Adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle headlight with a switchable segmented mirror includes a light source, a switchable electrochemical film with multiple segments, and a controller electrically coupled to each segment, such that each segment can be individually controlled to alternate between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state. The segments include a low-beam segment array, configured to provide a low-beam light distribution from the light source, and a high-beam segment array, configured to provide a high-beam light distribution from the light source. The controller is configured to alternate the low-beam segment array and the high-beam segment array between the substantially transparent state and the substantially reflective state, thereby controlling the low-beam and high-beam light distributions, respectively.

Description

Adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 62 / 864,591 entitled "Segmented Switchable Mirror Headlight Assembly" and filed on June 21, 2019. Background 1. Field of dissemination Some embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to vehicle headlights. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention include headlights configured to provide segmented shuttering and a changeable external appearance. 2. Description of the related technique Several switchable mirror devices are known. For example, U.S. Patent 7,679,808 granted to Kim describes a portable electronic device having a switchable mirror display capable of changing between a transparent and a reflective state. U.S. Patent 9,254,789 granted to Anderson et al. describes a rearview mirror assembly including a switchable mirror system. U.S. Patent 8,179,588 granted to Yamada et al. describes a switchable mirror element having a layer that can be reversibly changed from a transparent to a mirror state. EP 3401591 A1 describes a headlight unit used in a vehicle headlight system that selectively illuminates the front of a vehicle.The light unit includes a light source, an optical shutter device, and an optical system. The optical shutter device comprises a first liquid crystal device with first light modulation areas and a second liquid crystal device with second light modulation areas. The first and second liquid crystal devices are arranged one after the other in the direction of the light and overlap each other so that, in a plan view, the first and second light modulation areas are arranged in a complementary manner without forming a gap between them. Compendium The present invention is defined by the appended claims. In an unclaimed example, a vehicle headlight with a segmented switchable mirror includes a light source, a switchable electrochemical film having a plurality of segments, and a controller electrically coupled to each segment of the plurality of segments, such that each segment of the plurality of segments can be individually controlled to switch between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state. The plurality of segments includes an array of low-beam segments configured to provide a low-beam light distribution from the light source, and an array of high-beam segments configured to provide a high-beam light distribution from the light source.The controller is configured to switch the low beam segment array and the high beam segment array between the substantially transparent state and the substantially reflective state to control the low beam light distribution and the high beam light distribution, respectively. In one embodiment of the present invention, an adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on one or more printed circuit boards, an inner lens aligned with the plurality of LEDs to shape the light emitted therefrom, an outer lens adapted to receive light from the inner lens and project light away from the vehicle, a camera system for obtaining images of a forward view from the vehicle, and a controller adapted to determine a target location based on the images received from the camera system. The outer lens includes a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer adjacent to the first transparent layer, and a switchable electrochemical film disposed between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, wherein the switchable electrochemical film includes a plurality of film segments.The plurality of film segments can be individually controlled by the controller, so that each of the plurality of film segments can be switched between a substantially transparent state and a substantially opaque state to actively attenuate a portion of the light projected from the outer lens depending on the target location. In another unclaimed example, an adaptive driving beam headlight with a switchable mirror for a vehicle includes a switchable mirror having a plurality of electrochemical film segments, a controller electrically coupled to each segment of the plurality of electrochemical film segments, such that each segment can be individually controlled to switch between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state, and a collimated light source directed at the switchable mirror such that each segment in the substantially reflective state reflects light from the collimated light source to be projected from a vehicle headlight, and each segment in the substantially transparent state does not reflect light from the collimated light source. Brief description of the drawings Illustrative embodiments of the present invention and of the unclaimed examples are described in detail below with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and where: FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of an exemplary adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlight assembly with segmented switchable lenses, in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a segmented ADB matrix lens used in the segmented switchable lens ADB headlight assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.3 is a block diagram showing the components of an exemplary system for controlling the lighthouse assembly of FIG.1, in one embodiment; FIG.4 is a block diagram showing the components of an exemplary system for controlling the headlight assembly of FIGs.5-12, in an unclaimed example; FIG. 5 is a side view of an ADB vehicle headlight assembly, in an unclaimed example; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ADB vehicle headlight assembly of FIG. 5; FIG.7 is another perspective view of the ADB vehicle headlight assembly of FIG.5; FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the ADB vehicle headlight assembly of FIG. 5; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional top view of an example of a non-claimed segmented switchable mirror; FIG.10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the segmented switchable mirror of FIG.9 and of an optional heating element, in an example; FIG.11 is an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the segmented switchable mirror of FIGs.9 and 10 and the optional heating element of FIG.10, in an example; FIG.12 shows a customized segmented switchable mirror array to provide low beam and high beam light output from a vehicle headlight, in one example; FIG. 13 is a contour graph of an exemplary low-beam light distribution image; and FIG. 14 is a contour graph of an exemplary combined high-beam and low-beam light distribution image. Detailed description Figure 1 is an exploded side view of an exemplary segmented-lens switchable adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlight assembly 100. The exploded view in Figure 1 separates components for clarity of illustration that might otherwise be closer together or physically connected when functionally assembled. The headlight assembly 100 includes a segmented switchable lens 110, a light source 120, and an inner lens 130. An outer lens 140 is provided to produce a desired light distribution. The light source 120 is, for example, an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 125. As depicted in FIG. 1, the light source 120 includes a plurality of LEDs, namely, a first LED 120A, a second LED 120B, a third LED 120C, and a fourth LED 120D. The LED array shown can be replaced by other types of light sources and arrangements, including more or fewer than four LEDs, without departing from the scope of this document. The light source 120 can be configured as a low-beam and / or high-beam light source for a headlight, for example. The PCB 125 can be communicatively coupled to a controller (e.g., a controller 350 described below in relation to FIG. 3) to individually control each of the LEDs 120A-120D. For example, individual LEDs can be switched on / off or dimmed, e.g., by means of pulse width modulation (PWM), under the control of the 350 controller, as described below. The inner lens 130 can be any type of optical lens adapted to project light from the light source 120. In certain embodiments, the inner lens 130 is an ADB matrix lens having a plurality of inner lenses adapted to shape the light from the light source 120. For example, each inner lens can be a projection-type lens that includes optical elements centered on a respective LED of the light source 120. Examples of ADB matrix lenses are described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 598, 403, entitled "Light Module," filed October 10, 2019, and in U.S. Application No. 16 / 561, 640, entitled "Vehicle Adaptable Driving Beam Headlamp," filed September 5, 2019. These applications are incorporated herein by reference. The segmented switchable lens 110 includes four layers of a transparent material, such as plastic or glass, providing substrates to support electrochemical films and electrodes, configured to provide adjustable transparency as described below. In certain embodiments, the transparent substrates are molded parts made of a clear or transparent plastic, such as polycarbonate or acrylic. The substrates can be molded into a variety of shapes having curvature, protrusions, indentations, grooves, recesses, projections, etc. In the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the numbers refer to electrochemical films and electrodes, each deposited on a represented transparent substrate. According to the invention, a first electrochemical film 115 deposited on a substrate is arranged adjacent to a first electrode 112 deposited on a substrate.Similarly, a second electrochemical film 116 deposited on a substrate is arranged adjacent to a second electrode 114, also deposited on a substrate. The substrates can be held together using an optically transparent adhesive. The first and second electrochemical films 115, 116 and the first and second electrodes 112, 114 are adapted to fit the shape of the substrates. The first and second electrodes 112, 114 are used to electrically connect the first and second electrochemical films 115, 116 to a source of electrical energy (e.g., a battery) to provide an electrical potential across the electrochemical films 115, 116, respectively. The purpose of having two electrochemical films is to provide polarization of light in two directions.For example, film 115 can be configured to provide right-handed helical polarization of light, while film 116 can be configured to provide left-handed helical polarization of light, or vice versa. By having two sets of switchable films optically aligned with each other, the light transmitted from the segmented switchable lens 110 is polarized both clockwise and counterclockwise. In certain embodiments, the first and second electrochemical films 115, 116 are formed by a thin film of liquid crystals dispersed in a polymer (e.g., as in a liquid crystal display or "LCD"). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the electrochemical films 115, 116 form a thin film of an electrochromic material such as an electrochromic transition metal hydride. However, in other embodiments, the electrochemical films 115, 116 are a thin-film laminate of particles suspended in a liquid (e.g., as in a "suspended particle device"). For all these embodiments, switching between transparent and non-transparent modes is controlled by a change in the applied voltage.In addition to substantially transparent and substantially opaque states, different levels of semitransparency or semipacity can be achieved, for example, by PWM of the applied electric potential, as described below. The electrochemical films 115, 116 can be divided into segments (e.g., segments of 1 mm by 1 mm or larger), each of which is independently adapted to switch between an active and an inactive mode. That is, the individual film segments can be wired separately to individually control their applied voltage. In this way, the electrochemical films 115, 116 are adapted to provide a plurality of independently activated shutters or mirrors (see below), allowing for greater variation and control of the light emitted by the headlight assembly 100. Each of the individual segments of the films 115, 116 can be made substantially transparent, semi-transparent, or substantially opaque, for example, under the control of the controller 350. The individual film segments can also rapidly switch between the different transparency states under the control of the controller 350. The outer lens 140 is configured as a projection lens that receives light passing through transparent segments of the segmented switchable lens 110 and projects the light (e.g., in front of the vehicle). The outer lens 140 can be an undivided freeform optical surface, an undivided aspherical surface, or an undivided modified aspherical surface that generates an undivided collective image (e.g., in front of the vehicle) when the headlight assembly 100 is switched on. To improve beam image uniformity, an inner surface of the outer lens (e.g., "surface B" facing lens 110) can include a pad-like optic, grooves, or a sloped optical surface, or it can be flat. An optional heating element 180 may be provided with a segmented, switchable lens 110 to maintain a predetermined minimum temperature (e.g., -40 °C) of the electrochemical films 115, 116 for proper operation. In one embodiment, the heating element 180 includes a transparent conductive layer that is electrically powered to produce heat. The transparent conductive layer is, for example, a thin-film layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) or silver nanowires configured to provide transparent resistance. The transparent conductive layer may be disposed on a transparent substrate (e.g., transparent plastic or glass). Other types of heating elements and / or other types of transparent conductive layers may be used without departing from the scope of this specification. Figure 2 is a front view of an exemplary segmented switchable lens 110 having a plurality of segments adapted to provide an ADB function. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the segmented switchable lens 110 includes an array of 2 x 12 segments 141–164, which are provided by independently controlled segments of electrochemical films 115, 116. For example, an upper row includes segments 141–152, and a lower row includes segments 153–164. The segments of the first and second electrochemical films 115, 116 match in size and shape and are optically aligned such that light passing through a segment of film 116 also passes through a corresponding segment of film 115 and is polarized in both the left and right directions. The lines between segments 151–164 are shown in Figure 2.Figure 2 illustrates individual segments; however, the lines between the lens segments 110 are not visible to the naked eye. For example, the separation between the film segments 115 and 116 may be small to limit the passage of light between them. For example, the separation between segments may be less than one hundred microns. In some embodiments, the separation between segments is approximately twenty to twenty-five microns. Segments 141-164 can be formed on curved or flat surfaces and in a variety of shapes, such as those represented in the 2x12 array of segments 141-164 in FIG. 2. Alternatively, independently controlled segments of the electrochemical films 115, 116 are smaller than each of the segments 141-164, and a plurality of smaller segments of the films 115, 116 are collectively controlled to form the represented segments 141-164. In some embodiments, the light source 120 includes a 2x12 LED array having two rows of twelve LEDs, such that each LED is aligned with a corresponding segment 141-164 of the segmented switchable lens 110 shown in FIG. 2. The light source 120 can be used for automotive lighting functions including, for example, the high and / or low beam of a headlight, a brake light, a turn signal, a taillight, or a high-mounted center brake light. The automotive lighting functions can be controlled by a vehicle controller, such as the controller 350 described below in relation to FIG. 3. The segmented switchable lens 110 can be used in various headlight assemblies as an outer or inner lens (not shown) or, alternatively, as a mirror (e.g., as the segmented switchable mirror 415 of FIG. 5) Lens 110 is attached to a housing (not shown) that provides structural support, enabling optical alignment of the components and accessories of headlight assembly 100, and for attachment to a separate structure (e.g., a vehicle). Lens 110 is configured as part of a vehicle headlight assembly, which includes, but is not limited to, front and rear headlight assemblies, high-mount center brake lights, fog lights, turn signals, and reflectors. Lens 110 can be used to provide a switchable external appearance of headlight assembly 100, such that Lens 110 switchably conceals components of headlight assembly 100, including one or more light sources, internal lenses, reflectors, bezels, etc. Lens 110 also provides a shutter capability for ADB functionality, as described below. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the components of an exemplary system 300 for controlling the headlight assembly 100. The system 300 includes a controller 350, which is, for example, a headlight control module having a computer, microcontroller, microprocessor, or programmable logic controller (PLC) and one or more PCBs located on board the vehicle and communicatively coupled with the first and second electrochemical films 115, 116, the light source 120 via the PCB 125, and optionally the inner lens 130 and the heating element 180. The controller 350 includes a memory 354, which includes a non-transient means for storing the software 356, and a processor 352 for executing the instructions of the software 356. The memory 354 can be used to store information used by the controller, including, but not limited to, instructions, algorithms, lookup tables, and computational models. The controller 350 may also include one or more switches (e.g., for PWM). An optional user interface 360 ​​allows the user to transmit instructions and receive information, as described later. The controller 350 is not limited by the materials from which it is constructed or by the processing mechanisms employed and, as such, can be implemented using semiconductors and / or transistors (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs)), etc. In certain embodiments, the 360 ​​user interface includes a user input device, which may include one or more buttons or switches located in a vehicle cabin or on a handheld device (e.g. e.g., a key fob) to control the headlight assembly. In some embodiments, the 360-degree user interface includes a touchscreen display device configured to receive touch input from the user. The touchscreen display device may be located in the vehicle cab and / or be accessed remotely via a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or laptop). The 360-degree user interface may be configured to present a menu for selecting, for example, the ADB setting, among other transparent / reflective state patterns. In certain embodiments, the controller 350 is optionally communicatively coupled with other vehicle subsystems 370. This enables automatic control of the headlight assembly 100 based on input signals provided by other vehicle subsystems. For example, a camera subsystem can be used to obtain images of the vehicle's front view. The images are transmitted to the controller 350 to determine which segments of film 115 should be switched off in real time or near real time to control the light projected onto a target location, based on the camera images, as described later in relation to FIG. 3.In another example, headlight assembly 100 can be activated to reveal a hidden stop light by making electrochemical films 115 and 116 completely transparent in active mode, in response to a stop signal from a sensor, the sensor responding to an activated braking mechanism. In one example, when a user locks or unlocks the vehicle doors using a key fob, headlight assembly 100 can alter its appearance (e.g., reflective, transparent, or partially reflective / transparent) to reveal light patterns through the underlying light source 120. Functional control of the segments of the first and second electrochemical films 115, 116 (e.g., on / off or dimming) can be adapted to occur in a coordinated manner using the controller 350. Alternatively, the matching segments of films 115, 116 can be connected together using the same electrical cable, so that the current / voltage supply for functional control is inherently the same for each segment of the pair. This arrangement has the added advantage of halving the total number of electrical cables required to control the segmented switchable lens 110. The FIG.3 300 system allows the headlight assembly 100 to provide automotive lighting functions (e.g., low / high beam headlight functions, ADB functions, stop / turn signals, etc.) or custom appearances (e.g., styling features or lighting), while also providing the ability to hide the headlight assembly 100 features in an unactivated (e.g., opaque) mode. Communication between the user interface 360, the controller 350, other vehicle subsystems 370, and the headlight assembly 100 can be achieved via a wired and / or wireless communication medium. For example, the controller 350 may include a transmitter / receiver, a multi-channel input / output (I / O) data bus, or similar (not shown) for communicative coupling with the user interface 360 ​​and the headlight assembly 100. The controller 350 is programmed with instructions to send signals to the electrochemical films 115, 116 to switch individual segments 141–164 of the segmented switchable lens 110 between active (e.g., substantially transparent), partially active (e.g., semi-transparent), and inactive (e.g., substantially opaque) modes.Other electronic devices known to persons skilled in the art may be used in conjunction with the 350 controller to change modes and provide PWM without leaving the scope of this memory. The 350 controller may also be programmed with instructions to control one or more lights from light source 120 in coordination with the corresponding segments 141-164. The programmed instructions may be predetermined and / or respond to inputs from the user interface 360 ​​or other vehicle subsystems 370. In operation, active mode occurs when an electrical potential is applied to segments 141-164 of lens 110, and inactive mode occurs when the electrical potential is turned off. In active mode, a high voltage and a low current are applied, causing the suspended particles to become charged and align in a particular orientation based on the electrical potential across a corresponding segment of electrochemical films 115, 116. When a segment of films 115, 116 is switched on, the applied voltage / current electrically charges that segment like a charged capacitor. The suspended particles align in such a way as to allow light to pass through, making an active segment of films 115, 116 substantially transparent, similar to a glass window.When all segments of films 115 and 116 are switched to active mode and become substantially transparent, lens 110 functions as a typical lens, allowing light to pass through, and appears as a typical lens in a typical headlight assembly. When individual segments of films 115 and 116 are switched to inactive mode, the corresponding segments of lens 110 become substantially opaque, allowing them to be used to block a portion of the light from light source 120. For example, portions of a light source can be blocked to mitigate glare perceived by pedestrians or drivers in oncoming vehicles (e.g., to provide an ADB function). In certain embodiments, the segmented switchable lens 110 achieves approximately 80% to approximately 90% transparency when all segments are activated, meaning that approximately 80% to approximately 90% of the light directed at lens 110 passes through it. In some embodiments, lens 110 achieves approximately 87% transparency when all segments are activated, which is less than that of a standard lens (e.g., a standard lens typically has approximately 90% to approximately 93% transparency). However, the optics of lens 110 are unaffected by the decrease in transparency, and an increase in the light output of light source 120 can be used to compensate for the decrease in transparency. In the absence of an applied electrical potential, the suspended particles remain disorganized, and their random orientation blocks, absorbs, and / or reflects light. When all segments of films 115 and 116 are inactivated, lens 110 is substantially opaque, obscuring the internal workings of headlight assembly 100 from view. In certain embodiments, the suspended particles are highly reflective, so that when not arranged in the inactive mode, lens 110 substantially reflects light, giving it the appearance of a mirror-like reflective surface. The reflected reflectivity of lens 110 can be tailored to provide a sleek, streamlined appearance that conceals the less-than-ideal functional appearance of a typical headlight assembly. The segmented switchable lens 110 can be used to completely conceal, partially conceal, or completely reveal anything arranged behind lens 110 when the electrochemical film segments 115 and 116 are completely inactive, partially active, or fully active, respectively. The segmented switchable lens 110 can be molded to include curvature, contoured portions, grooves, textured surfaces, and other features, which may correspond to the internal workings of a headlight assembly, such as light sources, etc. (e.g., low-beam and high-beam light sources of a headlight). Electrochemical films 115, 116 can be applied to substrates in such a way as to conform to the curvature and other features molded into the lens 110. An example of a switchable mirror lens assembly is described in pending U.S. Application No. 15 / 931, 824, entitled "Switchable Mirror Lens Assembly," filed May 14, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. By selectively activating individual segments 141–164 of the segmented switchable lens 110, the headlight assembly 100 can provide an adaptive dimming or switching-off headlight function that dims or turns off portions of a headlight while driving to reduce glare perceived by someone outside the vehicle (e.g., a pedestrian or occupant of another vehicle). In certain embodiments, the light source 120 is adapted to produce a high-beam function of a vehicle headlight, and the lens 110 is arranged in front of the high-beam light source. By controlling some segments of the segmented switchable lens 110 to be in the active mode and other segments to be in the inactive mode, the amount of light emitted by the headlight assembly 100 can be varied (e.g., from a full high-beam state to a legal low-beam state).Therefore, the 110 segmented switchable lens can be used to protect oncoming traffic or pedestrians from glare by quickly closing off any portion of the high beam that would otherwise cause glare. Similarly, the segments of the 110 segmented switchable lens can be quickly switched between active and inactive modes (e.g., using PWM) under the control of the driver, thereby reducing the amount of light emitted from any given segment. The controller 350 in FIG. 3 can be used to determine which segments to activate or deactivate based on information received from the vehicle's sensors and other subsystems 370. For example, a camera subsystem can be used with a vehicle to obtain forward-view images, and the controller can be used to determine which segments of the films 115, 116 should be switched off in real time or near real time to control the projected light at a target location based on the images received from the camera. The switching speed of the electrochemical film segments can be less than or approximately 100 milliseconds at 22 °C. The controller can dim the emitted light (e.g., by PWM) based on the information received from the camera images. In addition to a camera, a GPS module can be used to determine the vehicle's location and provide location information to the controller.In certain embodiments, the controller can also use radar information (e.g., from an onboard vehicle radar transceiver) to determine target locations in order to determine which LEDs should be switched off or modulated. Segments 141-164, shown in FIG. 2, can be used collectively to project a beam pattern in front of a vehicle. Because each of the LEDs 120A-120D and each of the segments 141-164 are addressable, dimming (e.g., by PWM) or turning off individual LEDs and / or individual segments 141-164 allows for rapid adjustment of the beam pattern to avoid glare for other vehicle occupants or pedestrians. Segments 141-164 of the lighting assembly 100 can be dynamically switched on or off, under the control of the controller 350, to avoid glare for a target (e.g., another vehicle) while the target is moving relative to the lighting assembly 100. In addition to reducing glare, the direction of light emitted by a vehicle's ADB headlight can be adaptedally changed by controlling segments 141-164. For example, while the vehicle is turning, the controller 350 can determine the degree of the turn (e.g., using rotation sensors in the steering column as part of other vehicle subsystems 370) and selectively activate individual segments 141-164 to emit portions of light from the light source 120 directed in the direction of the turn. Simultaneously, the controller 350 can block or dim portions of light from the light source 120 by selectively deactivating or modulating the pulse width of individual segments 141-164 directed in the opposite direction of the turn. Controlling segments 141-164 allows the emitted beam pattern to be shifted or rotated without requiring any moving components or a motor. For example, a hotspot in the beam (e.g.,The brighter portion of the beam can move in coordination with the vehicle's turn. Control of the beam pattern via segments 141-164 can be independent or coordinated with the control of individual LEDs (e.g., LEDs 120A-120D) of light source 120. The number of segments and LEDs, the arrangement of the segments and LEDs, and the shape and arrangement of the inner lens 130 can vary depending on the lighting requirements of the headlight assembly 100 and the luminance provided by the individual LEDs, among other factors. Since a greater number of segments increases the resolution capacity for adapting the light configuration, the segmented switchable lens 110 provides higher resolution in the horizontal direction by having twelve segments (e.g., 141-152), while lower resolution is provided in the vertical direction because it has only two rows of segments. Other segment arrangements and the size, shape, and aspect ratio of the segments can be configured to achieve different lighting objectives (see, for example, FIG. 12). The segments of the 110 segmented switchable lens can have variable geometries, such as variable width (also known as "tilt"). This provides different output areas for light to be emitted between lenses of varying widths. For example, as depicted in FIG. 2, the inner segments located near the center of the 110 lens (e.g., segments 144-149 and 156-161) are narrower than those oriented toward the periphery (e.g., segments 141-143, 150-152, 153-155, and 162-164). Varying the pitch of the segments can be used to customize the light pattern. Narrower segments can be used in the middle to provide higher resolution in the corresponding middle portion of a headlight beam to illuminate oncoming traffic, while coarser resolution can be used at the periphery, where passing traffic is closer to the vehicle and moving faster relative to the vehicle.Other variations are possible in the interior segments 141-164, including variable aspect ratios and variable heights in the vertical direction, without departing from the scope of this document. See, for example, Figures 9 and 12 and their descriptions below. The advantages of using the 110 segmented switchable lens are that it replaces a mechanical shutter and reduces the number of LEDs required to provide a functional ADB headlight module. A reduction in the number of LEDs corresponds significantly to a reduction in the size of a heat sink or other means needed to remove heat from the headlight assembly. By using the 110 segmented switchable lens in combination with an ADB array of inner lenses for the 130 inner lens, greater control over shaping the emitted light can be achieved compared to a conventional ADB headlight, while requiring fewer inner lenses and fewer LEDs. In other words, the number of LEDs and corresponding inner lenses can be reduced without a corresponding decrease in the resolution of the adaptive light-shaping capability. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the components of an example vehicle headlight control system 302 for controlling an ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400 that has a switchable mirror assembly 410. System 302 is an example of the system 300 in Figure 3, sharing many of the same features. Items listed with similar numbers are the same or similar, and their descriptions may not be repeated accordingly. System 302 is configured to provide control of the components of the switchable mirror assembly 410 via controller 350. Controller 350 is communicatively coupled with the components of the switchable mirror assembly 410, as well as with the optional user interface 360 ​​and other vehicle subsystems 370.The characteristics of the controller 350, the user interface 360 ​​and other vehicle subsystems 370, as well as the way in which they communicatively couple with each other, were described above in relation to FIG.3. The switchable mirror assembly 410 includes a segmented switchable mirror 415 configured with a pair of segmented electrochemical films to provide individually controllable mirror segments that can be switched between transparent and reflective states. The segmented electrochemical films are examples of electrochemical films 115, 116 described above in relation to Figures 1-3. Optionally, a heating element 480, which is an example of heating element 180 in Figures 1 and 3, can be provided with a switchable mirror assembly 410 to maintain a predetermined minimum temperature (e.g., -40 °C) for the proper operation of the electrochemical films. The switchable mirror assembly 410 is described in further detail below in relation to Figures 5-14. Figure 5 is a side view of the ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400. A collimated light source 405 directs collimated beams of light to the segmented switchable mirror 415. When the mirror segments 415 are switched off to the reflecting state, light is reflected from these segments to an inner lens 420, as shown in Figure 5. The inner lens 420, which is an example of the inner lens 130 in Figure 1, redirects light to an outer lens 430 for projection from the ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400. When the mirror segments 415 are switched on to the transparent-activated state, light passes directly through these mirror segments 415 (not shown), so that the portions of light corresponding to the transparent segments are not reflected for projection from the ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400. Figures 6-8 are perspective views of the ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400 showing the switchable mirror assembly 410 in relation to the inner lens 420 and the outer lens 430. The emitted light and light source 405 are not shown in Figures 6-8 for clarity. The perspective view in Figures 6 and 7 reveals a "front side" of the switchable mirror assembly 410 in which the segmented switchable mirror 415 can be seen; the perspective view in Figure 8 reveals a "rear side" of the switchable mirror assembly 410 in which the segmented switchable mirror 415 is not visible. As depicted in Figures 6-8, 6-8, a first electrical connector 426 and a second electrical connector 428 provide electrical wires to each of the electrochemical film segments of the segmented switchable mirror 415. A third electrical connector 427 provides electrical wires to the heating element 480 for heating the mirror 415.A transparent element 425 provides support for electrical cables to be connected to mirror 415. The transparent element 425 is made of plastic or clear glass that allows light to pass through. Figure 7 shows electrical plug receptacles 436, 437, and 438 electrically and mechanically connected to one of the respective electrical connectors 426, 427, and 428. Specifically, a first electrical plug receptacle 436 is a multi-pin receptacle configured to connect to a multi-channel electrical power supply to individually supply current / voltage to individual segments of the segmented switchable mirror 415. Similarly, a second electrical plug receptacle 437 is a multi-pin receptacle configured to connect to a multi-channel electrical power supply to individually supply current / voltage to individual segments of the segmented switchable mirror 415.For example, the first and second electrical plug receptacles 436, 437 are 30-pin receptacles, each of which provides connection to thirty independent electrical wires, where each electrical wire is used to supply current / voltage to control at least one switchable mirror segment of mirror 415. A third electrical plug receptacle 437 is a receptacle configured to connect to an electrical power supply to supply current / voltage to a heating element (e.g., the heating element 480, described below in relation to FIGs. 8 and 10). Figure 8 shows the rear of the switchable mirror assembly 410, in which an optional heating element 480 is arranged adjacent to the transparent element 425 in a thermally conductive manner adapted to heat the segmented switchable mirror 415. However, other means of heating the segmented switchable mirror 415 known to persons skilled in the art are possible without departing from the scope of this specification. Also visible in Figure 8 are multichannel cables that electrically connect the first and second electrical connectors 426, 428 to the segmented switchable mirror 415. For example, the first electrical connector 426 includes a first side 426A that provides a plurality of cables to the front of the segmented switchable mirror 415 and a second side 426B that provides a plurality of cables to the rear of the mirror 415.In some examples, these electrical wires can be connected to an upper row of segments (e.g., 415A and the segments to its right in FIG. 9). Similarly, the second electrical connector 428 includes a first side 428A that provides a plurality of wires to the front of the segmented switchable mirror 415 and a second side 428B that provides a plurality of wires to the rear of the mirror 415. In some examples, these electrical wires can be connected to a lower row of segments (e.g., 415B and the segments to its right in FIG. 9). In this way, half of the electrical wires are provided from the front and the other half from the rear, making it possible to manage the wiring of individual segments.The second-side connectors 426B, 428B are, for example, flexible circuits that provide flexible multi-conductor electrical connectors to electrically connect segments from the back of mirror 415. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view from above of the segmented switchable mirror 415. A plurality of mirror segments 415 arranged in two arrays is shown. As indicated in Figure 9, a first array of switchable mirror segments includes a first mirror segment 415A, and a second array includes a second mirror segment 415B. Not all mirror segments are numbered for clarity of illustration. In certain embodiments, the first array of mirror segments is used to adaptively control a low-beam output of a vehicle headlight, and the second array of mirror segments is used to adaptively control a high-beam output of a vehicle headlight. The number, size, shape, aspect ratio, and arrangement of the mirror segments within each array can be varied to provide customized, adaptively controlled light outputs (see, for example, Figure 12).Similarly, the number and arrangement of the mirror segment arrays can vary to provide adaptively controlled customized light outputs, including, for example, different polarizations of the light output (see, for example, FIGs.10-11). A first seal 418 is arranged along one upper side of the mirror segments. The functional parts of the mirror segments are inside the first seal 418, and the electrical connections to the electrical wires are arranged outside the first seal 418 (e.g., along the periphery of the segmented switchable mirror 415). In other words, the electrical connections are made to the top of each segment in the upper row (e.g., the first mirror segment 415A) and to the bottom of each segment in the lower row (e.g., the second mirror segment 415B), outside the perimeter of the first seal 418. The first seal 418 is, for example, a silicone sealing material that provides a barrier to prevent the ingress of debris, thus keeping the mirror segments clean and mitigating oxidation of the mirror segments. A second substrate 412 and a third substrate 413 are best seen in Figure 10.Substrates 412 and 413 are, for example, optically transparent glass or plastic (e.g., polycarbonate or acrylic) that provide transparent surfaces on which to mount switchable mirror segments or electrical cables, as described in more detail below. The line labeled AA' indicates the location of a cross-section shown in Figure 10. The line labeled BB' indicates the location of a longitudinal cross-section shown in Figure 11. During operation, the ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400, under the control of controller 350, can be used with segmented switchable mirror 415 to produce spot images or images with gaps or dark spots where a portion of the light distribution image is not illuminated (not shown), thereby reducing glare at a target location. Examples of spot images and gap images are shown in pending U.S. application No. 16 / 561, 673, entitled "Programmable Glare-Free High Beam," filed September 5, 2019, and are incorporated herein by reference. A camera subsystem can be used to obtain images of the front view of a vehicle, and the controller 350 of FIG. 4 can be used to determine which segments of the segmented switchable mirror 415 should be switched off in real time or near real time to control the projected light at a target location based on the images received from the camera. The controller 350 can dim the emitted light (e.g., by PWM) based on the information received from the camera images. In addition to a camera, a GPS module can be used to determine the vehicle's location and provide location information to the controller. In certain embodiments, the controller 350 can also use radar information (e.g.,(from a radar transceiver on board the vehicle) to determine the target locations to determine which segments of the segmented switchable mirror 415 should be activated to make transparent and therefore not propagate light, in order to reduce glare at the target location. In addition to providing high / low beam light distributions and dynamic glare reduction, the direction of light emitted by a vehicle's ADB headlight can be adaptively changed by controlling segments of the segmented switchable mirror 415. For example, while the vehicle is turning, the controller 350 in FIG. 4 can determine the degree to which the vehicle is turning (e.g., by means of rotation sensors in the steering column as part of other vehicle subsystems 370) and selectively activate individual segments to emit portions of light directed in the direction of the turn. At the same time, the controller 350 can block or dim portions of the light by selectively deactivating or modulating the pulse width of individual segments directed in the opposite direction of the turn.The segmental control of the 415 segmental switchable mirror allows the emitted beam pattern to be shifted or rotated without requiring any moving components or a motor. For example, a beam hotspot can be moved in coordination with the vehicle's turn. Unlike a digital micromirror device (DMD), such as the DMD described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 561, 673 mentioned above, in which individual mirrors pivot between positions to reflect light in different directions, no moving parts are required for the segmented switchable mirror 415 to alter the light output. Furthermore, all individual DMD mirrors have the same size, shape, and aspect ratio, whereas the segmented switchable mirror 415 is easily configured with variable and customizable sizes, shapes, and aspect ratios of the individual segments (see, for example, the 515 array of switchable mirrors in FIG. 12). Figure 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the segmented switchable mirror 415 and the optional heating element 480. The view in Figure 10 corresponds to the line labeled AA' in Figure 9 and the line labeled FF' in Figure 11. The line labeled CC' in Figure 10 corresponds to the top cross-sectional view shown in Figure 9, and the line labeled DD' corresponds to the longitudinal cross-sectional view shown in Figure 11. Seals may be arranged around portions of the mirror segments, such as the first seal 418 shown in Figures 9 and 11 and a second seal 419 shown in Figure 11; however, these are not shown in Figure 10. 10 for greater clarity of the illustration. In the exploded views of Figures 10 and 11, some components of the segmented switchable mirror 415 are shown separately for clarity; however, the components can be closer together or bonded with an optically clear adhesive to provide a functional switchable mirror, as described later. Figures 10 and 11 are best viewed in conjunction with the following description. A first substrate 411 has a first common-ground connection 429A disposed thereon for electrically grounding the electrochemical circuits of the plurality of switchable mirror segments. A second substrate 412 has a plurality of switchable mirror segments disposed thereon, including the first mirror segment 415A and the second mirror segment 415B, as shown in FIG. 10. An optically transparent electrical insulating film 495 is disposed between the first common-ground connection 429A and the switchable mirror segments 415A and 415B. Individual electrical wires (not shown) are connected to the peripheral edges of the switchable mirror segments 415A and 415B and the first common-ground connection 429A to provide individually controllable electrical current / voltage, as described above in relation to FIG. 9. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, the segmented switchable mirror 415 includes two sets of switchable mirror arrays that are optically aligned with each other. As shown in FIG. 10, a third substrate 413 is an example of the first substrate 411 on which a second common-ground tap 429B is disposed. Similarly, a fourth substrate 414 is an example of a second substrate 412 having a plurality of switchable mirror segments disposed thereon, including a third mirror segment 416A and a fourth mirror segment 416B. An optically transparent electrical insulating film 495 is disposed between the second common-ground tap 429B and the switchable mirror segments 416A and 416B.The individual electrical wires (not shown) are connected to the peripheral edges of the switchable mirror segments 416A, 416B and to the second socket 429B to common ground to provide individually controllable electrical current / voltage, as described above in relation to FIG. 9. The second and fourth substrates 412, 414 can be held together using an optically transparent adhesive 490. In certain embodiments, all substrates can be held together using an optically transparent adhesive (not shown). The two sets of switchable mirror segment arrays are used to provide different light polarizations. For example, the first 415A mirror segment and the second 415B mirror segment can be configured to provide left-hand polarization, while the third 416A mirror segment and the fourth 416B mirror segment can be configured to provide right-hand polarization. By having two sets of switchable mirror arrays optically aligned with each other, the light transmitted from the 415 segmented switchable mirror is polarized both clockwise and counterclockwise. Individual mirror segments can be controlled in pairs based on polarization. In other words, each segment in the upper set is paired with a matching segment in the lower set, and the pair of segments is controlled together.For example, the functional control of the first and third mirror segments 415A and 416A (e.g., on / off or dimming) can be combined to occur in a coordinated manner via the 350 controller. Alternatively, each of the paired segments (e.g., the first mirror segment 415A and the third mirror segment 416A) can be connected to each other using the same electrical cable so that the current / voltage supply for functional control inherently matches for each segment of the pair. This arrangement has the added advantage of halving the total number of electrical cables required to control the 415 segmented switchable mirror. The heating element 480 is optionally arranged adjacent to the segmented switchable mirror 415. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the heating element 480 includes a transparent conductive layer 482, which can be electrically powered to produce heat. The transparent conductive layer 482 is arranged on a fifth substrate 484, which is, for example, a glass layer. Electrical power can be supplied through the third electrical connector 427 of FIGs. 6-8. The transparent conductive layer 482 is, for example, a thin-film layer of indium tin oxide (ITO), which provides a transparent resistor. Alternatively, the transparent conductive layer uses silver nanowires to provide a transparent resistor. Other heating elements and transparent conductive layers can be used without departing from the scope of this specification.The heating element 480 can be used to maintain a predetermined minimum temperature of the segmented switchable mirror 415 (e.g., -40 °C) to ensure proper operation of the electrochemical films. An antireflective coating 486 can be arranged on the fifth substrate 484, opposite the transparent conductive layer 482. Figure 11 is an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the segmented switchable mirror 415 and the optional heating element 480. The view in Figure 11 corresponds to the line labeled BB' in Figure 9 and the line labeled DD' in Figure 10. The line labeled EE' in Figure 11 corresponds to the cross-sectional view from above shown in Figure 9, and the line labeled FF' corresponds to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 10. The first seal 418 provides a seal to protect the upper mirror array (e.g., including the first mirror segment 415A); the second seal 419 provides a seal to protect the lower mirror array (e.g., including the third mirror segment 416A). Optically transparent adhesive 490 and optically transparent electrical insulating films 495 are not shown in FIG.11 for clarity of illustration. Figure 12 shows an example of a 515 array of segmented switchable mirrors customized to provide low-beam and high-beam light output from a vehicle headlight. The 515 switchable mirror array includes a wired segmented electrochemical film to provide individually controllable mirror segments that can be switched between an active transparent state and a non-active reflective state. The 515 switchable mirror array is an example of the 415 segmented switchable mirror of Figures 9-11 in which the individual segments are similarly arranged to form two arrays, one to produce a low-beam light distribution and the other to produce a high-beam light distribution from a vehicle headlight; however, the 515 switchable mirror array is configured with segments of various sizes, shapes, and aspect ratios, as described later. A 520 array of switchable low-beam mirror segments includes individually controllable segments of electrochemical film that are wider toward the periphery and narrower toward the center. A multi-segment notch 524 is provided in a portion of the 520 array segments to provide a legal anti-glare cutoff point 624 in the low-beam light distribution (see FIG. 13). A non-functional portion 522 of the 520 array provides a location for connecting electrical wires to each of the mirror segments. The non-functional portion 522 can be prevented from functioning as a mirror to avoid redirecting light (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 5). For example, the non-functional portion 522 can be coated with a non-transparent coating or material (e.g., flat black paint) to make it substantially opaque. A 530 array of high-beam switchable mirror segments also includes individually controllable segments of electrochemical film that have various sizes, shapes, and aspect ratios, and are arranged in a nonlinear array. As depicted in FIG. 12, the multi-segment notch 524 of the 520 array of low-beam switchable mirror segments can be aligned with the 530 array of high-beam switchable mirror segments, so that the anti-glare legal cutoff point 624 in the low-beam light distribution (see FIG. 13) is completed with the high-beam light distribution (see FIG. 14). A non-functional part 532 is similar to the non-functional part 522 in providing a location for electrical connections to each of the mirror segments without functioning as a mirror to redirect light. Alternatively, the 515 switchable mirror array is configured to use both the 520 and 530 switchable mirror segment arrays to provide ADB low beam functionality, with the high beam (e.g., a standard high beam) provided separately. Another option is to provide only one array for ADB functionality, for example, the 520 switchable low beam mirror segment array, and provide the other beam (e.g., the high beam) separately. FIG. 13 is a contour graph 620 of an exemplary low-beam light distribution image. To generate the low-beam light distribution image represented by the contour graph 620, the segmented switchable mirror array 515 of FIG. 12 (e.g., by means of the controller 350 of FIG. 4) is operated with the low-beam switchable mirror segment array 520 deactivated to provide the reflective state on all mirror segments of array 520, and the high-beam switchable mirror segment array 530 is activated to provide the transparent state on all mirror segments of array 530, so that only the low beam is projected from the ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400.Light directed at the switchable mirror array 515 passes through the transparent segments of the array 530, including the multi-segment notch 524, so that the corresponding high-beam portion of the light is not redirected to the inner lens 420 and outer lens 430 as in FIG. 5. Instead, light passing through the transparent segments of the high-beam switchable mirror segment array 530 is directed to an absorber (not shown) or redirected to some other location so that the light is not projected from the ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400. Note that the anti-glare legal cutoff point 624 is also devoid of light in FIG. 13. A low-beam cutoff line 625 is shown in contour graph 620 of FIG. 13 and in contour graph 650 of FIG. 14 as a target reference location. Figure 14 is an example contour graph 650 of a combined high-beam and low-beam light distribution image. To generate the light distribution image represented by contour graph 650, the segmented switchable mirror array 515 (e.g., by the controller 350 in Figure 4) is operated with the low-beam switchable mirror segment array 520 and the high-beam switchable mirror segment array 530 deactivated to provide the reflective state such that both low-beam and high-beam light are projected from the ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400. In other words, light is projected both above and below the low-beam cutoff line 625. During operation, the ADB vehicle headlight assembly 400, under the control of controller 350, can be used with the switchable mirror array 515 to produce spot images or images with gaps or dark spots, in which a portion of the light distribution image is not illuminated (not shown), and which are used to reduce glare at a target location. Exemplary spot images and images with gaps are shown in U.S. Application No. 16 / 561, 673 mentioned above. A camera subsystem can be used to obtain images of the front view of a vehicle, and controller 350 in FIG. 4 can be used to determine which segments of the switchable mirror array 515 should be turned off in real time or near real time to control the projected light at a target location based on the images received from the camera. Controller 350 can dim the emitted light (e.g.,(via PWM) based on information received from the camera images. In addition to a camera, a GPS module can be used to determine the vehicle's location and provide location information to the controller. In certain embodiments, the 350 controller can also use radar information (e.g., from an onboard radar transceiver) to determine target locations and which segments of the 515 array of switchable mirrors should be activated to become transparent and thus not propagate light, in order to reduce glare at the target location. In addition to providing high / low beam light distributions and dynamic glare reduction, the direction of light emitted by a vehicle's ADB headlight can be adaptively changed by controlling electrochemical film segments in the 515 array of switchable mirrors. For example, as the vehicle turns, the controller 350 in FIG. 4 can determine the degree to which the vehicle is turning (e.g., by means of rotation sensors in the steering column as part of other vehicle subsystems 370) and selectively activate individual segments to emit portions of light directed in the direction of the turn. At the same time, the controller 350 can block or dim portions of the light by selectively deactivating or modulating the pulse width of individual segments directed in the opposite direction of the turn.The 515 array of segment-control switchable mirrors allows the emitted beam pattern to shift or rotate without the need for any moving components or a motor. For example, a beam hotspot can move in coordination with the vehicle's turn. Unlike a digital micromirror device (DMD), such as the DMD described in U.S. Application No. 16 / 561,673 mentioned above, in which all individual mirrors have the same size, shape, and aspect ratio, the size, shape, and aspect ratio of the segments in the 515 switchable mirror array are variable and customizable. Furthermore, unlike a DMD, no moving parts are required for the 515 switchable mirror array to alter the light output. The embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative rather than restrictive purposes. The embodiments of the present invention have been described in the context of vehicle headlights.

