Driving vision news

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Tue, 30 July 2013 Weekly NewsletterNEWSLETTER #292
Editorial
I am very privileged, I must admit, in my job. After having been given to drive the best cars equipped
with their latest cutting edge lighting technologies—A7, CLS, E Class, 7 Series, S Class—I was
invited last week to drive the new A8 equipped with matrix beam. When, during the DVN Shanghai
workshop last April, Dr. Huhn presented the matrix beam with a SOP before the end of the year, I
was sceptical. I couldn't imagine such a new technology entering production so soon. So I was
expecting a very bad light for the first generation technology, as you expect from all first
generations in new technologies.
I drove the car over more than an hour on all the kinds of roads—tightly curved roads, large main
roads and motorways, meeting and overtaking a lot of cars. The whole time the ADB was active,
meaning I never touched the switch, whether or not there were cars ahead. The new A8's lighting is
not the benchmark as A7 or CLS are, mainly because of homogeneity imperfections on small roads
and in curves due to the low beam part and also to the upper part of the light from the matrix beam
After the A8 night drive, I drove one hour more with the A7 which confirmed the difference in
homogeneity.
However, I was impressed by two very positive points:
• the light on straight and flat roads (and motorways) with a nice width, a good range and a good
homogeneity on the road
• the ADB (Glare Free High Beam) electronic function which allows having all the parts of the light
lit except those aiming at opposite cars. Driving with this function seemed to me more efficient than
the current technologies with actuators thanks to more light around the black holes. Even the light
is not at the top level, this first light with matrix beam opens the way to a wonderful improvement of
lighting in the next years with the next generation.
Congratulations to Audi and the team of Huhn, Berlitz, and Hamm who have succeeded in this great
challenge. The results further cement the pioneering position of their company as lighting leaders.
Sincerely yours
DVN Editor in Chief

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In Depth Lighting Technology
Audi Matrix LEDs are Next Phase in Headlamp Tech
Audi have launched production of the Matrix LED headlamps in their new A8.
The principle of the new technology lies in dividing the LED high-beam headlamp function into
numerous individual segments. The four-chip LEDs in the current generation of headlights of the A8
will be replaced in the next go-round by 25 small emitters, five of which shine through a single
reflector in each light. The new headlamps are also a highly distinctive design feature during the day,
supported by the new look of the daytime running lights.
The small individual diodes that work together with lenses placed in front of
them or with reflectors provide consistent and precise illumination without need of a swiveling
mechanism.
They are simply switched on and off individually or dimmed to suit the situation.
When the camera in the A8 detects an oncoming vehicle, the matrix of
individually-addressable emitters is juggled to darken slices and spots out of the high-beam pattern
in the relevant angles to avoid dazzling other drivers. The closer the other vehicle comes, the more
individual LEDs are darkened or dimmed. Even on curvy roads, the system can react accurately to
up to eight oncoming cars, providing the driver with consistent, bright illumination—significantly
more, say Audi, than with mechanical dimming.

Once the oncoming traffic has passed, all LEDs are brought back to full intensity; the high-beam
headlamps resume shining at full strength, while the light spreads out in both directions like a
curtain being drawn open. The lamps also adjust in a similar way to cars traveling in front and when
entering built-up areas. The basic principle: The driver has as much light as possible in every
situation.

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Spot marking light
Another safety feature of Audi Matrix LED headlamp system is the spot
marking light that works together with the night-vision assistant to detect and highlight pedestrians.
If the system detects a person in a critical area in front of the car, but outside the high-intensity
portion of the active headlight beam, functionally-dedicated LEDs flash a spot beam on the
pedestrian quickly three times in succession. This both warns the pedestrian of the approaching car,
and brings the driver's attention to the pedestrian. In addition, the driver receives an acoustic and
visual warning signal in the cockpit. If an oncoming vehicle is approaching, the flashing signal on the
pedestrian is omitted in order to avoid the risk of blinding the oncoming driver.
Bending lights
The LEDs in Audi's Matrix system also take over the work of cornering lights, shifting the focal point
of the light by selectively brightening or dimming along the curve. Swiveling is controlled
electronically rather than mechanically, as in current systems. Based on predictive route data
provided by the MMI navigation plus system, this function is carried out proactively before the
steering wheel is turned.
Turn signal light with a dynamic indicator
An additional function of the new technology is the turn signal light with a dynamic indicator, which
Audi introduced previously in its high-performance R8 sports car. The LEDs in the turn signal light
illuminate sequentially over 150 milliseconds from inboard to outboard. Audi say this accentuates
the directionality of the turn signal function to make it more intuitive to observers; this new type of
turn signal has generated a great deal of spirited discussion in the meeting sessions of GRE and
other expert working groups.

