A Framework for Optimizing Lighting in Animal Shelters for Domestic Cats

Abstract

Abstract In this project, we aim to enable designers to optimize lighting conditions for domestic cats in animal shelters. Specifically, we developed an optimization framework that controls the spectral power distribution (SPD) of light sources and returns the effect on feline visual perception. In our model, we used standard light source SPDs and predicted light reflected from different surfaces within an animal shelter. The reflected SPDs were combined with the known brightness sensitivity of domestic cats across the visible light spectrum to develop an understanding of cats’ visual experience in the shelter under different lighting conditions. The optimization framework then minimizes the difference between a desired lighting effect (here, daylight) and a modeled effect using a set of light source SPDs. Initial results demonstrate that by using slightly more advanced lighting design and control, shelters can potentially improve the visual experience for cats.