Exploration of High Dynamic Range Photography As a Useful Tool for Lighting Design

Abstract

This thesis introduces a camera-aided imaging method, better known as high dynamic range (HDR) photography, and how this method could potentially help improve the quality of lighting design analysis. The imaging method captures 18 million luminance values across an interior or exterior luminous environment and stores the data on an HDR image. The HDR image is then calibrated and uploaded in a MatLab code to plot two-dimensional luminance and illuminance gradient maps for further evaluation of the luminous environment. Four case studies were conducted to validate the application of the imaging method in the lighting design field. The case studies include electrically lit interior spaces, day lit and electrically lit interior spaces, and exterior lighting spaces. The first case study was conducted in a classroom in Regnier Hall at the University of Kansas. The classroom had fluorescent fixtures and no daylight. The measurement was taken on June 14th at 11AM local time. The second case study was conducted in a classroom in the Business Engineering Science and Technology Building at the University of Kansas. The classroom had linear LED down lights mounted in the ceiling and windows on the north and south sides for daylighting. The measurement was taken on June 14th at 10:30 AM local time. The third case study looked at the lobby of the Business Engineering Science and Technology Building, which has floor-to-ceiling windows on the north and south side for daylighting, and electric down lights. The third study was conducted on June 14th at 10 AM local time. The fourth case study looked at the exterior of the Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, KS, on October 18th at 8 PM local time. The camera was aimed at the south façade of the building for measurement of the luminous environment. Luminance values extracted from the HDR images obtained in each case study were used to evaluate the lighting quality of the luminous environments and improve problematic lighting conditions, if any. An online questionnaire survey with the yes-or-no questions regarding several different HDR images was then conducted to find out whether lighting designers and professionals would be interested in this camera-aided imaging method. It was found that most designers thought the new technology would be useful but time consuming and not very easy to understand. However, they all agreed that it could potentially be a very good tool to use to improve the lighting design practice. The camera-aided imaging method was tested in those four case studies and thus recommended as a useful tool in the lighting design profession for students and entry-level engineers, architects, and lighting designers.