LUMINANCE DESIGN A SIMULATION USING COLOUR TELEVISION

Abstract

A successful lighting design usually results from the skill of the designer in applying professional experience. However, successful designs have been achieved using numerical prediction. It is probable that a blend of both these elements will give the optimum result. Whatever the design approach, the end product will be judged, at least in part, on its aesthetic merits. The first chapter of this thesis introduces the possibility of using a digital computer in conjunction with a colour television monitor to calculate and display the luminance distribution in a lighted room; a system which may offer advantages both for the experienced designer and the student of lighting design. The display system is described briefly, along with some possible shortcomings. An account is given of the methods used for inter-reflection calculation. These inter-reflection calculations are then developed to include colour and techniques of photometric and colorimetric measurement with reference to the television display. A complete description of the display system hardware is also given. This display system as initially designed uses chromaticity as the criterion for colour reproduction. The shortcomings of this approach are discussed. Techniques for perceived colour measurement are described and the results presented for the colour perceived from some simple display images. The possibility of perceived colour prediction is examined and measured colours are compared with those predicted by a non-linear model. Finally, the applications of the display are discussed, both in an educational and design context. Some possible developments and improvements are also outlined.