Light simulation: Realistic analysis of optical systems and special lighting situations
Lighting simulation has proven to be an essential tool in the world of design and engineering. With the ability to precisely analyze and visualize complex lighting effects, lighting simulation enables users to make informed decisions about the design and functionality of lighting concepts.
Why use light simulation to analyze optical systems?
The analysis of lighting conditions using light simulation is of great importance in the design and evaluation of components and entire structures. It not only provides detailed insights into light distribution, but also enables optical design and functionality to be quickly modified and optimized. This saves time and costs compared to conventional methods and promotes innovation and design quality.
Accuracy of the simulation
The simulation enables a realistic representation of the structures to be examined. It is possible to examine other frequency ranges of light, not just the visible range of humans.
Increased efficiency and cost savings
The simulation allows different scenarios to be tested without having to make any physical changes. This saves time and resources that would otherwise be needed to build prototypes and carry out physical tests. Evaluation in physically inaccessible locations is possible.
Optimization of the design
Lighting simulation enables the optimization of lighting solutions to improve visual appearance, energy efficiency and comfort. Various objectives, e.g. homogeneous lighting or a higher-quality visual appearance, can be pursued by adjusting various parameters.
Visualization and presentation
It provides a visually appealing and realistic representation of lighting effects, which is particularly useful for presenting design concepts to customers or stakeholders.
Supporting sustainability
By optimizing lighting, energy consumption can be reduced, contributing to the sustainability and cost efficiency of products.
Promoting safety
In areas ranging from working environments to machinery safety specifications, visual displays and cues can contribute to significant safety.
From Virtual Simulation to Production-Ready Implementation —
Everything from a Single Source.
Your Light Simulation Project at ITB
As experts in light simulation, we offer comprehensive services for the development and optimization of light guides and optical systems.
Our competence and experience enable us to create light guide designs that account for both photometric and manufacturing-related factors, precisely tailored to the specific requirements of each project.
We rely on precise simulations and state-of-the-art software solutions to ensure the best possible lighting performance — from the initial concept through to production-ready design.
Light simulation – The areas of application
Illuminated Controls and Displays
Switches, buttons, and knobs in household and industrial applications use targeted illumination to improve usability. This encompasses household appliances, machine control panels, and vehicles. Illuminated membrane keypads and displays also benefit from simulation-based development to ensure uniform and clearly perceptible illumination.
Optimized Light Integration in Household Appliances
Modern household appliances benefit from simulation-based lighting optimization — whether in the form of illuminated faucets, functional lighting in heating systems or heat pumps, or lighting in robotic vacuum cleaners, conventional vacuum cleaners, and electric toothbrushes, all improved through precise light guidance.
Ambient Lighting and Status Indicators
Many products use illumination not only for functional purposes but also as a deliberate communication channel with the user. Illuminated logos that indicate operating status through color changes, or backlighting in furniture and textiles, are examples of innovative lighting applications.
Electronic Devices
From keyboards and mice to headphones and microphones – the targeted control of illumination plays a central role in the development of ergonomic and visually appealing products. Electric vehicle charging stations (wallboxes) also employ simulated lighting concepts for status indication and user guidance.
Efficient Light Management in Vending Machines and Displays
In beverage dispensers and other vending machines, light simulation can be used to improve the visibility of control panels and enable optimal user guidance. Machine displays also benefit from simulation-based development to ensure clearly legible and uniformly illuminated interfaces.
Lighting Solutions for Vehicles and Infrastructure
Bicycles, traffic pylons, and safety handrails rely on light simulation to enhance visibility and safety. Illuminated elements such as lifebuoys and handrails play a particularly critical role in traffic and emergency response infrastructure.
Our lighting simulation software
We rely on the leading software solutions Ansys Speos and LightTools for our lighting simulations. These programs are recognized as the industry standard in the field of lighting design and simulation.
We have been relying on Ansys Speos and LightTools for over a year now. This experience has already given us a deep understanding of how to use these lighting design software solutions in a very short space of time. Thanks to this expertise, we are able to deliver precise and reliable lighting design results that offer our customers decisive advantages in the design and optimization of their lighting concepts.
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More InformationFrequently asked questions about light simulation
Light simulation is a computer-aided process that is used to model the behavior of light in a virtual environment. This includes the analysis of light distribution, shadow casting and reflection, taking into account basic photometric parameters: Luminous flux, luminous intensity, illuminance and luminance.
Lighting simulation can help to visualize lighting scenarios before they are implemented. This enables design optimization, energy efficiency and compliance with lighting standards without having to create physical prototypes.
There are various software solutions for lighting simulations on the market, including popular programs such as Ansys Speos and LightTools. The choice of software depends on the specific requirements of the project.
No, light simulation is relevant for both small and large projects. For example, it can be used in the product development of components, machines and in plant engineering.
The accuracy of a light simulation depends on several factors, including the quality of the data used and the complexity of the model. This means that very accurate predictions can be made, taking into account appropriate tolerance ranges.
Yes, modern lighting simulation tools make it possible to simulate both artificial lighting and daylight effects, which is crucial for planning energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting systems.
The duration of a lighting simulation depends on the complexity of the project. Simple simulations can be calculated within a few minutes, hours or days.
Yes, light simulation can be used to analyze the performance of existing lighting systems and identify areas for potential improvement.
Start your lighting simulation today
Do you have a project that could benefit from our lighting simulation expertise? Would you like to make informed, data-driven decisions and optimize your design and lighting concepts? Don’t hesitate any longer and step into the future of lighting design today!
ITB Ingenieurgesellschaft für technische Berechnungen mbH is ready to support you on this journey. Our dedicated team of specialists uses state-of-the-art technologies to successfully implement your lighting projects.
Contact us now for a no-obligation consultation. Together we will find out how we can best master your challenges and make the most of the possibilities of lighting simulation. Take the first step towards optimization and innovation – we look forward to working with you.
Talk to our light simulation expert
Svenja Potthast, M. Eng.
Team Lead Light Simulation
- svenja.potthast@itb-fem.de
- +49 (0)231 94 53 65 - 36
- Book an appointment with our light simulation expert
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