Introduction
Illumination conditions are a critical factor in the design of any visual task. They describe the amount of light present in a given environment and its impact on the visibility of objects and surfaces. Proper illumination can increase the accuracy and speed of task performance while inadequate levels can lead to errors and fatigue. This article provides a definition of illumination conditions, describes their characteristics, and provides a list of references for further reading.
Definition
Illumination conditions can be defined as “the amount of light present in a given environment and its impact on the visibility of objects and surfaces” (Hodgson, 2020). These conditions are determined by the light sources present in the environment such as natural sunlight, artificial lighting, or a combination of both. Illumination conditions provide a measure of the luminance of the environment, which can be quantified in lux or foot candles.
Characteristics
Illumination conditions can have a significant impact on visual performance. Proper levels of illumination can increase visibility and reduce errors while inadequate levels can lead to fatigue and mistakes. The amount of light required for a given task depends on the size of the object to be viewed, the viewing distance, and the contrast between the object and its background. Proper illumination can also reduce the risk of glare, which can be caused by bright light sources or reflective surfaces.
Conclusion
Illumination conditions are a critical factor in the design of any visual task. Proper levels of illumination can increase visibility and reduce errors while inadequate levels can lead to fatigue and mistakes. The amount of light required for a given task depends on the size of the object to be viewed, the viewing distance, and the contrast between the object and its background.
References
Hodgson, A. (2020). Lighting conditions. In C. M. Kolarik (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Human-Computer Interaction (2nd ed.). London, UK: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Hussein, M., Yang, Y., & Al-Nuaimy, W. (2013). Illumination conditions and its impact on color constancy. Proceedings of the 2013 IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISCAS.2013.6571931
Salvi, J. J., & Quintana, J. (2005). A review of illumination conditions in ergonomic visual work. Applied ergonomics, 36(1), 85–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2004.02.001