Software enables virtual simulation of adaptive headlights

The latest version of LucidDrive software delivers a new traffic simulation feature for realistic simulations of headlight response to dynamic traffic and road conditions, such as traffic jams, lane changes, bends in the road and oncoming vehicles.

The LucidDrive Traffic Simulation feature delivers the following capabilities for night driving simulations:

• High-accuracy calculations of traffic flows and patterns based on an intelligent driver model
• User-defined parameters, such as vehicle speed, acceleration, deceleration and braking capabilities
• Automatic lane changing maneuvers
• Support for LucidDrive scripting to programme customised vehicle behaviours
• Expanded library of road scenes for simulations

By simulating changing driving conditions and individual vehicle behaviours, the Traffic Simulation feature can effectively analyse Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) headlights, which must adapt the light distribution, detect and illuminate obstacles, and automatically mask out the high beam to prevent glare for oncoming vehicles.

"Virtual night-driving simulations are gaining importance for newer headlight types such as AFS, where it is critical to validate beam patterns that must respond to changing driving conditions and driver behaviour," said George Bayz, Vice President and General Manager of Synopsys' Optical Solutions Group. "The LucidDrive Traffic Simulation feature demonstrates how technical advances in night-driving simulations can help designers assess and improve AFS capabilities."