Audi unveils Matrix LED headlight technology
German luxury car manufacturer Audi is claiming to have improved the humble turn signal by using a sequence of lights to indicate a driver's intended turn direction.
Set to debut in the company's new A8 model, the Matrix LED lights each contain 18 LEDs arranged in a strip that is subdivided into seven blocks. Each tail light contains 24 LEDs in eight segments, which are used to indicate the turning direction.
During flashing, the blocks are sequentially activated at 20millisecond intervals, from the inside outwards in the desired turning direction. After they are all lit, they remain at full intensity for 250milliseconds, before going dark and repeating the sequence.
Audi says the technology will make it easier for other road users to identify a driver's turning intention, even at long distances and in poor visibility conditions.
The Matrix LED lights will be fully revealed next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
