Variable mode low beam control system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a variable mode low beam control system and method, which comprises a vehicle controller, an environment sensor, a headlight controller and an adjustable headlight; the output end of the headlight controller is connected to the adjustable headlight, the adjustable headlight adjusts the illumination range width of the light output according to the output control signal of the headlight controller; the output end of the vehicle controller is connected to the headlight controller, which is used for adjusting the driving of the adjustable headlight through the headlight controller; the input end of the vehicle controller is connected to the environment sensor, which is used for acquiring the environment signal; the vehicle controller is connected to a user button, and the user acquires the manual adjustment signal of the user. The application adjusts the light illumination range in the automatic and manual combined mode, increases the rationality of the light illumination range, and improves the intelligent degree of the vehicle light width control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive lighting control technology, and in particular to a variable mode low beam headlight control system and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of intelligent automotive technology, car lights have evolved from traditional to automated methods. The most basic example is automatic headlights, which automatically turn on the lights at night, reducing user intervention and enabling automatic control of the car lights. More intelligent features have also emerged, such as intelligent high / low beam switching control, which automates the control of high and low beams, making light usage more intelligent.

[0003] With the rapid development of vehicle lighting technology, automotive headlights with variable low beam illumination range have also been developed. These headlights can adjust the illumination width of the low beam according to control signals, thereby meeting the user's need for independent adjustment. For example, a headlight device with patent application number 202022193757.0 adjusts the angle of the low beam module and the high beam reflector through a dimming bracket, thereby adjusting the illumination range of the low beam and high beam, achieving the purpose of adjustable headlight illumination range width.

[0004] Traditional adjustable headlights have preset default beam range modes, but users usually don't pay attention to or even know how to adjust them, resulting in the function not being used properly. In addition, unreasonable use of the low beam beam range can also cause light pollution, and in the field of electric vehicles, unreasonable use of the beam width can also lead to a certain amount of energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a variable mode low beam headlight control system and method. By combining automatic and manual methods, the illumination range of the headlights is adjusted, increasing the rationality of the illumination range and meeting the user's lighting needs. At the same time, it realizes intelligent and assisted control of the illumination range width of the headlights, thereby improving the user experience.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a variable mode low beam headlight control system, including a vehicle controller, an environmental sensor, a headlight controller, and an adjustable headlight; the output terminal of the headlight controller is connected to the adjustable headlight, and the adjustable headlight adjusts the illumination range width of the output light according to the output control signal of the headlight controller; the output terminal of the vehicle controller is connected to the headlight controller for adjusting the drive of the adjustable headlight through the headlight controller; the input terminal of the vehicle controller is connected to the environmental sensor for acquiring environmental signals; the vehicle controller is connected to a user button, allowing the user to acquire manual adjustment signals.

[0007] The environmental sensor includes a light sensor, which is used to collect the light intensity signal of the driving environment; the output of the light sensor is connected to the vehicle controller; the vehicle controller outputs an adjustment signal for the width of the illumination range based on the light intensity signal.

[0008] The environmental sensor also includes a forward obstacle sensor. The output of the forward obstacle sensor is connected to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller determines whether the beam width of the lamp needs to be adjusted based on the forward obstacle sensor and outputs a corresponding control signal.

[0009] The vehicle controller obtains the current vehicle data through the CAN bus, determines whether there is a power consumption defect based on the current vehicle data, and adjusts the width of the vehicle's headlight illumination range accordingly.

[0010] The vehicle controller is equipped with multiple lighting modes corresponding to the width of the light illumination range. The vehicle controller outputs corresponding control commands to the headlight controller according to the lighting mode to realize the control of the vehicle headlights.

[0011] A control method for a variable-mode low beam headlight control system, wherein after the vehicle lighting system is started, the vehicle controller enters an automatic adjustment mode and a manual adjustment mode according to the user's selection. In the manual adjustment mode, the vehicle controller outputs a control signal to the headlight controller to adjust the beam width of the headlights according to the user's operation signal. In the automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller automatically adjusts the beam width of the headlights according to the environmental parameters collected by the environmental sensor.

