How can I model headlamps in Simulink that align with the steering direction and activate based on time of day or ambient light in a 3D environment?

I'm working on a Stanley controller model in Simulink and would like to add headlamps that turn in the direction of the vehicle’s wheels, activated at night. Is it possible to model this in 3D? How can I implement the headlamp behavior to align with the steering direction and activate based on the time of day or ambient light?

Answer 1

[Manikanta Aditya]

Hi,

Starting in R2024b, you can use the sim3d.Light actor in a Simulation 3D Actor block in Simulink to add any light to a 3D simulation. See an example here.

This feature also allows you to specify Light Functions to project images or load your own IES profile. You can attach this light to the Simulation 3D Vehicle with Ground Following, for example, to apply this light to an automotive context.

Try out these workaround steps:

• Use the Simulation 3D Vehicle with Ground Following Block: This block allows you to simulate a vehicle in a 3D environment. You can attach headlamps to this vehicle.
• Add Headlamps Using the Simulation 3D Light Block: Starting from R2024b, you can use the sim3d.Light actor in a Simulation 3D Actor block to add lights to your 3D simulation1. This block allows you to specify light functions and attach them to the vehicle.
• Align Headlamps with Steering Direction: Use the steering angle from your Stanley controller model to control the direction of the headlamps. You can achieve this by linking the steering angle to the rotation parameters of the sim3d.Light block.
• Activate Headlamps Based on Time of Day or Ambient Light: Use a time-based condition or an ambient light sensor to control the activation of the headlamps. You can create a subsystem that checks the time of day or ambient light level and activates the headlamps accordingly.

Refer to the following MATLAB Answer to know more about using Adaptive head lighting in Simulink:

• Adaptive head lighting using Simulink - MATLAB Answers - MATLAB Central

I hope this helps.