RWTH Aachen University

In the iCare Laboratory, research is conducted on interactions under specific environmental conditions, such as temperature, wind, sound, light, and projection.

Some examples of research areas include:

• The influence of different color temperatures, sound levels, and virtual backgrounds (such as a park-like atmosphere) on our perception of temperature;
• The effect of lighting settings (color temperature and brightness) on human performance;
• Exploring video communication with Augmented Reality elements and how this interaction affects the perception of indoor climate conditions;
• Testing and evaluating new control concepts for building automation and interface design, with special attention to local and personalized conditioning.

In the laboratory, questions about performance and energy efficiency in relation to human well-being are examined in a balanced and uniform manner.

The surface temperature control has a range of 10-50°C. The air conditioning system has humidity control in the range of 20 to 90% relative humidity. To protect the projection system from these conditions, as well as to counteract the influence of heat emission on measurements in the space, Pro Systems has supplied special projector climate enclosures. This customization includes internal air conditioning with exhaust to the outside of the laboratory.

The entire system is supplied with a non-linear content playout system (media server).