VS - Lighting Systems - Lighting - 998542

15. AFS - Adaptive Front Lighting Systems

15.2. Full Adaptive Front Lighting “Full AFS”

A lot of the improvements in vehicles are based on driving comfort and safety, there have been major developments in this field, such as ABS braking systems, stability controls, air bags, etc. Over the last decade there have been as well significant improvements in lighting systems to improve visibility and braking distances. Traditional low beams using Halogen or Gas Discharge (HID) light sources do not provide sufficient illumination to allow a safe braking distance. For example, the emergency braking distance of a vehicle driving at 100 km/h (60 mph) including the human reaction time is at least 50-60 meters. A standard low beam system with a cut-off inclination of 1% can provide illumination up to a distance of about 25-30 meters . A new standard was set in 2004 to cope with this need, it defined the concept of “Long-Distance Illumination without Glaring (Dazzling) Effects”. The aim of long-distance illumination is a new type of low beam which enables continuous illumination for a safe braking distance of approximately 60-70 meters. An adaptive “cut-off line” provides illumination for a safe braking distance, without causing any dazzling effect on other road users, and enables safe and comfortable night driving.

Since 2006 the AFS has improved a lot providing more features.

Full AFS technology allows drivers to bene t from optimum visibility under all conditions, reducing the stress of driving at night and improves visual comfort and safety. The system automatically adapts light distribution according to the position of the preceding and oncoming traffic. Full AFS introduces a new era of light distribution for several typical driving situations and adapts the beam according to:

l Road type.

l Road conditions.

l Weather conditions.

l Drivers actions (side indicator/steering wheel).

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