Search Results (217)

While deep learning-based image matching methods excel at extracting high-level semantic features from remote sensing data, their performance degrades significantly under cross-daylight conditions and wide-baseline geometric distortions, particularly in multi-source street-view scenarios. This paper presents a novel illumination-invariant framework that synergistically integrates geometric topology and semantic consistency to achieve robust multi-view matching for cross-daylight urban perception. We first design a self-supervised learning paradigm to extract illumination-agnostic features by jointly optimizing local descriptors and global geometric structures across multi-view images. To address extreme perspective variations, a homography-aware transformation module is introduced to stabilize feature representation under large viewpoint changes. Leveraging a graph neural network with hierarchical attention mechanisms, our method dynamically aggregates contextual information from both local keypoints and semantic topology graphs, enabling precise matching in occluded regions and repetitive-textured urban scenes. A dual-branch learning strategy further refines similarity metrics through supervised patch alignment and unsupervised spatial consistency constraints derived from Delaunay triangulation. Finally, a topology-guided multi-plane expansion mechanism propagates initial matches by exploiting the inherent structural regularity of street scenes, effectively suppressing mismatches while expanding coverage. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our framework outperforms state-of-the-art methods, achieving a 6.4% improvement in matching accuracy and a 30.5% reduction in mismatches under cross-daylight conditions. These advancements establish a new benchmark for reliable multi-source image retrieval and localization in dynamic urban environments, with direct applications in autonomous driving systems and large-scale 3D city reconstruction. Full article

In southern Hunan province, a vital element of China’s architectural cultural legacy, the quality of the indoor lighting environment influences physical performance and the transmission of spatial culture. The province encounters minor environmental disparities and diminishing liveability attributed to evolving construction practices and cultural standards. The three varieties of traditional residences in Shanggantang Village are employed to assess the daylight factor (DF), illumination uniformity (U0), daylight autonomy (DA), and useful daylight illumination (UDI). We subsequently integrate field measurements with static and dynamic numerical simulations to create a multi-dimensional analytical framework termed “measured-static-dynamic”. This method enables the examination of the influence of floor plan layout on light, as well as the relationship between window size, building configuration, and natural illumination. The lighting factor (DF) of the core area of the central patio-type residence reaches 27.7% and the illumination uniformity (U0) is 0.62, but the DF of the transition area plummets to 1.6%; the composite patio type enhances the DF of the transition area to 1.2% through the alleyway-assisted lighting, which is a 24-fold improvement over the offset patio type. Parameter optimization showed that the percentage of all-natural daylighting time (DA) in the edge zone of the central patio type increased from 21.4% to 58.3% when the window height was adjusted to 90%. The results of the study provide a quantitative basis for the optimization of the light environment and low-carbon renewal of traditional residential buildings. Full article

The rise in temperature worldwide, especially in hot regions with extreme weather conditions, has made climate change one of the critical issues that degrades the solar photovoltaic (PV) system performance. In this paper, a new design of solar cells based on plasmonic thin-film Silver (Ag) technology is introduced. The new design is characterized by enhancing thermal effects, optical power absorption, and output power significantly, thus compensating for the deterioration in the solar cells efficiency when the ambient temperature rises to high levels. The temperature distribution on a PV solar module is determined using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that includes the front glass, crystalline cells, and back sheet. Experimental and analytical results are presented to validate the CFD model. The parameters of temperature distribution, absorbed optical power, and output electrical power are considered to evaluate the device performance during daylight hours in summer. The effects of solar radiation falling on the solar cell, actual temperature of the environment, and wind speed are investigated. The results show that the proposed cells’ temperature is reduced by 1.2 °C thanks to the plasmonic Ag thin-film technology, which leads to enhance 0.48% real value as compared to that in the regular solar cells. Consequently, the absorbed optical power and output electrical power of the new solar cells are improved by 2.344 W and 0.38 W, respectively. Full article

