High Beam Assistance [Archive] - Bimmerforums

Qsilver7

11-28-2023, 11:48 AM

Are your assumptions that the only thing required to gain this feature is the turn indicator with the button to activate HBA? There's more to it than just the button on the stalk...it communicates with a camera and other modules & systems over the car's various communication buses:

Non-glare high-beam assistant

The exterior lights allows the owner to identify the vehicle and signal driving manoeuvres during both the day and night. The vehicle lights illuminate the vehicle driving area.

In order to meet the requirements derived from the different traffic situations and road surface types, the use of headlights will occur with variable light distribution in the future. The goal is an improved illumination of the roadway with greater headlight beam throw even with oncoming traffic or traffic ahead.

The non-glare high-beam assistant system can remain switched on throughout the entire night drive. Oncoming cars or traffic ahead will be detected on time and "suppressed" from the light beam. The more intensive use of the high-beam headlight at night results in an improved recognition of dangerous situations. The exterior lights thus contribute to active safety in traffic.

The non-glare high-beam assistant is integrated in the optional equipment Adaptive Headlight SA524. This results in a forced connection with the following optional equipment:

Xenon headlight SA522 or LED headlight SA552
Rain sensor SA521
Fog lights SA520
high-beam assistant SA5AC

The non-glare high-beam assistant is only offered in the European version. The non-glare high-beam assistant is not available in the US version and Japanese version.
Depending on the model series, version, model year and vehicle equipment, different systems may be used for the anti-dazzle high beam assist function:

Example F32, F33, F36, F8x:

Vehicles with xenon headlights:

The left-hand headlight driver module (STML) and right-hand driver module (STMR) are connected to the K-CAN2 and to the LIN bus.

Vehicles with LED headlights:

The left-hand LED main headlight module (LHML) and right-hand LED main headlight module (LHMR) are connected to the K-CAN2 .

The left-hand headlight driver module (STML) and right-hand driver module (STMR) are connected to the K-CAN2 and to the LIN bus.

The graphic below shows the components that are involved in the control of the non-glare high-beam assistant using the example F10.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/obj/Io5O7jnl

Item Explanation
1 KAFAS camera (KAFAS) or FLA camera
2 Rain-light-solar-condensation sensor
3 Steering column switch cluster
4 Car Access System (CAS)
5 Footwell module (FRM)
6 Crash Safety Module (ACSM)
7 Roller drive of cover
8 Stepper motors of the LWR
9 Integrated Chassis Management (ICM)
10 Central gateway module (ZGM)
11 Junction Box Electronics (JBE)

Brief component description

Components can vary depending on the vehicle-specifics and equipment-specifics. For example: The front electronics module (FEM) replaces the footwell module (FRM) in the F3x and the junction box electronics (JBE). In F15, F16, the Body Domain Controller (BDC) replaces the footwell module (FRM) and junctin box electronics (JBE).

The following components are described for the non-glare high-beam assistant:

Headlight
Headlight driver module
Footwell module
LED main light module
Integrated Chassis Management
Junction Box Electronics
Central gateway module
Front electronic module
Body Domain Controller
Steering column switch cluster
Rain-light-solar-condensation sensor
Inside mirror with high-beam assistant
Camera-based driver support systems camera
Operating facility for light
Turn signal/high beam switch

FRM: Footwell module

All functions of the exterior lights are controlled by the footwell module (FRM).

The footwell module (FRM) receives many input signals that cause the headlights to be switched on. The footwell module (FRM) forms the interface to the instrument cluster (KOMBI). It enables communication between the LIN bus and the K-CAN and therefore message transmission to the respective other data bus.
ICM: Integrated Chassis Management

Data from ride height sensors at the front and rear axle is evaluated by the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM). The automatic headlight beam throw adjustment thus ensures that oncoming traffic is not dazzled. The Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) also contains sensors for driving dynamics control. The footwell module (FRM) or front electronics module (FEM) or body domain controller (BDC) receives the signals from the integrated chassis management (ICM)..
JBE: Junction Box Electronics

