Learning objectives
At the end of the course, the student is expected to know and understand;- the basic principles of lighting devices used in automotive;- the operational principles and relevant parameters of LED and laser, dashboard instruments, head-up displays, exterior and interior lighting, headlights and rearlights;- the usage of analysis and design tools for lighting devices; - the design and manage issues related to use of lighting in automotive and the of different devices and technologies according to functionalities;
Prerequisites
The basics of physics and electromagnetism covered by a physics course.
Course unit content
Advanced LED, laser, display, and augmented reality technologies are enhancing the driving experience and increasing safety. At the same time, they present new challenges to automakers and suppliers, who must quickly learn and adapt them for in-car use, while ensuring they meet customers’ high quality expectations. The aim of the course is to provide the students the basic knowledge needed to understand operation principles and relevant parameters, to design and manage issues related to use of LED and laser technology, illumination of multiple dashboard instruments, control and head-up displays and intelligent adaptive lighting.
Full programme
The course topics are the following:
- Introduction to automotive technologies and functionalities
- Lighting Basic Principles (wavelength, radiant intensity, radiant flux, brightness, illumination intensity, photometry)
- LED and LASER principles of operation
- LED properties and technology for in-vehicle and external lighting systems
- Basic principles of automotive LED lighting technology
- Reflectors
- TIR Lens
- Light Pipes
- Blade
- Glowing Screen
- Mirror Tunnel
- OLED
- LED pixel lights
- Exterior and interior lighting, headlights and rearlights
- Advance front light system, pixel laser headlights, matrix beam
- Intelligent adaptive systems, laser beam, dynamic blinker
- Gesture recognition and light dimming
- IR sources for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems
- IR sources for night vision
- Regulation and certification
Bibliography
Lecture notes.
Teaching methods
The activity will be mainly based on direct lessons (75%) integrated with classroom exercises (15%); group and CAD experiences (10%) will allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems; seminars given by external experts working in automotive industries will integrate standard lessons.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam is based on an oral test aimed to verify the student knowledge and understanding of basic lighting technologies and devices.
The oral test will last about one hour and will cover all the aspects met during the course. The test may also include a presentation of a student project.
Other information
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