The front optics of a car can change, although not its entire appearance, but by at least 40%. Many manufacturers began to use LED optics on their new models. Let's talk about the operating principle and design of matrix headlights.
The content of the article:
Audi holds a leading position in the field of optics. Since 2013 Audi of the year began to install matrix optics or better known as Matrix LED headlights on updated model A8. According to the company's engineers, they raise the level of safety and make driving easier.
Initially the base for matrix optics put Opel company called Matrix Beam. Compared to conventional optics, matrix headlights much more difficult. It consists of a near module and a module high beam, also available are daytime running lights, side lights and a turn block. The design solution includes an air duct with a fan for cooling the mechanisms and a control unit for each headlight.
Matrix optics high and low beam modules
Despite the complexity of the technology, matrix headlights contain a high and low beam module. Each block is unique in its own way, both in structure and in management. The high beam matrix headlight set consists of 25 LEDs, grouped in groups of five. Together they form the high beam matrix. Each matrix headlight block of five LEDs has its own separate radiator and reflector. Thanks to this engineering solution, with the help of matrices, about a billion different combinations of light distribution have been implemented.
As for the low beam module, it is located under high beam. It contains 15 LEDs. There are also five LEDs per block, but weaker in power. At the very bottom of the optics are daytime running lights, dimensions and LED turn indicators. In total, in such a matrix headlight block you can count 30 serial LEDs.
How does a matrix headlight work?
From the information provided, it is clear that the matrix headlight is based on LEDs and no other lighting fixtures. Indeed, such a structure will produce much more light than previously known types of optics.
For best view elements of matrix optics were emphasized by a designer frame in modern style. All parts of the optics, including the control unit and forced ventilation, are placed in a plastic case, which also serves as the base and protects from exposure external factors. The front part of the matrix headlight is covered by a transparent lens.
It becomes clear that if there is a control unit, the entire monitoring and control system will be electronic, traditionally including input devices and actuators. Various sensors and a video camera are considered as input devices.
The video camera provides information about the presence of other cars on the road. Thus, the control unit will switch high and low beam automatically, adjust the angle and brightness of the optics. If we talk about matrix optics sensors, they are often used from other systems, such as steering angle, vehicle speed sensor, road clearance sensor, light sensor and rain sensor. These sensors are responsible for comfortable ride and timely operation of various systems.
If the car has a navigation system, then the control unit for matrix headlights will use data from the route, the nature of driving the car, the topography of the road and terrain, and also take into account travel through populated areas.
The main role in matrix headlights is played by the control unit. It processes information received from input devices and, depending on the received data, turns on or off a certain row of LEDs. An innovation worth noting is that matrix optics do not use rotating mechanisms, as was the case with xenon headlights. All functions are performed thanks to static LEDs and matrix headlight electronics.
Variety of lighting functions in matrix optics
The more complex the design of the optics, the more functions it can perform. In matrix optics, there are nine types of lighting functions:
- constant high beam;
- highway lighting;
- low beam lighting;
- adaptive lighting;
- lighting at intersections;
- lighting in any weather;
- pedestrian lighting;
- adaptive dynamic lighting;
- dynamic direction indicator.
Polysegmental high beam will allow the driver to drive with the high beams constantly on. In this case, 25 individual high beam LEDs will be used. A video camera will also be used, which dark time monitors oncoming and passing cars by their headlights throughout the day. As soon as a car is detected, the control unit turns off some of the LEDs that are aimed at the moving car. The free space of the road will be illuminated as before. To reduce driver glare, the brightness of the remaining matrix optics unit will be reduced. According to data from the passport, the matrix headlight control unit can simultaneously recognize up to eight cars.
Motorway light based on information received from navigation system. Adaptive system narrows the cone of the high beam of matrix headlights in such a way as to direct it forward as much as possible and make it convenient for other drivers.
Low lighting has a traditional shape, the middle part of the road is less illuminated, but the side part and shoulder are more illuminated. In this case, the matrix optics are directed downward depending on the topography of the road and the populated area.
Adaptive light aimed at better illumination of the vehicle from the front and sides during a turning maneuver. In this case, the matrix headlight system uses three LEDs in each headlight, which turn on or off when you turn the steering wheel or turn the corners.
