The Detection Distance of Colored Target using Various Automotive Headlamps

Abstract

Objective: As headlamp technology advances, newly developed various headlamps were introduced in the market. The objective of this study is to quantitatively analyze the detection distance of the recently developed LED headlamps and existing headlamps, complying with specific technical standard. Background: The detection distance of headlamps is very important to prevent automobile accident at night time. The studies of detection distance of LED, Halogen and HID headlamp have been conducted, but no study has shown the detection distance of pedestrian target with various colors (Black, White, Blue). Method: The experiment of detection distance was conducted with 30 people, which divide into 2groups as 15 men and 15 women. Automatic transferable target on the rail was manufactured in order to reduce the error of study's result, and ANOVA also conducted to analyze the main effect with sign color, sex and headlamp classified by detection distance. In addition, the luminance by average detection distance was measured as well. Results: The detection distance of headlamps was HID > LED > Halogen. The luminance measure of LED headlamp was lower than HID and Halogen headlamps. Conclusion: The headlamp performs a very significant role for safety at night time but it needs to be improved through assessment of visual characteristics. Also, it needs to be suggested the need of test method for dynamic detection distance concerning technical development is suggested.