TracePro streamlines the prototype-to-manufacturing process for optical and illumination systems using 2D symmetric and 3D non-symmetric optimization. Different from traditional optimizers, TracePro's Optimization Utilities offer easy-to-use and unique capabilities to interactively monitor and control the process every step of the way. TracePro Optimization Utilities are non-sequential optimization modules that use dynamic data exchange (DDE) and the Scheme programming language to transfer information back and forth between the utilities and TracePro. The utilities consist of several components to step you through the design process.
TIR LED system as modeled in TracePro using the 2D interactive optimizer
First, you can use the sketch utility to digitize an idea using line, spline, or conic segments to create an initial design. Then, establish a merit function using five different operand types, flux, CIE (x,y), CIE (u,v), irradiance profile, and candela profile. Each operand can be used in combination with any other operand. The merit function uses weights to balance the multiple operands based on the desired targets. You can also employ TracePro's powerful Scheme language to control interaction with the created geometry, modify optical properties for each surface and solid object, and control positioning of solid objects. The object function allows you to move objects and modify control points and segments into place using the drag-and-drop interface. Each variable can be visually checked before, during, and after optimization. Lastly, the entire design can be verified and improved using an interactive raytracer. Validating the final design iteration ensures the product's performance requirements can be met quickly and efficiently.
2D/3D Optimization
TracePro's 2D and 3D optimizers use the Downhill Simplex, also known as Nelder-Mead, method for optimization. The Downhill Simplex method is a local optimizer that converges to the local minimum solution closest to the starting point. During an optimization, you have complete control of the process and can monitor the interim solutions. You can stop the optimizer and change the initial starting parameters, then re-start the optimization. This allows you to control the process and test for better solutions in less time. TracePro 2D and 3D Optimizers can be used for a variety of applications, including: