Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase its Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) next-generation headlamp technology at CEATEC JAPAN 2014, a comprehensive exhibition of cutting-edge IT and electronics. ALH represents the next step in the evolution of Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety systems, offering enhanced recognition support when driving at night. Mazda will also exhibit a Mazda3 featuring a unique implementation of automated driving technology, part of the company’s long-standing goal of offering driving pleasure for all to enjoy. Other exhibits at the Mazda stand will include the all-new Mazda Demio (known as Mazda2 overseas) and technologies from Mazda’s new-generation Human Machine Interface based on the company’s unique Heads-Up Cockpit concept.
CEATEC JAPAN 2014 runs from Tuesday, October 7 through Saturday, October 11 at the Makuhari Messe convention complex in Tokyo.
Next-generation headlamps—Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)
ALH is a next-generation headlamp system implementing LED array glare-free high beam technology. Mazda is the first Japanese automaker to reveal such a system to the public.
With an LED array, the LED light source for the high beams is divided into four blocks which can be switched on and off independently. The system uses a camera to detect the headlamps of oncoming vehicles or the taillights of cars ahead, and turns off only the light-source block which is illuminating in the specific direction of the other vehicles. This makes it possible to drive with the high beams on at all times, significantly improving visibility when driving at night, without dazzling drivers of other vehicles.
ALH also features wide-distribution low beams. By adding an LED light source to the side of the headlamps, wide-distribution low beams expand the area of illumination on either side of the vehicle, illuminating areas where traditional headlamps cannot. This makes it easier to see pedestrians and other obstacles at intersections at night. In addition, Highway Mode utilizes the motor of the headlamps’ auto-leveling mechanism to automatically raise the axis of lighting when travelling at highway speeds, making it easier to see road signs and obstacles as early as possible.
Mazda3 featuring a unique implementation of automated driving technology
Mazda places the utmost importance on understanding, trusting, and respecting drivers as human beings. Based on this, the company is developing an automated driving system to constantly watch over people—especially the condition of the driver— with the aim of helping to avoid driving errors and situations where an accident becomes unavoidable. This model is equipped with high-precision GPS, technologies which sense the state of the vehicle, and motion control technologies that focus on human senses.
Mazda aims to contribute to the realization of a society where people can enjoy driving vehicles and appreciate driving pleasure with peace of mind, knowing that technologies are there to support them even if the unexpected occurs.
New-generation Human Machine Interface (HMI) based on Mazda’s unique Heads-Up Cockpit concept
Mazda will exhibit its new-generation HMI which puts top priority on safe driving and minimizes the factors that lead to driver distraction. The HMI includes a 7-inch center display that ensures maximum legibility, a commander control knob designed to be operated by touch alone, and a cutting-edge Active Driving Display which projects a virtual image of essential information, such as the vehicle speed, above the meter hood.
