Left-Hand Targeted Illumination And Right-Hand Targeted Illumination
Left-Hand Targeted Illumination And Right-Hand Targeted Illumination
Left-hand targeted illumination and right-hand targeted illumination
Through the targeted illumination of persons on the roadway, the targeted illumination system raises the safety for all parties. A remote infra-red camera records the area in front of the vehicle and warns against persons on the street.
Depending on the environmental conditions, the targeted illumination system works in a range of approx. 30 to 100 metres. Persons, who are warned in this range, are illuminated with a targeted light beam. At the same time, a beam of light on the roadway guides the driver's attention from the vehicle up to the person in danger.
The fast horizontal pivoting headlights for illumination of persons are installed instead of the fog lights.
The targeted illumination system is optional equipment (SA5A3 BMW Night Vision with dynamic light spot).
Brief component description
Components can vary depending on the vehicle-specifics and equipment-specifics.
The following components are described for the targeted illumination system:
- Headlights for targeted illumination
- Night Vision Camera
- Night vision electronics
- Footwell module
- Integrated chassis management
- Central gateway module
- Junction Box Electronics
- Rain-light-solar-condensation sensor
- KAFAS camera and FLA camera
- High-beam assistant
- Camera-based driver support systems
- Operating facility for light
Headlights for targeted illumination
The headlights are fitted instead of the fog lights.
Each headlight for targeted illumination consists out of the following components:
- Housing
- Control unit for left-hand targeted illumination (GZAL) or right (GZAR)
- Stepper motor
- Light-emitting diodes for the positioning light
- Light-emitting diodes for the function indicator light
- Lens
- Temperature sensor
The positioning light is switched on with the switch on of the driving light. When the preconditions have been given for the switch on of the driving light, the footwell module (FRM) transmits a request, as a message on the data bus, to the night vision electronics (NVE). The NVE transmits a message to the control unit for the left-hand targeted illumination (GZAL) and to the control unit for right-hand targeted illumination (GZAR). These turn on the in-series-connected light-emitting diodes of the positioning light in the headlights. Thereby, the lens is illuminated.
The control unit for the left-hand targeted illumination (GZAL) or control unit for the right-hand targeted illumination (GZAR) also evaluates all relevant input signals from other control units. When the preconditions for a switch on or off of the function indicator lights have been given, the control unit GZAL or GZAR shifts the function indicator light on or off. At the same time, the control unit GZAL or GZAR activates the stepper motor. Each headlight is equipped with a stepper motor. With it, each headlight can be individually horizontally tilted within an established movement range. By doing this, persons be illuminated through targeting. Each headlight can only illuminate one person. In the process, only the person with the highest danger potential is illuminated. The calculation takes place in the night vision electronics (NVE).
There is an overheating protection in order to prevent excess temperature in the headlights. A temperature sensor records the temperature at the function indicator light. The heating of the stepper motor is calculated continuously on the basis of the operating period (operating time and rest phase) by means of a thermal model in the control unit GZAL or GZAR. In the process, the actual outside temperature value is also taken into account.
After a certain temperature threshold, the control unit GZAL or GZAR switches off the concerned headlight. Once below a specific temperature value, the control unit GZAL or GZAR switches the headlight on again.
The graphic below shows an example of the headlight for right-hand targeted illumination F01.
Night Vision Camera
The Night Vision camera is a remote infra-red camera, also known as "thermal imaging camera", which transforms thermal radiation to electrical signals with help of the image sensor. The thermal radiation cannot be detected by human eyes, since it concerns infra-red beams (8 to 14 �m). Through a software, viewable images are generated from the signals. The Night Vision camera consists of a heated protective glass, optics and the thermal imaging sensor.
Objects are detected at a very early stage, at a range of up to several hundred metres. The range depends on the weather conditions. Rain, dirt, snow or ice can impair the functionality of the camera. The camera is automatically heated at low ambient temperatures.
NVE: Night vision electronics
The night vision electronics convert the image signals received from the Night Vision camera into a CVBS signal (CVBS: Composite Video Burst Synchronization) The control unit has several processors for person recognition and communication within the vehicle electrical system.
The BMW Night Vision has an integrated person recognition system. With it, it is possible to have a secure person recognition with a range of approx. 100 metres independent of the weather.
