the smartbeams are coming! the smartbeams are coming!

[fnkychkn]

i was reading this link and thought some of you might want to learn more about the smartbeam system, since it looks like it will be available on LX in the near future.

this is a quote from 2006 grand cherokee (WK) shop manual. i'm sure some of the components will be different, but the system's operation should be the same.

DESCRIPTION




SmartBeam® automatic high beam headlamp control is an available option on this vehicle when it is also equipped with the automatic low beam headlamps, automatic wipers and the electrochromic inside rear view mirror. SmartBeam® enhances the headlamp system of the vehicle by assisting the driver with the task of turning the headlamp high beams ON and OFF according to surrounding traffic conditions. The only visible component of SmartBeam® is the molded black plastic camera pod housing and the rectangular forward-facing clear lens (4). Because the SmartBeam® camera looks through the windshield, the system may not function properly if this area is covered with ice, dirt, haze or any other obstruction.


The camera pod is secured to an extension integral to the mounting bracket of the electrochromic inside rear view mirror (2). The top of the pod has a tray-like recess that conceals the Rain Sensor Module (RSM) (1) just below the rear view mirror mounting button on the inside of the windshield glass. The RSM has a pigtail wire that connects it to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the overhead wire harness. The pod and lens houses and protects a digital imager camera that is aimed so as to view a predetermined area in the path directly ahead of the vehicle. Also within the housing is the circuitry of the camera, the mounting screws and a set of mechanical shims that secure the pod, camera and camera circuit board to the mirror mounting bracket.

The camera shims allow mechanical adjustment of the camera aim when the camera position is skewed beyond the ability of the camera electronics to adapt. For optimal system performance, the SmartBeam® camera must be calibrated (aimed) by the dealer to insure that the camera is properly centered on the road ahead of the vehicle whenever the inside rear view mirror, the windshield glass, or the mirror mounting button are replaced or reinstalled. If the camera is not properly aimed the system performance may be diminished or altered.

The microprocessor-based electronics of SmartBeam® are integral to the circuit board contained within the electrochromic mirror. A short pigtail wire connects the camera circuit board directly to the electrochromic mirror circuit board, and a second connector receptacle (3) integral to the forward-facing housing of the electrochromic mirror connects the mirror to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the overhead wire harness.

The SmartBeam® is serviced as a unit with the electrochromic inside rear view mirror. If the SmartBeam® camera, lens, circuitry or pod is damaged or ineffective, the entire electrochromic inside rear view mirror must be replaced. The RSM is available for separate service replacement.


OPERATION

The SmartBeam® automatic highbeam control system uses digital light-sensing technology to monitor the lighting and traffic conditions in front of the vehicle. It helps improve forward visibility during nighttime driving by initiating high beam usage as ambient lighting and traffic conditions warrant. SmartBeam® communicates over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus with the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) (also known as the Cab Compartment Node/CCN), the Front Control Module (FCM) or the diagnostic scan tool. A demonstration mode allows the SmartBeam® system functionality to be demonstrated and may also be used to confirm that the system optics are operational.

SmartBeam® may be enabled or disabled by using the customer programmable features function of the EVIC and selecting or deselecting the AUTO LOW/HIGH BEAM</B> feature. Then, the left multi-function switch control knob, located on the left control stalk, must be in the A</B> (Automatic) position for SmartBeam® to be operational. An AUTO HIGHBEAM ON</B> or AUTO HIGHBEAM OFF</B> textual message will temporarily appear in the instrument cluster reconfigurable dot matrix display to confirm the current system status.

When the SmartBeam® system is enabled, ambient light levels are low enough to require the use of high beams, the vehicle is moving over 32 kilometers-per-hour (20 miles-per-hour) and no other traffic is present; SmartBeam® will automatically turn the high beams ON. When the system detects the headlamps of an approaching vehicle or the tail lamps of a preceding vehicle, the high beams will automatically turn OFF. If the high beams are ON while decelerating and approaching a full stop, the system will turn them OFF automatically at below approximately 24 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per-hour).

Depending upon the driving situation, SmartBeam® may fade the high beams ON and OFF, or switch them OFF instantaneously. In either case, the high beam indicator in the instrument cluster will illuminate as soon as the high beams start to come ON, and will remain illuminated until the high beams are completely OFF. SmartBeam® will instantaneously turn the high beams OFF if the system detects the sudden presence of vehicle lights ahead. The vehicle operator can also override the SmartBeam® selection at any time manually using the beam selection function of the left (lighting) multi-function switch control stalk to select the high or low beams, and the flash-to-pass (optical horn) feature is still functional with SmartBeam®.

SmartBeam® senses lighting conditions directly ahead of the vehicle. In certain situations, such as hills or winding roads, it may be more comfortable manually overriding the system because the vehicles in front may not be in the SmartBeam® imaging camera field of view. However, it is not likely that your high beams will cause discomforting glare to other drivers in this situation.

SmartBeam® may not function properly if its field of view is obscured. Because it looks through the windshield, the system may not function properly if this area is covered with ice, dirt, haze or any other obstruction. For optimal system performance, the lens of the imager camera must be cleaned periodically, as it may haze over due to the air quality in the vehicle passenger compartment. Spray a small amount of glass cleaner onto a soft cloth and gently clean the lens. Do not spray the glass cleaner directly onto the lens.