[0012] After the vehicle is started, if no user operation signal is detected, it will directly enter the automatic adjustment mode. After entering the automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller will automatically control the width of the headlight illumination range based on the collected data analysis.

[0013] Multiple lighting modes with different illumination range widths are preset, and each lighting mode has a corresponding lighting width adjustment parameter. Users can adjust the lighting width by manually changing the lighting mode, or the vehicle controller can determine the lighting mode based on the collected data and output the corresponding control command to the headlight controller to control the lighting width.

[0014] When the headlights are on, the system monitors obstacles in front of the vehicle in real time and analyzes the obstacles to determine whether to briefly adjust the headlight beam to illuminate them.

[0015] The system acquires the vehicle's operating status parameters, analyzes and determines whether the headlight illumination range width needs to be adjusted to the minimum value, and controls the system based on the determination result.

[0016] The advantages of this invention are: by combining automatic and manual methods to adjust the light illumination range, the rationality of the light illumination range is increased, meeting user lighting needs while achieving intelligent and assisted control of the vehicle headlight illumination range width, thus improving the user experience. Activating the intelligent variable mode low beam reduces the power of the low beam, thereby reducing energy consumption of the vehicle and increasing the range of electric vehicles; activating the intelligent variable mode low beam also reduces light pollution in urban environments and improves the visual comfort of pedestrians on both sides of the road by narrowing the illumination width. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The following is a brief explanation of the contents of each of the accompanying drawings and the markings in the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the control system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the description of the preferred embodiments.

[0020] Example 1:

[0021] This solution provides a variable beam width lighting control scheme, mainly to control the beam width of automotive low beam or high beam headlights. It offers users both manual and automatic adjustment methods to achieve intelligent control of the headlight beam width. This beam width adjustment is more reasonable and reliable, reducing light pollution to roads and pedestrians. It also takes into account vehicle power consumption to automatically and intelligently adjust the beam width, improving the automation and intelligence of lighting control and enhancing the user experience.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a variable mode low beam headlight control system, including a vehicle controller, an environmental sensor, a headlight controller, and adjustable headlights; adjustable headlights refer to automotive headlights with adjustable illumination width range, including low beam headlights and / or high beam headlights.

[0023] The output of the headlight controller is connected to the adjustable headlight. The headlight controller outputs a control signal to the adjustable headlight, and the adjustable headlight adjusts the width of the light beam output by the headlight controller according to the output control signal. In other words, the width of the light beam of the adjustable headlight is adjusted by the output control signal of the headlight controller.

[0024] The output of the vehicle controller is connected to the headlight controller, which is used to adjust and drive the adjustable headlights. The main function of the headlight controller is to drive and control the adjustable headlights. It is controlled by the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller outputs control commands for the beam width range of the headlights to the headlight controller, which then controls the adjustable headlights after conversion.

[0025] The illumination width of the car headlights can be manually adjusted by the user or automatically adjusted by the vehicle controller based on collected data. This embodiment provides two compatible adjustment modes to meet the user's manual adjustment needs. Furthermore, when the user does not manually adjust the headlights, the illumination width can be automatically adjusted based on detected parameters to achieve intelligent adjustment. To achieve this, this solution includes an environmental sensor and a user button. The input terminal of the vehicle controller is connected to the environmental sensor to acquire environmental signals. The vehicle controller is also connected to the user button, allowing the user to receive manual adjustment signals. The vehicle controller controls the illumination width of the car headlights based on the signals input from the user button or the environmental sensor.

[0026] Manual buttons can be physical or virtual. Taking virtual buttons as an example, the user-controlled switching button is integrated into the central control touch screen. Users can adjust the width or turn on and off the adjustable width function of the car headlights through the buttons on the central control screen. In other words, the central control screen integrates a switch button for adjustable headlight beam width.

