Audi’s Matrix LED headlights technology
Audi will be integrating its new Matrix LED headlights into the updated Audi A8 and S8 range and according to the German company this is the first electronically controlled glare free high-beam system in the world, comparing the advancement to the transition from typewriter to printer.
The Audi Matrix LED system is similar to the headlight technology found in the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Audi system being able to see vehicles in front and adjust the high-beam light so that it illuminates just the road without blinding the oncoming drivers.
The Audi Matrix system uses 25 individually controlled segments per headlight, which amounts to an almost astronomical 966, 105, 422 different variations in light distribution, which in turn translates into the real world in the capability of masking up to eight different cars at one time.
The process works with the help of an ultra light sensitive camera which detects light sources from oncoming vehicles and then masks out the high beam light distribution around them in real time.
As opposed to the Mercedes-Benz system which makes use of tiny motors to control their LED lights, Audi when for the software system approach which is meant to offer longevity as well as the ability of blocking up to eight different cars at once.
One of the most interesting features of the Audi system is the capability to tap into the car’s navigation system to better understand the road. This means that the system will auto engage highbeam when the vehicle leaves suburban areas and enters a country road for instance, as well as vice versa.
Also based on a vehicle’s navigation data, the system will shift into the corner the car is driving towards long before the driver turns the steering wheel, thus allowing for better illumination of the oncoming path.
The system also features a spotlight system meant to illuminated pedestrians and animals as well as dynamic indicator lights.
