Development of HD-headlamps with high-performance projectors

Abstract

High-resolution headlamp concepts, such as the SSL|HD system from HELLA [1], induce completely new requirements for the evaluation of headlamp light distributions. The subjective perception of image quality is becoming increasingly important compared to the fulfilment of legal lighting values. High-performance projectors allow a good compromise between rapid but theoretical simulations and real but expensive prototypes. These projectors can display different static or dynamic simulations in a realistic way with regard to image quality and light values [2]. This article first introduces the high-performance projectors used for this purpose at HELLA. The projectors can be used to visualize the headlamp light distribution early in the development process, long before prototypes or overall systems are implemented in the vehicle. Following this, two exemplary research questions for static situations are presented, which were answered on the basis of investigations with the high-performance projectors. The requirements for dynamic simulations of real traffic situations, which are described by the interaction of the individual sensors installed in the vehicle (e.g. vehicle dynamics, level sensors, camera), are much more complex. In the paper, a development tool consisting of high-performance projectors and the HELLA simulation software ALiSiA is presented. The aim is a dynamic visualization of the entire system to optimize the development process.

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“…Continuing with esthetic features, some OEMs are requesting projections on their headlamps. This can be achieved by using matrix LED technology [61]. However, this feature can also be used to project warning symbols and light markings on the road to warn drivers of dangerous situations [62], an example can be seen on Figure 5 [63].…”