A ray-casting workflow for extraction of occupant perspective views from recorded window view footage
Journal
Building and Environment
Journal Volume
297
Start Page
114578
ISSN
03601323
Date Issued
2026-06-01
Author(s)
Ingabo, Simeon N.
Abstract
Access to window views is typically assessed from fixed viewpoints, yet occupants experience views from varying positions and postures within a space. Dynamic properties of window views are also often neglected in view access frameworks. This study addresses these research gaps by developing a computational ray-casting workflow for extraction of occupant perspective dynamic views from video footage captured at the window aperture. A physical test room with a window was modeled in three-dimensional axes, and the occupant's field of view (FOV) represented using a virtual camera. A plane and sphere were modeled into the three-dimensional environment to represent outdoor views captured at the window aperture using a conventional planar video and 360° spherical video. Rays were cast from the occupant's viewpoint through the FOV and the window aperture to intersect the plane or sphere representing the outdoor scene. Pixels at the intersection points were extracted from the visible part of the view and mapped onto the occupant's FOV to generate perspective views. The workflow was validated by comparing actual perspective views recorded at different observation points in the physical test room against views generated using the workflow. This approach facilitated the concurrent modeling and evaluation of both window view access and content. The workflow can be used to optimize window and indoor space configurations to enhance view access and also support evaluation of quality view credit requirements in building rating systems.
Subjects
Dynamic window views
Occupant perspective views
Ray-casting
View access
View content
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Type
journal article