Mazda showed off its latest headlamp technology at CEATEC Japan 2014 in Tokyo this month. Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) are designed to provide a better spread of light, combined with automatic dipping.
The system works by dividing the LED high-beam array into four segments that can be independently controlled. A forward-mounted sensor detects approaching cars, but, rather than dipping the whole light, only the sector that would cause dazzling is turned off. This means high-beam can remain on, providing the driver with a better view of the road ahead.
Additional LED segments are provided to the sides of the headlamps to give wide distribution low-beam lights that provide a broader spread of illumination. There is also a 'Highway mode' to adjust the forward aim of the headlamps, raising the beam at motorway speed to increase the range and provide earlier visibility of road signs and approaching hazards.
Although not yet confirmed for production ALH seem likely to appear on production Mazdas in the not too distant future.
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A Mazda3 with an autonomous driving system was also showcased at the exhibition. Fitted with a high-precision GPS system and using other sensors that are commonly built into cars it is said to monitor the condition of the driver and reduce the risk of accidents. A video of the car lapping Laguna Seca racetrack without driver intervention was shown at CEATEC.