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The headlamp beam pattern development process contains both subjective and objective evaluations. The subjective evaluation, communication between the customer and the engineer, was developed in previous work [1][2]. This paper presents exploratory models used in the identification of objective photometric variables of a beam pattern that relate to the subjective impression of the beam pattern. Additional research will allow use of the photometric variables and their selected ranges for designing and evaluating beam patterns to achieve improved customer pleasing beam pattern driving experiences.

The method of communication between the customer and the engineer has been refined to further improve the headlight beam pattern development process. The refinements included: a) reduction of word pairs used for semantic differential scaling and b) use of shortened questionnaire on night-roadway viewing zones. The added benefit of the new questionnaire method allows the engineer to evaluate the customer responses of the beam pattern within specific areas on the road scene. A statistical technique called factor analysis has been used to evaluate and to reduce the large number of semantic differential word pairs used in the previous work by Jack, O'Day and Bhise (1). A comparison of the two questionnaire forms used in the evaluation surveys was completed based on an evaluation of beam patterns in a dynamic drive situation.