The technology was touted by BMW back in November 2002 as the ?light from the future? and the ?third step after bixenon and adaptive light.? And while it would be an auxiliary device at the outset, it would?at some point?become ?the only front lighting device.? BMW called it pixel light, a lighting source that uses hundreds of thousands of micro-mirrors, and said the technology would be ready in five years.

But 2007 came and went, and we’ve heard nothing more about the technology until now: This time, it’s from Mercedes-Benz, and it appears to be a lot closer to production. Partner Texas Instruments has the capability to make those micro-mirror modules, which now contain 1 million units, controlled by ultrafast software developed by Daimler?which calls it Digital Light. The ultra-tiny micro-mirrors reflect light sent from an LED; it’s so accurate and precise that it could project a movie onto a wall. Its purpose on a car is somewhat different: This technology is not about entertainment but about guiding and warning the driver and communicating with others on the road.

The digital light unit can provide the illumination of full high-beams while preventing glare from hitting oncoming traffic or the faces of pedestrians. The system also is capable of projecting signals and arrows onto the road ahead, providing traffic information and directions, or pointing at perceived dangers and obstacles. And it can create lines of light on the pavement?especially h...