Vehicle Headlight Intensity Control for Infrastructure-Lit Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrastructure-based lighting, often monochromatic and insufficient, hinders optimal recognition of pedestrians and cyclists by drivers and image-based driver assistance systems, especially in areas already partially illuminated, due to lack of contrast and shadow formation.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lighting system that adjusts light intensity based on infrastructure lighting, emitting higher intensity light into areas already illuminated by infrastructure lights to enhance contrast and shadow formation, using sensors and digital maps to determine illumination needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If infrastructure-side lighting is used to illuminate roads and adjacent areas, then energy consumption is reduced and basic illumination is provided, but object recognition quality deteriorates due to monochromatic light and insufficient contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively increasing light intensity only in specific partial luminous volumes where infrastructure lighting is insufficient, rather than uniformly illuminating all areas. The control device evaluates control conditions for different regions and adjusts light intensity locally, enhancing object recognition in critical zones while maintaining energy efficiency in already well-lit areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light intensity parameter dynamically based on infrastructure lighting conditions. When infrastructure lighting is detected and control conditions are met, the lighting device emits light with higher intensity into specific partial luminous volumes, transforming the illumination parameter to improve contrast and shadow formation for better object recognition.
2Measurement precision
If light intensity is increased in areas already illuminated by infrastructure lights, then object recognition improves through enhanced contrast and shadow formation, but overall illumination energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by directing enhanced light intensity only into specific partial luminous volumes where infrastructure lighting exists, rather than uniformly increasing illumination across the entire luminous volume. This localized approach improves object recognition in critical areas while minimizing additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing enhanced illumination only in specific regions (partial luminous volumes) rather than across the entire luminous volume. The control device selectively increases light intensity where infrastructure lighting is detected, avoiding excessive energy consumption in areas that already have sufficient illumination.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If monochromatic infrastructure lights (e.g., sodium vapor lamps) are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but color differentiation and contrast between pedestrians/cyclists and background deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameter of illumination by introducing vehicle-side lighting with different spectral characteristics into partial luminous volumes illuminated by infrastructure lights. This spectral parameter change restores color differentiation capability and enhances contrast between objects and background, compensating for the monochromatic limitation of infrastructure lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite illumination system combining infrastructure-side lights with vehicle-side lighting devices. This composite approach merges the energy-efficient monochromatic infrastructure lighting with the vehicle's lighting system that provides enhanced spectral content, achieving both energy efficiency and color differentiation capability.
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
Improves object recognition by increasing contrast and visibility of pedestrians and cyclists through targeted lighting adjustments, enhancing safety in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device (1), in particular a headlight, with which light can be emitted into a luminous volume (3)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an illuminating device (1) of a motor vehicle (2), wherein light is radiated into a lighting volume (3) by means of the illuminating device (1); wherein a control condition is evaluated, the fulfillment of which depends on whether the lighting volume (3) comprises a partial lighting volume (4, 21), by means of which a surface (9, 12) and/or an environment volume (8) is illuminated, which surface and/or environment volume is or can be illuminated by means of an infrastructure-integrated luminaire (11); and wherein, if the control condition is fulfilled, the illuminating device (1) is controlled in such a way that light is radiated into the partial lighting volume (4, 21) with a different light intensity than into a remaining lighting volume (5, 6) of the lighting volume (3), which remaining lighting volume lies outside of the partial lighting volume (4, 21).