Adaptive Driving Beam Headlamp With Gradual High-Beam Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adaptive driving beam (ADB) systems abruptly switch from high-beam to low-beam patterns when detecting an oncoming vehicle, which can result in continued dazzling of the driver due to the high intensity of the high-beam pattern as the vehicle approaches, as the reduction in light intensity is not gradual enough.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a sensory cluster and a lighting controller that detects a remote vehicle's distance and velocity, gradually reducing the high-beam intensity from maximum to zero before the vehicle reaches a minimum distance, and then gradually increasing it back to maximum after the vehicle passes, using multiple high-beam lamps and lenses with adjustable transmissivity to control light distribution across different zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ADB systems switch from high-beam to low-beam pattern when detecting an oncoming vehicle, then the dazzling effect on the driver is reduced, but the light intensity reduction is not gradual enough and continues to dazzle the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static binary switching system (high-beam/low-beam) to a dynamic gradual dimming system. The control unit continuously adjusts the high-beam intensity based on the distance to the oncoming vehicle, creating a smooth transition rather than an abrupt change. This dynamic adjustment ensures the dazzling effect is progressively reduced as the vehicle approaches, improving driver comfort while maintaining adequate illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light intensity from a discrete binary state (on/off or high/low) to a continuous variable that can be gradually adjusted. By modifying the intensity parameter based on distance measurements, the system achieves a smooth transition that reduces the harmful dazzling effect while maintaining operational effectiveness. This parameter change enables fine-grained control over the lighting output.
2Illumination intensity
If high-beam pattern is used to provide longer distance lighting, then the operator can see farther at night, but it can potentially dazzle an operator of an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle travelling immediately in front
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the lighting characteristics in different spatial zones. When an oncoming vehicle is detected, the system selectively reduces intensity in the direction of that vehicle while maintaining higher intensity in other directions. This localized adjustment allows the system to preserve long-distance illumination capabilities where needed while minimizing the dazzling effect specifically in the direction of the oncoming vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the beam pattern and intensity based on the real-time position and distance of detected vehicles. Rather than maintaining a fixed high-beam or low-beam pattern, the lighting system continuously adapts its characteristics to the current traffic situation, enabling long-distance lighting when safe and reducing intensity when vehicles are present.
3Speed
If conventional ADB systems instantly switch between high-beam and low-beam patterns, then the response time is fast, but the abrupt change continues to dazzle the driver as the vehicle approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static instant-switching response into a dynamic gradual-dimming response. Instead of abruptly changing from high-beam to low-beam when a vehicle is detected, the system continuously adjusts the intensity over time based on the approaching vehicle's distance. This dynamic approach maintains fast response in terms of detection while adding a temporal dimension to the intensity adjustment, reducing the harmful effect of abrupt changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by beginning the gradual dimming process early, before the vehicle reaches minimum distance. The control unit starts reducing intensity as soon as an oncoming vehicle is detected at a distance, progressively lowering the beam intensity over time. This preliminary gradual adjustment prevents the abrupt dazzling effect that would occur with instant switching, while still maintaining fast detection and response capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for a local vehicle, comprising: a head lamp including a low-beam lamp for shining low-beam light in a first zone, and a first high-beam lamp for shining first high-beam light in the first zone; a sensory cluster for detecting a remote vehicle proximate to the local vehicle, the sensory cluster including a distance sensor for determining a distance of the remote vehicle from the local vehicle, and a velocity sensor for determining a velocity of the remote vehicle with respect to the local vehicle; and a lighting controller for determining a minimum-distance target time when the remote vehicle will reach a minimum distance from the local vehicle based on the distance of the remote vehicle and the velocity of the remote vehicle, and for controlling the operation of the first high-beam lamp based on the distance of the remote vehicle and the velocity of the remote vehicle.