Based on a micromirror device an active headlamp has been developed in the L-LAB. The idea is to drive always with a light distribution similar to a high beam, to detect vehicles ahead, either driving in the same direction or oncoming, by special sensors and accordingly mask light beam. A description of this approach can be found in the article „Driving Assistance By Light Technology“ in ATZ 03/2006

The first scene shows driving with "Active Lighting" from the driver's perspective. Despite the limited dynamics of the movieclip, one can observe that "Active Lighting" clearly gives better road illumination. The greater range compared to low beam leads to a far better visibility and the wider light distribution allows to recognise trees and traffic signs on the edges of the road.

This is followed by a scene where "Active Lighting" can be seen from the perspective of an oncoming vehicle. At first, the active headlamp glares noticeably. But as soon as the distance becomes less than 180 m the vehicle is detected and masked in the light distribution. Now the active headlamp cannot be distinguished from normal low beam. However the movieclip clearly demonstrates that a detection range of 180m as achieved by current sensors is not sufficient.  Hence research for a better technology in this area is required.