This study was conducted at SPINLab. The full-scale experiments were performed using two experimental spaces of identical specifications to investigate the effects of electrochromic film (OG + EC_ON or OG + EC_OFF) on indoor environment and air conditioning electricity consumption in buildings with different orientations (East and West). The electricity-saving effects are more pronounced on the building’s west-facing side than on its east-facing side. For the east-facing side, the average electricity savings for OG + EC_ON and OG + EC_OFF were 4.5%, and 5.1%, respectively. For the west-facing side, the average electricity savings increased to 9.2% and 9.4% for OG + EC_ON and OG + EC_OFF. The research results on thermal comfort indicate (PMV) that applying electrochromic film (OG + EC_ON or OG + EC_OFF) significantly improved indoor thermal comfort compared to using clear glass (OG) alone. The visual comfort analysis results indicate that the opaque (OG + EC_OFF) and transparent (OG + EC_ON) states of electrochromic film could reduce daylight glare probability (DGP) values. However, due to the light-scattering properties of the liquid crystal droplets, the OG + EC_OFF and OG + EC_ON states of the electrochromic film increased DGP values in 26.5% and 41.5% of the cases, respectively, when sunlight directly entered the interior. Full article

To tackle climate change, aircraft designers envision new aircraft concepts which promise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable greener flights. One option is hybrid-electric propulsion architectures. The University of Stuttgart has built and operates such an aircraft, called the e-Genius. This paper aims to demonstrate how far a digital twin is able to replicate a real-world flight using a simplified mission definition and to estimate the range limit for a high-performance hybrid-electric aircraft, lifting the operational constraints faced in the real-world environment. First a digital twin is built and compared to actual flight data to calibrate the model. Next, a comparison with a full flight is performed, using a long-range flight of 2000 km for this purpose. Due to the duration of this flight, weather conditions like wind need to be considered. Validation is performed by comparison to two additional missions, one 500 km mission flown at faster speed and a 1000 km mission flown at a similar speed. To estimate the maximum range based on this calibrated model, operational constraints like daylight and maximum flight time are lifted to see the further potential of the aircraft. This allows the aircraft to fly more slowly, at best cruise speed, and thus estimate the maximum range of the aircraft. Results show good agreement with flight tests for fuel burnt, highlighting however a need to measure additional parameters in future flights. Overall, the model allows us to plan future flights and assess the feasibility of new projects. Full article

According to the China Building Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions Research Report (2023), the construction industry accounts for 36.3% of total societal energy consumption, with residential buildings contributing significantly due to their extensive coverage and high operational frequency. Addressing energy efficiency and carbon reduction in this sector is critical for achieving national sustainability goals. This study proposes an optimization methodology for rural dwellings in Inner Mongolia, focusing on reducing energy demand while enhancing indoor thermal comfort and daylight performance. A parametric model was developed using Grasshopper, with energy consumption, thermal comfort (PPD), and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI) simulated through Ladybug and Honeybee tools. Key parameters analyzed include building morphology, envelope structures, and indoor thermal environments, followed by systematic optimization of building components. To refine multi-objective inputs, a specialized wall database was established, enabling categorization and dynamic visualization of material properties and construction methods. Comparative analysis demonstrated a 22.56% reduction in energy consumption, 19.26% decrease in occupant thermal dissatisfaction (PPD), and 25.44% improvement in UDI values post-optimization. The proposed framework provides a scientifically validated approach for improving energy efficiency and environmental adaptability in cold-climate rural architecture. Full article

With the intensification of aging populations and economic development, installing elevators in existing residential buildings has become crucial for achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). While elevator retrofits improve accessibility, they may also compromise living quality through obstructed ventilation, reduced daylighting, visual interference, and noise pollution. Despite provincial guidelines in China specifying elevator types for retrofitting, the lack of clear selection criteria complicates implementation. This study addresses the challenge of scientifically selecting elevator types that balance accessibility improvements with minimal impact on residential environments. Focusing on 50 operational elevator retrofits in eight Beijing communities employing eight half-landing elevator models from the Beijing Multi-story Residential Elevator Retrofit Guidelines, we establish a comprehensive evaluation framework integrating objective measurements (indoor ventilation, noise, daylighting, and external visibility) and subjective resident assessments. Taking Xicheng District’s Yutaoyuan Community as a case study, this research identifies the optimal elevator configuration through a multi-criteria analysis. The proposed methodology offers two key contributions: (1) a practical elevator selection system providing technical and theoretical support for nationwide retrofitting projects, and (2) a quantifiable assessment tool aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda for urban renewal objectives. Full article

