Vehicle Headlamp Control Using Intermediate Emission Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-beam assistant systems in vehicles abruptly switch between low and high beam, causing glare and discomfort, and fail to provide a smooth transition, affecting driving safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A method that introduces an intermediate emission characteristic during a debouncing time or distance, gradually changing the light emission from low to high beam, preventing abrupt transitions and ensuring the light-dark boundary does not exceed the height of the headlights, thereby avoiding glare and enhancing visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If abrupt switching between low beam and high beam is used, then the switching speed is fast and energy consumption is low, but the driver experiences discomfort and glare is caused to other road users
Solution Approach 1:
The switching process between low beam and high beam is segmented into multiple intermediate stages. Instead of direct switching, the light emission characteristic changes through several steps (e.g., low beam → intermediate stage 1 → intermediate stage 2 → high beam), where each stage represents a distinct light distribution pattern. This segmentation allows the transition to be gradual and comfortable for the driver while maintaining relatively fast overall switching performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The headlight system dynamically adjusts the light distribution characteristic through variable control. The control device selects from multiple emission characteristics (low beam, intermediate stages, high beam) based on driving conditions, enabling the system to adapt its behavior dynamically. This dynamic adjustment allows smooth transitions that reduce glare while maintaining switching responsiveness.
2Illumination intensity
If frequent fading up and down of headlights is implemented, then the range of vision is improved, but the driver experiences disruption and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of traffic conditions before initiating beam transitions. The control device monitors the traffic area and only initiates fading up or down when conditions are appropriate (e.g., no oncoming vehicles, sufficient distance from other road users). This preliminary action prevents unnecessary or disruptive transitions, maintaining driver comfort while still providing improved vision range when safe to do so.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of traffic conditions and continuously adjusts the light emission characteristic when appropriate. Rather than discrete, abrupt changes, the system provides continuous useful action by smoothly transitioning between beam modes and maintaining optimal illumination. This continuity improves vision range while minimizing disruption to the driver through smooth, natural-looking transitions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If intermediate emission characteristic is introduced during debouncing time, then the transition smoothness is improved and glare is reduced, but the switching time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The debouncing time is segmented into multiple phases, each corresponding to a different intermediate emission characteristic. Instead of a single long transition period, the system divides the transition into shorter stages (e.g., first intermediate stage for partial transition, second intermediate stage for final transition). This segmentation provides smooth transitions that reduce glare while keeping the total switching time manageable by efficiently progressing through each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the emission characteristic parameters progressively through intermediate stages. Each intermediate stage represents a specific parameter state (e.g., 50% transition to high beam, then 75%, then 100%). By controlling the rate and extent of parameter changes at each stage, the system achieves smooth transitions that reduce glare while optimizing the overall switching time through efficient parameter progression.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The method (400) involves receiving (410) a change enable signal for performing change in light emission of headlight from input radiation characteristic to output radiation characteristic. The light emission of headlight is changed (420) from input radiation characteristic to intermediate radiation characteristic, in response to change enable signal. The light emission of headlight is changed (430) from intermediate radiation characteristic to output radiation characteristic after debounce time. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) device for controlling light emission of headlight of vehicle; and (2) computer program product for controlling light emission of headlight of vehicle.