Vehicle Headlight Control via Remote Ambient Light Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with malfunctioning ambient light sensors may not automatically turn on headlights in low light conditions, making it difficult for drivers to realize the issue due to public and other vehicle lighting, potentially leading to unsafe driving situations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that communicates with a remote server to receive ambient light information, enabling the lighting system even if the ambient light sensor is malfunctioning, by processing this information to determine low light conditions and automatically or manually turning on the headlights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the vehicle relies on the ambient light sensor to automatically turn on headlights, then the automation extent is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by receiving ambient light information from remote servers in advance, processing this data to determine low light conditions, and preparing to activate headlights before the sensor would normally detect the need, thereby ensuring headlight activation even when the ambient light sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising a communication interface and processing device that mediates between the potentially malfunctioning ambient light sensor and the lighting system. This intermediary receives ambient light information from remote servers, processes it to determine low light conditions, and controls headlight activation independently of the sensor's status
2Reliability
If the driver manually monitors lighting conditions, then the reliability of headlight activation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically receiving ambient light information from remote servers, processing this information to determine low light conditions, and activating the lighting system without requiring driver intervention or manual monitoring, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable headlight activation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously receiving ambient light information from remote servers, processing this data to determine current lighting conditions, and automatically adjusting headlight activation accordingly, eliminating the need for driver monitoring while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a communication interface in communication with a processing device. The communication interface is configured to receive ambient light information from a remote server over a communication network. The processing device is configured to selectively enable a vehicle lighting system in accordance with the ambient light information.