In an effort to accomplish the real-time acquisition of the laser ranging results of space debris during the daylight and enhance the observation success rate, this paper establishes a joint distribution model of noise and echo signals grounded on the intensity distribution law of the daylight background noise. Through an in-depth analysis of the measurement characteristics of single-photon detectors, a real-time recognition algorithm based on the disparity in statistical distribution is put forward. This algorithm partitions the observation data into intervals of equal length. It then employs the goodness-of-fit test of the geometric distribution to ascertain the data distribution law. Subsequently, it locates the interval in which the echo signal resides by analyzing the contribution degree of the chi-square statistic. The experimental outcomes indicate that under the circumstances of a laser frequency of 400 Hz and a background noise photon rate of 2 × 10⁷ photons per second, the algorithm is capable of achieving real-time recognition of the echo interval for an intensity of 0.09 echo photons per single pulse within 1 s. This breakthrough resolves the critical challenge of daylight echo discrimination in high-noise environments. This method overcomes the constraints of the traditional signal intensity threshold and offers a novel technical approach for the tracking and precise orbit determination of space debris in a low signal-to-noise ratio environment. Full article

Block layout is the main urban pattern in many city centers in the East and West, and this layout has a long history and will continue to develop in the future. However, there are relatively few studies on the quantitative analysis of this layout, especially its sunlight impact. This study examines the characteristics of the neighborhood-style layout. A sample of the small block dense street network block layout that evolved and developed based on Cerdà’s planned Barcelona was selected. The effects of urban latitude and the angle between the street and north–south are explored on the level of sunlight in the neighborhood space. By using the Ladybug plug-in to simulate the Cerda Barcelona neighborhood model, this study analyzes the quantitative impacts of different geographic latitudes and north–south angle changes on the daylight levels of streets, courtyards, building facades, and ground floor building elevations. The results show that changes in the latitude and north–south angle significantly affect the daylight level of each part of the space in the neighborhood, which provides a quantitative basis for the daylight adaptation analysis. Based on the simulation results, this paper proposes a regression model for the influencing factors of the neighborhood-style layout. The adaptive boundary conditions of this layout in a high-density urban environment are arranged by analyzing the regression model. To a certain extent, this study provides a theoretical basis and corresponding reference for tightening the daylight and environmental health requirements of urban layouts for high-density composite urban development. Full article

This research paper explores the visual potential of the multi-angled façade system, allowing office employees to achieve optimal exposure to the external environment through the room façade. This contributes to sustainability objectives by enhancing indoor climate quality, promoting health and well-being, and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 9, and 11. This façade concept provides a solution to the issue of shading devices being fully closed for long periods due to intense solar radiation on the room’s window. The concept of a multi-angled window involves incorporating two differently oriented window sections within each façade along a vertical axis (right and left), rather than tilting them upward or downward. The larger section is oriented more toward the north to maximize daylight access and external views, while the smaller section faces south to enhance passive solar heating. The visual potential is assessed based on the periods when the solar shading devices are not fully closed—meaning one section of the multi-angled façade may remain open while the other is shaded. To evaluate this, along with the resulting energy consumption and indoor climate, the software program IDA ICE version 4.8 is utilized. Simulation results indicate that the duration of complete shading closure is significantly lower for a multi-angled façade compared to a flat façade, in some instances nearly half, thereby improving visual comfort, daylight availability, and heat gain while simultaneously reducing spatial energy consumption. Full article

Open atrium spaces in university libraries have emerged as a prevalent architectural trend. While increasing daylighting through enlarged glazing areas enhances the indoor environment, it simultaneously introduces significant thermal challenges in cold regions where environmental comfort demands lead to higher energy loads. This study investigates the optimization of daylighting–thermal performance balance through a multi-objective parametric approach to address the inherent conflicts between environmental quality and energy efficiency in atrium design. In this paper, we take the library project in the cold region as a practical case, use the measured data to support the simulation experiment, combine the parametric platform and multi-objective coupling optimization algorithm to carry out digital modeling, and explore the dynamic relationship between the atrium light, heat environment, and the value of energy consumption under the influence of a variety of parameters. The experimental results show that the quality and energy efficiency of the atrium light environment are improved after parameter optimization. The energy consumption per unit area (EUI) is reduced by 84.84 kwh/m²–106.83 kwh/m² while the adequate natural illuminance (UDI) is increased by 5.06–27.64%, which confirms the feasibility of the research and development of the building light–heat coupling optimization technology route and program module. This paper aims to explore the quantitative law of design elements on light–heat balance at the early stage of architectural design and to provide a theoretical basis and reference blueprint for improving the comprehensive decision-making ability of architects in sustainable design and realizing integrated and efficient program decision-making. Full article