[0027] When the switch button is turned off, the vehicle controller receives a signal indicating that the adjustable headlight beam range is off. At this point, the vehicle controller outputs a control command to the headlight controller, which then controls the adjustable headlights to operate within the default beam width range. This default beam width range is the factory-calibrated beam width range, within which the vehicle can meet normal safe driving requirements. This ensures that even with the adjustable function off, the headlights provide a safe beam width when turned on.

[0028] When the switch button is turned on, the function of adjusting the beam width of the car headlights is activated. At this time, the vehicle controller can adjust the beam width of the vehicle headlights according to the adjustment buttons on the central control screen or according to the collected environmental or vehicle parameter data.

[0029] After the vehicle starts, the status of the switch button is first checked. If the switch button is in the off state, the vehicle controller outputs a control command corresponding to the default headlight illumination width range to the headlight controller, which then controls the headlights to execute the corresponding illumination width range, thus satisfying the requirement that the adjustable function executes the corresponding headlight illumination width range after the adjustable function is turned off. When the switch button is detected to be in the on state after the vehicle starts, the headlight illumination range is adjustable. At this time, the vehicle controller can output control signals to adjust the headlight illumination range based on two received signals:

[0030] 1. The user inputs a signal to adjust the light width via the adjustment button;

[0031] 2. The vehicle controller acquires environmental signals and vehicle operating status data.

[0032] Two signal settings are implemented, with signal mode 1 having a higher priority than signal mode 2. When both signal modes are received simultaneously, the vehicle controller uses the signal from signal mode 1 to control the headlight illumination range. Until the vehicle is turned off, data from signal mode 2 is ignored, and signal mode 1 is used to adjust the headlight illumination range. This fully considers the user's need for manual adjustment. If the adjustment button is not triggered after the vehicle is started, a reasonable and reliable headlight width adjustment strategy can be provided through automatic adjustment to meet the user's actual needs.

[0033] Regardless of the vehicle's status, if the headlights are on the moment the vehicle is powered on, the vehicle controller outputs the default headlight illumination range to the headlight controller and executes the vehicle's default illumination range. That is, when the vehicle starts, the default light illumination width range is used first, and then the width is adjusted based on the default light illumination width range.

[0034] After the vehicle is started, if the adjustable headlight switch is on and the user does not trigger the adjustment button, the vehicle will enter the automatic beam width adjustment mode. In this mode, the vehicle controller will automatically adjust the beam width range of the headlights based on the vehicle data obtained by the environmental sensors and the vehicle operation data read.

[0035] The environmental sensors include a light sensor that collects the ambient light intensity signal of the driving environment. The output of the light sensor is connected to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller outputs an adjustment signal for the width of the illumination range based on the light intensity signal. In automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller outputs an activation command to the light sensor. The light sensor collects the current ambient light intensity signal and inputs it to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller adjusts the current headlight illumination width range based on the current light intensity signal and outputs a corresponding control signal to the headlight controller. The range of light intensity adjustment can include multiple modes, each corresponding to a command for light intensity and vehicle illumination width. Therefore, the command for the corresponding illumination width range can be obtained and the headlights controlled through the light intensity signal. Taking two modes as an example:

[0036] Mode 1: This refers to the light intensity value and corresponding illumination width range under urban road conditions;

[0037] Mode 2: Light intensity values ​​and corresponding illumination width range for rural roads.

[0038] Compared to Mode 2, Mode 1 has a narrower low beam illumination range, making it suitable for urban nighttime driving environments with sufficient basic road lighting facilities; Mode 2 has a wider low beam illumination range, making it suitable for rural nighttime driving environments where basic road lighting facilities are lacking.

[0039] Of course, to adapt to various road conditions, multiple modes can be set as needed, and multiple settings can be made according to the width range. The more modes set, the more linear the light illumination range can be adjusted, thus meeting the needs of different light illumination width ranges. The vehicle controller is equipped with multiple light modes corresponding to the width of the light illumination range. The vehicle controller outputs corresponding control commands to the headlight controller according to the light mode to control the vehicle's headlights.