The night vision electronics search for objects in the form of persons in the delivered image. It determines their position and distance. The control unit transmits the data as a message on the data bus.
The warning range ahead of the vehicle is determined based on the driving speed and steering angle.
FRM: Footwell module
All functions of the exterior lights are controlled by the footwell module.
If the driving light is activated, the positioning lights light up. The request transmits the footwell module via a bus signal to the night vision electronics (NVE). The NVE transmits the control signals to the control units for left-hand targeted illumination (GZAL) and right-hand targeted illumination (GZAR). Both of the control units (GZAL and GZAR) turn on the in-series-connected light-emitting diodes of the positioning light in the headlights.
ICM: Integrated chassis management
The Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) makes information about the dynamic handling characteristics status available to the systems in the entire vehicle in the form of signals (e.g. driving speed).
ZGM: Central gateway module
The Central Gateway Module links all buses to one another. The central gateway module's (ZGM) gateway function thus supports data exchanges amongst the various bus systems. Stored system functions can be called up using appropriate commands.
JBE: Junction Box Electronics
The Junction Box Electronics requests information on ambient brightness from the rain-light-solar-condensation sensor through the LIN bus. The junction box electronics transmits the status to the footwell module (FRM). The footwell module evaluates the status of ambient brightness.
Rain-light-solar-condensation sensor
The rain-light-solar-condensation sensor receives its voltage supply from the roof function centre (FZD) and consists of the following sensors:
- Rain sensor
- Photosensor
- Solar sensor
- Condensation sensor
The photosensors measure the ambient brightness and the near field of the vehicle. The photosensors supply the signal for switching the automatic driving lights control on or off.
KAFAS camera and FLA camera
The KAFAS camera and the FLA camera are image sensors, which can identify the color and intensity of the light. Depending on the vehicle equipment, either a FLA camera or a KAFAS camera is installed. The recorded light points, light colors and light intensity are evaluated in the camera-based driver support systems control unit or the FLA control unit.
FLA: High-beam assistant
If only a high-beam assistant (SA5AC) is present, the light points, light colors and light intensity which are recorded by the FLA camera are evaluated by the FLA control unit.
The high-beam assistant identifies the oncoming and ahead driving road users with the help of the FLA camera. The high-beam assistant monitors the distant field (up to 1000 m) ahead of the vehicle for the identification of a vehicle. By doing this, oncoming vehicles are identified starting at a distance of 1000 m; vehicles that are driving in front are identified starting at 400 m.
KAFAS: Camera-based driver support systems
Depending on the options fitted, various camera-based systems are available. The light points, light colors and light intensities picked up by the KAFAS camera are evaluated by the KAFAS control unit. The high-beam assistant is integrated in the KAFAS control unit.
The KAFAS control unit identifies the oncoming and in front driving road users with help of the KAFAS camera. The high-beam assistant monitors the distant field (up to 1000 m) ahead of the vehicle for the identification of a vehicle. By doing this, oncoming vehicles are identified starting at a distance of 1000 m; vehicles that are driving in front are identified starting at 400 m.
Operating facility for light
The exterior lights can be switched on and off at the operating facility for lights.
The operating facility for lights includes both the light switch and other components. For the targeted illumination function, the light switch must be in the switch position for the automatic driving lights control (switch position A).
System overview
A complex composite system with distributed functions in other control units is necessary for the implementation of the targeted illumination system. The targeted illumination system is only available in conjunction with the optional equipment BMW Night Vision with person recognition.
The graphic below shows an example of the system network for the targeted illumination F01.
System functions
The control unit for the left-hand targeted illumination (GZAL) and the control unit for right-hand targeted illumination (GZAR) activate the lighting functions of the headlights for the targeted illumination.
The headlights for targeted illumination are supplied with voltage by the rear power distribution box.
Switch-on conditions
The targeted illumination is switched on under the following preconditions:
- Light switch in the switch position A (switch position for automatic driving lights control)
- Terminal 15 on
- Active driving light
- Activated person recognition in the Night Vision system
- Activated targeted illumination system
Switch-off condition
The targeted illumination is switched off or not switched on under the following preconditions:
- A person is located outside of the movement range or detection range of the function indicator light.
- A person is located in the dazzle-free area before they should be warned.
