At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 in Las Vegas, BMW is showcasing new functions of its Laserlight technology with the M4 Concept Iconic Lights model.
Sporting a Cool White metallic paint, the study features a new interpretation of the typical BMW twin round headlights. On the move, the laser technology can be identified by the fine blue strips inside the lights. At the rear, the light clusters of the BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights model are based on OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes), which produce light from wafer-thin semiconducting layers of organic material.
For the first time, both the tail lights and rear direction indicators feature OLED technology, with the illuminated surfaces being positioned to produce a three-dimensional effect. Another advantage of using OLEDs is that they take up less room because of their thin size (1.4mm). BMW M says it will launch a production model featuring OLED technology in the near future.
Besides the aesthetic factor which is obvious by looking at the photos, Laserlight is integrated with assistance systems and vehicle sensors and can be used to implement new intelligent lighting functions for enhanced safety and comfort.
For example, the technology can work with the navigation system to illuminate corners well in advance, while a laser-based Dynamic Light Spot can provide early warning of people or animals at night from a distance of up to 100 meters (328 feet).
Also, if the vehicle detects reduced clear road width ahead, the laser headlights can be used to provide “narrow clearance” lighting. A laser projection function indicates the exact width of the vehicle in relation to the road to allow safe passage through the narrow space.
The BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights also showcases a further “visionary” system: “High Power Laser” diodes. This system projects driver information directly onto the road in front of the vehicle – consider it an evolution of the current head-up display system.
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