[0040] In automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller adjusts the width of the headlight beam according to the light intensity. To meet safety requirements, in automatic adjustment mode, the controller utilizes the vehicle's front-mounted lidar and obstacle sensors to detect obstacles ahead. These obstacle sensors can be implemented using active radar or ultrasonic radar, and their outputs are connected to the vehicle controller. The controller uses the obstacle sensor data to determine if a brief adjustment of the headlight beam width is needed and outputs the corresponding control signal. The radar detects the location of obstacles ahead, limits the range of obstacles detected by the radar, and determines whether the obstacle is in the vehicle's direction of travel and poses a threat to driving safety. If not, the vehicle controller continues to control the headlight beam width according to the light intensity setting. If the obstacle is present, it indicates a potential safety hazard, and the obstacle needs to be illuminated to ensure the driver's visibility, preventing collisions or facilitating safe maneuvering. Therefore, after determining that driving safety is affected, the vehicle controller briefly outputs a control signal to the headlight controller, briefly adjusting the headlight beam width to the maximum width or a range that can illuminate obstacles, thus allowing the user to see the obstacle. This brief headlight beam width adjustment means that after determining that driving safety is affected, the vehicle controller controls the headlight beam width to the maximum or a range that can illuminate obstacles, then maintains this setting for a set time before reverting to the headlight beam width range adjusted by fiber optic intensity.

[0041] Obstacle location is achieved using ultrasonic radar obstacle detection. The obstacle location is then converted into the vehicle's orientation information. Based on the orientation data of the obstacle and the vehicle's centerline, it can be determined whether the obstacle is within the current headlight illumination width, i.e., whether the obstacle is illuminated by the headlights. If it is within the illumination range, no brief adjustment of the headlight illumination range is made. Otherwise, the vehicle is controlled to illuminate the obstacle by briefly switching the headlight illumination width, thus improving the driver's driving safety by keeping the obstacle within the illumination range.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, adjustable headlights are typically installed on electric vehicles. If the vehicle is an electric vehicle, the adjustable range of the headlights actually affects energy consumption. A wider beam range results in higher power consumption and higher energy output, while a narrower beam range results in lower power consumption and lower energy output. Therefore, the vehicle controller obtains current vehicle data via the CAN bus, determines whether an energy consumption deficiency exists based on this data, and adjusts the beam range accordingly. When the vehicle is in an energy consumption deficiency state, the vehicle controller, through the headlight controller, controls the headlight beam range within the default beam width range. The default beam width range is the narrowest beam range that meets user driving safety requirements, thus reducing energy consumption and avoiding the impact of beam width on energy consumption.

[0043] The energy consumption deficiency state refers to when the vehicle's power battery SOC is less than a set threshold or the vehicle's estimated range cannot meet the destination's distance requirements. When the power battery SOC is less than the set threshold, the electric vehicle is out of power, so it is necessary to minimize the power consumption of the lights. Therefore, in this state, the vehicle's illumination width is adjusted to the default illumination width. The vehicle controller can obtain the SOC data by reading data from the BMS via the CAN network. When the vehicle navigation is turned on, the vehicle controller obtains the required distance between the current location and the destination and the estimated range under the current SOC through navigation data. When the required distance is greater than the estimated range, it means that the vehicle cannot meet the user's range requirements. In order to minimize the waste of range, the vehicle's driving is prioritized, and the illumination width of the headlights is adjusted to the default illumination width.

[0044] Example 2:

[0045] This embodiment provides a control method based on the control system of Embodiment 1. This control method is implemented using the control system described in the previous embodiment. After the vehicle lighting system is started, the vehicle controller enters either an automatic adjustment mode or a manual adjustment mode based on the user's selection. In manual adjustment mode, the vehicle controller outputs a control signal to the headlight controller to adjust the beam width of the headlights based on the user's operation signal. In automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller automatically adjusts the beam width based on environmental parameters collected by environmental sensors. If no user operation signal is detected after vehicle startup, the system directly enters automatic adjustment mode. In automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller automatically controls the beam width based on the collected data analysis.