Intersection lighting designed to illuminate intersections when approaching them. In this case, the navigation system is also used for matrix headlights, based on the information of which the intersection is determined.
All-weather lighting from the name itself suggests that when driving in bad conditions weather conditions(fog, rain, snow) the quality of lighting will change. The control unit configures the LEDs of the matrix optics in such a way as to avoid glare from its own headlights. The LED intensity of the matrix headlight will change depending on visibility.
Pedestrian lighting in matrix headlights it is implemented on high level. If a pedestrian is detected using a camera and night vision system, on the side of the road or dangerously close to it, the optics will signal this three times with high beams. Thereby warning both the driver and the pedestrian.
Dynamic adaptive lighting This is the penultimate option in matrix headlights. The essence of its work is aimed at illuminating the road while turning. Turning steering wheel, the brightness of the light beam is redirected from the central part towards the turn. That is, one part of the LEDs becomes dimmer, the other brighter.
Dynamic turn signal matrix headlights are designed for controlled movement of LEDs in the direction of rotation. Thus, 30 consecutive optics LEDs are turned on in series with a frequency of 150 ms. From the outside it not only looks beautiful, but also gives more information about this or that car maneuver.
Many manufacturers are already preparing their cars for the introduction of such matrix optics technology, but no one can say yet how successful this will be. On this moment Audi is the only copyright holder of such technology in optics and whether it will want to share it with other manufacturers remains questionable.
Video about the operating principle of matrix optics and its structure:
Audi was one of the first to use LED headlights in its models, and before that - xenon, adaptive headlights with rotating mechanisms... Now you won’t surprise anyone with LED headlights - many manufacturers have begun to offer them as optional equipment. But Audi went further by developing matrix LED headlights. The development was called " Audi Matrix LED".
The headlights contain 25 LEDs, divided into five groups, five LEDs in each. Each group has a reflector with a lens and is controlled electronically. This entire design is devoid of rotating mechanisms, and the light beam is redirected by changing the focus of the light beam - the electronics individually change the brightness of the LED blocks or turn them off. The system comes into operation when the car reaches 60 km/h in city conditions, or after 30 km/h on the highway.
The presence of such lighting technology allows you to avoid blinding drivers of vehicles in front, illuminate road signs and pedestrians, and “look” around turns.
A car with matrix headlights is equipped with a special camera that monitors traffic conditions. If the camera sees a car moving towards you, it will sound a signal. on-board computer and he will begin to alternately turn on and off groups of diodes, so that the oncoming car remains in the shadows, and the remaining sections of the road are still illuminated. The principle of operation of the “anti-glare” function is shown in the left photo.
Another useful feature is the direction of the light beam in the direction of the turn. The Audi Matrix LED navigation system helps with this, transmitting information about the nearest turns, approaching which the headlights are directed in advance in the direction of the upcoming turn.
Also, the matrix headlights have become friends with the night vision system, which recognizes pedestrians who are close to the roadway, reporting their coordinates to the system, and it directs the light to the pedestrian (top photo), warning him of an approaching car by blinking three times. The same thing happens with road signs: The light beam is focused on the surface of the sign, but without blinking.
And one last thing. Part of the Matrix LED are dynamic direction indicators: the LEDs in the turn signals light up sequentially in the direction of rotation at intervals of 150 milliseconds. How it works is shown in the photo on the right.
First Audi technology Matrix LED was used on the company’s flagship, which has recently been sold in Russia. In the future, the G8 will share matrix headlights with other models.
Leading positions in the field of lighting technologies belong to Audi. Since 2013, Audi has been installing Matrix LED headlights on its flagship model, the Audi A8. Matrix headlights rise to new level safety traffic and driving comfort. A pilot project for matrix headlights (Matrix Beam) is being developed by Opel.
The matrix headlight from Audi combines a matrix high-beam headlight module, a low-beam headlight module, and a daytime running light module. running lights, side lights and turn indicator, designer headlight frame, air duct with fan and control unit.
High beam headlight module consists of 25 LEDs, combined in groups of 5 pieces and together forming matrix. Each group has its own reflector and metal radiator for cooling. Using a matrix of LEDs, about one billion different light distribution combinations are realized.
