The system uses the existing Night View Assist Plus system’s pedestrian detection capability to find the person, then applies the new spotlight system and a series of alerts in the cabin to shed more light on the situation, simultaneously alerting the pedestrian to the car’s presence through the spotlight.
The spotlight function uses IR technology to detect pedestrians at a range of up to 80m as part of conventional Night Vision system operation.
As soon as the system detects any pedestrians in front of the car, they are highlighted in the display by the Active Night View Assist Plus. A second camera, also used as a so-called multipurpose camera by the Speed Limit Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, records the position of other road users travelling in front or approaching from the opposite direction. All of this information is used by the electronic control unit to decide whether a detected pedestrian is to be flashed with the spotlight function as a warning. For variable light distribution, a groove cut into the profile of the headlamps helps to create a controllable spotlight. Outside of built-up areas, pedestrians are flashed with the spotlight function up to four times at night, provided they are located within the light cone
The Night View Assist Plus with new spotlight function is a combination of a variety of functions. IR headlamps, night vision camera, multipurpose camera, spotlight headlamps, instrument cluster display and headlamp switch are all coordinated by several control units using complex software
The new spotlight function developed by the camera and light experts at Mercedes-Benz in Sindelfingen will enter in production as part of Active Night View Assist PLUS in a luxury-class Mercedes model Summer 2011.
