Using software interoperability to achieve a virtual design environment

G. Groot Gregory; R. John Koshel

doi:10.1117/12.625425

14 October 2005 Using software interoperability to achieve a virtual design environment

G. Groot Gregory, R. John Koshel

Proceedings Volume 5962, Optical Design and Engineering II; 59620A (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.625425
Event: Optical Systems Design 2005, 2005, Jena, Germany

Abstract

A variety of simulation tools, including optical design and analysis, have benefited by many years of evolution in software functionality and computing power, thus making the notion of virtual design environments a reality. To simulate the optical characteristics of a system, one needs to include optical performance, mechanical design and manufacturing aspects simultaneously. To date, no single software program offers a universal solution. One approach to achieve an integrated environment is to select tools that offer a high degree of interoperability. This allows the selection of the best tools for each aspect of the design working in concert to solve the problem. This paper discusses the issues of how to assemble a design environment and provides an example of a combination of tools for illumination design. We begin by offering a broad definition of interoperability from an optical analysis perspective. This definition includes aspects of file interchange formats, software communications protocols and customized applications. One example solution is proposed by combining SolidWorks¹ for computer-aided design (CAD), TracePro² for optical analysis and MATLAB³ as the mathematical engine for tolerance analysis. The resulting virtual tool will be applied to a lightpipe design task to illustrate how such a system can be used.

Citation Download Citation

G. Groot Gregory and R. John Koshel "Using software interoperability to achieve a virtual design environment", Proc. SPIE 5962, Optical Design and Engineering II, 59620A (14 October 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.625425

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