Low beam headlight module located under the high beam headlight module and consists of 15 LEDs divided into several segments. At the very bottom of the headlight there is a module for daytime running lights, side lights and a turn signal. Structurally, the module includes 30 serial LEDs.
The location of the lighting modules is emphasized by the design frame. In the matrix headlight there is also the electronic unit management. For forced cooling The LED headlight is equipped with an air duct with a fan.
All structural elements matrix headlights are placed in a plastic case, which serves as the basis for placing the elements and protects them from external influences. The front part of the body is covered with a transparent diffuser.
Matrix headlights have electronic system control, traditionally including input devices, a control unit and actuators. The input devices are a video camera and a number of sensors. The video camera provides information about other cars on the road. In the interests of matrix headlights, many sensors of other car systems work: steering angle sensor, speed sensor, sensor ground clearance, light sensor, rain sensor.
If the car has a navigation system, the matrix headlights are controlled using route data (traffic patterns, road terrain, populated areas).
The electronic control unit processes information from input devices and, depending on traffic situation activates (deactivates) certain LEDs. It should be noted that matrix headlights do not use rotating mechanisms, like xenon headlights. All operating functions are performed using electronics and static LEDs.
Matrix headlights provide several lighting functions:
- polysegmental high beam;
- high beam for motorway;
- low beam;
- static adaptive lighting;
- intersection lighting;
- all-weather lighting;
- pedestrian lighting;
- dynamic adaptive lighting;
- dynamic direction indicators.
Polysegmental high beam allows you to drive with the high beam headlights always on. The main beam of the headlight combines 25 separate segments (according to the number of LEDs).
When driving at night, the video camera detects oncoming and passing vehicles by their lighting. Once the vehicle is detected, the control system turns off the LEDs that direct the light to vehicle. The rest of the road is fully illuminated. In addition, to prevent dazzling other drivers, the brightness of the turned on LEDs can be reduced. Matrix headlights can simultaneously mask up to 8 cars.
High beam for motorway driving is implemented when receiving information from the navigation system that the car is moving on the highway. The headlight control system narrows the light cone of the high beam headlights, which corresponds to this type roads and traffic on it.
dipped headlights has a traditional asymmetrical shape: the middle part is illuminated less, the side of the road is illuminated more.
Static adaptive lighting designed for better illumination of the space in front and on the sides of the car when turning. To do this, each headlight uses three LEDs, which turn on when you turn the steering wheel or turn on the turn signal.
Intersection lighting function serves for better illumination of the approaching intersection. The approaching intersection is detected by the navigation system and the LEDs for static adaptive lighting in both headlights are switched on.
When driving in bad weather conditions (snow, fog, rain) use all-weather lighting function. It allows you to avoid blinding the driver from the light of your headlights. By pressing the corresponding key, the intensity of the low beam headlights is reduced and the LEDs for static adaptive lighting in both headlights are switched on.
Matrix headlights are capable in the dark highlight pedestrians and animals located on the road or dangerously close to it. To achieve this, the headlights are combined with a night vision system. When a pedestrian is detected, the headlights flash their high beams three times, warning both the pedestrian and the driver.
When the high beam is on, the headlights are activated dynamic adaptive headlights. When you turn the steering wheel, the brightness of the high beam light beam is transferred from the central part in the direction of the turn due to a change in the brightness of the LEDs.
Dynamic turn signal represents the controlled movement of lights in the direction of a turn. To implement this function, 30 consecutive LEDs are turned on sequentially with a frequency of 150 ms. According to the manufacturer, the dynamic turn indicator significantly increases the information content of the vehicle's lighting system.
On a level with other manufacturers of cars and automotive lighting equipment, Audi occupies a leading position. This manufacturer Recently he has managed to distinguish himself strikingly from others. The work on a modern development - matrix headlights - was indicative. The headlights became not only a unique achievement, but also a real highlight of the cars of the famous plant.
Such an achievement has not so much aesthetic perfection as technical perfection. Thus, the level of safety when traveling on highways has reached a new level.
Matrix headlights also add additional comfort to the driving process, which is also of great importance. Now drivers can not only drive their favorite car, but also receive remarkable satisfaction from the process itself.
