Vehicle Headlight Beam Control to Prevent Following Driver Dazzling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of motor vehicles are often dazzled by headlights from approaching vehicles behind, which current solutions fail to effectively address due to the reduction in rearview mirror reflectivity leading to reduced visibility and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure light levels at multiple locations on a vehicle and adjust the headlights of the approaching vehicle to reduce dazzling by dimming or redirecting the light beams, using vehicle-to-vehicle communication to control the light output and beam direction based on sensor data from the vehicle being approached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the reflectivity of rear view mirrors is reduced to prevent dazzling, then the driver's eyes are protected from excessive light, but the general visibility through the rear view mirrors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the rear view mirror system have different reflectivity properties. The mirrors are configured with selective reflectivity - reducing reflection in the direction of the dazzling light source while maintaining or enhancing reflection in other directions. This allows the mirror to simultaneously protect the driver from excessive light in one direction while preserving visibility from other directions, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing dazzling and maintaining general visibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual or automatic mechanisms reduce the reflectivity of rear view mirrors, then the amount of reflected light is reduced, but the driver loses the ability to observe what is happening behind the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by configuring rear view mirrors with spatially selective reflectivity characteristics. Different zones or orientations of the mirror surface have different reflectivity properties, allowing the system to reduce reflected light intensity from specific directions (where dazzling occurs) while maintaining reflective properties in other directions (where observation is needed). This directional selectivity resolves the contradiction by preserving useful visual information while eliminating harmful light.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the reflectivity of rear view mirrors is changed, then the dazzling effect is reduced, but it takes 1-3 seconds for the driver's visual system to adjust, during which the driver cannot fully perceive the surrounding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively controlling the reflectivity of rear view mirrors to prevent dazzling before it occurs or to minimize its duration. The system detects the presence and intensity of light sources that could cause dazzling and adjusts mirror reflectivity in advance or continuously to maintain optimal levels. This prevents the driver from experiencing prolonged adaptation periods, as the light levels are kept within comfortable ranges throughout, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing dazzling and minimizing visual adaptation time.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the headlights of the first motor vehicle are adjusted to reduce dazzling, then the driver of the second motor vehicle is protected from excessive light, but the illumination coverage zone may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing directional control of headlight beams. Different portions or directions of the headlight output have different intensity characteristics. The system selectively reduces or redirects light in the direction of the following vehicle (where dazzling occurs) while maintaining or enhancing illumination in other directions (where road lighting is needed). This spatial selectivity allows the headlights to simultaneously protect the following driver and maintain adequate road illumination coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents dazzling by dynamically adjusting the headlights to avoid directing light into the driver's eyes, maintaining visibility while reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, in the first motor vehicle, values representing a measured level of light and optionally a crossing of a threshold of the measured level of light impinging on the second motor vehicle
Data Source
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Figure 5a~5d
AI summary
A method of preventing dazzling of a driver in a second vehicle caused by headlights of a first motor vehicle travelling behind the second motor vehicle comprises receiving, in the first motor vehicle, values from the second motor vehicle representing a measured level of light and/or a crossing of a threshold of the measured level of light impinging on the second motor vehicle from behind. The first motor vehicle, in response to the received values, adjusts an amount of light emitted by the headlights and/or an area lit by the headlights.