Glossary
Accent lighting
Highlights specific objects or features in a room or space. This type of lighting is used to add visual interest and can be provided by floor lamps, track lighting, or spotlights.
Ambient lighting
Refers to the general illumination of a room or space. This type of lighting is meant to provide overall visibility and is often provided by ceiling-mounted fixtures or wall-mounted sconces
Angle of incidence
The angle at which light strikes a surface.
Back light
A light source that is placed behind a subject to separate it from the background and add depth to the image.
Beam angle
The width of the beam of light produced by a lighting instrument.
Blue light
A type of visible light with a wavelength of around 480 nm. Blue light is believed to be particularly effective at regulating the body's circadian rhythm and has been shown to suppress melatonin production.
Bright light therapy
Involves the use of bright light to treat conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), insomnia, and depression. Bright light therapy is typically administered using specialized light boxes that emit bright, full-spectrum light.
Building envelope
The outer shell of a building, including the walls, roof, and foundation. The design of the building envelope can have a significant impact on the amount of natural light that a space receives and can be an important factor in the overall energy efficiency of a building.
Candela
This is a measure of the intensity of light in a particular direction.
Clerestory Window
A clerestory window is a large window or series of small windows along the top of a structure's wall, usually at or near the roof line. Clerestory windows are a type of "fenestration" or glass window placement found in both residential and commercial construction. Innerscenes products can be used as artificial clerestroy windows.
Circadian rhythm
The natural physiological processes that occur in living organisms over a 24-hour period. These processes are influenced by various factors, including light and temperature, and are important for maintaining healthy sleep-wake cycles.
Color mixing
The process of combining different colors of light to create new hues.
Color temperature
A measurement of the hue of a particular light source, expressed in degrees Kelvin (K).
Control booth
A central location from which lighting and other technical elements of a production are controlled
Control console
A device used to control the intensity and color of lighting instruments.
Cool light
Light that has a color temperature of 4000K or higher
CRI (Color Rendering Index)
This is a measure of how accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural sunlight. A higher CRI rating means that colors will be more accurately reproduced when compared to natural light.
Cross lighting
A lighting technique in which the light source is placed at an angle to the subject, creating shadows on opposite sides of the face or object.
Cue
A specific lighting change or effect that is called for in a script or performance.
Daylight
Refers to the natural light that comes from the sun and is a broad band light source. Daylight is the primary source of light for the earth and plays a significant role in the regulation of the body's circadian rhythm.
Daylight factor
A measure of the amount of natural light that enters a space. The daylight factor is calculated as the ratio of the natural light level inside a space to the natural light level outside the space.
Daylight harvesting
The practice of using sensors and controls to adjust the amount of artificial light used in a space based on the available natural light. Daylight harvesting can help reduce energy consumption and improve the overall lighting quality of a space.
Daylighting
The use of natural light to illuminate a space. Daylighting can help reduce energy consumption, improve the lighting quality of a space, and promote a sense of well-being.
Decorative lighting
Adds visual interest and ambiance to a room or space. This type of lighting is typically used in addition to other types of lighting and can be provided by chandeliers, pendant lights, or string lights.
Dichroic
A type of color filter that reflects one color and transmits another.
Diffusion
The process of scattering light to create a softer, more even illumination.
Dimmer
A device that allows you to adjust the brightness/intensity of a light.
Dimmer switches
These allow you to adjust the brightness of a light by turning a dial or sliding a lever.
Dimming
The process of adjusting the brightness of a light source.
DMX
A protocol for controlling lighting and other technical equipment. Innerscene supports DMX on all products.
Downlight
A light that is mounted on the ceiling and directed downward.
Electric skylight
A type of skylight that uses an electric light source to mimic the effect of natural light. Innerscense A7's product is best in class in this category.
Fenestration
The design and placement of windows in a building. Fenestration can have a significant impact on the amount and quality of natural light that enters a space and is an important consideration in the design of buildings.
Fill light
A secondary light source that is used to fill in shadows created by the key light. Innerscene A7's sky light is a great example of fill light, where the sun beam portion is "direct" light. A7 products have both fill and direct light components.