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LIGHTING NEWS
Opti-LED from Varroc
Varroc—formerly Visteon—have announced their Opti-LED concept with the objectives below:
• Optical system efficiency > 60%
• Low Beam lumen output 550 – 600 lm
• High Beam lumen output 400 lm
• Power Consumption ~15W
• Passive cooling elements
• Color Temperature 5200K
• Weight: 2 – 3 kg
The intent with Opti-LED is to supplant halogen with an i mproved light performance.
Base version
Lighting performances
Flux in beam Peak intensity Illumination @ 75R: Side spread at 1Lx:
Low beam 600 Lm 30,000 cd 20 Lx (12,500cd) 25°L – 31°R
High beam 550 Lm 60,000 cd 25°L – 31°R
Miniprojectors
LED Low Beam Miniprojectors – Measurement
- Output luminous flux: 830 lm
- Peak intensity: 32,500 cd
- Illumination @ 75 R: 20,000 cd
- Side spread: 1lx 30° L – 27° R
Varroc say the OPTI – LED Headlamps facilitate the introduction of LED headlamps "bottom up"
instead of "top down"; the optimized costs for improving light performance make it possible to apply
LED headlamps in B-class and C-class vehicles right now.
All-LED Projectors for Merc S-Class
With its two projector modules, the new LED intelligent lighting system from Automotive Lighting on
the Mercedes S-Class exceeds HID performance and adapts automatically to the driving conditions.
Additionally, it adapts automatically to weather conditions, traffic situation, road environment and
driving speed.

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The main components of the headlamp are two all-LED projector modules, both
conceived to emit the low beam and working together to distribute the light and form the low beam
cutoff line. The "base" light module is powered in its basic function by 8 LEDs for low beam and
provides wide road illumination creating a broad carpet of light. This module provides the horizontal
portion of the cutoff. Additionally, it supports with another 4 LEDs the high beam of the second
module: the swiveling adaptive module. Powered by 4 LEDs, this module produces the asymmetric
portion of the cutoff line and guarantees a 145-metre low beam range. Furthermore, it implements
the adaptive light distribution: For example, the motorway light is activated when the constant
driving speed exceeds 90 km/h.
Another mentionable function of this module is the curve light: Ranging from 15° outward and 7°
inwardly, it illuminates the course of the road in accord with the driving speed, the yaw rate and the
steering angle. The Adaptive High Beam Assistant Plus function provides the glare free high beam
allowing the use of high beam without dazzling the preceding or oncoming traffic. Furthermore, the
detected pedestrians are lighted up by the spot marking light. All adaptive light functions are
activated when the light switch is in the automatic mode.
Altogether, both modules of this all LED intelligent light system produce 1000 lumens in the low
beam pattern. Their correlated colour temperature is 5500K – 6000K, and the CO 2 emission is only
around 1 g/km.
Mini Vision: A Look at Tomorrow's Minis
At last week's Mini Design@Home event, Mini's Head of Design Anders Warming gave a preview of
what's coming in tomorrow's Mini models. Mini have developed a vehicle design laced with new
creative impulses that advance the cause of premium quality in the compact class.
In customary Mini fashion, the interactive gadgets such as the Driving
Experience Control switch offer a glimpse of the future. This particular feature allows the whole of
the car's interior to be transformed into a variety of different colours and "experience worlds" in the
blink of an eye.
The design of the Mini Vision reaches pointedly into the brand's past and combines the underlying
features and values of Mini with future-focused aesthetic and technical innovations. The hexagonal
radiator grille is inspired by the classic Mini, for example, and the Mini Vision integrates both the
bumper and auxiliary lights into the grille.
The traditional and unmistakable rounded Mini forms are reflected in the exterior through elements
such as the elliptical full-LED headlamps. Their outer ring emits a homogeneous light for the
daytime running light function.
Among the standout signature features of the Mini brand are the clear separation of the roof,

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glasshouse and body. The chrome strip wrapped around the top of the body, the distinctive side
indicator element and the black band framing the lower edge of the car are all hallmark Mini styling
elements.

