Dimming curve based on the detectability and acceptability of illuminance differences

In a psychophysical forced-choice experiment, observers' ability to detect illuminance differences was found to be 7.4% of the initial illuminance. When matching the illuminance of one space with another, observers' acceptance of illuminance differences was 17.8% to 19.1%. Lighting control systems with resolutions between 14.8% and 17.7% were found to have greater usability than others. A new approach to step-dimming leverages knowledge of the detectability and acceptability of illuminance differences, as well as usability, to reduce lighting energy consumption. This method can reduce lighting energy consumption more than continuous dimming.