Digital Light technology optimizes beams and doesn’t blind other traffic. However, large snowflakes could distract from the view.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is as glamorous as it gets for luxury transport. However, the new headlights will not dazzle other drivers. But that’s precisely what these digital eyes were designed to do. Digital Light is the new headlamp technology. They are designed to provide exceptional visibility and not blind oncoming traffic. However, they can also “dazzle” Maybach drivers with a series of alert photos projected on the road in front.
How does it all work, you ask? Every light is equipped with a chip that contains more than a million micro-reflectors. This means there are over two million available. These lights can be connected to the car’s sensors and cameras, as well as the navigation software. They can adjust automatically depending on the conditions and the known location. This is where the anti-dazzle function comes in. The car can detect approaching traffic and adjust the reflectors to maximize visibility, without blinding other drivers. Another part of the Digital Light system’s new Digital Light is the set of symbols that can project onto the road in front. The driver-assist and safety systems that are activated will determine whether the headlights project warnings onto the road. To help guide the way, guide lines can be used to mark boundaries of narrow roads. An arrow will be displayed if the car spots pedestrians near the road. You can also see warnings about speed, drifting out, construction zones, blind spots, distance from other traffic and, yes, even a snowflake in low-grip conditions. Although we don’t know if it will show up on snow-covered roads, it is likely that drivers will be able to recognize it as being slicker and slow down.
“Selected fleet customers” will receive the new Digital Light system in the first half 2018. The Mercedes-Maybach press release has a footnote (link is below) which discusses the need for new technologies that comply with different laws. It’s currently being reviewed for approval. This system is capable of displaying actual symbols on the road so it could be distracting for other drivers.