Flood
A lighting effect that uses a wide beam of light to evenly illuminate a large area.
Footcandle
A unit of measurement for the intensity of light, equal to the amount of light produced by one candle at a distance of one foot.
Fresnel
A type of lens used in stage lighting instruments to focus light.
Glare
A discomforting or disabling condition caused by bright light sources that are too close to the viewer's line of sight. Glare can cause visual discomfort and can be a particular problem in spaces with large windows or other sources of direct sunlight.
Grid
A network of metal bars or pipes that is used to support lighting instruments and other technical equipment. Innerscene products are compatable with grid tile ceilings
Halogen lighting
Refers to a type of lighting that uses halogen gas to produce light. Halogen lights are known for their bright, white light and are often used in spotlights and other focused lighting applications.
Hard light
A light source that creates well-defined shadows with sharp edges.
High key lighting
A lighting style that uses mostly high intensity, white light to create a bright and airy atmosphere.
Highlight
A lighting effect that uses a bright, focused beam of light to draw attention to a specific area or object.
Incandescent
This is a type of light source that produces light by heating a filament to a high temperature.
Inverse square law
The principle that the intensity of light is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source.
Kelvin temperature
This is a measure of the color temperature of a light source. A lower Kelvin temperature means a warmer, more yellow light, while a higher Kelvin temperature means a cooler, more blue light.
Light intensity
The brightness of a light source, typically measured in lux (lumens per square meter). Higher light intensities are generally more effective at regulating the body's circadian rhythm, but can also be more stimulating and potentially disruptive to sleep.
Light spectrum
The range of colors that can be seen by the human eye, from red at the low-energy end to violet at the high-energy end. Different colors of light can have different effects on the body's circadian rhythm, with blue light being the most effective at regulating melatonin production.
Light therapy
Is the use of light as a treatment for various medical conditions
Light timing
The timing and duration of light exposure can have an effect on the body's circadian rhythm. For example, exposure to bright light during the day can help promote alertness and improve sleep quality at night, while exposure to bright light at night can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Light tube
A type of tubular skylight that uses a series of mirrors and lenses to reflect and transmit sunlight into a building.
Lighting control panel
A central control system that is used to manage the lighting in a building or other space. A lighting control panel can be used to control multiple lighting circuits and can be configured to automate lighting based on various conditions.
Lighting control system
A system that is used to control the lighting in a building or other space. A lighting control system can be used to automate lighting based on various conditions, such as the presence of people or the amount of natural light available, and can be an effective way to save energy.
Load-in
The process of setting up the lighting and other technical equipment for a production.
Luminaire
A complete lighting unit, consisting of a lamp and a housing or fixture.
Lux
A unit of measurement for the intensity of light, equal to one lumen per square meter.
Matrix
A lighting effect in which multiple light sources are used to create a grid or pattern of light. Innerscenes product can be matrixed to create much larger skylights and windows.
Melatonin
A hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin production is influenced by the presence or absence of light, with higher levels of melatonin being produced in the absence of light.
Moving light
A lighting instrument that is mounted on a motorized base and can be moved or aimed in different directions.
Multiple switch control
This allows you to control a single light or group of lights from multiple locations.
Narrow beam
A lighting effect that uses a tightly focused beam of light.
Natural light
Refers to the light that enters a space through windows or other openings. This type of lighting is often used in combination with artificial lighting to create a well-lit space.
Networked lighting control system
A lighting control system that is connected to a computer network, allowing for remote control and monitoring of the lighting. A networked lighting control system can be used to control the lighting in multiple spaces and can be an effective way to save energy and improve lighting quality.
Nadir
In the lighting discipline, nadir is the angle pointing directly downward from the luminaire, or 0°.
Non-visual effects of light
Refers to the effects of light on the body beyond the visual system. These effects can include the regulation of the body's circadian rhythm, as well as effects on mood, alertness, and other physiological processes.
Occupancy sensor
A device that is used to detect the presence of people in a space and turn lights on or off accordingly. Occupancy sensors can be used to reduce energy consumption by turning lights off when a space is not in use.
