Programmable High-Beam Optics With DMD Glare Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlamps struggle to effectively reduce glare for oncoming vehicles and pedestrians while maintaining a high beam functionality, as they lack adaptive control over light distribution.
Innovation Solution
A programmable glare-free high beam device utilizing a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) with individually controllable micro-mirrors, combined with a focusing lens and projection lens, and optionally auxiliary optics, controlled by a controller to actively dim or turn off portions of the high beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high beam illumination is activated to improve visibility, then illumination intensity is improved, but glare to other drivers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headlamp assembly is divided into multiple independent light-emitting segments including a first light emitter for low beam, a second light emitter for high beam, and a third light emitter for glare reduction. These segmented emitters can be independently controlled to provide targeted illumination while minimizing glare to other drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the headlamp assembly are assigned different functional qualities: the first light emitter provides downward-directed low beam illumination, the second light emitter provides upward-directed high beam illumination, and the third light emitter provides counter-illumination specifically targeted at reducing glare in the direction of other drivers. Each segment has optimized beam patterns for its specific function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional headlamp design is used to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to different lighting conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The headlamp assembly integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure: low beam illumination, high beam illumination, and glare reduction are all achieved through the same physical assembly with multiple light emitters. The control system can selectively activate different emitter combinations to adapt to various driving conditions without requiring separate headlamp units for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The headlamp assembly incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the illumination patterns can be adjusted in real-time based on detected lighting conditions and the presence of other vehicles. The control system dynamically selects which light emitters to activate and at what intensity levels, allowing the same physical structure to adapt its behavior to different operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A programmable glare-free high beam device onboard a vehicle includes a plurality of light sources and an input coupler for combining light from the plurality of light sources. A focusing lens is adapted to receive light emitted from the input coupler and focus the light onto a digital micro-mirror device (DMD). The DMD has a plurality of individual micro-mirrors for reflecting light received from the focusing lens. A projection lens is adapted to receive light from the DMD and to project the light to form a spot distribution of a high beam light pattern. A plurality of auxiliary optics are adapted to form a broadened distribution of the high beam light pattern. A controller is provided for adaptively controlling the plurality of LEDs, the DMD, and the plurality of auxiliary optics to actively dim or turn off portions of the high beam light pattern.