In front lighting, the last ten years have brought numerous innovations in light sources with the introduction of LEDs in 2007 and laser diodes in 2014; in optics associated with the new light sources, and in lighting functions. The crown jewel innovation in automotive lighting is ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam, Glare-Free High Beam). It reached the road in production on the VW Touareg and Phaeton in 2010, and after a few more years LED matrix ADB systems came along and this year LED pixel light in the Mercedes E-Class.
Today we’ve released a 62-page report on ADB. It explains the technology and research and development vectors, the science and research on ADB efficacy, describes the four main technical solutions, evaluates some systems in production, and presents and analyses the present state of regulations around the world.
Example systems described and assessed in the report include that of the Audi A5, A7, A8, and TT; Opel Astra, and Mercedes CLS and E-Class. Set makers’ production or readiness status is elucidated with regard to ADB/matrix/pixel, as well.
One of the most interesting parts of the report is the recent interviews with vehicle lighting luminaries concerning ADB and their vision about this technology. The roster of commentators has representatives from automakers including Wolfgang Huhn, Uwe Kostanzer, Christian Amann, Jean-Philippe Benoist, Ingolf Schneider, and Thorsten Warwel; and representatives from setmakers including Gerd Bahnmüller, Kamislav Fadel, Yuji Yokoya, Laurent Evrard, Rainer Neumann, and Jürgen Antonitsch.
The report on ADB released today is a timely, informative, engaging report of value especially for those in our lighting community who aren’t involved on a day-to-day basis with the rapid development of this ADB technology that stands to resolve the longstanding conflict between seeing and glare in traffic at night. Give it a read and, as always, we eagerly welcome your feedback.
As for this week’s newsletter: you’ll find a writeup on my visit to BMW, including a night drive with two intriguing lighting systems and a substantial interview with Christian Amann concerning ADB and lighting in general.
Sincerely yours
DVN Editor in Chief