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DRIVER ASSISTANCE NEWS
M ultifunction Camera, Radar Are Top ADAS Pieces: Delphi
Mike Thoeny, Delphi Electronic Controls' Managing Director in North America,
gave an interview with Just-Auto. Here are some main points:
On multifunction cameras
Multifunction cameras and radar are the two most important technologies for ADAS in the
immediate future. Cameras do a great job at recognising objects and provide accurate edge details,
radar has excellent range and range rate detection without being impacted by lighting and visibility
issues that can affect camera systems. Sensor fusion, the combination of both radar and camera
systems, can provide a highly accurate view that we believe provides the most robust solution for
collision imminent braking.
Multifunction cameras will continue to proliferate, and the number of features will continue to grow
as advancements are made in imagers, faster processors, reduced package size and more advanced
algorithms. Forward looking cameras can detect lane markings, identify pedestrians, cyclists and
animals, interpret traffic signs, optimise headlight high beam usage, present enhanced night vision
images and identify objects as part of a forward collision warning system.
On traffic sign recognition
We are seeing an increase in demand for Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) systems across multiple
customers, especially in Europe. This is enabled by EU consistency in traffic sign designs. However,
we also expect TSR demand to increase for US customers as well. The processing requirements for
features such as TSR and pedestrian recognition is large, so developments in less expensive
processors will help to accelerate these advanced camera-based products as part of the overall
single camera, multiple function approach.
On rear facing cameras:
Rear-facing cameras provide parking assist functions and rear collision warning functions. Cameras
as a part of a sensor fusion system combined with radar can provide even greater accuracy for
systems that provide autonomous braking and steering control. Consumers have accepted this
technology and the application rate has reached nearly 50%, with a solid growth rate predicted over
the next 5 years.
Fatigue Detected From Eye Movement, Brain Waves
By monitoring eye movements and electrical activity of the brain, a fatigue detection system may
help prevent crashes.
Driver fatigue contributes to about 20% of road accidents in the UK.

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This data has particularly attracted the attention of researchers from the Universities of Leicester
and Buenos Aires who have thought about a way to reduce these accidents. For this, they have
conducted research that led to the development of a system that can detect when drivers start to fall
asleep at the wheel. It has the particularity of combining analyzes of eye movements and brain
activity conductors simultaneously.
To achieve this, researchers have combined two completely separate technologies from each other:
eye tracking at high speed, to observe the movements of the eyes in detail, and
électroencéphalograhie high density (EEG) used to measure brain activity with millisecond. So
discreetly connected to the driver, the EEG help to identify early stages of sleepiness through brain
signals. While an infrared camera, installed in front of the dashboard, strengthen the result by
looking for patterns looks symptomatic of a sleepy person. Once confirmed result, the driver is
automatically alerted.
Detection of Vigilance
Collaboration between the École Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and PSA on the
subject of detection of vigilance has resulted in a new video detection algorithm, developed by a
student, based on fatigue eye closure. This measures eyelid closure with a simple camera. The
process is so promising that the French manufacturer has built a prototype to test in driving
conditions.

If there are already several systems including fatigue detection based on the loss of control (such as
Volkswagen), EPFL has focused on the driver himself and wakefulness. Thus, in the framework of its
master in electrical engineering and electronics, and in partnership with PSA, Marina Zimmermann
has developed an algorithm that measures the percentage of time during which the eyes are closed
over at least 80% of the pupil for a certain period of time. The challenge was to measure this
indicator in real time, keeping continuously in the viewfinder the driver's eyes despite head
movement, the use of eyeglasses, driving at night and through tunnels, etc. The technical solution
comes from the use of a small infrared camera arranged behind the wheel.
In this project, initiated by the Centre for Transportation and directed by the Signal Processing
Laboratory 5 (LTS5), the student has developed a module for analysing the eyes, able to distinguish
an open eye from a closed one. The first tests, conducted from video drivers in real conditions,
showed good reliability.
Complementary to the technique to monitor faces and also developed by LTS5, the project must now
be evaluated in a real situation.
US Rear Camera Reg Delayed Again
A mandate for rear-view cameras in all cars, spawned by a reversing vehicle hitting the child of an

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American lawmakers, is being resisted and has been delayed again. Under pressure from
manufacturers who consider the measure too costly, the mandatory installation of the camera on all
new vehicles in the United States will not happen in 2014 but at soonest in 2015
NHTSA sought to mandate rear-view cameras on all new vehicles from
2014. But the additional cost for the installation of the reversing camera is estimated at between
USD $160 and $200 per vehicle—a total of $2.7bn automakers don't want to spend or pass along to
their buyers. That works out to $12m per life saved if the rear-view cameras are 100 percent
effective. According to reports from American news agency Bloomberg, a compromise may be in the
works so that this measure will apply only to vehicles designed such that the rear blind spot is over a
certain size.

