IFAL Key Points
by Wolfgang Huhn
- The heart and soul and clear focus of IFAL is science. The majority of the presentations were scientific. Many young scientists took the opportunity to present their results and findings. A nice marketplace for fresh talent.
- On the topic of regulations and homologation, Bu Weili from SMVIC gave some messages between the lines. It was clear from his presentation that the great freedom in China to use ISD (while driving) and non-standard signaling will be gradually restricted by the authorities. He also announced stricter requirements for light distribution at speeds >70 km/h (per GB4599-2024) and the introduction of a minimum surface area of 15 cm2 for turquoise AV signal lights.
- Professor Khanh mentioned the importance of demographics in his video presentation. Reduced visual contrast requires improved lighting quality in all areas of life. In traffic, adaptive lighting systems and a holistic communication approach are needed, using real road geometries and object positions.
- A number of presentations by experts in light sources and set manufacturers showed many detailed improvements such as 45° LEDs for rear lamps (Dominant), microcontroller-less lighting architecture for SDV (OP Mobility), open protocols for dynamic interior lighting (ams Osram), smart laser projectors for concept cars (Appotronix).
12th IFAL From the Founder’s View
by Prof. Lin Yandan
On October 17, 2024, the 12th International Forum on Automotive Lighting, China (IFAL 2024) was grandly held in Shanghai. This event was organized under the joint guidance of Department of International Cooperation and Exchange of Ministry of Education, International Liaison Department of China Association for Science and Technology, Lin-gang Special Area Administration of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, and Fudan University. It was co-hosted by Institute of Optoelectronics of Fudan University, Intelligent Transportation Lighting Committee of China Illuminating Engineering Society, Shanghai Motor Vehicle Inspection Certification & Tech Innovation Center Co., Ltd., Fudan Lin-gang Industrialization Innovation Platform, and Shanghai IFAL Vision Technology Co., Ltd.
Professor Ma Yugang, Vice President of Fudan University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Professor Zhuang Songlin, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Liu Zhenglei, Chairman of the China Illuminating Engineering Society; Zhan Yiqiang, Vice Dean of the School of Information Science and Engineering at Fudan University; and Professor Zhang Lihua, Director of the Fudan Lingang Industrialization Innovation Center, attended the opening ceremony of the forum and delivered speeches. More than 400 top experts, scholars, and industry leaders from academia and industry, both domestic and international, participated in the event in person, while several international guests attended online. The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Lin Yandan, Chair of the IFAL Conference, Director of the Intelligent Transportation Lighting Committee of the China Illuminating Engineering Society, and Professor at Fudan University.
At the invitation of Professor Lin, Professor Kang Jian, a foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering from University College London, delivered a presentation titled “Towards Physical Environment Design of Cabins Based on Multi-sensory Interactions.” The report explored in detail how integrating multi-sensory interactions in future cabin designs can enhance passenger comfort and user experience.
Professor Tran Quoc KHANH from the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany delivered an in-depth report titled “Automotive Lighting Latest Trends—Highlights of Vision Congress 2024.” The report provided a comprehensive outlook on the latest developments from five perspectives: design, safety, sustainability, ADAS lighting, and user experience.
Bu Weili, Secretary General of the Lighting and Signalling Devices Subcommittee of the National Technical Committee of Auto Standardization, delivered a speech titled “Introduction to Three Mandatory National Standards for Automotive Lighting.” He introduced the background of the integration of national standards for motor vehicle lighting, highlighted the differences between the old and new standards and UN regulations, and, for the first time, publicly presented the integrated lighting standard for motorcycles. The speech provided an in-depth understanding of the latest national standards and their alignment with international regulations.
Professor Ke Xizheng from the School of Automation and Information Engineering at Xi’an University of Technology delivered a report titled “Visible Light Road Vehicle Communication Channel Model and Measurement Experiment.” The report explored in depth the potential advantages of improving the efficiency and safety of automotive lighting systems, as well as the future development trends of in-vehicle communication technology.
Driving Vision News (DVN) industry expert Wolfgang HUHN pointed out that external lighting was achieving more intelligent and energy-saving development through LED and laser light sources, as well as dynamic beam adjustment technology. Interior lighting tended towards intelligent dimming and personalized settings, enhancing atmosphere creation and human-computer interaction experience. The latest trends in ECE regulations have driven the continuous upgrading of industry standards, ensuring that technological innovation is synchronized with safety and environmental protection. These advancements had significantly improved the driving experience for users.
