VS - Lighting Systems - Lighting - 998542

15.2.3. AFS - Classes and Modes The term “class” defines main beam patterns (C/V/ E/W/T). The term, “mode” defines conditions or events when driving requires the lighting system to adapt to a class or to switch from one class to another by adapting the beam profile. AFS systems continuously adapt the illumination on the road according to the ongoing mode. The system is designed to be adaptive by using control signals guided by sensors which are capable of detecting and reacting to each of the following inputs: l Ambient lighting conditions. l The light emitted by the front lighting and front signalling systems of oncoming vehicles. l The light emitted by the rear lighting of preceding vehicles; additional sensors may be used to improve the system’s performance. The changes within and between classes and their modes of AFS lighting functions are performed automatically without causing discomfort, distraction or glare, neither for the driver or for other road users. A dedicated photometric chart has been issued for AFS. It is based on the Xenon lighting systems initial chart with all provisions of new classes and their specific modes.

By mixing a combination of 3 main beams and automatic levelling positions the system is allowed to create 3 additional functions: l Town lighting l Adverse weather beam (wet road) l Tourist beam (beam adaptation to avoid glare when driving abroad)

Full AFs - Tri-function mechanism

AFS are regulated and detailed in European regulations ECE R48 and ECE R123. The projector beam steps are basically categorized in passing beam classes and modes:

l “Classic” class C modes l “Town” class V modes l “Motorway” class E modes l “Wet road” class W modes l “Bending modes” T modes

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