[0046] When the headlights are on, the system monitors obstacles in front of the vehicle in real time and analyzes the obstacles to determine whether to briefly adjust the headlight beam to illuminate them. In automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller adjusts the headlight beam width according to the light intensity. To meet vehicle safety requirements, in automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller uses the front-mounted lidar and obstacle sensors to detect obstacles ahead. These obstacle sensors can be implemented using active radar, ultrasonic radar, etc. The output of the obstacle sensors is connected to the vehicle controller, which uses the obstacle sensor data to determine whether a brief adjustment of the headlight beam width is needed and outputs the corresponding control signal. By detecting obstacles in front of the vehicle using radar, the system limits the range of obstacles detected by the radar and determines their location. It assesses whether the obstacle is in the vehicle's direction of travel and poses a threat to driving safety. If not, the vehicle controller continues to control the headlights according to the light intensity-controlled beam width. If the obstacle does pose a threat, it indicates a potential safety hazard, requiring the headlights to be illuminated to ensure the driver's visibility and avoid collisions or facilitate safe maneuvering. Therefore, upon determining a safety hazard, the vehicle controller briefly outputs a control signal to the headlight controller, temporarily adjusting the headlight beam width to its maximum range or a range that can illuminate the obstacle, allowing the driver to see it. This brief beam width adjustment refers to the vehicle controller adjusting the headlight beam width to its maximum or a range that can illuminate the obstacle after determining a safety hazard, maintaining this setting for a set time, and then reverting to the beam width range adjusted by the light intensity.

[0047] Obstacle location is achieved using ultrasonic radar obstacle detection. The obstacle location is then converted into the vehicle's orientation information. Based on the orientation data of the obstacle and the vehicle's centerline, it can be determined whether the obstacle is within the current headlight illumination width, i.e., whether the obstacle is illuminated by the headlights. If it is within the illumination range, no brief adjustment of the headlight illumination range is made. Otherwise, the vehicle is controlled to illuminate the obstacle by briefly switching the headlight illumination width, thus improving the driver's driving safety by keeping the obstacle within the illumination range.

[0048] The system acquires vehicle operating status parameters, analyzes them to determine whether the headlight beam width needs to be adjusted to the minimum, and then controls the system accordingly. Adjustable headlights are typically found on electric vehicles. In electric vehicles, the adjustable beam range actually affects energy consumption. A wider beam results in higher power consumption and higher energy output, while a narrower beam results in lower power consumption and lower energy output. Therefore, the vehicle controller acquires current vehicle data via the CAN bus, determines whether there is an energy consumption deficiency, and adjusts the headlight beam width accordingly. When the vehicle is in an energy consumption deficiency state, the vehicle controller, through the headlight controller, controls the headlight beam range within the default beam width range. This default beam width range is the narrowest beam range that meets user driving safety requirements, thus reducing energy consumption and avoiding the negative impact of beam width on energy efficiency.

[0049] The energy consumption deficiency state refers to when the vehicle's power battery SOC is less than a set threshold or the vehicle's estimated range cannot meet the destination's distance requirements. When the power battery SOC is less than the set threshold, the electric vehicle is out of power, so it is necessary to minimize the power consumption of the lights. Therefore, in this state, the vehicle's illumination width is adjusted to the default illumination width. The vehicle controller can obtain the SOC data by reading data from the BMS via the CAN network. When the vehicle navigation is turned on, the vehicle controller obtains the required distance between the current location and the destination and the estimated range under the current SOC through navigation data. When the required distance is greater than the estimated range, it means that the vehicle cannot meet the user's range requirements. In order to minimize the waste of range, the vehicle's driving is prioritized, and the illumination width of the headlights is adjusted to the default illumination width.

