When people see light level change

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the perception of light dimming levels, specifically the finding that individuals often cannot distinguish between 100% and 80-85% dimming levels. This conclusion is linked to research that suggests changes in intensity below 3dB are not visually perceptible. The conversation highlights the importance of the type of load (LEDs, incandescents, CFLs) and the method of dimming (potentiometer vs. PWM) in these studies. The original sources of this idea are speculated to be Lutron and EnergyStar, with relevant studies provided in linked articles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light dimming technologies (LEDs, incandescents, CFLs)
  • Knowledge of dimming methods (potentiometer dimmers, PWM)
  • Familiarity with concepts of light intensity and dB scale
  • Ability to interpret scientific research articles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of PWM dimming on LED performance
  • Explore the relationship between light intensity changes and human perception
  • Investigate Lutron's and EnergyStar's contributions to lighting efficiency studies
  • Review the linked studies on light dimming perception for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for lighting designers, electrical engineers, and anyone involved in the development or optimization of lighting systems, particularly those focused on energy efficiency and user experience in lighting applications.

jgeverin172
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Hey Guys (my first post!),

I've been trying to dig up this information for quite some time now, and I figure physicsforums may be the place to ask.

I keep 'hearing' of some research that was done that concludes that people interpret 80-85% (or some other fraction) of dim level as the same to them as 100% dimming level; that is, people (for the most part) couldn't see the difference in dim level on some load. Even though in actuality, the presented dim levels would be different. Please ask me to rephrase if it's not clear enough.

Obviously many factors would be involved in said 'study'. What kind of loads was said 'experiment' performed on? (LEDs, incandascents, CFLs, etc.)
Was the dimming done with a potentiometer dimmer or PWM? (if PWM, then 80-85% dimming would imply 80-85% duty cycle!)
There may be other factors too, but anyways...

What I'm trying to figure out is WHO came up with said study? Also, if anyone knows of said experiment, then I'd love to see a link to it! Has anyone heard of this idea before? The idea being again: People can't visually tell the difference in dimming between 100% and 80-85% (or some other dimming level). I've heard of this idea floating around awhile, but could never figure out WHO concluded this; or WHERE did this idea come from?

My initial suspects were Lutron and EnergyStar. Lutron touted their product that produces 70-75% dimming on normally fully on loads, claiming that people don't notice. EnergyStar had a big article on the internet somewhere on potential savings in lighting.

If anyone knows what I'm talking about, and knows where this idea stemmed from, please help.

Thank you for your time!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Look to the definition and discussion of intensity. I think you'll find physics suggesting that intensity changes < 3dB are not visible.
 

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