A little history and general information
The installation and production of matrix headlights dates back to 2013. The innovation was first released under the name Matrix LED headlights. The installation was carried out on the flagship - model A8. A pilot project for such headlights was developed by Opel (Matrix Beam).
In Audi cars, headlights combine several modules:
- high beam module
- low beam module
- DRL module
- side lights
- direction indicators
There is also a design design (special frame) for the headlights, an air duct with a fan, and a control unit.
| High beam module | Low beam module |
| Consists of 25 special LEDs. | Consists of LEDs, which are divided into several segments. |
| The design combines groups of 5 diodes, which together form a special matrix. | Design. The module includes 30 series diodes. |
| Peculiarities. Each group of diodes has its own special reflector, a metal radiator, which promotes cooling | Peculiarities. There is a forced cooling technology, which is equipped with an air duct with a fan. |
| Light and arrangement of devices. The matrix, which is present in the headlight device, helps to recreate billions of different combinations for the reproduction and correct distribution of light. | Light and arrangement of devices. Located directly below the high beam module. The modules are placed in such a way that their appearance looks designer and provides the brightest possible light. |
| Accommodation. Installation is carried out according to the standard installation scheme. | Accommodation. At the very bottom of the headlight is a module for DRLs, headlights, and direction indicators. |
Headlight elements. All structural elements that are present in the headlight are placed in a special plastic case. This approach not only provides complete protection for all elements of the headlight, but also makes it possible to place them correctly. With a plastic body, there is no chance of adverse weather conditions damaging the design. Also, to ensure complete safety, the headlight housing is covered (closed) with a transparent lens.
Headlight control system. Matrix headlights are distinguished by the fact that they have a fully electronic control system. Such a system traditionally includes special input devices, control units and various actuators.
Input devices:
1. Camcorder. The device is designed to provide genuine information about other cars moving along the highway.
2. Navigation system. The headlights are equipped with this system specifically so that it provides information about the terrain road route, namely, about all sorts of turns, descents, ascents, and so on.
3. . With sensors, matrix headlights become more controllable. TO standard sensors include:
- speed sensor
- ride height sensor
- light sensor
4. Electronic control unit. A similar mechanism is designed to process data coming directly from input devices. Depending on the traffic situation, the device can activate or deactivate certain LEDs.
But! These matrix headlights do not use a rotating mechanism system, unlike xenon headlights. All work processes are carried out entirely using electronics and static diodes.
Progressive functions in headlights
- The headlights have implemented functions recognition of other machines, as well as changes in the light beam
- The headlights can detect the presence of pedestrians and also change the illumination function
- Has adaptive cornering lights
- Availability of dynamic direction indicators
Main features of matrix headlights
The camera that takes video serves special means to detect oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. This way, not only oncoming traffic is detected, but also passing traffic. The camera tracks all objects based on their headlights. At the first detection of oncoming traffic, the system automatically turns off the LEDs that previously directed their light at the car. But the rest of the path remains illuminated. A special feature of such a system is the principle of its operation: the closer the oncoming traffic is, the fewer diodes are active. This approach provides an excellent opportunity to get rid of blinding road users. Matrix headlights can mask up to 8 cars at the same time.
One more distinctive feature Matrix headlights serve for complete and absolute recognition of pedestrians and animals. Only those objects that are located on road lane or in an area of critical proximity to the road.
In order for the headlights to perform this function, they are connected to a night vision system. When a pedestrian is first detected, the headlights emit a special three-time light signal (the high beam is activated). This factor serves special signal not only for the driver, but also for the pedestrian himself.
IN in this case The navigation system plays a significant role in the matrix headlights. Thus, the adaptive cornering light function is implemented with its help.
The technology is reproduced using navigation data: it turns out that even before the direct rotation of the steering wheel by the driver of the car, the turn signal begins to turn on automatically. Adaptive cornering lighting makes it possible to significantly improve safety when driving a vehicle, as well as road lighting.
Dynamic turn signal. Device, motion control lights in the direction of the turn. In order to implement this function, 30 LEDs are turned on in a sequential order. The switching frequency is 150 ms. Manufacturers are confident that the dynamic turn indicator increases the information content of the car’s lighting system.
