area (7) captured by the second camera (6) into a second image data sequence, and a forwarding unit (10) for forwarding the first image data sequence and the second image data sequence for display on the display device (3).The system (1, 20) comprises a receiving unit (11) for receiving an activation signal to display the first ambient area (5) on the display device (3), and a detection unit (12) for detecting whether a malfunction of the first camera (4) exists in response to the receipt of the activation signal, and wherein the forwarding unit (10) forwards the first image data sequence to the display device (3) for display if there is no malfunction of the first camera (4), and forwards at least part of the second image data sequence to the display device (3) for substitute display if there is a malfunction of the first camera (4), wherein the system (1, 20) further comprises a signal generator (13) for issuing a warning to a driver of the motor vehicle (2) that, as a substitute, at least part of the second image data sequence is displayed on the display device (3) if there is a malfunction of the first camera (4). [8] System (1, 20) according to claim 7, wherein the part of the second image data sequence forwarded by the forwarding unit (10) to the display device (3) for substitute display comprises image data over the overlapping area (8). [9] System (1, 20) according to claim 8, wherein the indication comprises a coloring of the substituted part of the second image data sequence. [10] System (1, 20) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first camera (4) is arranged on a lateral exterior area (14) of the motor vehicle (2) and the first surrounding area (5) is a lateral rear space of the motor vehicle (2) and the second camera (6) is arranged on a rear area (15) of the motor vehicle (2) and the second surrounding area (7) is a rear space of the motor vehicle (2). [11] System (1, 20) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the motor vehicle (2) further comprises a third camera (21) for capturing a third environmental area (22) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein the first environmental area (5) and the third environmental area (22) have a second overlapping area (23), wherein the computing unit (9) converts the third environmental area (22) captured by the third camera (21) into a third image data sequence, and the system (1, 20) further comprises a processing unit (24) for combining the second image data sequence and the third image data sequence into a fused representation, and wherein the forwarding unit (10) forwards the fused representation to the display device (3) for display in the event of a malfunction of the first camera (4). [12] System (1, 20) according to claim 11, wherein the first camera (4) is arranged on the rear area (15) of the motor vehicle (2) and the first surrounding area (5) is a rear space of the motor vehicle (2), the second camera (6) is arranged on a left side exterior area (25) of the motor vehicle (2) and the second surrounding area (7) is a left side rear space of the motor vehicle (2), and the third camera (21) is arranged on a right side exterior area (26) of the motor vehicle (2) and the third surrounding area (22) is a right side rear space of the motor vehicle (2). [13] Motor vehicle (2) which has a system (1, 20) according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

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