The structure and principle of operation of the high-beam control system Light Assist

Light Assist is an automatic high-beam assistant (high-beam assistant). This assistance system improves safety and helps the driver when driving at night. The essence of its work is to automatically switch the high beam to the low beam. We will tell you in more detail about the device and features of work in the article.

Purpose of Light Assist

The system is designed to improve illumination at night. This task is accomplished by automatically switching the high beam. The driver moves with the distant bearer included as far as possible. If there is a danger of dazzling other drivers, Auto Light Assist will switch to low or change the angle of the light beam.

How Light Assist works

The operating conditions of the complex will depend on the type of installed headlights. If the headlights are halogen, then there is an automatic switch between near and far, depending on the situation on the road. With xenon headlights, the reflective element is automatically rotated in different planes in the headlight, changing the direction of the light. This system is called Dynamic Light Assistant.

The main components of the device are:

• Control block;
• interior lighting mode switch;
• black and white video camera;
• headlamp module (reflective element);
• light sensors;
• dynamic control sensors (wheel speed).

To activate the system, you must first turn on the dipped beam, then turn the switch to automatic mode.

The black and white video camera and control unit are located in the rearview mirror. The camera analyzes the traffic situation in front of the vehicle at a distance of up to 1 meters. It recognizes light sources and then transmits graphic information to the control unit. This means that the source (oncoming vehicle) is recognized before it is blinded. The length of the high beam light beam usually does not exceed 000-300 meters. Far automatically turns off when an oncoming vehicle hits this area.

Also, information to the control unit comes from light sensors and wheel speed sensors. Thus, the following information comes to the control unit:

• illumination level on the road;
• speed and trajectory of movement;
• the presence of a counter flow of light and its power.

Depending on the traffic situation, the high beam is automatically switched on or off. The system operation is indicated by a control lamp on the instrument panel.

Prerequisites for activation

Automatic high beam switching will work under the following conditions:

• dipped headlights are on;
• low light level;
• the car moves at a certain speed (from 50-60 km / h), this speed is perceived as driving on the highway;
• there are no oncoming cars or other obstacles ahead;
• the car moves outside the settlements.

If oncoming cars are detected, the main beam will automatically go out or the angle of inclination of the reflective headlamp module will change.

Similar systems from different manufacturers

Volkswagen was the first to introduce such technology (Dynamic Light Assist). The use of a video camera and various sensors has opened up new possibilities.

Leading competitors in this area are Valeo, Hella, All Automotive Lighting.

Such technologies are called Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS). Valeo introduces the BeamAtic system. The principle of all devices is similar, but may differ in additional functions, which may include:

• city ​​traffic (works at speeds up to 55-60 km / h);
• country road (speed 55-100 km / h, asymmetric lighting);
• motorway traffic (over 100 km / h);
• high beam (Light assist, automatic switching);
• cornering lighting in motion (depending on the configuration, the headlamp reflector module rotates up to 15 ° when the steering wheel is turned);
• turning on the lighting in bad weather conditions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Light Assist Systems

Such technologies have been recognized by drivers. Reviews show that the system works smoothly and without interruptions. Even when overtaking on an unlit track of the car in front, the high beam headlights do not dazzle in the rear-view mirrors. In this case, the main beam remains on. An example is Volkswagen's Dynamic Light Assist. It was not possible to identify any particular disadvantages.

Technologies like Light Assist do their job perfectly. Thanks to them, driving modern cars becomes safer and more comfortable.