Visual Comfort Research Articles

Study of Image Resolution in Virtual Reality Panorama Technology 360 In Comfort of Interior Visualization

Utilizing virtual reality technology is used as a method of interacting virtually. With the many uses of virtual reality today, it certainly affects the lives of users of these technologies. In the field of interior design itself, virtual reality technology is also often used, the application of VR technology for design interior are often used as a means of design presentation. This study is aimed at testing the visual comfort of virtual reality panorama 360 which is used as a medium for virtual interaction of interior design to interior design users. The analysis process in taking data by questionnaire and followed by several stages of observation and the last stage is the experimental stage to take research data related to case studies. The results obtained from this study are knowing visual comfort when interacting directly using virtual reality technology. It is hoped that with the testing of the visual resolution used in interior virtual reality, it can later be used as a reference in the selection of visual media in the future.

Ensemble machine learning framework for daylight modelling of various building layouts

AbstractThe application of machine learning (ML) modelling in daylight prediction has been a promising approach for reliable and effective visual comfort assessment. Although many advancements have been made, no standardized ML modelling framework exists in daylight assessment. In this study, 625 different building layouts were generated to model useful daylight illuminance (UDI). Two state-of-the-art ML algorithms, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and random forest (RF), were employed to analyze UDI in four categories: UDI-f (fell short), UDI-s (supplementary), UDI-a (autonomous), and UDI-e (exceeded). A feature (internal finish) was introduced to the framework to better reflect real-world representation. The results show that XGBoost models predict UDI with a maximum accuracy of R2 = 0.992. Compared to RF, the XGBoost ML models can significantly reduce prediction errors. Future research directions have been specified to advance the proposed framework by introducing new features and exploring new ML architectures to standardize ML applications in daylight prediction.

A Fuzzy Logic-Based Tuning Model in an Indoor Lighting System for Energy and Visual Comfort Management

This paper proposes a fuzzy logic-based tuning model (FLTM) for daylight-linked control of the lighting system in an office room. The proposed FLTM considered a new method of dimming levels of light-emitting diode (LED) luminaires updating process to improve the performance of the developed fuzzy logic controller (FLC) in terms of energy consumption and visual comfort metric and, at the same time, fully complies with the European Standard EN 12464-1. The artificial lighting system and daylight simulation were carried out using DIALux to model artificial lighting and daylight illuminance levels matrices. The proposed FLTM was developed and simulated using MATLAB and validated and compared with other controllers, including developed FLC and artificial neural network (ANN) based control. The simulation results showed that the proposed FLTM successfully improved the performance of developed FLC in terms of a fully satisfied visual comfort set-point. It also attained higher energy savings of 2% than ANN and achieved the closest to preset visual comfort compared with other controllers. Moreover, the proposed method consumes less computational effort, and it is easy to integrate with developed FLC and daylight-linked control of the lighting system.

A holistic digital workflow methodology to shifting towards net zero energy urban residential buildings in a semi-arid climate

Given the looming threats of climate change and the rapid worldwide urbanization, it is a necessity to prioritize the transition towards a carbon-free built environment. This research study provides a holistic digital methodology for parametric design of urban residential buildings with regard to the Mediterranean semi-arid climate zone of Morocco in the early design phase. The morphological parameters of the urban residential buildings, namely the buildings’ typology, the distance between buildings, the urban grid’s orientation, and the window-to-wall ratio, are evaluated in order to identify the key combinations of passive and active solar design strategies that determine the high energy performing configurations, based on the introduced Energy Performance Index (EPI), which is the ratio between solar BIPV production to maximum available installed BIPV capacity and the normalized thermal energy needs. Through an automated processing of 2187 iterations via Grasshopper, we simulate daylight autonomy, indoor thermal comfort and solar rooftop photovoltaic and building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) energy potential. Then, we analyze the conflicting objectives of energy efficiency measures, active solar design strategies, and indoor visual comfort in the decision-making process that supports our goal of getting closer to net zero urban residential buildings. The digital workflow showed interesting trends in reaching a balanced equilibrium between performance metrics influenced by the contrasting impact of solar exposure on indoor daylight autonomy and thermal energy demand. Furthermore, the study's findings indicate that it is possible to achieve an annual load match exceeding 66,56 % while simultaneously ensuring an acceptable visual indoor comfort (sDA higher than 0.4). The findings also highlight the important role of the BIPV system in shifting towards the net zero energy goal, by contributing up to 30 % of the overall solar energy output and covering up to 20 % of the yearly self-consumption. Moreover, the energy balance evaluation on an hourly basis indicates that BIPV system notably enhances the daily load cover factor by up to 5.5 %, particularly in the case of slab SN typology, throughout the different seasons.Graphical representations of the yearly, monthly and hourly load matches and the hourly energy balance of the best performing configurations provide a thorough understanding of the potential evolution of the urban energy system over time as a result of the gradual integration of active solar electricity production.