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GENERAL NEWS
Russia to be Europe's Biggest Market by 2020?
Russia's auto market is on track to overtake Germany and become the largest in
Europe—and the fifth biggest globally—by 2020 as car ownership increases, a Boston Consulting
Group report said. Western carmakers including GM, VW, Ford, and Renault have invested heavily in
Russia, betting that the market will grow as a rising middle class becomes first time car owners or
upgrades aging models.
The report predicts that Russia can follow Brazil and China in transforming itself from a market
targeted by foreign exporters, to one with a dominant share of locally-produced vehicles.
BCG forecasts that Russia's auto market will grow by an average annual rate of 6% through 2020,
when it will reach annual sales volume of 4.4 million.
That would make it the fifth largest in the world by sales, after China, the United States, India and
Brazil, the report said.
There are only 290 cars per 1,000 Russians versus 560 in Western Europe and many of those
vehicles are old, while a decade of strong growth driven by Russia's mineral wealth is slowly
empowering a greater chunk of its population.
BCG's forecast for Russia is a bullish prognosis compared with recent figures from the Association of
European Business (AEB), which tracks the Russian car market.
1.5m Audi Sales Aim Met—2 Years Early: CEO Stadler
Audi CEO Rupert Stadler says the automaker will reach their sales target of 1.5 million cars in 2013,
two years earlier than planned.
Helped by strong deliveries in China and the United States, Audi increased
half-year sales by 6% to more than 780,000 units, narrowing the gap with luxury market leader
BMW to 24,000 from 85,000 at the end of last year.
''We have overtaken Mercedes-Benz and we are now closer to BMW than ever before,'' Stadler said
in an interview with Handelsblatt .
Audi aim to increase annual vehicle sales to 2 million and take the sales crown from BMW. Audi
passed Mercedes-Benz in 2011 as the world's No. 2 premium automaker. Last year, BMW brand sold
1.54 million vehicles, followed by Audi with 1.45 million. Mercedes brand sold 1.32 million vehicles.
BMW i3 Electric Will Cost €35K
BMW's new electric car, the i3, will cost €34,950 for the base model in Germany, the company have

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announced. The i3's price has been keenly awaited because some industry analysts say the high
price of electric vehicles is deterring potential customers. BMW sales and marketing chief Ian
Robertson described the base price as "attractive" in the statement.
BMW says the i3 is the world's first premium car designed from the
ground up to be powered by an electric drive system.
The i3 uses the industry's first mass produced carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell
mounted on an aluminum chassis. It weighs 1195 kg, that is 300 kg less than other electric cars of
the same size. It has a maximum range of 200 km in power-saving mode, or 160 km in what BMW
call "comfort" mode.
The i3 was unveiled yesterday in London and will go on sale in November in Europe.
BMW have invested €600m in production facilities for the car, including installing annual capacity of
40,000 units at its Leipzig, Germany, plant, and building a new factory in the United States at Moses
Lake, Washington, that makes carbon fibre for the passenger cell.
Gentex Profits Up
Gentex, a supplier of rearview mirrors and related parts, say their net income rose 28% in the
second quarter after a 2 percent drop last quarter. Net income in the quarter rose to $52.1m from
the year-earlier period of $41m.
Gentex rank No. 98 on Automotive News ' list of the top 100 suppliers to North
America with an estimated $484m in parts sales to automakers in fiscal 2012.
"The company experienced increases in net sales, gross profit as well as net income versus the
second quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013, with continuing positive efficiencies within our
operating expenses," Gentex CEO Fred Bauer said in a statement.
Automotive mirror unit shipments rose 13 percent, due to more shipments to certain Asian and
European automakers, the company said.
Reuters reported last week that Gentex plans to acquire the HomeLink product line from Johnson
Controls Inc. for about $700m in the end of September
A Gentex spokesman said during a conference call today that they are pleased with the opportunities
that come with acquiring HomeLink.
The supplier said last week the deal would increase its annual revenue by $125m to $150m.
In the second quarter, Gentex launched auto-dimming mirror applications with automakers
worldwide that includ advanced technologies such as microphones, rear camera display, SmartBeam
and driver assist camera products, telematics and wireless control systems, a compass and outside
mirrors with advanced features.