Passive solar design
A design approach that seeks to maximize the use of natural light and solar energy in buildings. Passive solar design techniques can include the use of large windows, thermal mass, and other features to capture and store solar energy.
Phantom power
A type of electrical current used to power certain types of lighting instruments.
Photocell
A device that is used to detect the presence or absence of light and turn lights on or off accordingly. Photocells can be used to automate lighting based on the amount of natural light available and can be an effective way to save energy.
Photoreceptors
Cells in the eye that are sensitive to light and help regulate the body's circadian rhythm. There are two main types of photoreceptors
Phototherapy
A type of light therapy that involves the use of specific wavelengths of light to treat medical conditions. Phototherapy is often administered using specialized light therapy lamps and can be used to treat conditions such as jaundice, eczema, and psoriasis.
Piggyback
A lighting fixture that is mounted on top of another fixture.
Pin spot
A small, focused light source that is used to highlight specific objects or areas
Plug
A device that connects a lighting instrument to an electrical power source.
Profile
A type of lighting instrument that produces a narrow, focused beam of light.
Punch
A lighting effect that uses a bright, focused beam of light to create a sense of intensity or drama.
Red light therapy
Involves the use of red or near-infrared light to treat a variety of conditions, including skin conditions, muscle pain, and wound healing. Red light therapy is believed to be effective due to its ability to stimulate the production of collagen and other cellular processes.
Reflector
A device that is used to redirect or bounce light.
Remote controls
These allow you to turn lights on or off, or adjust their brightness, using a handheld device.
RGB
A color model that uses red, green, and blue as primary colors.
Safety wire
A wire that is used to secure lighting instruments and other equipment to prevent them from falling.
Sky cyc
A large, curved cyclorama used to create the illusion of an open sky.
Skylight
A window installed in a roof or ceiling that allows natural light to enter a building.
Skylight leak
A problem that occurs when water or air infiltrates through the seal around a skylight.
Skylight shade
A device used to block or filter the light coming through a skylight.
Smart home systems
These allow you to control your lighting remotely using a phone or tablet app, or with voice commands.
Soft light
A lighting effect that uses a wide, diffused beam of light to create a soft, flattering illumination.
Solar access
The ability of a building or space to receive direct sunlight. Solar access is an important consideration in the design of buildings, as it can affect the amount of natural light and solar energy that is available to a space.
Solar orientation
The positioning of a building or other structure in relation to the sun. Solar orientation can have a significant impact on the amount of natural light that a space receives and can be an important consideration in the design of buildings.
Solar radiation
The total amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. Solar radiation includes a range of wavelengths, including visible light, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and infrared (IR) radiation.
Solar tube
A type of tubular skylight that uses mirrors and lenses to direct sunlight into a building.
Solar-powered skylight
A type of skylight that uses solar panels to generate electricity, which can be used to power an electric light source.
Spill
Light that is accidentally directed outside of the intended area.
Strip light
A linear light fixture that is used to provide general or accent lighting.
Submaster
A control on a lighting console that allows the operator to adjust the intensity of multiple lights at once.
Sun tunnel
A type of tubular skylight that uses a reflective tube to transmit natural light into a building.
Task lighting
Lighting that is used to assist with specific tasks such as reading, studying, working. This type of lighting is meant to be functional and can be provided by desk lamps, under-cabinet lighting, or pendant lights.
Three-point lighting
A lighting technique that uses a key light, fill light, and back light to illuminate a subject.
Throttle
A device that is used to control the intensity of a light source.
Timers
These can be set to turn lights on or off at predetermined times.
Tubular skylight
A type of skylight that consists of a tube that extends from the roof to the ceiling, allowing natural light to be transmitted from above.
Warm white
A color temperature that is slightly yellow or amber in hue usually 2700K or lower
Wash light
A lighting effect that uses a wide beam of light to evenly illuminate a large area.
Zone control systems
These allow you to control the lighting in different areas of a building separately.
Zoom
A feature of some lighting instruments that allows the beam to be narrowed or widened