ARQUITETURA ESCOLAR SENSÍVEL AO PROCESSAMENTO SENSORIAL DOS AUTISTAS: estudo do conforto visual por meio da APO da E. M. Luiza Terra de Andrade – RJ

This research analyzes E. M. Luiza Terra de Andrade, with the objective of verifying if this school unit has a physical structure, focusing on visual comfort, capable of serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The aim is to create design parameters for the construction of schools sensitive to the characteristics of autistic people, since the Sensory Discrimination Disorders (SDD) of these people in-terfere in the way they extract visual information from the built environments. Using the correlational method, the relationships between TDS and autistic behaviors with the visual aspects of environments were examined. The qualitative method allowed the appropriation of information on neurodevelopment and environmental psychology. Through the experiential research, it was possible to structure the pos-t-occupancy evaluation (POA) carried out. Thus, it was found that the analyzed School, with regard to aspects of visual comfort, does not meet the particularities of autistic people, impacting the care of these students.

Post-occupancy evaluation of residential properties: a case study on an organizational multistorey apartment building

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an exemplary application of an indicative post-occupancy evaluation (POE) on an organizational multistorey residential apartment building.Design/methodology/approachThis research comprises of mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches. The methodology commences with a review of the recent literature, identification of performance elements, conduct of walk-through, distribution and collection of users' surveys and the development of short and long-term recommendations, where an adequate sample of users were approached for conducting a focus group interview session.FindingsThe research identifies 74 performance elements that were clustered into technical, namely (thermal, acoustic and visual comforts, indoor air quality and safety and security), functional, namely (design adequacy, finishing, furnishing, fittings and equipment and building surroundings) dimensions and behavioral, namely (apartment building attributes and managerial and logistical support). The questionnaire survey aimed to solicit users' opinions upon the occupied case study residential facility.Originality/valueThe research identifies areas of occupants' satisfaction and dissatisfaction in a typical multistorey residential building, as a part of a community housings for a mega organization, located in Saudi Arabia. The identification of these areas serves as a lesson learned for future developments, design considerations and implications. Hence, improving the well-being and comfort of its employees.

Interaction effects of indoor environmental quality factors on cognitive performance and perceived comfort of young adults in open plan offices in North American Mediterranean climate

While Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) factors in an environment co-exist, the interaction effects of these factors and their impacts on cognitive functioning and perceived comfort have not been comprehensively examined. In this study, the interaction effects between temperature, lighting Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), and noise levels on selective attention, sustained attention, creativity, acoustics, thermal, visual, and overall IEQ comfort of young adults in open-plan offices in North American Mediterranean climate were presented. In a mixed-design controlled experimental setting, 52 young adults were recruited, and their objective cognitive performance and subjective comfort were assessed through statistical analysis. The experimental set points included [20 °C, 25 °C], [2700 K, 6500 K], and [50 dB, 65 dB] for temperature, lighting color, and noise, respectively. Additionally, the work took into consideration the gender and Body Mass Index (BMI) of participants. The results show that temperature moderated the effect of noise level and lighting CCT on selective attention, while no effect of IEQ factors on sustained attention was found. Creativity was influenced by gender and its interaction with the noise level. Concerning perceived comfort, acoustic comfort varied significantly with temperature. Thermal comfort was influenced by the combined moderating effect of lighting CCT and BMI on temperature, while visual comfort was driven by the moderation effect of gender on lighting CCT. Overall comfort was affected by the noise level and temperature. Finally, cognitive performance indicators were correlated with perceived IEQ comfort votes. Based on the findings of this study, considerations of interactions between noise, lighting CCT, temperature, gender, and BMI can shape occupant-centric priorities for enhanced cognitive functioning and comfort.

