Work

From Light Pulses to Selective Enhancement: Performance Analysis of Event-Based Object Detection Under Pulsed Automotive Headlight Illumination

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pulse-width-modulated (PWM) automotive headlights enhance nighttime event-based camera detection, yet systematic parameter optimization for vulnerable road user detection remains unexplored. This study evaluates PWM frequency, duty cycle, light distribution, ego-vehicle speed, and ambient lighting under European New Car Assessment Programme-inspired crossing scenarios for cyclist and pedestrian detection. Results establish performance ranging from substantial improvements to severe degradation relative to continuous illumination. Cyclist detection achieves robust performance with high-frequency modulation across light distributions, while low-frequency operation with low beam produces severe degradation through background noise accumulation. Pedestrian detection requires high beam with street lighting enabled; low beam universally fails regardless of modulation parameters. Limited parameter combinations achieve simultaneous improvements for both targets. Detection performs optimally on retroreflective surfaces, while low-reflectivity clothing limits capability, requiring target-specific optimization.

Source: Sensors

DOI: 10.3390/s26092595

Authors: Leonard Haensel, Torsten Bertram

Institution: TU Dortmund University

Language: English

Topic: Autonomous Vehicle Technology and Safety

Subfield: Automotive Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137