The Adaptive High-Beam System, developed by Toyota Motor Corporation, is an innovative new automotive technology that could soon become an industry standard
The main purpose of the adaptive high-beam system is to allow the car’s high-beam to be used to its maximum potential without blinding drivers and other road users during nighttime driving
The system uses the car’s front camera, which is part of the active safety system, to detect the headlights of vehicles ahead or coming from the opposite direction. It then uses AHS mechanisms to control the actuators of the movable shades in the headlights
This enables the light beam to be shaped in such a way as to avoid other vehicles while at the same time illuminating the space in front of the car, especially the sides
This technology was first used in the Lexus LS 400 in 2012, and Toyota followed suit and equipped other models with this innovative technology
In other models, a computer controls the headlights in a way that allows the headlights to automatically change from high beam to low beam. What’s more, the vehicles can also be equipped with a very useful cornering light function
Interestingly, two years later, in 2014, the Japanese conglomerate introduced a new generation of the AHS system based on models using LED driving lights
BMW (Adaptive LED), Mercedes (Multibeam LED), and Audi A8 (Matrix LED) also entered the fierce technological battle. For example, the computer of the latter when detecting a pedestrian on the side of the road, blinks several times with warning lights
In this case, it is not the moving shutters responsible for the appropriate distortion of the light beam, but the system of individual control of LEDs
It is obvious that facilities of this type require additional sums of money – for such facilities you need to spend several thousand zlotys
Due to the fact that this system is based on automatic mechanical and electronic processes – the function just needs to be activated, and the on-board computer will take care of the rest
The latest car models equipped with adaptive high-beam headlights also have a feature that detects pedestrians and traffic participants in front of the car. Front Cross Traffic Alert detects obstacles such as cyclists or pedestrians. If the driver does not adjust their driving style to the current driving conditions – the car will issue a warning if a collision is likely.
There is no denying that AHS is a revolution in automotive technology. Blinding headlights are a very common factor in a potential accident. The problem is compounded if the driver is traveling on a 2×1 road – a two-way road with one lane of traffic
Modern cars are packed with sophisticated electronics, which sooner or later may fail or change unexpectedly
In this case, due to the technological complexity of the adaptive high beam function, it will be necessary to go to a trusted mechanical workshop or an authorized service center
The calibration of the AHS must be done with expert knowledge – all components of the control system must be synchronized in the way prescribed by the car manufacturer
Otherwise, the AHS can be counterproductive
It is also worth paying attention to the components of the set – the front camera of the vehicle must be in perfect condition so that the whole control mechanism can work properly and according to its purpose.
(photo: pixabay.com)