SmartBeam® uses a green Light Emitting Diode (LED) unit to indicate certain faults it detects in the imager camera and circuitry. A slow (once-per-second) continual flashing of this LED indicates the SmartBeam® camera requires aiming. A fast (twice-per-second) continual flashing of this LED indicates that a SmartBeam® fault has been detected and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has been stored. The LED is located to the right of the power button on ElectroChromic (EC) inside rear view mirrors without the hands-free communication option, or to the left of the AUTO button on EC mirrors with the hands-free communication option.

The SmartBeam® circuitry within the EC mirror will store a DTC for any fault that is detected. The hard wired inputs and outputs of the EC mirror may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. However, conventional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the SmartBeam® unit, the EC mirror or the electronic controls or communication between modules and other devices that provide some features of the automatic highbeam system. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the SmartBeam®, the EC mirror or the electronic controls and communication related to automatic highbeam system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

[Fred]

Is this system compatible with the uconnect? If so, I have a uconnect dimming mirror FOR SALE!! Awesome! I was just reading this on the WK jeaps website last night and their picture looked like the camera is mounted in a wart on the mirror itself, not seperate. so will this module have the auto wiper-rain sensor built in also? I was seeing $600 estimate for the assy.

[Oldsfan]

I'm surprized no one has found a way to take a Jeep unit and adapt it to their LX.

When this system first came out on the Jeeps a year or two ago they made such a big fuss over it and claimed it was the first auto dimmer in the industry. Actually, GM introduced it in 1952. They called it the Autronic Eye. I've got one in my '62 Olds (they changed the name to Guide-Matic by then).

And I think it's dumb that the high beams go off when the speed drops below 15mph. I'd like to know the thought process behind that.

[COLORADOMAGNUM]

Sounds pretty cool.

[fnkychkn]

so will this module have the auto wiper-rain sensor built in also?

on WK, the auto wiper rain sensor is part of the mirror/camera assembly.

[fnkychkn]

I'm surprized no one has found a way to take a Jeep unit and adapt it to their LX.

i'm sure it could be done, but it would take some serious thought to integrate it into the LX's electrical system.

And I think it's dumb that the high beams go off when the speed drops below 15mph. I'd like to know the thought process behind that.

i think they figure that at 15 mph you don't need to see that far. you can always override it and turn them on manually.

[fnkychkn]

Sounds pretty cool.

don't it?

[Jaak]

Is this system compatible with the uconnect? If so, I have a uconnect dimming mirror FOR SALE!! Awesome! I was just reading this on the WK jeaps website last night and their picture looked like the camera is mounted in a wart on the mirror itself, not seperate. so will this module have the auto wiper-rain sensor built in also? I was seeing $600 estimate for the assy.

Oh look, more toys to integrate!

Looks like the Uconnect mirror, as it's got the connector for it and the microphone.

[fnkychkn]

Is this system compatible with the uconnect?

the WK system is available with or without u-connect. no reason to think that the LX version would be any different.

[glhs837]

Hmmm, think we might see this in all the LXs? Or just ones HID capable models? Id love to get this in my 07 Charger

[E8502]

Well, non HID Jeeps do it, so it is possible that we might see it on the Charger.

[Tabasco]

I think the Lincoln Town Cars had this feature many years ago and it was a bitter failure for a couple of reasons. There was no way to turn off the "Auto Control" and go manual. The bad part was when it rained the high-beams would flicker on and off light your were flashing the oncoming driver to dimmer there lights. The other problem was with road signs. As we all know some of them reflect light back at the car with great efficiency. This also caused his high-beams to flicker on and off as he approached and passed the sign.

If they have worked out these kinks, it might be a nice mod to add to the LXs.

[Token]

This does look like a pretty neat new toy, the only thing I can see that would be a challenge for current LX's would be the area of Black that is present on the windshield of the models we have now. Tthis thing doesn't look like it will be below the black line thus can't look through the glass, so I'll bet once it is offered on the LX's there will be a new windshield.

[Darthvader]

Kool gadget. Me like

[FEAR]

I think the Lincoln Town Cars had this feature many years ago and it was a bitter failure for a couple of reasons. There was no way to turn off the "Auto Control" and go manual. The bad part was when it rained the high-beams would flicker on and off light your were flashing the oncoming driver to dimmer there lights. The other problem was with road signs. As we all know some of them reflect light back at the car with great efficiency. This also caused his high-beams to flicker on and off as he approached and passed the sign.

If they have worked out these kinks, it might be a nice mod to add to the LXs.

THIS IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SYSTEM THE THE OLD LINCOLN ONE. I HAVE IT ON MY 300 AND I LOVE IT,ONE OF MY FAVORITE FEATURES ON THE CAR. ITS AMAZING HOW IT SENES BOTH ONCOMING AND TH TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF YOU, AND JUST AS I FIND MYSELF REACHIGN FOR THE HIGHBEAMS, BAM, THEY COME ON ALL BY THEMSELF