Abstract: A new lighting design tool is presented whereby existing lighting designs can be modified to produce photorealistic virtual representations of light projected from virtual lighting fixtures (or other virtual light sources). Said photorealistic virtual representations of light are modeled in three dimensions and a user can toggle between evaluation modes (beam based or object based) so to evaluate such issues as playability, glare, and gaps in lighting coverage (as well as the more typical review of spill light, aiming angles, min/max levels, etc.)—in three dimensions, and in a format that provides a strong visual cue to a user so that, in essence, what they see in a virtual lighting design is what they will get in an installed lighting system.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method, system, or apparatus for evaluating and/or improving illumination of a wide area target area or space above the same. Illumination of the area or space is evaluated relative to conventional illumination levels and spectral features. At least a portion of illumination is adjusted in some aspect of spectral profile to improve contrast between a target in the space or aspects of the target area or space. The adjusted illumination can be uplight, downlight, or both. Optionally, an object is launched to a known height above a lighting location, and the luminance from the object is read by a calibrated sensor, enabling verification of adequate uplighting.

Abstract: A user interface is provided whereby a user may generate a virtual target area representative of an actual target area, regardless of whether the actual target area has been constructed. Having a generated virtual target area, the user—via the user interface—may generate virtual representations of light to project onto the virtual target area. The virtual representations of light correspond to photometric data from actual light sources. In this manner, the user renders a real-time image representative of what an actual target area would look like illuminated with an actual lighting system. This, in essence, permits a user to evaluate the effectiveness of a lighting system in real time without committing to the purchase of a lighting system.

Abstract: A user interface is provided whereby a user may generate a virtual target area representative of an actual target area, regardless of whether the actual target area has been constructed. Having a generated virtual target area, the user—via the user interface—may generate virtual representations of light to project onto the virtual target area. The virtual representations of light correspond to photometric data from actual light sources. In this manner, the user renders a real-time image representative of what an actual target area would look like illuminated with an actual lighting system. This, in essence, permits a user to evaluate the effectiveness of a lighting system in real time without committing to the purchase of a lighting system.