HELLA, a leading global supplier of automotive lighting and electronics, has developed an industry-first headlamp system that automatically adjusts high-beam light patterns for other traffic and pedestrians.

Recently introduced on the Audi A8 in Europe, HELLA's Matrix LED headlamp system uses camera-based technology to create glare-fee "tunnels" in front of a vehicle. The system allows car owners to continually use their high beams without fear of blinding other drivers. 

Matrix LED Patterns. (LEDinside/HELLA)

Each headlamp contains 25 electronically controlled LEDs that provide an almost infinite variety of light patterns while eliminating the need for mechanical parts to pivot the lamp. The headlamp can be operated at full power or its intensity lowered as required.

The system's individually controlled LEDs make it possible to create two or more "dark" zones or tunnels for traffic ahead to maximize both safety and visibility. For example, if there are two oncoming vehicles, HELLA's matrix headlamps actually will "mask out" the approaching vehicles, while maintaining high-beam lighting between the two cars, as well as to the right and left of each one.

In addition to creating glare-free traffic zones, HELLA's matrix high beams also adjust to provide maximum lighting along bends and curves in the road.

Various Matrix LED Light Patterns (LEDinside/HELLA)

HELLA's LED Matrix technology recently won a prestigious 2014 Automotive News PACE Award recognizing superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance by an automotive supplier.

The company also has participated in a number of previous PACE Award programs. In 2012, HELLA was recognized as a finalist for its Multi-Chip Module (MCM) oil sensing technology. Earlier nominations included full light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps in 2009 and an honorable mention for its lane-change-assist technology in 2008.  

LED lighting is much closer to natural sunlight than other light sources and helps reduce a driver's susceptibility to fatigue. Without the need for mechanical parts, pivots or shutters, automotive LED lighting also is more durable than traditional lighting and has the potential to last the lifetime of a vehicle. 

In addition to their work on Audi's Matrix LED system, HELLA and Audi also have developed for the A8 a new Xenon headlight and an LED headlamp with a static high beam for the U.S. market.