Environmental factors, such as the duration of daylight, can significantly influence the predation ability of arthropod predators. This study aimed to examine the influence of photoperiods of 8:16 h, 12:12 h, and 16:8 h (L:D) on the predation rate of Phytoseiulus persimilis preying on Tetranychus urticae eggs under constant temperature. The daily predation rate (D_j) and the total number of prey eggs consumed (P_j) per predator increased with longer photophases, reaching their peak in the 16L:8D photoperiod. The highest net predation rate (C₀) was observed under 16L:8D conditions (173.22 prey eggs/predator), while it was 170.28 and 89.77 prey eggs/predator under the 12L:12D and 8L:16D photoperiods, respectively. The finite predation rate (ω) also increased with longer photophases. The transformation rate (Q_p) was highest under the 16L:8D photoperiod. Significant differences were noted in the stable predation rate (ψ), with the highest value being 5.84 prey eggs/predator under 16L:8D conditions. The number of T. urticae eggs predated by P. persimilis was higher under longer photoperiods, and the 16L:8D photoperiod can thus be recommended as optimal for the biocontrol of spider mites in controlled environments. We suggest that future research explores other effects of the light cycle on plant–herbivore–predator interactions to optimize the lighting conditions for effective spider mite control. Full article

This paper investigates the spatial attributes of the color properties and brightness characteristics of sustainable architectural strategies including daylight, electrical lighting, and surface color in architecture, which could potentially impact users’ spatial experiences. Images of 48 spaces varying in surface color configurations, type of light source, and position of the lighting strategy were evaluated. The analyses included assessments of color palettes, descriptors based on saturation and brightness properties, and brightness distribution maps. The results indicate that lighting design and types of light source influence the saturation and brightness properties of the perceived hues evaluated in the same environment, leading to variations in color descriptors or adjectives. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that variations in brightness between bright and dark zones, the creation of focal points, and perceived spatial fragmentation depend on the reflectance of the colors applied in the surfaces, the position of the lighting, and the type of light source. This study does not aim to establish best practices for enhancing users’ emotions through architecture. Instead, it explores how variations in color and light influence perceptual descriptions that have been previously associated with emotional responses. This research recognizes the impact of sustainable strategies including surface colors under daylight and electrical lighting on users’ spatial experiences. Full article

This study examines the quality and availability of daylight in childcare facilities, focusing on compliance with Polish Technical Conditions (TCs) and comparing them with international certification systems such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL. Polish regulations regarding sunlight exposure require revisions to support the sustainable development of buildings, impacting children’s well-being, their health, and the building’s energy efficiency. Daylight’s significance for children’s health and development underpins the investigation, highlighting its impact on the circadian rhythm, cognitive abilities, and well-being. The research utilized computational simulations with Rhinoceros 7 and Ladybug and Honeybee plugins to model a preschool room’s daylight performance under various window configurations and orientations. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted, focusing on parameters such as Daylight Factor (DF), Daylight Autonomy (DA), and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). The findings revealed that while the TCs’ requirements ensure minimum daylight access, they result in nonoptimal lighting quality as defined by international standards. Almost half of the surveyed rooms in the case with a WFR of one-eighth did not meet the condition for having acceptable daylight levels, as defined in the study. In the same study, only about one-third of the analyzed variants achieved the threshold for good daylight quality. At a WFR of one-eighth, no room variant reached the level considered to indicate excellent daylight quality. The results show the need for revised regulations incorporating comprehensive metrics like Climate-Based Daylight Modeling (CBDM). This study suggests that integrating advanced methods of assessing daylight quality could significantly improve daylight conditions in childcare environments. This research is a starting point for discussing the need to modernize the Polish Technical Conditions (TC) to support the sustainable development of childcare facilities in Poland. Full article

Thick insulation of external walls is the standard method for passive reduction in heating costs in residential buildings in the northern climate zone. However, increasing the insulation thickness worsens the lighting conditions inside the rooms. This work demonstrates that diagonal cuts in the insulation around windows (bevels) significantly increase the light entering the building without compromising its heat resistance. The optimized window bevel shape is a cost-effective method for improving daylighting in residential buildings. The research employs traditional finite-element modeling (FEM) alongside a novel method that allows for the simultaneous calculation of heat transfer and daylight distribution within the same simulation environment and geometry. The study analyzes the impact of various incision depths and angles on both daylighting and the thermal performance of the building envelope. The results show that the optimal bevel geometry dependent on the insulation thickness without a negative impact on thermal properties may be found. In addition, a traditional daylight analysis shows that for thick insulation, the introduction of bevels makes the difference between satisfactory and inadequate lighting conditions in the room. Moreover, reduced use of insulating material and resulting solar gains may significantly increase the overall sustainability of modern buildings. Full article