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An ipRGC-influenced/Non-Visual Spectral Occupant Model for lighting design, Part 2: Photobiological model implementation.
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An ipRGC-influenced/Non-Visual Spectral Occupant Model (iNSOM) for lighting design, Part 1: Light simulation method.
A Alight1, J A Jakubiec1,2
1John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
This study introduces the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC)-influenced Non-Visual Spectral Occupant Model (iNSOM) for light simulation. iNSOM calculates time-series annualized melanopic irradiance from various light sources to assess non-visual light effects.
Area of Science:
- Lighting science
- Human-centric lighting
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Non-visual light effects are crucial for human health and well-being.
- Existing models often lack comprehensive integration of diverse light sources.
- Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a key role in mediating non-visual responses to light.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and describe a novel light simulation framework, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC)-influenced/Non-Visual Spectral Occupant Model (iNSOM).
- To integrate multi-spectral lighting simulations, including daylight, electric light, and screen devices, into a unified calculation.
- To assess the model's applicability in real-world settings like hospital wards.
Main Methods:
- Development of the iNSOM framework for multi-spectral light simulation.
- Calculation of time-series annualized melanopic irradiance.
- Integration of daylight, electric lighting, and screen-emitted light into the model.
- Application and testing of the model using a hospital ward scenario.
Main Results:
- The iNSOM framework successfully combines various light sources into annualized melanopic irradiance calculations.
- Demonstrated the model's capability to simulate complex lighting environments.
- Validated the model's applicability through testing in a hospital ward under different lighting scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The developed iNSOM provides a comprehensive method for simulating light exposure relevant to non-visual effects.
- This model can be a valuable tool for designing healthier lighting environments in various settings.
- Further research can expand the model's application to different environments and populations.