[0050] Obviously, the specific implementation of this invention is not limited to the above-described methods. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of this invention are within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A variable-mode low beam headlight control system, characterized in that: The system includes a vehicle controller, an environmental sensor, a headlight controller, and adjustable headlights. The output of the headlight controller is connected to the adjustable headlights, which adjust the beam width based on the output control signal from the headlight controller. The output of the vehicle controller is also connected to the headlight controller for adjusting the adjustable headlights. The input of the vehicle controller is connected to the environmental sensor to acquire environmental signals. Finally, the vehicle controller is connected to a user button, allowing the user to receive manual adjustment signals. The vehicle controller obtains the current vehicle data through the CAN bus, determines whether there is a power consumption defect based on the current vehicle data, and adjusts the width of the vehicle headlight illumination range accordingly. When the vehicle is in a power consumption defect state, the vehicle controller controls the illumination range of the headlights within the default illumination width range through the headlight controller. The default illumination width range is the narrowest illumination range that meets the user's driving safety. The energy consumption defect state refers to the situation when the vehicle's power battery SOC is less than a set threshold or the vehicle's estimated range cannot meet the destination's distance requirements. When the vehicle navigation is turned on, the vehicle controller obtains the required distance between the current location and the destination and the estimated range under the current SOC through navigation data. When the required distance is greater than the estimated range, it means that the vehicle cannot meet the user's range requirements at this time. The environmental sensor also includes a forward obstacle sensor. The output of the forward obstacle sensor is connected to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller determines whether the beam width of the lamp needs to be adjusted based on the forward obstacle sensor and outputs a corresponding control signal. The vehicle controller detects obstacles in front of the vehicle using radar, limits the range of these obstacles, and determines whether the obstacle is in the vehicle's direction of travel and poses a threat to driving safety. If not, the vehicle controller continues to control the headlights according to the light intensity-controlled beam width. If the obstacle is, it illuminates the obstacle. After determining that driving safety is affected, the vehicle controller briefly outputs a control signal to the headlight controller, briefly adjusting the headlight beam width to the maximum range or including the obstacle. This brief beam width adjustment means that after determining that driving safety is affected, the vehicle controller adjusts the headlight beam width to the maximum or a range that can illuminate the obstacle, maintains this setting for a set time, and then returns to the beam width range adjusted by the light intensity.

2. The variable mode low beam headlight control system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The environmental sensor includes a light sensor, which is used to collect the light intensity signal of the driving environment; the output of the light sensor is connected to the vehicle controller; the vehicle controller outputs an adjustment signal for the width of the illumination range based on the light intensity signal.

3. A variable mode low beam headlight control system as described in any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: The vehicle controller is equipped with multiple lighting modes corresponding to the width of the light illumination range. The vehicle controller outputs corresponding control commands to the headlight controller according to the lighting mode to realize the control of the vehicle headlights.

4. A control method for a variable-mode low beam headlight control system as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: After the vehicle lighting system is activated, the vehicle controller enters automatic adjustment mode or manual adjustment mode according to the user's selection. In manual adjustment mode, the vehicle controller outputs control signals to the headlight controller to adjust the beam width of the headlights based on the user's operation signals. In automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller automatically adjusts the beam width of the headlights based on the environmental parameters collected by the environmental sensors.

5. The control method for a variable-mode low beam headlight control system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: After the vehicle is started, if no user operation signal is detected, it will directly enter the automatic adjustment mode. After entering the automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle controller will automatically control the width of the headlight illumination range based on the collected data analysis.

6. The control method for a variable-mode low beam headlight control system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: Multiple lighting modes with different illumination range widths are preset, and each lighting mode has a corresponding lighting width adjustment parameter. Users can adjust the lighting width by manually changing the lighting mode, or the vehicle controller can determine the lighting mode based on the collected data and output the corresponding control command to the headlight controller to control the lighting width.

7. The control method for a variable-mode low beam headlight control system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: When the headlights are on, the system monitors obstacles in front of the vehicle in real time and analyzes the obstacles to determine whether to briefly adjust the headlight beam to illuminate them.

8. The control method for a variable-mode low beam headlight control system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The system acquires the vehicle's operating status parameters, analyzes and determines whether the headlight illumination range width needs to be adjusted to the minimum value, and controls the system based on the determination result.

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