Vehicle Safety Illumination Modulation for Collision Threats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic headlight control systems do not ensure consistent driver engagement, leading to increased risk of collisions during dark conditions due to inadequate illumination adjustment for potential threats, such as oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle safety illumination arrangement that includes a headlight control unit capable of modulating between low and high beam modes based on detected potential collision threats, using sensors like camera, infrared, LIDAR, or radar systems to activate the high beam mode when necessary to enhance visibility and alertness, especially in dark conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high beam mode is activated to increase illumination intensity, then visibility of the area in front of the vehicle is improved, but risk of dazzling oncoming traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between low beam and high beam modes based on real-time detection of potential collision threats. The headlight control unit automatically adjusts illumination intensity by transitioning between beam modes when objects are detected by the detection means, creating a dynamic adaptation to driving conditions that resolves the contradiction between visibility needs and dazzling prevention.
2Extent of automation
If automatic head light control unit is used to switch between beam modes, then headlight control automation is improved, but driver engagement and consistent usage cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using the vehicle's existing detection means (designed for collision detection) to also control headlight operation. The detection means automatically triggers headlight mode switching without requiring driver intervention or awareness, making the system self-sufficient and ensuring consistent operation regardless of driver engagement levels.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If head lights are turned off under dark conditions to avoid dazzling, then harmful effect to oncoming traffic is reduced, but risk of collision increases due to reduced visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing selective illumination - activating high beam mode only in the specific direction and context where collision detection is needed, while maintaining low beam or off state for other directions where dazzling prevention is the priority. This localized application of high intensity light resolves the contradiction by applying illumination precisely where needed without causing harmful effects elsewhere.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A vehicle safety illumination method and arrangement 1 is provided, comprising a head light control unit 4 for modulating an intensity of at least one head light 3 of a hosting vehicle 5 between at least a low beam mode and a high beam mode. The arrangement 1 comprises means 7 for actuating said head light control unit 4, and means 91, 92 to detect an object 11 in front of said vehicle 5, hosting said arrangement 1. The arrangement 1 comprises processing means 13 arranged to determine if an object 11 detected constitutes a potential collision threat to said vehicle 5, hosting said arrangement 1. The arrangement 1 is arranged to actuate said head light control unit 4 if an object 11 in front of said vehicle 5 is determined to constitute a potential collision threat to said vehicle 5, hosting said arrangement 1. The present invention also relates to a vehicle 5 comprising a vehicle safety illumination arrangement 1.