By ATN Editorial Team
Dynamic Research Inc (DRI), a leading test consultancy, has developed new testing capabilities for Adaptive Driving Beams (ADB) as the latest legislation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allows the technology to be used in the US market for the first time.
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that pedestrian deaths increased by 56% in dark conditions between 2009 to 2016 and cites better headlights as a solution to this problem[1]. ADB enables the vehicle’s high beams to be used continuously as the system automatically adjusts the direction and intensity of the light beam to prevent glare for surrounding traffic. This improves visibility for the driver and better illuminates Vulnerable Road Users (VRU), such as pedestrians.
While these headlights are prevalent in other markets, pre-existing legislation in the US didn’t accommodate their use. As a result, NHTSA revised its FMVSS 108 headlight standard to enable vehicles in the US to be equipped with ADB technology. This has been accompanied by a new test procedure to evaluate the performance of these headlights.
“OEMs that have invested in Adaptive Driving Beams technology will be keen to exploit it in the US market and we have already seen a significant increase in demand for ADB testing in the region,” said Nadine Wong, DRI Director of Track Testing. “The combination of our bespoke test equipment and the smooth paving on our proving ground, which is critical to ADB testing, means we are perfectly placed to help OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers ensure they are ready to meet these latest regulations.”
DRI has introduced new test capabilities, including in-house designed lighting and sensor rigs, to conduct the dynamic test procedure at its Minter test facility in California. The vehicle under test is precisely driven through a series of turn radii and speeds using AB Dynamics driving robots while the lighting rig mimics surrounding vehicle headlights and taillights. The rig is also equipped with luminance sensors positioned to represent where the driver would be with the resulting lux measurements showing how effectively the ADB technology is adjusting its beam to reduce glare. The company has also developed post-processor software to evaluate if the vehicle successfully passes the test, providing an end-to-end test solution.
The California test facility is sufficiently large to accommodate the various driving paths dictated by this latest standard. The track also features high-quality surface grade pavement, which is essential for Adaptive Driving Beams testing as it minimizes the variation in vehicle pitch caused by bumps, improving the consistency of results.
DRI offers comprehensive testing and validation services for adaptive headlight systems and the company has already successfully completed the latest test protocols for European and Japanese OEMs.
“DRI has a close working relationship with NHTSA as an approved contractor for ADAS verification testing and often supports the creation and improvements of new protocols,” continues Wong. “As an independent consultancy, OEMs can work with DRI to not only test and develop their ADB systems but also generate the necessary data to self-certify for the updated legislation.”
[1] https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/study-highlights-rising-pedestrian-deaths-points-toward-solutions
