On December 9, 2021, IM Auto displayed the DLP and ISC modules installed on its first model, the L7, at its headquarters. The former is a headlight with pixel-level projection, while the latter can be understood as a pixel-level daytime running light+turn signal, both of which are developed jointly by IM Auto and Huayu Vision, a subsidiary of SAIC Group.
From the original kerosene lamp to today’s laser headlamp, the important parameters of car lights, such as performance, reliability and life span, have indeed been continuously improved, but their function still remains in simple illumination. IM Auto wants to give social attributes to car lights through its intelligent car language system.
Hardware Composition of L7 Intelligent Car Language
DLP Digital Projection Headlamp
The IM L7 DLP digital projection headlamp has a projection resolution of 2.6 million pixels through 2.6 million independent and controllable micron-level micro-reflection mirrors. Although the pixels are consistent, compared with similar products on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the illumination is increased by 50% to 120 lux.
The built-in chip with independent computing power of 3 TOPS and TI Texas Instruments’ DMD digital micro-crystal chip bring the DLP microsecond-level response speed, enabling it to instantly close or reduce the brightness of corresponding micromirrors to avoid glare impacting other drivers; or by illuminating pedestrians, giving drivers and intelligent driving more sufficient response time.
ISC Smart Interactive Taillight
A total of 5,000+ LED units are controlled by TI’s automotive-grade 48-channel LED driver TLC6C5748-Q1, achieving independent adjustment of 255 levels of brightness for the whole car. As the LED direct drive solution is adopted, the power consumption of the ISC module is reduced, achieving longer endurance.The ISC in the front of the car supports two display colors, white and yellow, while the ISC in the taillights is red, which can be speculated to be due to relevant regulations. The ultra-high brightness of 30,000 nits also means that it is still clear and visible even during the day.
Linux Operating System + TI System-on-Chip (SoC)
The underlying system of the intelligent lighting language system adopts the Linux operating system, providing clearer system logic, more stable performance, and richer extension potential. The main processor is the TI J6 system-on-chip (SoC), which is often used as the central CPU in the car navigation system, providing powerful computing power for the intelligent lighting language system.
According to on-site personnel, in the current environment of chip shortages, suppliers can make more money by using this chip for other applications. At this time, HUAYU Vision, as the advantage of SAIC Group’s enterprise in the supply chain of intelligent car, is highlighted.
Interaction
The change from passive receiving to active transmitting of information by the car lights means that the interaction mode between the car and the scene has changed.
Driving Assistance Scene
- Pedestrian priority mode
- Low speed driving trajectory mode
- Navigation assistance
- NOA lane change assistance
- Width indication light carpet
- Pedestrian warning
- Front distance reminder
Personalized Emotional Interaction Scene
- Light welcome
- Warm pet welcome
- Battery display
- Artistic texture skin
- Quick-draw lights game
- Personalized light show
Expandability
Based on the strong empowerment of Aliyun and the unique advantages of SAIC’s SOA atomic architecture, IM L7 has achieved full-domain and in-depth OTA. Meanwhile, the intelligent car language system is also equipped with TI system-level chips and independent operating system, based on which it can achieve intelligent OTA.
- OTA function scenarios
In theory, as long as the footsteps of continuous updates don’t stop, the application scenarios of intelligent car language system can achieve unlimited expansion. By continuously exploring new scenarios and new functions, through OTA updates to the vehicle end, it brings users a scenario-based interactive experience of “more powerful and smarter with continuous use”.
- Personalized and differentiated OTA
In addition to the factory-set navigation icon and ISC artistic texture skin and personalized greeting, various icon, skin, and lighting effects with different styles and characteristics will also be continuously updated in the cloud, which users can download to the vehicle end through their mobile phones and switch playfully according to their preferences.
- Diversified gameplay
Users can deeply participate in co-creation through self-edited car language, customized icon and other forms, via IM OS or mobile APP. Besides being available for personal use, the co-creation content can also be connected and shared with the community for other users to download and use, truly achieving a thousand faces for light interaction.
🔗Information source: IM Auto
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.