Vehicle Headlight Light Distribution Near Intersections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling headlight light distribution in vehicles fail to accurately detect traffic approaching intersections at night, leading to dazzling of vehicles in the intersection area due to automated full or partial beam lighting.

Innovation Solution

A method that adjusts headlight light distribution based on the distance from the intersection area using map-based data and satellite navigation, independently of other vehicles' presence, employing pixel headlights for targeted glare reduction and dimming, and for static headlights, using a dimming rate dependent on the square of the distance to prevent dazzling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If automated full beam or partial full beam lighting is used to illuminate the road, then the illumination intensity is improved, but other vehicles in the intersection area are dazzled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination intensityVSAvoiddazzling effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating illumination intensity across different spatial zones. The light distribution is adjusted to provide full beam illumination in areas where no vehicles are present while reducing or eliminating full beam in areas where other vehicles are detected, thereby maintaining optimal illumination where needed while preventing dazzling in occupied zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by continuously adjusting the light distribution based on real-time detection of other vehicles. The system dynamically modifies the illumination pattern as vehicles enter or leave the intersection area, transitioning between full beam and reduced beam states to adapt to changing traffic conditions and prevent dazzling while maintaining illumination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If sensor system detection is used to identify traffic at intersections, then the detection precision is improved, but detection fails in certain nighttime situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detection approaches by combining sensor system detection with map-based intersection area identification. The system uses the sensor system to detect vehicles and combines this with pre-stored intersection location data to determine when the ego vehicle is approaching an intersection, creating a more robust detection system that works reliably in nighttime conditions where sensor detection alone may fail

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by using map-based data to identify intersection areas in advance before the vehicle reaches them. The system prepares by storing intersection location information and using it to anticipate when light distribution adjustment is needed, enabling proactive lighting control rather than reactive response to sensor detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If light distribution is adjusted based on vehicle speed for early adjustment at high speeds, then the response time is improved, but the adjustment may be premature or inappropriate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidadjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using map-based intersection data to identify upcoming intersections in advance, allowing the system to prepare for light distribution adjustment before the vehicle reaches the intersection. This enables early adjustment at high speeds while maintaining precision by using the known intersection location to determine the appropriate adjustment timing and extent

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the vehicle's position relative to the detected intersection area and adjusting the light distribution accordingly. The system uses the detected intersection location and current vehicle position to provide feedback on whether adjustment is needed and to what extent, ensuring precise timing regardless of vehicle speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12096526B2Method for controlling a variable light distribution
Publication Date: 2024.09.17 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
  • US12096526B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling variable light distribution of a headlight of a vehicle involves adjusting the light distribution relative to an intersection area when the intersection area is approached. The adjustment of the light distribution is updated depending on the distance of the vehicle from the intersection area.