The Junction Box Electronics (JBE) requests information on ambient brightness from the rain-light-solar-condensation sensor through the LIN bus. The junction box electronics (JBE) send the status to the footwell module (FRM). The footwell module (FRM) assesses the status of the ambient brightness.
ZGM: Central gateway module

The central gateway module (ZGM) links all of the data buses. The central gateway module's (ZGM) gateway function thus supports data exchanges amongst the various bus systems. Stored system functions can be called up using appropriate commands.
Front electronic module (FEM): Front electronic module

The Front Electronic Module (FEM) represents a new generation which supersedes existing control units and their functions. The Front Electronic Module (FEM) is the central control unit in the vehicle electrical system. At the same time, the Front Electronic Module (FEM) is the gateway for the other control units. The Front Electronic Module (FEM) provides functions from the previous control units footwell module (FRM), Car Access System (CAS), Junction Box Electronics (JBE) and central gateway module (ZGM). The central gateway module (ZGM) is installed in the Front Electronic Module (FEM) as an independent control unit.

As the master control unit, the Front Electronic Module (FEM) is responsible for the functions of the exterior lights. The front electronic module (FEM) decides which lighting functions must be activated and/or deactivated. For many functions, information from sensors, contacts and switches is required. The Front Electronic Module (FEM) receives the signals from the components and transmits the corresponding information to the bus users.
BDC Body Domain Controller

The Body Domain Controller (BDC) represents a new generation superseding existing control units and their functions. The body domain controller (BDC) is the central control unit in the vehicle electrical system. At the same time, the body domain controller (BDC) is the gateway for the other control units. The body domain controller (BDC) makes available functions from the previous control units footwell module (FRM), Car Access System (CAS), Junction Box Electronics (JBE) and central gateway module (ZGM). The central gateway module (ZGM) is an independent module in the Body Domain Controller (BDC).

The Body Domain Controller (BDC) as the master control unit is responsible for the exterior lights functions. The Body Domain Controller (BDC) decides which light functions are to be activated or deactivated. For many functions, information from sensors, contacts and switches is required. The Body Domain Controller (BDC) receives the signals from the components and transmits the corresponding information to the bus users.
Steering column switch cluster

The steering column switch cluster features one steering column switch each on the left and right sides. The right-hand steering column switch controls the functions of the wash/wipe system. The steering column switch on the left side of the steering column controls the high-beam headlight and turn indicators as well as operation of the on-board computer.

The signals for the integrated steering angle sensor are sent to the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM).
Rain-light-solar-condensation sensor

The rain-light-solar-condensation sensor receives its voltage supply from the roof function centre (FZD) and consists of the following sensors:

Rain sensor
Photosensor
Solar sensor
Condensation sensor

The photosensors measure the ambient brightness and the near field of the vehicle. The photosensors supply the signal for switching the automatic driving lights control on or off.
Inside mirror with high-beam assistant

The high-beam assistant camera and high-beam assistant control unit are installed in a common housing in the interior mirror. The high-beam assistant camera is a simplified image sensor that can recognise the colour and intensity of the light.

A plug connector supplies the high-beam assistant camera with voltage. An additional connector connects the high-beam control unit to the CAN bus of the vehicle.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/obj/IoXb6VmQ
Item Explanation
1 Inside mirror with high-beam assistant
2 Plug connection, LVDS line
3 Camera holder
4 Camera
5 Photosensor

Camera-based driver support systems camera

Depending on the options fitted, various camera-based systems are available. The light points, light colours and light intensities picked up by the KAFAS camera are evaluated by the KAFAS control unit. The evaluation by the KAFAS control unit results in a recommendation to switch on or off the non-glare high-beam assistant. The technical implementation occurs with the a KAFAS camera and KAFAS control unit.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/obj/GHF1rIBn
Item Explanation
1 Camera holder
2 Camera
3 Plug connection, LVDS line

Turn signal/high beam switch

The turn indicators and the high-beam headlight are controlled by turn signal/high beam switch on the steering column switch cluster.

