Rainer271
Kraftwagen König
Opel is developing headlights that shine where you look
Opel has announced they are developing a new generation of adaptive headlights that shine where the driver is looking.
According to the automaker, the system using a camera - with peripheral infrared sensors and central photo-diodes - to scan the driver’s eyes more than 50 times per second at night. This information is then used to determine where the driver is look so the headlamp actuators react to make both horizontal and vertical adjustments.
Interestingly, engineers had to overcome people's natural and unconscious tendency to jump from one focal point to another in order to prevent the headlight beams from jerking around erratically. In order to do this, they developed a sophisticated delay algorithm which ensures a flowing movement that is subtle.
According to Opel's Director of Lighting Technology, Ingolf Schneider, “We’ve been pursuing this concept of controlling the direction and intensity of light based on where the driver is looking for around two years." Schneider went on to say "The more we understand the benefits of this technology, the more intensively we push ahead with our joint project."
While the new lighting technology is still a ways off, Opel confirmed they are completing the final validation tests on their LED matrix headlights. They will be introduced within the next 18 months and promise to provide superior illumination thanks to a camera that can detect oncoming vehicles and individually deactivate diodes to prevent blinding the other driver.
Source: Opel
Opel has announced they are developing a new generation of adaptive headlights that shine where the driver is looking.
According to the automaker, the system using a camera - with peripheral infrared sensors and central photo-diodes - to scan the driver’s eyes more than 50 times per second at night. This information is then used to determine where the driver is look so the headlamp actuators react to make both horizontal and vertical adjustments.
Interestingly, engineers had to overcome people's natural and unconscious tendency to jump from one focal point to another in order to prevent the headlight beams from jerking around erratically. In order to do this, they developed a sophisticated delay algorithm which ensures a flowing movement that is subtle.
According to Opel's Director of Lighting Technology, Ingolf Schneider, “We’ve been pursuing this concept of controlling the direction and intensity of light based on where the driver is looking for around two years." Schneider went on to say "The more we understand the benefits of this technology, the more intensively we push ahead with our joint project."
While the new lighting technology is still a ways off, Opel confirmed they are completing the final validation tests on their LED matrix headlights. They will be introduced within the next 18 months and promise to provide superior illumination thanks to a camera that can detect oncoming vehicles and individually deactivate diodes to prevent blinding the other driver.
Source: Opel
