Vehicle Headlamp Light Movement Reduction via Steering Angle Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adapting vehicle headlamp light distribution to road curvature are complex, requiring multiple vehicle state parameters and are inefficient in reducing light movements not corresponding to the road course.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect steering wheel angle changes over a defined time window, using a characteristic value comparison with limiting values to determine if additional light source movement is necessary, allowing for quick and precise reduction of light movements independent of road curvature and additional vehicle parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicle state parameters are used to detect driving state for adaptive headlamp swiveling, then the light distribution can be adapted to road course, but the system complexity and implementation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential steering wheel angle parameter from the complex set of vehicle state parameters, discarding unnecessary parameters such as speed, yaw rate, and pedal positions. This simplification maintains the core functionality of adapting light distribution to road course while significantly reducing system complexity and implementation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses steering wheel angle as a proxy or copy that indirectly represents the driver's intended road course without requiring direct measurement of road geometry or vehicle dynamics. This indirect measurement approach simplifies the system while preserving the adaptability function.
2Speed
If steering wheel angle changes are evaluated without time window filtering, then light movements are reduced quickly, but light movements not corresponding to road course cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary filtering of steering wheel angle changes within a defined time window before triggering light source movement. This preliminary action distinguishes between intentional steering inputs (corresponding to road course) and unintentional movements (play, adjustments), ensuring that only meaningful steering actions result in light movements. The filtering occurs in advance, allowing the system to respond quickly while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional vehicle parameters and interfaces are required for light movement reduction, then more comprehensive control is possible, but the system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the steering wheel angle sensor serve multiple functions: it detects both the magnitude and direction of steering inputs, provides information for determining road course alignment, and enables the filtering logic to distinguish between different types of steering movements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated sensors or interfaces, reducing system cost while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing the movements of light from at least one movable light source for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel, wherein a movement of the steering wheel causes a movement of the light source includes the steps of detecting a current steering wheel angle and at least one steering wheel angle change coming from the current steering wheel angle is detected over a defined time window and the steering wheel angle change is summed to form a magnitude, wherein simultaneously a number of steering wheel changes in direction is detected within the defined time window, wherein a characteristic value is allocated to each magnitude and the associated number of changes, wherein a comparison of the characteristic value with a limiting value is performed and a decision is made with reference to the comparison whether additional movement of the light source is carried out.