Illuminating technology

Sensor-linked lighting systems, automatic high-beam control, LED headlights, and brand-identifying cabin lighting are enhancing safety, convenience, and the feel-good factor.

Unlikely though it may seem, the automotive industry is taking a cue from movies and the theatre with a new business program: “Lights, camera, action.” As with so much in today's world of wheels, it is electronics that lead the way towards the technology horizon, and vehicle lighting-exterior and interior-is a very significant part of it.

With bend lighting and adaptive systems now becoming de rigueur in the premium sector and cascading down to cheaper cars, the link has strengthened between lighting and integrated technologies that complement its efficacy. Now, according to German lighting specialist Hella, those links will be significantly broadened with the combination of lighting and front-facing cameras: Not just infrared night vision systems that are already in production, but innovative CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) cameras that can peer into the darkness and make decisions for the driver about the spread and intensity of headlight beams that can spot road signs illuminated by the car's headlights, and subsequently support early warning and safety systems.