Digital Display Preference of Electronic Gadgets for Visual Comfort: A Systematic Review.

Digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and laptops are used for various purposes. The digital display quality has been improved, making it less tiring and more favoured among users. This study aimed to review the visual comfort of digital devices and the preferences of digital display settings that enhance the visual comfort experienced by digital device users. A search of PubMed, EBSCO host MEDLINE Complete, Scopus database, Google Scholar, and manual citation review was conducted, covering the period between 2010 and 2022. The criteria were selected based on the PRISMA statements. The search mainly focused on finding the existing literature on digital devices that contribute to visual discomfort and digital device settings that provide better visual comfort. The database search resulted in 533 references via the application of Microsoft Excel. There were 28 studies included in the final assessment. Twelve studies accounted for digital devices that contributed to visual discomfort, while another sixteen studies for digital device settings provided better visual comfort. Digital displays with high luminance contrast, positive polarity and adequate colour were preferred for better visual comfort. Meanwhile, smaller fonts were preferred for desktops and laptops, while larger fonts were favoured for smartphones. This study provides insights for digital display developers to learn and improve their display technology to fit the preferences expressed.

Usability Evaluation of Co-Pilot Screen Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method

In this study, the usability evaluation model is constructed for a co-pilot screen, and an analysis of the impact factors and optimization recommendations is made based on the evaluation results. Firstly, based on the usability design principles, interaction ease, interaction efficiency, visual comfort, driving safety, and their corresponding secondary indicators are defined, and the subjective weight of each indicator is determined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Then, usability evaluation is carried out on four vehicles via vehicle driving simulated experiments and driving experiments on the road, and the objective weight of the indicators is determined using the CRITIC method. Finally, the usability evaluation model for co-pilot screens is established by applying the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The results indicate that the overall usability comprehensive score of co-pilot screens is convergent and is mainly concentrated in the range of 50–65 points, with two vehicles having excellent affiliation and two vehicles having average affiliation. However, there is a great distance still to reach when compared to an excellent level. The usability evaluation model of co-pilot screens established in this article can quantify the HMI usability design of co-pilot screens. The results of this study are significant for the four tested vehicles in terms of guiding the usability design of co-pilot screens and in promoting the rapid iteration of co-pilot screen development. And a production vehicle that connects a driving simulation platform and the usability evaluation model can be used to test and evaluate more screen designs, interaction models, tasks, and infotainment applications, thus guiding further user experience designs.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): A Comparison between TOPSIS- and PROMETHEE-Based Approaches for Indirect Eliciting of Category Weights.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) has received a great deal of attention in recent years due to the relationship between worker comfort and productivity. Many academics have studied IEQ from both a building design and an IEQ assessment perspective. This latter line of research has mostly used direct eliciting to obtain weights assigned to IEQ categories such as thermal comfort, visual comfort, acoustic comfort, and indoor air quality. We found only one application of indirect eliciting in the literature. Such indirect eliciting operates without the need for imprecise direct weighing and requires only comfort evaluations, which is in line with the Industry 5.0 paradigm of individual, dynamic, and integrated IEQ evaluation. In this paper, we use a case study to compare the only indirect eliciting model already applied to IEQ, based on TOPSIS, to an indirect eliciting method based on PROMETHEE and to a classical direct eliciting method (AHP). The results demonstrate the superiority of indirect eliciting in reconstructing individual preferences related to perceived global comfort.

