Smart Headlights - by Hella

[kach22i]

Smart lamps
Headlights which dip when they detect other cars will go on sale within two years. That's the claim from technicians at lamp maker Hella

09th April 2007
They have created 'smart' lights which can tell when vehicles - plus cyclists and pedestrians - are about to be lit by a full beam, and lower their angle so there is no chance of dazzling them.

The clever system uses a camera and sensor to continually scan up to 800 metres ahead of the car. When it detects a vehicle, it cuts the beam length by swivelling the lamp and reflector down_wards without reducing the level of brightness.

Inventors say the same system can be used to improve night-time visibility on hilly roads. The sensors will always detect where the tarmac is, and keep the beam pointed directly at it to ensure it doesn't rise and fall with the nose of the car.

Clusters of LEDs are also being tested in the new headlamps. These would allow the pattern of the beam to be adjusted automatically while driv_ing to highlight important features - so the same lamp unit could illuminate a roadside sign while staying dipped on the tarmac ahead.

It's a Hella -good idea, don't you think?

[notfarnow]

Originally posted by kach22i

It's a Hella -good idea, don't you think?

I think it's a great idea. Headlights are getting brighter and brighter, and drivers are getting less so.

Didn't Cadillac have an automatic high-beam switch back in the 50s?

[Zef]

That's a good thing...for the others cars...!

[tchanson]

No fancy LED's, but still....








Tim

[legion]

I constantly notice cars with their headlights aimed every which direction. Too bad state troopers would rather pull over people for speeding.

[kach22i]

The Tucker, the center light moved with the wheel.

http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Tucker/



A Saab owner once told me that the side driving lights on the 99 were intended to help light up the leading edges of a turn/corner.

http://www.channel4.com/4car/gl/gallery/gallery/23/8


EDIT:
My stock 1977 911s has a burnt out front headlight. I don't typicaly do much driving at night and money is tight right now. Any suggestions on cheap upgrades?

[Overpaid Slacker]

"The clever system uses a camera and sensor to continually scan up to 800 metres ahead of the car...."

So it won't work here without a converter?

If it involves more moving parts (actually moving the headlight/reflector) I can't say I'm for it. If it modifies the beam through different filament use, maybe.

If you shine your brights downward on a wet, black road, you could blast oncoming folks as well. will the system detect those conditions?

JP

[legion]

Try some Silvania Silverstars.

Of course, I feared driving at night in my 951 until I bought a new aftermarket wiring harness for the headlights. Huge difference. I don't know if 911 headlights are wired similar or not.

[RallyJon]

I'm not sure I'd ever want to give up that level of control. I am diligent about dipping high beams for other cars, as well as keeping my low beams properly aimed, but the lights are for MY safety first. There have been situations where I have to pop on the high beam in traffic to see something dangerous. Imagine you see deer in your peripheral vision about to jump into the road in front of you just as a car appears ahead and the "Smart" lamps decide to lower.

[Dave L]

How about some "FOG" sensors that wont turn on "FOG" lights unless there is "FOG"

[onlycafe]

i seem to remember hearing something about a new system of ultraviolet headlights that ford was working on a few years ago. anyone know about this?

[Milu]

How about a self aiming 22lr cannon for dealing with the maladjusted lights on suvs that blind you from all your mirrors, mounted on the rear of our cars?