Matrix Vehicle Headlight Control for Smooth Beam Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlights struggle to smoothly transition between low and high beam light distribution patterns, causing discomfort to drivers due to abrupt changes in light distribution, and fail to adapt light distribution based on detected objects or road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headlight system with an image generation unit and a matrix light source unit that can individually adjust the amount of light emitted from multiple units, allowing for smooth transitions between light distribution patterns by superimposing and fading images, and adapting light distribution based on detected objects or road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the light distribution pattern is changed abruptly between low beam and high beam modes, then the light distribution can be switched quickly, but the driver experiences discomfort due to the steep change in light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static light distribution patterns to dynamic intermediate patterns. The control unit generates intermediate light distribution patterns that gradually transform between low beam and high beam modes, making the light distribution change dynamic and continuous rather than abrupt, thereby reducing driver discomfort while maintaining switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate light distribution patterns as mediators between low beam and high beam modes. These intermediate patterns serve as transitional states that smooth out the abrupt changes, acting as a buffer that reduces the harmful effect of steep light distribution changes on driver comfort while still enabling relatively quick mode switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light emitting units are controlled individually to form different light distribution patterns, then the light distribution can be adapted to driving conditions, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light source into multiple independently controllable light emitting units arranged in a matrix. Each unit can be controlled individually to create different light distribution patterns, enabling adaptation to various driving conditions such as oncoming traffic, curved roads, or pedestrian detection, while maintaining manageable control through modular addressing of each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the intensity and activation of individual light emitting units based on real-time driving conditions. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to various scenarios by selectively modifying specific regions of the light distribution pattern without requiring complete reconfiguration of all units, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If intermediate light distribution patterns are stored in memory for smooth transitions, then the transition between patterns becomes smooth, but the memory storage requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing multiple static intermediate patterns, the system dynamically generates intermediate light distribution patterns through computational processing. The control unit calculates intermediate patterns on-demand by blending characteristics of low beam and high beam patterns, reducing memory storage requirements while still providing smooth transitions through dynamically created intermediate states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies or representations of light distribution patterns through image data stored in memory. Rather than storing complete control signals for numerous intermediate patterns, the system stores image representations that can be processed to generate the actual light distribution patterns, reducing storage requirements while maintaining the ability to create smooth transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle headlight includes: an image generation unit; a light source unit configured to emit light based on an image generated by the image generation unit; and a memory configured to store a reference image for forming a reference light distribution pattern and a plurality of additional images, in which each of the plurality of additional images is one of a plurality of darkened images, and a plurality of brightened images, and the image generation unit generates the image for forming a predetermined light distribution pattern by light emitted from the light source unit by selecting at least one additional image and superimposing the selected additional image on a part of the reference image, the predetermined light distribution pattern being obtained by changing an amount of light of a predetermined region overlapping a predetermined target object in the reference light distribution pattern.