ROME – Night driving, especially on unfamiliar and inaccessible roads, often proves to be stressful for drivers, which is why Ford researchers are experimenting with new technologies to make driving in the dark easier, more comfortable and safer. Precisely in this sense, the American house The headlights that see beyond the curve was the first to use road signs and lane markings as references to adjust the light beams of the headlights, with the aim of better illuminating the road ahead. especially near intersections.
Research in this field continues in full swing and currently engineers at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering Europe are experimenting with technology that uses real-time location data to effectively show the way forward. A predictive intelligent headlight system is being tested that directs beams to imminent road corners even before drivers can see them, illuminating any hazards and other users on the road more quickly and efficiently.
“The predictive lighting technology we are developing will one day make driving in the dark as simple as following the headlight beam – explained Michael Koherr, Ford Europe lighting research engineer – This new map and location based system is the next step in our quest to make driving at night as simple or less stressful as driving during the day ”.
In practice, the advanced lighting system prototype uses GPS location data, innovative technologies and highly accurate road geometry information to accurately identify curves. Added to this is an algorithm that calculates the vehicle’s trajectory and speed to proactively adjust the direction of its headlights, providing optimal illumination of bends, intersections and even dangers lurking around the corner.
But what happens if the car travels on a stretch of road where position data is not available? No problem, the technicians assure, since in these cases of lack of coverage the system will work in synergy with the camera and with the headlight bending technologies connected to the steering to continue to intelligently illuminate the road until the reception of the signals is restored. vehicle positioning data.
Researchers have thoroughly experimented with this technology through simulation called “digital twin” which recreates the physical world in a virtual environment where the simulator accurately calculates how light falls and reflects in the real world, thus allowing engineers to better visualize and optimize. technology for drivers. (mr)
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