Association between visual distance and students’ visual perception comfort in primary and secondary classrooms

ABSTRACT With developments in information technology, multimedia equipment and electronic teaching aids have been introduced into primary and secondary school classrooms. Thus, traditional “blackboards” have gradually given way to screens, ultimately complicating the visual environment and the visual act of looking at the blackboard. Generally, looking at the blackboard can affect the visual comfort of students when reading from different viewing distances. In this study, 40 primary school students were invited for a visual perception human-factor experiment in a secondary school classroom in Anshan, Liaoning Province, China. The Ergo LAB human-factor platform was used to test the students’ electrodermal indicators at different distances. Moreover, simultaneous subjective scoring was performed to compare and analyse the students’ state of arousal levels and visual perceptual comfort under different visual distance conditions. The acceptable visual distance for students to be able to read from an electronic screen ranged from 2.2 m to 8.5 m; the highest state of arousal and visual comfort were achieved at a visual distance of 4–4.9 m, and the most optimal visual distance was 5.8 m.

Evaluating the impact of mosque morphology on worshipers' visual comfort: Simulation analysis for daylighting performance

Visual comfort includes the ability to provide sufficient daylight without exaggeration. When daylight levels are insufficient inside a place or when daylight is intense, inhabitants experience visual discomfort. This study examines visual comfort in prayer halls by investigating the effectiveness of daylighting performance, including daylight amounts, such as illuminance level and daylight factor, and glare, including daylight glare probability, in different mosque morphologies. The evaluation had done by applying a quantitative method via the most recently updated daylighting simulation software using Autodesk-Insight-360 for Revit-2023 and SolemmaClimateStudio for Rhinoceros-6. Results show that mosques with courtyard lighting have reduced glare, and windows placed uniformly along the vertical axis get lots of natural light. The study concluded that levels of visual comfort in the prayer halls, in turn, vary according to mosques morphology. The current research contributes to detecting visual discomfort in mosque architecture based on differences in typological and morphological design characteristics.

Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithm Supported Construction of Architectural Window Design Model Based on Visual Comfort - A Case Study of Office Buildings in Cold Regions

Abstract With the accelerated advancement of big data Internet development, people gradually realize the urgency and importance of energy saving, so the multi-objective optimization research for the performance of office buildings in cold regions is significant, and this paper focuses on the construction of a building window design model based on visual comfort supported by multi-objective evolutionary algorithm- taking office buildings in cold regions as an example, firstly, by reviewing the literature to understand the principle, algorithm, and concept of multi-objective evolution, construct the building window design model based on visual comfort according to the objective function and extract the standard model of inner corridor slab space building in office buildings in cold regions of Harbin and Shenyang. The optimized design of building window parameters was carried out using the established joint simulation and optimization work platform. The results show that for Harbin, as the window heat transfer coefficient increases, the heating energy consumption increases, the cooling energy consumption increases more slowly, and the total energy consumption increases linearly. An increase in window heat transfer coefficient by 0.1W/ (m 2 ∙K) Increases are cooling energy consumption by 0.18%, heating energy consumption by 0.78%, and total energy consumption by 0.46%. For Shenyang, as the window heat transfer coefficient increases, the heating energy consumption increases, the cooling energy consumption increases more slowly, and the total energy consumption increases linearly. If the heat transfer coefficient of the window increases by 0.1W/ (m 2 ∙K), cooling energy consumption increases by 0.18%, heating energy consumption increases by 0.78%, and total energy consumption increases by 0.46%. This study provides a theoretical basis for extracting standard models for other building types while making the results more generalizable and improving the efficiency of sustainable office building design.

