Glare Threshold Visualization in Lighting Design Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting design tools lack effective methods to quantify and visualize glare perception, particularly in outdoor and sports lighting applications, where existing models fail to adequately address discomfort and disability glare, and do not provide real-time feedback or visualization of glare sources in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of glare-indicating apparatuses and methods into existing lighting design tools to visually indicate glare thresholds, allowing for real-time evaluation and modification of lighting designs to minimize glare, using adaptive thresholds based on user perception and environmental factors, and enabling both diagnostic and predictive analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing glare models (GR, UGR) are used in lighting design tools, then glare calculation capability is provided, but the models fail to adequately address both discomfort and disability glare under most situations and are not appropriate for all situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal glare indication system that works across multiple glare models (GR, UGR, and custom models) and various lighting situations. The system provides a unified visual indication mechanism that adapts to different glare models and situations, making the tool versatile rather than situation-specific.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of glare threshold parameters based on different situations, viewing conditions, and glare models. By making threshold parameters可调 (adjustable), the system can adapt to various situations while maintaining consistent visual indication functionality.
2Loss of information
If glare calculation is performed using existing lighting design tools, then glare ratings are reported on a grid, but the output provides very little context for the owner or user and does not visualize which light sources are potential glare sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays color-coded visual indications directly on photorealistic renderings to show glare thresholds and potential glare sources. Different colors represent different glare levels or threshold exceedances, providing intuitive visual context that helps users quickly identify problematic light sources without interpreting numerical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the lighting scene with overlaid glare information. By superimposing glare threshold indications on photorealistic images, the system preserves the contextual information of the original scene while adding glare analysis data, making it easier for users to understand which specific light sources cause glare.
3Illumination intensity
If lighting design tools focus on adequate lighting specifications, then the target area is properly illuminated, but glare issues are not adequately addressed in the design process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where glare threshold exceedances are visually indicated on the lighting design rendering. This immediate visual feedback allows designers to identify and correct glare issues while the lighting design is still being developed, rather than discovering glare problems after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary glare analysis during the lighting design phase by overlaying threshold indications on virtual renderings. This allows glare issues to be addressed before the lighting system is installed, preventing glare problems rather than correcting them after the fact.
4Loss of information
If tools are used to create photorealistic renderings of lighting designs, then visual representation of the lighting is provided, but real-time evaluation and modification of glare issues is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time evaluation of glare thresholds by overlaying visual indications on photorealistic renderings during the design process. Designers can modify lighting parameters and immediately see the impact on glare thresholds without waiting for separate analysis steps, maintaining continuous feedback throughout the design iteration process.
Data Source
AI summary
Discussed herein is the adequate lighting of a target area as viewed from one or more vantage points to one or more specifications for one or more situations, and in a manner that addresses glare; in particular, glare perception. Various apparatuses, methods, and systems are presented herein whereby glare thresholds are visually indicated. Said glare-indicating apparatus, methods, and/or systems are readily implemented using existing lighting design tools, adaptable in accordance with advances in glare science, and either avoid or overcome limitations of existing glare models. Said apparatuses, methods, and systems can be adapted for real-time evaluation of glare so to, for example, aid a lighting designer in vetting generated (i.e., virtual) lighting designs and identify retrofit options for existing lighting systems.