Pixelated Vehicle Headlamp for Jurisdiction-Specific Beam Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle headlamps are designed to comply with different regulatory standards across jurisdictions, leading to variations in manufacturing and user experience, as they need to adapt to different beam patterns and glare minimization requirements for left- and right-hand traffic regions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headlamp system with a pixelated light source and a headlamp controller that adjusts the light propagation based on the vehicle's configuration information, allowing it to output beam patterns compliant with various regulatory standards, such as those in the United States and Europe, by controlling emissive elements and their intensities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal headlamp design that can adapt to multiple jurisdictions through software configuration rather than hardware variations. The headlamp controller stores multiple beam pattern configurations and selects the appropriate one based on the detected jurisdiction, allowing a single headlamp unit to serve multiple regulatory markets without requiring different physical components for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The headlamp system dynamically adjusts its beam pattern based on the detected jurisdiction. The controller automatically switches between different beam configurations (e.g., asymmetric for right-hand traffic, symmetric for left-hand traffic) in real-time based on GPS location or configuration data, making the headlamp adaptable rather than static.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple headlamp configurations are stored and switched based on jurisdiction, then adaptability is improved, but memory requirements and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control approach from hardware-based to software-based parameter configuration. Different jurisdictions are accommodated by storing different beam pattern parameters (intensity distributions, cutoff angles, illumination zones) in memory and selecting the appropriate set based on jurisdiction identification, rather than using different physical headlamp assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of headlamp beam patterns through software rather than physical copies. Multiple beam configurations are stored as digital representations that can be instantly switched between, eliminating the need for multiple physical headlamp units while maintaining all necessary jurisdiction-specific patterns.
3Ease of manufacture
If a pixelated light source is used to achieve precise beam control, then manufacturing is simplified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the headlamp light source into multiple independently controllable pixel elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each pixel can be individually addressed and controlled to create different beam patterns by varying the intensity and activation of specific pixels, enabling precise control over light distribution without requiring complex optical components.
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
Enables a global headlamp solution that simplifies manufacturing, reduces the need for multiple light sources, and provides seamless transitions between jurisdictions, enhancing user experience and regulatory compliance without physical alterations.
Implementation Method 1
causing outputting, via a pixelated light source in the headlamp, of a propagation based on the current headlamp state
Data Source
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.