The sensors could also be used to highlight traffic lanes and work in conjunction with navigation systems to visually guide drivers. The researchers used a digital light processing projector to create the system. This enabled them to divide the light into a million tiny beams, each individually controlled by an onboard computer.
The new system touts a near-instantaneous reaction time that makes prediction of the exact position of oncoming vehicles or precipitation, as well as the bright headlights’ response, simpler.
At left, glare typically seen from high beams. At right, glare is reduced when smart headlight features are activated.
The changes in overall illumination were minor and generally not noticeable to the driver, the researchers said.
The work was funded by Ford Motor Co and for more information go to: www.cmu.edu
