Gentex SmartBeam available on additional Audi models
Gentex has announced that its SmartBeam high-beam assist system is now available on seven additional Audi vehicle models. The new models currently offering SmartBeam as an option in Europe are the A1, A3, A6, A8, Q5, R8 and TT. Audi now offers 13 models with the Gentex high-beam assist system.
SmartBeam uses a miniature camera-on-a-chip combined with algorithmic decision-making to automatically operate a vehicle's high beams in order to optimize their usage according to surrounding traffic conditions. The system maximises forward lighting while eliminating the repetitive task of turning the high beams on and off manually.
SmartBeam is integrated into a Gentex auto-dimming mirror, which automatically darkens to eliminate glare from the headlamps of vehicles approaching from the rear.
“Gentex’s SmartBeam was designed to optimise high-beam usage on any type of vehicle with any type of headlamp system including halogen, bi-xenon, and even the Audi A8’s extremely sophisticated full LED (light-emitting diode) headlamp system,” said Enoch Jen, Gentex senior vice president.
The value of improved forward lighting is well documented. Studies in the U.S. and Europe suggest that drivers significantly underutilise their high beams. Whether it's out of fear of blinding other drivers, annoyance at constantly turning them on and off, or just plain forgetfulness, studies show that drivers often don’t use their high beams even when conditions would justify their use. SmartBeam optimises forward visibility by automating high-beam usage, which allows drivers to better identify and react to potential hazards in the road ahead.
Gentex has shipped more than 1.5 million SmartBeam units since the feature debuted in the U.S. in the 2005 model year. Last year alone, the company shipped approximately 437,000 SmartBeam units compared with approximately 295,000 units in 2008. Gentex expects SmartBeam unit shipments to increase by approximately 30-40 per cent in calendar year 2010 compared with 2009.