Multi-criteria evaluation of daylight control systems of office buildings considering daylighting, glare and energy consumption

Through the coupling of glazing and shading systems, daylight control systems (DCSs) are formed. By using such systems, the visual comfort of occupants as well as the energy efficiency of the building can be greatly enhanced. Further, these systems are imperative in climates where excessive and uncontrolled daylight may result in significant increases in cooling loads and glare, as well as a decrease in visual efficiency. There is, however, an inherent contradiction in the design of DCSs. This is due to the way daylight affects indoor spaces in that, despite being beneficial for visual comfort, it can also be detrimental to energy efficiency and glare, or vice versa. Therefore, to achieve a near-optimal indoor environment, daylighting should be increased while glare and energy consumption should be reduced. In this study, 155 unique DCSs are evaluated in cardinal and intercardinal orientations using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method. For each design alternative, daylighting, glare, and energy simulations are conducted using UDI, sGA, and EUI as performance metrics. The MCDM method, then, ranks the utility of the DCSs by aggregating the weighted simulations results. Results indicate that the coupling of “reflected horizontal louvers” with “vacuum glazing” is the most frequently used best design alternative regardless of orientation. Further, it is revealed that among all the top-ranked DCSs in each orientation, those in the south orientation are found to be the most effective at improving daylighting, glare, and energy efficiency simultaneously. It is also found that when an architectural design is intended to achieve daylighting, glare reduction, and energy efficiency simultaneously, a south-facing building is the optimal choice.

Retracted: The Evaluation of Visual Clarity and Comfort of Light Environment in Multimedia Classroom

Retracted: The Evaluation of Visual Clarity and Comfort of Light Environment in Multimedia Classroom

Multi-objective optimization of energy, thermal and visual comfort for dormitory buildings in the cold climate of China

The dormitory building design is a comprehensive procedure that requires the integration of multiple objectives to meet the demands of occupants and society. However, building energy consumption and thermal and visual comfort are often contradictory during the preliminary design process. This study proposes a multi-objective optimization framework based on Pareto front solutions to optimize the energy, thermal and visual performance of dormitory buildings in a cold climate. Three typical spatial layouts and important design variables of dormitory buildings, including orientation, geometric dimension, window-to-wall ratio, U-value and solar heat gain coefficient of glazing, shading type, openable window area ratio and green roof are systematically discussed. The results show that compared to the reference design, the multi-objective optimization method can simultaneously reduce energy use density by 27%–46% and summer thermal discomfort time by 6%–10% and improve Useful Daylight Illuminance by 0%–5%. The potential for energy saving and thermal comfort of the double-sided corridor layout is the greatest, while the single-sided open corridor layout has the greatest daylighting potential. Furthermore, optimal ranges of design variables for different spatial layout types are recommended. Architects can choose appropriate space layout types and corresponding design variable values according to actual engineering needs towards a sustainable indoor built environment.

Assessment of Visual Quality Improvement as a Result of Spectacle Personalization.

Personalized spectacles customized according to an individual's facial anatomy were developed to provide enhanced visual performance and overall comfort when compared to standard spectacles. In this comparative crossover trial, each subject was randomly assigned to wear either personalized spectacles or standard spectacles for two weeks and then tried the second pair for another two weeks. Visual acuity and reading speed were measured, and visual quality and comfort were assessed using specific questionnaires. The correlation of the wearing parameters with the subjects' satisfaction was calculated. According to our results, the subjects wearing personalized glasses reported significantly less experience of swaying and significantly higher overall satisfaction compared to those wearing the control spectacles. At the end of the study, 62% of subjects preferred the personalized spectacles, and visual quality was the primary reason for their spectacle preference followed by wearing comfort. The difference from the ideal cornea-vertex distance was significantly lower when wearing the personalized spectacles compared to the control frames. In addition, the absolute value of the difference from the ideal cornea-vertex distance was significantly correlated with patient satisfaction. These results suggest that personalized spectacles, customized according to an individual's facial anatomy for the ideal wearing parameters, result in both visual and comfort advantages for wearers.

