As part of the CarVisionLight research project, ZKW are working with the Technische Universität Wien and software specialist Emotion3D to develop intelligent light technology solutions.
The project focuses on automatic image capturing and processing in traffic and adaptive lighting systems. The objective of this industrial research is to create lighting systems that can approach or even exceed the capabilities of human perception, and appear to “think with you” (though even the best machines cannot actually think).
CarVisionLight is is part of the ZKW technology program for sensor integration. The program also includes the Dragonfly Project to integrate sensors and cameras in headlamps to facilitate automated driving functions. ZKW CEO Oliver Schubert says “With CarVisionLight, we are combining our expertise with our partners to develop lighting systems for the next generation of cars”.
Modern vehicle lighting systems support optimal street lighting with automatic lighting functions, cameras and sensors. But there is still much room for improvement in automatic recognition of people, animals, and objects, especially at night. Currently, for instance, system designers lack valid data on the distance at which—and the reliability with which—a pedestrian can be detected by an intelligent lighting system at night. So ZKW worked with TU Wien to carry out extensive measurements to improve automated detection and increase safety in and around traffic after dark.