Audi is a leader in lighting technology. Since 2013, Audi has been installing Matrix LED headlights on its flagship model, the Audi A8. Matrix headlights take road safety and driving comfort to a new level. A pilot project for matrix headlights (Matrix Beam) is being developed by Opel.
The matrix headlight from Audi combines a matrix module for high beam headlights, a low beam headlight module, a module for daytime running lights, side lights and turn signal lights, a designer headlight frame, an air duct with a fan and a control unit.
High beam headlight module consists of 25 LEDs, combined in groups of 5 pieces and together forming matrix. Each group has its own reflector and metal radiator for cooling. Using a matrix of LEDs, about one billion different light distribution combinations are realized.
Low beam headlight module located under the high beam headlight module and consists of 15 LEDs divided into several segments. At the very bottom of the headlight there is a module for daytime running lights, side lights and a turn signal. Structurally, the module includes 30 serial LEDs.
The location of the lighting modules is emphasized by the design frame. The matrix headlight also houses an electronic control unit. For forced cooling of the LEDs, the headlight is equipped with an air duct with a fan.
All structural elements of the matrix headlight are placed in a plastic case, which serves as the basis for placing the elements and protects them from external influences. The front part of the body is covered with a transparent diffuser.
Matrix headlights have an electronic control system, traditionally including input devices, a control unit and actuators. The input devices are a video camera and a number of sensors. The video camera provides information about other cars on the road. Matrix headlights benefit from many sensors from other vehicle systems: steering angle sensor, speed sensor, ride height sensor, light sensor, rain sensor.
If the car has a navigation system, the matrix headlights are controlled using route data (traffic patterns, road terrain, populated areas).
The electronic control unit processes information from input devices and, depending on the driving situation, activates (deactivates) certain LEDs. It should be noted that matrix headlights do not use rotating mechanisms, like xenon headlights. All operating functions are performed using electronics and static LEDs.
Matrix headlights provide several lighting functions:
- polysegmental high beam;
- high beam for motorway;
- low beam;
- static adaptive lighting;
- intersection lighting;
- all-weather lighting;
- pedestrian lighting;
- dynamic adaptive lighting;
- dynamic direction indicators.
Polysegmental high beam allows you to drive with the high beam headlights always on. The main beam of the headlight combines 25 separate segments (according to the number of LEDs).
When driving at night, the video camera detects oncoming and passing vehicles by their lighting. Once a vehicle is detected, the control system turns off the LEDs that shine light onto the vehicle. The rest of the road is fully illuminated. In addition, to prevent dazzling other drivers, the brightness of the turned on LEDs can be reduced. Matrix headlights can simultaneously mask up to 8 cars.
High beam for motorway driving is implemented when receiving information from the navigation system that the car is moving on the highway. The headlight control system narrows the light cone of the high beam headlights to suit the type of road and traffic on it.
dipped headlights has a traditional asymmetrical shape: the middle part is illuminated less, the side of the road is illuminated more.
Static adaptive lighting designed for better illumination of the space in front and on the sides of the car when turning. To do this, each headlight uses three LEDs, which turn on when you turn the steering wheel or turn on the turn signal.
Intersection lighting function serves for better illumination of the approaching intersection. The approaching intersection is detected by the navigation system and the LEDs for static adaptive lighting in both headlights are switched on.
When driving in bad weather conditions (snow, fog, rain) use all-weather lighting function. It allows you to avoid blinding the driver from the light of your headlights. By pressing the corresponding key, the intensity of the low beam headlights is reduced and the LEDs for static adaptive lighting in both headlights are switched on.
Matrix headlights are capable in the dark highlight pedestrians and animals located on the road or dangerously close to it. To achieve this, the headlights are combined with a night vision system. When a pedestrian is detected, the headlights flash their high beams three times, warning both the pedestrian and the driver.
When the high beam is on, the headlights are activated dynamic adaptive headlights. When you turn the steering wheel, the brightness of the high beam light beam is transferred from the central part in the direction of the turn due to a change in the brightness of the LEDs.
Dynamic turn signal represents the controlled movement of lights in the direction of a turn. To implement this function, 30 consecutive LEDs are turned on sequentially with a frequency of 150 ms. According to the manufacturer, the dynamic turn indicator significantly increases the information content of the vehicle's lighting system.
