Development of Headlight-related Technologies

Development of headlight-related technologies

In the automotive industry, headlighting systems have evolved by leaps and bounds in the last decade. A number of active lighting features have been incorporated into the systems in order to provide adequate illumination for different driving situations compared to conventional headlamps. The Adaptive Frontlighting System (AFS) was the first complementary system to come into force as mandated by UNECE in Regulation No. 123. With the introduction of AFS, the Adaptive Distance Beam (ADB) system was defined in ECE Regulation No. 48 to accommodate a wider range of application scenarios. In addition to this, the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) dimmable white light system and the headlight projection system are also developing at a high rate. Development of headlight-related technologies

In the automotive industry, headlighting systems have developed by leaps and bounds over the past decade. Compared to conventional headlights, many active lighting features have been incorporated into the system to provide adequate illumination for different driving situations. The Adaptive Frontlighting System (AFS) was the first complementary system to come into force as mandated by UNECE in Regulation No. 123. With the introduction of AFS, the Adaptive Distance Beam (ADB) system was defined in ECE Regulation No. 48 to accommodate a wider range of application scenarios. In addition to this, the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) dimmable white light system and the headlight projection system are also developing at a high rate.

A. AFS

AFS basically gives the driver the best view of the road in different situations through a bending light mode and four near light modes. Bending light is used when the vehicle is turning in a curve to provide side illumination through additional beams, enabling the driver to observe the road in the direction of the turn. The other four low beam modes are Classic Low Beam (basic low beam mode), Highway Low Beam (enhanced beam mode in the direction of travel when driving at high speeds), Town Low Beam (a beam mode that does not produce glare), and Adverse Weather Low Beam (a beam mode that avoids strong glare on oneself and oncoming traffic during inclement weather).

B. ADB

ADB is a type of high beam for AFS that adjusts its beam pattern based on the presence of an oncoming vehicle to enhance the driver's long-range visibility without causing discomfort or disturbance to other road users. This system complements the AFS in terms of high beam functionality.The ADB system typically generates a number of beams to illuminate the entire field of view, with each section independently dimmed/brightened and turned on/off.The ADB system implements a de-glare function that allows for long term use of the high beams in certain situations where visibility optimization is required.

D. Headlamp projection systems

Projections that can display vehicle information directly on the road have also been integrated into headlight systems in recent years. In addition to the driver being able to access information without moving his or her eyes, lighting-based communication between the driver and other road participants is also possible. This kind of communication will be particularly useful in the upcoming era of intelligent transportation and autonomous driving, helping other road users to quickly understand the vehicle's intentions. To enable detectable road projections in different environments (daytime, nighttime and snowy or well-illuminated road surfaces, etc.), color projections would be a potential solution.