The signal for the turn signal/high beam switch is sent by the steering column switch cluster The footwell module (FRM) or front electronics module (FEM) or Body Domain Controller (BDC) receives the signals from the turn signal/high beam switch via the central gateway module (ZGM).

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/obj/F8ZVjgoH
Item Explanation
1 Non-glare high-beam assistant button
2 On-board computer button
3 High beam
4 One-touch flashing, right
5 Continuous flashing, right
6 Headlight flasher
7 One-touch flashing, left
8 Continuous flashing, left

Operating facility for light

The exterior lights can be switched on and off at the operating facility for lights.

The operating facility for lights includes both the light switch and other components.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/obj/GIIVuedv

Item Explanation Item Explanation
1 Button for the rear fog lights
2 Button for the fog lights
3 Light switch in the switch position A (switch position for automatic driving lights control)
4 Switch position 0 for daytime driving lights
5 Switch position 1 for side lights
6 Switch position 2 for low-beam headlights
7 Rotary switch for lighting functions
8 Dimmer for instrument lighting

Automatic driving lights control

The following preconditions must be satisfied before the driving light can be activated automatically:

Light switch in the switch position A (switch position for automatic driving lights control)
Terminal 15 on
Rain-light-solar-condensation sensor reports low brightness

The junction box electronics (JBE) or the front electronics module (FEM) or the body domain controller (BDC) module requests the status of the ambient brightness from the rain-light-solar-condensation sensor. The footwell module (FRM) or the front electronics module (FEM) or the body domain controller (BCD) carries out any prompt received to switch the daytime driving lights on or off. The automatic driving lights control switches on the driving light together with the side lights.

Should no signal be received from the rain-light-solar-condensation sensor owing to a defect while the automatic driving lights control is activated, the footwell module (FRM) or the front electronics module (FEM) or the body domain controller (BDC) will respond by switching on the daytime driving lights.

Once the headlamps have been switched on by the automatic driving lights control, they can be switched off again with the light switch or by the rain-light-solar-condensation sensor, provided that ambient lighting of adequate brightness is present. Even after Terminal 15 off the side lights can remain on because they were activated by the automatic driving lights control system. The side lights are switched off automatically when the driver's door is opened. When the occupants exit the vehicle from another door, the side lights are switched off when the vehicle's locks are engaged.

The footwell module (FRM) or front electronics module (FEM) or body domain controller (BDC) switches on the daytime driving light only at low ambient brightness levels. There may thus be a delayed activation of the driving light when the vehicle enters a tunnel or a tree-shaded lane. The light switch must be in switch position A (switch position for automatic driving lights control)

To activate the non-glare high-beam assistant:

Turn light switch to switch position A (switch position for automatic driving lights control)
Press the non-glare high-beam assistant button on the left steering column switch
The indicator light (2) in the instrument cluster lights up.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/obj/ImjV8Qkj
Item Explanation
1 Indicator light for switched on high-beam headlight or partial high-beam headlight.
2 Indicator light for activated non-glare high-beam assistant

The non-glare high-beam assistant responds to lights on approaching and preceding vehicles while also monitoring the surrounding area for adequate illumination.

Horizontal movement range of headlights

Both headlights can be moved vertically and also horizontally by a few degrees. The light cones thereby receive a new targeted alignment.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/obj/ImhxT4dK

Locality

The high-beam headlight for both headlights will be switched off as soon as the surrounding area is light enough. For example, this is the case with closed localities.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/obj/ImKv6Cz5

Limits of the system

The non-glare high-beam assistant does replace the individual's responsibility to decide when the high-beam headlights are used. Thus the headlights must be dipped manually whenever conditions render it necessary to do so.

Operation of the non-glare high-beam assistant is restricted, or it may fail to operate entirely, under the following conditions:

Unfavourable weather conditions, such as fog or heavy precipitation
Road users with poor lighting
Sharp curves, steep rises and dips
Crossing traffic or partially hidden traffic on the opposite side of motorways
Poorly lit towns and intense reflections from road signs
Low driving speed
Contamination or stickers on the windscreen in the area around the KAFAS camera