Opel develops new technology to control headlights based on driver's gaze

 

    Opel recently announced that it is working with the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany to develop a third-generation adaptive headlight system that uses the latest eye-tracking technology. The system can control the direction and intensity of the light according to changes in the driver's line of sight.

    The next generation of high-performance eye-tracking adaptive headlights requires cars to be equipped with at least 5 to 10 cameras. Initially, researchers used webcams to scan prominent parts of the driver's head, such as the nose and eyes, to detect changes in the driver's gaze.

    The network camera converts the collected information into data instructions and pushes them to the electronically-controlled actuators and headlight projection. However, due to the long data calculation time and the slow camera recording speed, the camera is difficult to adapt to the requirements of different road conditions.

    Fortunately, engineers have made breakthroughs in optimizing camera operating parameters and adjusting eye tracking algorithms. The camera can now integrate external infrared sensors and central photodiodes. In dim and nighttime environments, the camera can scan the driver's eyes 50 times per second. Faster data processing and transmission can enable the headlight actuator to respond instantly and adjust the light horizontally and vertically.

    However, in actual operation, if the driver's line of sight changes naturally or unconsciously, the headlights will change erratically accordingly. Even if the driver is distracted, the lights will still stay in sync with the direction of the vehicle's travel because the low beam can be programmed to ensure sufficient illumination.

    Currently, most Opel models mainly use the AFL+ dual-xenon intelligent turn-by-turn headlight system. This system uses the Opel Eye front camera and has 10 lighting functions. The adaptive xenon headlights can easily cope with various roads (pedestrian streets, urban roads, rural roads, highways) and different weather conditions (including bad weather).

    AFL+ also integrates dynamic curve lights, turn headlights and LED daytime running lights, and can adjust the direction and intensity of the lights according to the vehicle's steering and driving speed. The Opel Eye front camera can switch the high beam to low beam at any time to detect whether other vehicles' headlights or taillights are approaching and display them on the rearview mirror inside the car. In addition, AFL+ not only improves vehicle visibility, but also reduces driver stress and nighttime fatigue.

    At present, Opel has completed the verification test of the new LED matrix headlights. The accuracy and adaptability of the matrix LED headlights have been further improved, and they can provide glare-free and high beam to adapt to different road conditions. Once there is an oncoming car or a car driving in the same direction in front, the matrix LED high beam will automatically avoid the area with cars, but still illuminate the area without cars.

    As AFL+ technology becomes increasingly mature, the new generation of eye-tracking adaptive headlights is also beginning to "come to the fore" and may be officially unveiled in the second half of next year.