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Visual Benefits of High-Intensity Discharge Automotive Forward Lighting
Technical Paper
2002-01-0259
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps provide visual benefits to the vehicle operator that may lead to greater nighttime driving safety.[1] This paper is an extension of that work to further examine the role of beam pattern. An experimental field investigation is described that explores the visual performance aspects of HID forward lighting systems meeting North American beam pattern standards.
This study further explores and quantifies the overall benefits of HID systems by direct comparison to conventional halogen systems. It examines and compares two systems producing typical Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1383 beam patterns. Subjects perform a visual tracking task, cognitively similar to driving, while seated in the driver's seat of a test vehicle. Simultaneously, small targets located at various angles in the periphery are activated, with subjects releasing a switch upon detection so that reaction times can be measured. Reaction times greater than 1 second are considered misses.
From the results, comparisons are made among the HID and halogen systems in terms of reaction time to signals at different peripheral angles, and in terms of missed signals. Potential implications of the results on driving safety and on the development or refinement of HID forward lighting systems are also discussed.
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Authors
- John Van Derlofske - Transportation Lighting Group, Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- John D. Bullough - Transportation Lighting Group, Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Claudia M. Hunter - Transportation Lighting Group, Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Citation
Van Derlofske, J., Bullough, J., and Hunter, C., "Visual Benefits of High-Intensity Discharge Automotive Forward Lighting," SAE Technical Paper 2002-01-0259, 2002, https://doi.org/10.4271/2002-01-0259.Also In
References
- Van Derlofske, J. Bullough, J. Hunter, C. SAE Technical Paper Series, # 2001-01-0298 “Evaluation of High-Intensity Discharge Automotive Forward Lighting,” Lighting Technology Developments for Automobiles 2001
- Van Derlofske, J. Bullough, J. Hunter, C. “Evaluation of High Intensity Discharge Automotive Forward Lighting for Off-Axis Visual Performance,” PAL '01 Symposium Proceedings 2001
- Hamm, M. Steinhart, R. “Xenon light and its impact on traffic safety aspects,” PAL '99 Symposium Proceedings 1999
- Rosenhahn, E. Hamm, M. SAE Technical Paper Series, # 2001-01-0302 “Measurements and Ratings of HID Headlamp Impact on Traffic Safety Aspects,” Lighting Technology Developments for Automobiles 2001
- Rea, M. Ouellette, M. “Relative visual performance: A basis for application,” Lighting Research & Technology 23 3 135 1991
- Jost, K. “Anatomy of high-intensity discharge headlamps,” Automotive Eng. Nov. 38 1995
- He, Y. et al “Evaluating light source efficacy under mesopic conditions using reaction times,” JIES 26 1 1997
- Bullough, J. Rea, M. “Simulated driving performance and peripheral detection at mesopic light levels,” Light. Res. Technol. 32 4 2000
- Janoff, M. “The relationship between small target visibility and a dynamic measure of driver visual performance,” JIES 22 1 1993
- Janoff, M. “Visual performance under positive-contrast test conditions,” JIES 23 1 1994