- The ambient brightness is high and/or there are many in front driving or oncoming vehicles present, so that the high beam assistant can no longer securely identify in which area the road users are located.
- A person is already located near the vehicle (approx. 30 metres) before they should be warned.
If the light switch is located in switch position A, the driving light is switched on via a signal from the rain-light-solar-condensation sensor from the footwell module (FRM).
The junction box electronics (JBE) module requests the status of the ambient brightness from the rain-light-solar-condensation sensor. The rain-light-solar-condensation sensor relays this information to the junction box electronics. The footwell module thereby receives the status of ambient brightness and evaluates it. The footwell module carries out any prompt received to switch the driving lights on or off. The automatic driving lights control switches on the driving light together with the side lights. A the same time, the night vision electronics (NVE) issues a request to the control unit GZAL and GZAR, to switch on the positioning lights (in the headlight for targeted illumination).
Should no signal be received from the rain-light-solar-condensation sensor owing to a defect while the automatic driving lights control is activated, the footwell module will respond by switching on the headlamps.
Once the headlamps have been switched on by the automatic driving lights control, they can be switched off again with the light switch or by the rain-light-solar-condensation sensor, provided that ambient lighting of adequate brightness is present.
The footwell module will only switch on the driving lights when there is low ambient brightness. There may thus be a delayed activation of the driving light when the vehicle enters a tunnel or a tree-shaded lane.
The high-beam assistant identifies the oncoming and ahead driving road users with the help of the FLA camera or the KAFAS camera. The high-beam assistant monitors the distant field (up to 1000 m) ahead of the vehicle for the identification of a vehicle. By doing this, oncoming vehicles are identified starting at a distance of 1000 m; vehicles that are driving in front are identified starting at 400 m. With the high-beam assistant optional equipment, one always has the greatest possible illumination with the high-beam headlight, without dazzling other road users.
The headlights for targeted illumination adapt themselves to the variable motion of the identified persons. In addition, both headlights can be independently horizontally tilted several degrees via the stepper motor. If a person gets into an unfavourable angle, the function indicator light facing them is deactivated.
System limits
The function of the targeted illumination system is limited in following situations, e.g. due to the physical limits of the system optics:
- Steep crests or drops
- Oncoming light and dazzlings
- During heavy fog, rain or snow fall
- During very high ambient temperatures
The function of the targeted illumination system is limited in following situations, e.g. due to the limits of the person recognition:
- Persons who are not standing, e.g. laying down
- Cyclists on unusual wheels, e.g. recumbent bicycles
Prerequisite for an optimal system function: Clean and adjusted Night Vision camera, KAFAS camera or FLA camera and headlights for targeted illumination (no mechanical effect on the system, e.g. after an accident).
Notes for Service department
General notes
Adjust headlights for targeted illumination.
There is a service function for setting the headlights for targeted illumination.
Monitoring of light source
All light sources in the headlights are monitored, when in the switched on state, by the control unit for the left-hand targeted illumination (GZAL) or the control unit for the right-hand targeted illumination (GZAR). The monitoring starts at terminal 15 ON.
Hot monitoring with light ON
Hot monitoring is based on the current measurement. The power consumption readings assist in detection of short and open circuits. For example, If during a switched on function indicator light the power consumption of the light-emitting diodes cannot be measured, the control unit GZAL or GZAR identifies a faulty function indicator light. The control unit GZAL or GZAR no longer activates the function indicator light and stepper motor in the affected headlight for targeted illumination. The instrument panel (KOMBI) displays a Check Control message.
If a headlight for targeted illumination goes out, the system continues to use the second headlight.
Thief proofing
The headlights for targeted illumination are securely assigned to the works of the vehicle (via vehicle identification number). By doing this, the headlights only function in this vehicle. That is why the control unit GZAL or GZAR must be re-encoded when replacing a headlight.
Diagnosis instructions
A functional check can be activated via a service function for the Night Vision system. With it, the function of the system be checked while stationary. If the vehicle drives off, the functional check automatically switches off.
Preconditions for a functional check:
- The functional check is only possible with one person in front of the vehicle
- Minimum distance of the person in front of the vehicle: 15 metres
We can assume no liability for printing errors or inaccuracies in this document and reserve the right to introduce technical modifications at any time.