Hyundai Mobis has developed new futuristic headlamp technology called ‘HD Lighting’ that can help reduce night time road accidents by displaying driving information on the road surface in real-time, including road signs that might not be otherwise visible. Hyundai says that the new technology is made not only for drivers, but also communication features with pedestrians.
HD Lighting System can visualize road signs in text or shapes and project it on the road surface. For an example, the headlamp can show that there is road construction ahead using relevant symbols to drivers. It can also project a crosswalk sign on the road surface with lamp lights to help pedestrians cross the road safely.

The system comprises of micro LEDs that are light sources and a digital micro mirror device (DMD), a collection of tiny mirrors that together act as a reflector. Information obtained from the front sensor (camera) and GPS navigation can also be integrated to provide the driver with necessary information. The HD Lighting System has about 25,000 micro LEDs with a width of 0.04 mm, which is 250 times as many LEDs than those installed in LED headlamps (80-120 LEDs) currently being mass produced. This enables the lamp to control light more sensitively as it has a much higher number of LEDs.
DMD is a ultra-precise controller that reflects light using microscopic mirrors. Lights emitted from densely-packed LEDs are reflected using 1.3 million digital mirrors to project desired shapes and symbols on the surface of the road. LEDs can be controlled individually to project clear, precise information on the road regardless of road conditions.

The lighting system reflects data fed by the camera sensor and GPS navigation in real-time. For example, when a vehicle approaches a construction zone, HD Lighting System displays “Under Construction” symbol that is 1.5 m big 15 m ahead of the driver and can also inform the driver of the speed limit. Hyundai says this will help the driver easily recognize when the car approaches a speed bump and where highway entries and exits are while looking ahead.
HD Lighting System is also claimed to proactively prevent pedestrian accidents. The camera sensor recognizes pedestrians while driving along a remote alley and shows a virtual crosswalk on the road when the car stops. This tech is called “communication lighting”, that not only communicates with pedestrians with emergency lights or a horn, but also with headlamps.