Associate Professor Chen Chengming from Shanghai Ocean University presented “Multi-feature Fusion for Driver Fatigue Detection” at the IFAL Forum. He showcased a comprehensive evaluation method that integrates physiological signals, behavioural characteristics, and environmental factors, effectively enhancing driving safety.
This year’s IFAL was themed “In-Vehicle Lighting Environment in the AI Era” and featured six subtopics: “In-Vehicle Light Sources and Innovative Modules,” “Visual and Acoustic Environments and Driving Behaviour,” “Modal Perception and Immersive Interaction,” “Innovative Technologies for Intelligent Headlamps and In-Vehicle Displays,” “Measurement, Evaluation, and Standardization,” and “Optical Innovation Research and Development Tools.” Over the course of the two-day IFAL forum, experts, scholars, and industry representatives from research institutions, standardization organizations, automotive companies, and testing agencies from multiple countries delivered 39 forum presentations focused on these six themes, sparking a wave of exchange on automotive lighting technology.
Experts and scholars from universities such as Fudan University, Dalian University of Technology, Chongqing University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Tsinghua University’s Suzhou Automotive Research Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Anhui Polytechnic University, and leading companies such as Lumileds, Dominant, ams OSRAM, Bio Optoelectronic, Appotronics, SAIC Volkswagen, HASCO Vision Technology, Dongfeng Motor, Hella, Mind Auto Electronics, Fulllightcn, Jingqiao Lingang, Texas Instruments, Gore, Yjoptics, Everfine, Synopsys, PAX Optics, Xingyu Automotive Lighting, COMAC Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute, and others gathered to discuss the latest advancements and the future trends in automotive lighting and display technology. Each themed presentation offered in-depth analyses of technological challenges, innovative solutions, and the process of standardization, providing valuable insights for the industry’s development.
Mind Electronics General Manager Hossein Nafari hosted a roundtable discussion on “Future Opportunities in Automotive Lighting.” Zhang Dapan, Manager of HASCO Vision Technology, led the keynote speech titled “Digital Transformation of Automotive Lighting Design: Dual Empowerment of Aesthetics and Emotional Value,” which invited senior professionals and practitioners from the industry to deeply explore the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to automotive lighting in the current era. Engaging presentations from experts such as Dr. Wolfgang HUHN and Dr. Henning KIEL from DVN, Professor Xu Shijie from Fudan University, Professor Ling Ming from Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Dr. Ao Jinlong from HASCO Vision, Li Gang from Xingyu Automotive Lighting, Huang Yi from Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, Zhao Heng from Jiyue Auto, and Qu Liang from SAIC Volkswagen provided attendees with valuable industry insights and sparked reflections on the future development of automotive lighting technology.
During the forum, a special field trip was organized for industry experts from China’s leading automotive ecology enterprises and international scholars. The delegation participated in cultural exchange activities at the Lingang Dishui Cloud Hall and toured the cutting-edge exhibition hall. Through interactive experiences and detailed explanations, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the latest achievements in technological innovation and green development in the Lingang Special Area. The event not only allowed international scholars to witness China’s commitment to advancing high-tech industries but also deepened their understanding of China’s technological ecosystem. Furthermore, the cultural exchange served as a key bridge for promoting international technological cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship.
The IFAL TOUR industry ecological delegation also visited innovative companies and research institutions in the Lingang Special Area, engaging in deep discussions on the latest technologies and market trends in automotive lighting and related fields. This exchange fostered knowledge sharing and technological collaboration between domestic and international peers, injecting new momentum into the continuous innovation and development of China’s automotive lighting industry.
The IFAL conference concluded on October 18, with a summary of the latest hot research topics in automotive lighting, presented by the European Vision Congress, which held an academic automotive forum concurrently with IFAL. Conference Chair Professor Lin Yandan announced the IFAL Hot Topics annual research highlights and declared the forum closed, looking forward to the next gathering in Shanghai for IFAL 2025.
This forum not only provided a platform to showcase the latest research and technological developments in the field of automotive lighting but also carried the mission of promoting international scientific and cultural exchange. It attracted young scientists from multiple countries, facilitating exchanges. During the forum, participants engaged in-depth discussions on the latest advancements in AI technology in automotive lighting, market trend analysis, and cutting-edge topics in the field of visual technology, further strengthening collaboration between domestic and international peers to jointly promote innovation and development in automotive lighting.
Submitted by: Intelligent Transportation Lighting Committee, China Illuminating Engineering Society
