Adaptive Vehicle Lighting Control for Visibility-Based Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic driving light control systems, such as those using rain/light sensors, struggle to provide optimal illumination for vehicle visibility while maintaining energy efficiency, especially in poor light and contrast conditions, and do not effectively adapt to the specific visibility needs of other road users.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that utilize environmental data to determine a visibility variable, allowing for independent control of low beam and taillight functions based on the visibility ratio, ensuring the best possible illumination for traffic safety while minimizing energy consumption by adjusting lighting functions according to the specific conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If automatic headlight control is activated based on rain/light sensors, then the driver's field of vision is sufficiently illuminated in twilight and darkness, but the energy consumption of the lighting device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lighting system adaptive and adjustable rather than static. The control device dynamically adjusts lighting functions based on real-time environmental conditions (light intensity, rain, wiper activity) and determines visibility variables to independently control different lighting functions, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient illumination when needed.
2Reliability
If the lighting device is operated to ensure highest road safety for other road users, then visibility of the ego vehicle is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lighting control into independent functions (headlights, daytime running lights, taillights) that can be controlled separately based on specific visibility requirements. The control device determines visibility variables for different lighting functions independently, allowing selective activation to optimize energy consumption while maintaining road safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting lighting control based on environmental parameters (light intensity, rain conditions, wiper duty cycle) and calculated visibility variables. The control device modifies lighting function activation states according to these parameter changes, ensuring road safety is maintained while minimizing energy consumption in conditions where full lighting is not necessary.
3Ease of operation
If traditional rain/light sensor control is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot effectively adapt to specific visibility needs of other road users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring environmental conditions (light intensity, rain, wiper activity) and using this feedback to determine visibility variables that reflect the actual visibility needs of other road users. The control device adjusts lighting functions based on this feedback loop, maintaining ease of automatic operation while significantly improving adaptability to specific visibility conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for automatically controlling at least one lighting function of a lighting device (20), in particular a daytime running light and/or a taillight and/or a low beam, of an ego-vehicle (10) depending on visibility conditions, wherein environmental data characteristic of visibility conditions in the vicinity of the ego-vehicle (10) are acquired. According to the invention, based on the acquired environmental data, at least one visibility parameter characteristic of the visibility of the ego-vehicle (10) to at least one other road user (40) is determined for controlling the at least one lighting function of the lighting device (20) of the ego-vehicle (10).