Pixelated Vehicle Headlamp for Multi-Jurisdiction Beam Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle headlamps are manufactured differently for various jurisdictions due to conflicting regulatory requirements, necessitating multiple variants and complicating global vehicle manufacturing and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle headlamp system utilizing a pixelated light source with emissive elements that can be controlled by a headlamp controller to output beam patterns compliant with multiple jurisdictions, allowing seamless transitions and simplified manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different headlamps are manufactured for different jurisdictions to comply with local regulations, then regulatory compliance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headlamp system is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different beam patterns (e.g., ECE and FMVSS108) within a single device. The pixelated light source can be dynamically reconfigured to meet various jurisdictional regulations, eliminating the need for separate headlamp variants for different markets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The headlamp employs a pixelated light source with individually controllable emissive elements that can dynamically change their emission characteristics. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt beam patterns in real-time based on the selected jurisdiction, transforming a static device into an adaptable one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple headlamp variants are produced for different jurisdictions, then regulatory compliance is improved, but loss of substance and manufacturing efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single headlamp design serves multiple jurisdictions by incorporating a pixelated light source that can be programmed to emit different beam patterns. This universal design eliminates the need to manufacture separate headlamp variants for different markets, reducing material waste and streamlining production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of the light source (emission intensity, direction, and pattern of individual pixels) to comply with different regulations. By adjusting these parameters through software control rather than physical redesign, the system maintains compliance across jurisdictions without requiring multiple manufacturing lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a pixelated light source is used to achieve adaptive beam patterns, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam pattern adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is divided into multiple independently controllable pixel elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each pixel can be controlled individually or in groups to create different beam patterns, allowing fine-grained adaptability without requiring a completely different light source for each jurisdiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves adaptability by changing operational parameters (intensity, activation state) of individual pixels through software control. This parameter-based approach allows a single hardware configuration to deliver multiple beam patterns, reducing the need for complex mechanical or optical switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4188754B1Global headlamp
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 TESLA INC
  • EP4188754B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4188754B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4188754B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Systems and methods for a global headlamp. An example method includes obtaining configuration information indicative of a jurisdiction associated with a vehicle. Headlamp state information is accessed which includes multiple headlamp states. A current headlamp state of the multiple headlamp states is determined based on the configuration information. A propagation is output via a pixelated light source in a headlamp of the vehicle, the propagation representing a particular beam pattern which is compliant with the jurisdiction.