Light Hardness Measurement via Shadow Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices and methods fail to accurately differentiate and quantify the ratio of direct light to diffuse light, which is crucial for understanding light hardness in various lighting scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a shadow generator that creates umbra and penumbra of varying sizes, coupled with a light measuring device and evaluation unit, determines light hardness by analyzing the sizes and slopes of these shadows using a sensor surface with multiple sensors, and assigns values to a continuous light hardness scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional light measuring devices are used, then light intensity can be measured, but the ratio of direct light to diffuse light cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is divided into multiple independently evaluable sensor elements (pixels), each capable of detecting local shadow characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to analyze spatial variations in shadow patterns across the sensor surface, enabling differentiation between direct and diffuse light components through local gradient calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
A shadow generator element is introduced as an intermediary component that creates controlled shadows on the sensor surface. This intermediary object mediates between the incident light and the sensor, transforming the abstract concept of light hardness into measurable shadow patterns with distinct umbra and penumbra regions that reveal the ratio of direct to diffuse light.
2Measurement precision
If a shadow generator is used to create umbra and penumbra, then light hardness can be determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface serves multiple functions: it detects incident light intensity, captures shadow patterns, and provides spatial reference information through its pixel array structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms for direct and diffuse light, as all information is captured simultaneously by the same sensor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The shadow generator element is designed to be integrated with and supported by the sensor surface structure itself. The sensor surface provides the mounting structure and spatial reference system, while the shadow generator provides the lighting modulation function. This self-service arrangement eliminates the need for external support structures or additional alignment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If subjective assessment methods are used, then user perception can be captured, but objective measurement of light hardness is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The subjective human assessment process is replaced with an automated optical measurement system. The sensor surface captures shadow patterns and the evaluation algorithm automatically calculates light hardness metrics, substituting human visual perception and judgment with objective photodetection and computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation algorithm processes the raw sensor data through a defined computational framework that calculates shadow gradients, umbra-to-penumbra ratios, and other metrics. This feedback loop transforms raw measurements into quantified light hardness values, providing objective feedback that replaces subjective human assessment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise determination of light hardness by distinguishing between direct and diffuse light components, providing a dimensionless ratio that reflects the perceived hardness of light, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a shadow generator (1) which generates an umbra (5) and a penumbra (6) of different sizes depending on the ambient light
Implementation Method 2
a light measuring device with a sensor surface (2) on which the umbra (5) and penumbra (6) of the shade provider (1) are generated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device with a shadow generator (1) and with a light measuring device with a sensor surface (2) on which a core and a penumbra (5, 6) can be generated by the shadow generator (1), and with an evaluation device which is connected to a data storage device in which a light hardness scale is stored, and which is connected to the sensor surface (2) in a data-conducting manner and determines a size of the core and/or penumbra (5, 6) from measured values of the sensor surface (2) and assigns a light hardness within the light hardness scale to the size.