Vehicle Smart Light Assembly with Dynamic Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle lighting systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust illumination to effectively highlight road signs and pedestrians in real-time, leading to reduced visibility for operators under various operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A smart light assembly and system that incorporates dedicated electronic sensing devices and adjustable beam light sources, connected to a controller that processes data from cameras, sensors, and vehicle monitoring devices to direct targeted illumination onto detected objects, such as road signs and pedestrians, minimizing latency and optimizing lighting patterns based on vehicle speed and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lighting systems are used, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the ability to dynamically adjust illumination to highlight road signs and pedestrians in real-time is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent LED modules that can be individually controlled. Each module can be selectively activated based on detected target positions, allowing dynamic illumination adjustment without requiring a complete system redesign. This segmentation enables targeted lighting control while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability where the illumination direction can be adjusted in real-time based on detected objects. The system transitions from static lighting patterns to dynamic, adaptive illumination that follows detected targets such as pedestrians and road signs, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through automated control.
2Productivity
If dedicated electronic sensing devices and controllers are added, then real-time target detection and illumination adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensing device, processing unit, and lighting control into a unified system architecture. By merging these functions and implementing direct communication pathways between components, the system achieves fast response times without proportionally increasing overall complexity. The integrated approach allows coordinated operation of sensing and illumination functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated controller serves as an intermediary between the electronic sensing devices and the adjustable beam light sources. This mediator processes sensor data, identifies targets, and generates appropriate illumination commands, thereby enabling rapid response while managing system complexity through centralized control logic.
3Illumination intensity
If illumination is directed onto specific targets like road signs and pedestrians, then operator visibility is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of illuminating the entire roadway uniformly, the system applies illumination locally and selectively to detected targets such as pedestrians, animals, and road signs. This localized lighting approach concentrates energy where needed for enhanced visibility while minimizing waste in areas without targets, thereby improving target visibility while managing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial illumination action by activating only the specific LED modules required to illuminate detected targets rather than the entire lighting array. This selective activation provides sufficient illumination for safety-critical targets while reducing overall energy consumption compared to full-system illumination.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart light assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That smart light assembly includes an electronic sensing device dedicated to the smart light assembly, an adjustable beam light source and a controller directly connected to the adjustable beam light source. A smart lighting system is also disclosed.