A novel approach for optimized design of low-E windows and visual comfort for residential spaces

Double low-E glasses are effective and well-established choices for residential buildings in temperate climatic regions of Sydney, Australia, and Tehran, Iran. The current study's measurements and field experiments have shown that using a double low-E windowpane can improve window total transmitted radiation energy (TSRE) and daylight glare factor. Nevertheless, spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) and daylight illuminance are the shortcomings of using double-low-E glasses. These implications demonstrated that using double low-E glazing is a double-edged sword. Despite its efficiency in improving energy consumption, it cannot satisfy daylight comfort requirements. Therefore, this research intends to find the most suitable solution to exploit double-low-E glasses' benefits and avoid their drawbacks. Subsequently, the genetic algorithm has been used to find the optimum window size through a multi-objective simulation by Climate Studio. The findings suggest that the optimum WWR of 10.35%–10.99% in Tehran brings the daylight comfort metrics above the threshold while the energy consumption metrics are kept at a minimum. Similarly, for Sydney, these measures are 20%–24% room length for the horizontal dimension of a window and 33%–40% room height for the vertical penetration dimension. In this way, using a double low-E window pane is justifiable for both examined regions.

Examining polarizing and non-polarizing filters for road sports.

The use of sunglasses and polarized sunglasses is common in all aspects of life and is very popular in outdoor athletic activities. However, the choice of athletes regarding their sunglasses is often not dictated by the performance ensured by one model rather than another but by other factors such as look or wearability due also to the lack of technical data on cataloguess. A conscious choice of filters to use, also according to road and weather conditions, supported by quantitative data, would instead allow athletes to improve their visual comfort and sport experience. The transmission spectra of 10 pairs of sports sunglasses (five polarized and five not polarized) were measured and related to the road luminance for different sun positions in both horizontal and vertical polarizations. The luminous transmission factor was calculated, and the luminance quantities while wearing the glasses were defined and calculated for all cases. A survey was submitted to a group of athletes to collect their impressions and relate them to the measurement results. The pairs of polarized and non-polarized sports sunglasses showed similar transmission factors, so their ability to mitigate outdoor light is almost the same-the main difference lies in the polarized light transmitted. Outdoor measurements showed that the light reflected by the road has a substantial polarized horizontal component. Polarized sunglasses block much of the light reflected by the road, resulting in a darker appearance of the road and reducing the glare of the scene in bright sunlight. The decrease in road luminance increases the contrast discrimination of other objects in the scene, which reflect sunlight in a non-polarized way (e.g., non-flat surfaces). The survey demonstrates that interviewed athletes prefer polarized sunglasses for these aformentioned reasons. This study highlights the advantages of polarizing sunglasses for athletic activities on roads because the road surface often reflects polarized light depending on the position of the sun.

Effects of nature-adapted lighting solutions ("Virtual Sky") on subjective and objective correlates of sleepiness, well-being, visual and cognitive performance at the workplace.

Exposure to natural daylight benefits human well-being, alertness, circadian rhythms and sleep. Many workplaces have limited or no access to daylight. Thus, we implemented a light-panel ("Virtual Sky"), which reproduced nature-adapted light scenarios. In a laboratory office environment, three lighting scenarios were presented during the day: two lighting conditions with nature-adapted spectral light distributions, one with static and one with dynamic clouds, and a standard office lighting condition. We compared the impact of the three lighting scenarios on subjective and objective measures of alertness, cognitive performance, wellbeing, visual comfort, contrast sensitivity, and cortisol levels in 18 healthy young male volunteers in a within-participant cross-over study design. We found no evidence that an 8-h lighting scenario with static or dynamic clouds during the waking day (9am-5pm) was associated with any significant effect on objective and/or subjective alertness, cognitive performance and morning cortisol concentrations compared to standard workplace lighting. However, the dynamic light scenario was accompanied with lower levels of perceived tensionafter completing cognitive tasks and less effort to concentrate compared to the static lighting scenarios. Our findings suggest that apart from smaller effects on tension and concentration effort, nature-adapted lighting conditions did not improve daytime alertness and cognitive performance in healthy well-rested young participants, as compared to standard office lighting.