LightTools version 5.4 is currently being shipped. If you have not received your update already, it should arrive soon. Major enhancements in LightTools 5.4 include:

• New User-defined 3D Textures, which allow users to model texture shapes from any native or imported geometries. This feature is particularly useful to engineers designing back light displays and light guides, but can also be useful in modeling lens arrays, retro-reflectors, MEMs arrays, and other applications. Memory usage is minimized so patterns with millions of textures can be ray traced efficiently.

• Optimization includes new built-in simulation based merit functions for controlling focus or collimation. These new merit functions make it much easier to optimize illumination designs for which the goal is to maximize illumination at a given position, or maximize intensity in a given direction.

• LightTools 5.4 includes a Beta release of two new Data Exchange Modules, CATIA V5 Read and CATIA V5 Write. These new modules allow users to import and export CATIA V5 parts.

• LightTools 5.4 supports the expanded use of up to 4 Gbytes of RAM when running under Windows XP 64 (formerly limited to 2 Gbytes). The availability of this additional RAM on 64-bit PCs can greatly increase the efficiency of LightTools by decreasing the use of virtual memory when working with large models, or running simulations with a large number of rays.

A recording of a Webinar presenting an overview of LightTools version 5.4 is available for viewing on ORA's Customer Service Web site (www.oraservice.com) under LightTools Support > Webinar Recordings. Sample files presented in the Webinar are also available for download.

For more information, please refer to the LightTools 5.4 Release Notes, also available for download at ORA's Customer Service Web site.

Limited space is still available for the following LightTools training courses scheduled for February 26–March 2, 2007, at ORA Pasadena:

Introduction to Illumination Design using LightTools: February 26–28, 2007

Advanced Topics in LightTools: Optimization, COM/API, and Photorealistic Rendering: March 1-2, 2007

For more information, or to register for these courses, click here.

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