Mercedes-Benz, a leading luxury car manufacturer, has made various significant contributions in the field of automotive safety. Some of the most significant car safety technologies introduced by Mercedes-Benz includes DISTRONIC Plus, Intelligent Light System, and Brake Assist. The latest in the list of contributions is the Adaptive High-Beam Assistant that is designed aimed at optimizing headlamps lighting while driving in the dark.
The new headlight system is completely adaptive and keeps on adjusting the intensity of light based on prevailing traffic conditions. The system recognizes an approaching vehicle and adjusts the beam range in such a way that the headlamp cone falls in front of the approaching car. This prevents the blinding effect that drivers often experience when a car approaches on the opposite track. The other way round, when the road is empty and there is no traffic, this innovative system automatically puts on the high beam for better visibility. This in turn helps the car drivers to have better control on the steering wheel and improves safety especially during night.
Working of Adaptive High-Beam Assistant
The complete system is based upon the working of a video camera in association with computer software that regulates the intensity of headlamps in accordance to the traffic conditions.
A video camera is placed on the inside of the front windscreen of the car. This installed camera records the images on oncoming traffic and monitors the traffic flow on the road. It also detects the actual distance of the car with other approaching automobiles. This information is then passed on to bi-xenon headlamps, which vary their lighting in accordance to the data received. The beam focus is changed every 40 milliseconds to adapt to the traffic conditions. The xenon headlamps continually adapt to the variations of data received by the images recorded in the installed camera.
There is only one effort put in by the car driver. He has to switch the rotary light switch to the “Auto” position and the multifunction control lever placed on the steering column to high beam. After this the adaptive high beam car safety technology becomes fully automatic mainly at speeds above 55 km/h.
Conclusion
At present, Mercedes-Benz will outfit the new adaptive high beam system only in its range of car models, starting from mid 2009. Gradually, the company may also start selling its innovation to other car manufacturers so that everyone can enjoy a safer and comfortable ride.
The hunt for higher safety standards is ongoing with the progress of Mercedes-Benz.
