Top 10 New Features

Version 2.0 represents a dramatic leap in functionality for Photopia. The new version has been redesigned from the ground up to incorporate a new CAD system, new Parametric Optical Design Tools, and refined output. Best of all, the calculation engine is faster than ever - 150 times faster or more. Here are the Top 10 New Features:

1. Parametric Optical Design Tools :: (more info) new optical design tools that allow for the creation of 2D profiles, full 3D circular parts, 3D symmetric extruded parts, and 3D asymmetric extruded parts. The tools can produce complete reflector curves based on input data that describes key features of the reflector, plus a list of aiming parameters for each zone of the distribution. Reflector design iterations based on new aiming schemes can be created interactively as parameters are changed. These revolutionary tools account for the effects of extended light sources and non-specular materials.   The result - optical designs can be completed in minutes instead of days.

2. Internal CAD System :: a new, internal CAD system allows for both the creation of new parts and for the manipulation of any component of the optical model. Users will be able to produce basic models directly within Photopia. Companies with only 2D CAD systems can import their profiles into Photopia and turn them into 3D models. The CAD system is controlled via the menu, toolbars, and a command line that uses a similar command set and nesting featues to that found in AutoCAD™.

3. Speed, speed, speed :: (more info) the raytrace engine now works much more efficiently with large numbers of surfaces. The result - complex models can see speed improvements of 150 times or more. Example: A model containing 100,000 surface elements can now be analyzed with 500,000 rays in just a few minutes. Check out speed comparison charts.

4. Import STL files :: this new feature simplifies compatibility with even more CAD packages. Almost all CAD packages produce STL (stereo lithography) files, including: Pro/Engineer™, Solid Edge™, SolidWorks™, and SDRC™. This feature removes the need to translate IGES files via third party programs.

5. Unlimited number of surfaces :: With STL files of arbitrary smoothness and fast calculations, the types of optics that Photopia can handle is now expanded to almost any system imaginable - even complex curved lenses and reflectors.

6. EULUMDAT photometric files :: In addition to the other formats already supported, Photopia now creates one of the most commonly used formats in Europe.

7. Illuminance planes :: ability to display and manipulate illuminance planes in the CAD view makes them simple to use. Additionally, illuminace planes can now accumulate light inside a luminaire. This new approach allows Photopia to model the effects of luminaires within an arbirtrary shaped room including non-diffuse materials assigned to room surfaces, something radiosity-based rendering programs cannot match. The illuminance planes also now support Target Efficiency.

8. Multiple lamp types :: Photopia now accepts multiple lamp types per design.

9. International plot styles :: new polar plots include options for full plane plots and primary planes only.

10. Lumen Summary statistics :: in addition to the number of lumens absorbed on each layer and material, Photopia will now report the number of lumens incident upon the layers and materials. This allows the number of lumens incident onto a clear bulb to be tracked, for example.