The Use of Luminance Mapping in Developing Discomfort Glare Research

Abstract

Daylighting offers environmental, economic and social benefits when applied successfully; however, poor use of daylight causes unwanted heat and glare problems that negate the desired benefits. In order to develop effective daylighting practices, a reliable method for assessing discomfort glare for occupants is required. The aim of this study was to capture the luminance distribution within a daylit scene and use this information to quantify some of the physical parameters of glare. Computational tools were developed that use luminance data from corrected High Dynamic Range (HDR) images captured via a digital camera. These tools then calculate the physical parameters used in glare assessment. The discussed procedures allow for future research into discomfort glare to be informed by real situations, documented by lighting researchers and practitioners. With these tools a better understanding of discomfort glare can be established.