Claims

1. An adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle, comprising: a light source (120); an inner lens (130) adapted to project light from the light source (120) towards a segmented switchable lens (110); comprising the segmented switchable lens (110) a first electrochemical film (115) deposited on a substrate arranged adjacent to a first electrode (112) and a second electrochemical film (116) deposited on a substrate arranged adjacent to a second electrode (114), the first and second electrochemical films (115, 116) being optically aligned with each other to polarize light in two opposite directions, the first and second electrochemical films (115, 116) being further divided into segments (141-164), each of which is independently adapted for switching between an active mode and an inactive mode, the segments of the first and second electrochemical films (115,116) in size and shape and optically aligned such that light passing through a segment of the second electrochemical film (116) also passes through a corresponding segment of the first electrochemical film (115); a controller (350) electrically coupled to each segment of the plurality of segments, such that each segment of the plurality of segments can be individually controlled to switch between a substantially transparent state in active mode and a substantially opaque state in inactive mode; an outer lens (140) configured as a projection lens receiving light passing through transparent segments of the segmented switchable lens (110) and projecting the light from the vehicle; and a vehicle-sensing subsystem (370),The controller (350) is configured to determine which segments of the plurality of segments (141-164) switch between active and inactive modes based on information received from the vehicle detection subsystem (370).

2. The adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle detection subsystem (370) comprises a camera subsystem for obtaining images of a forward view from the vehicle, wherein the controller (350) is used to determine which segments of the plurality of segments (141-164) should switch to inactive mode to control the light projected onto a target location based on images received from the camera subsystem.

3. The adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the controller (350) is configured to control segments of the plurality of segments (141-164) to be in active or inactive mode to vary an amount of light emitted by the headlight from a full high beam state to a low beam state.

4. The adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle according to claim 2,wherein the light source (120) comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (125); the inner lens (130) is aligned with the plurality of LEDs (120A-120D) to shape the light emitted therefrom; the controller is adapted to determine the target location based on images received from the camera subsystem; and to control which of the plurality of segments should be switched between a substantially transparent state and a substantially opaque state to actively attenuate a portion of the light projected from the outer lens based on the target location.

5. The adaptive driving beam headlight according to claim 4, wherein the inner lens comprises an assembly of sublenses, and each of the sublenses is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of LEDs to shape the light emitted therefrom.

6. The adaptive driving beam headlight according to claim 4 or 5,wherein the plurality of segments is configured to provide a high beam cutoff, and the controller controls the plurality of segments according to the high beam cutoff, thereby switching between a low beam pattern and a high beam light pattern projected from the outer lens.

7. The adaptive driving beam headlight according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the beam pattern is shifted adaptively by actively changing a transparency state of the plurality of film segments to rotate the direction of the light projected from the outer lens without the use of any moving components or a motor.

8. The adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle according to any of claims 4 to 7,wherein the controller attenuates a portion of the light projected from the outer lens by pulse-width modulation of a portion of the plurality of segments.

9. The adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller is configured to control the transparency of at least one segment of the plurality of segments to provide a semi-transparent state of at least one segment.

10. The adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the segmented switchable lens (110) further comprises a heating element (180) having an electrically powered transparent conductive layer for producing heat to warm the electrochemical films (115, 116).

11. The adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the controller is configured so that the functional control of the segments of the first and second electrochemical films (115, 116) occurs in a coordinated manner.

12. The adaptive driving beam headlight for a vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the matching segments of the first and second electrochemical films (115, 116) are connected to each other using a common electrical cable to provide adapted control for each segment of the film pair.

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