Introduction
This blog post explores coated glass visualization, specifically highlighting the advanced features of Ocean™ – Eclat Digital’s ray tracing software.
Ocean™’s features are designed to ensure high precision in simulations by considering essential elements such as glass volumetric and surface properties, angular optical data, and polarization. This engineering-driven approach assures accurate prediction of the appearance of coated glass components.
This article details the technical aspects of Ocean™, such as its spectral versatility, adaptive scenario simulations and nuanced handling of polarisation characteristics, to highlight its role as an accurate solution for coated glass simulations.
Key Inputs for realism: 3D models and optical data in coated glass visualization:
In order to achieve realistic coated glass visualization, two fundamental inputs play a pivotal role in the simulation process:
3D Model as Geometrical Support:
The first key input is a 3D model that serves as the geometrical foundation for assessing the appearance of materials. In the following case, our focus is on a glazed building, providing the necessary structure to evaluate how coated glass interacts with its surroundings.
Coated Glass Optical Data:
The second crucial input involves optical data specific to the coated glass. This data encompasses angular and polarized transmittance and reflectance measurements. Notably, these measurements are required for both the bare (naked) glass and the same glass after being coated. Extracting volumetric properties, such as refractive indices, from these measurements is essential for accurately incorporating the optical behavior of the materials.
Ocean™ simulations rely on two main inputs: 3D models and optical data. The geometric information from the 3D model and the optical characteristics derived from measurements are combined and integrated into the software, enabling precise and practical coated glass visualization.
We will discover how these inputs affect the outcome of the visualisations and contribute to Ocean™’s accuracy in predicting the appearance of coated glass, as we explore the technicalities of the simulation process.
Ensuring precision in glass simulation: the crucial role of accurate measurements
The success of coated glass visualization depends on accurate measurements. The level of predictiveness in the calculated images is directly tied to the precision of data, especially in terms of angular and polarized transmittance and reflectance. Figure 1 clearly illustrates this correlation.
The top section shows simulations of four coated glass variations, each with a different, yet accurately predicted appearance based on meticulously measured optical data.
The bottom section provides a compelling real-world comparison, showcasing the same physically coated glass specimens on a glass structure. This visual alignment underscores the synergy between precise measurements and the predictive power of calculated images generated by Ocean™, a crucial aspect we’ll further explore.
Figure 1 : Simulation (top) and photography (bottom) comparison of four coated glass. The simulations followed the process described above
Exploring Ocean™ Outputs: Coated Glass on Building Facades
The Angular Characteristics of Coated Glass
Expanding on the previous section, this part presents common results produced by Ocean™. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the appearance of coated glass on a building’s facade.
To achieve this, our chosen 3D support is a fully glazed building, providing a realistic context for evaluating the visual impact of coated glass. The coated glass selected for this demonstration is a real reference from a renowned worldwide glass manufacturer. Importantly, the optical measurements of this glass encompass angular features, capturing the nuanced interactions of light with the material. The next section will explore the polarization features, adding another layer of detail to the comprehensive analysis of coated glass appearances on building facades.
As a starting point, Figure 2 presents the visualization of an uncoated clear glass on the selected fully glazed building. Adding complexity, Figure 3 showcases the same clear glass, now coated, without accounting for the angular features of the coating. Interestingly, at this stage, no color deviation is observed at grazing angles.
Figure 2 : Uncoated clear glass
Figure 3 : Coated clear glass – Angular optical properties excluded.
Taking the analysis further, Figure 4 introduces the coated clear glass, this time considering its angular features. This visualization reveals distinct color deviations at grazing angles, from blue/green to pink, providing a nuanced understanding of how the coating influences the appearance on the building facade.
Figure 4: Comparison of Coated clear glass – Angular optical properties excluded and Clear coated glass – Angular optical properties included.
Applying the spectral features of Ocean™ adds an extra layer of realism to the simulations and demonstrates the impact of various light conditions on the coating appearance. Figures 5 illustrate how the coating’s visual characteristics are modified when simulating sunny and cloudy conditions, respectively.
Ocean™’s spectral versatility enables a broad exploration of the appearance of coated glass under different lighting scenarios, demonstrating the adaptability and precision of Ocean™ in visualizing real-world conditions.
Figure 5: Comparison of Coated clear glass – Angular optical properties included with cloudy and sunny sky.
The Polarized Characteristics of Coated Glass
Moving on to the polarized features of coated glass, we will now explore how polarization can affect light reflection and perceived colorimetry. Ocean™ incorporates polarized features to simulate their impact on the final appearance of coated glass.
Consider this case study: looking at a building facade through polarized sunglasses. Figure 6 provides a visual comparison, offering two scenes rendered with distinct optics. On the left, a scene is portrayed with non-polarized optics, while the right side showcases the effects of general polarization. By moving the mouse over the image, you can easily transition between the two perspectives. On the right curved glass section, you’ll observe significant impacts on both colorimetry and lightness. This case study is a valuable exploration of how polarized features, simulated within Ocean™, contribute to the nuanced appearance of coated glass under polarized conditions.
Figure 6: : Unpolarized vs Polarized simulations. Colorimetry deviations can be easily detected.
Conclusion: Coated Glass Realism with Ocean™
In conclusion, our exploration of coated glass visualization using Ocean™ demonstrates the software’s ability to provide unmatched realism in architectural simulations. Ocean™ is a powerful tool for accurately predicting the appearance of coated glass on building facades by carefully considering both angular and polarized features.
We have seen the transformative impact of Ocean™, from examining uncoated clear glass to simulating coated glass under different lighting conditions. Its spectral versatility allows the software to adapt to various scenarios, providing a comprehensive understanding of how coatings affect colorimetry and lightness.
Our investigation into polarized features revealed that they have a significant impact on the perceived characteristics of coated glass. This effect is particularly noticeable when viewed through polarized sunglasses. Figure 5 demonstrates the software’s ability to simulate these effects, providing architects and designers with valuable insights for real-world applications.
Ocean™ is a pioneering solution that generates visually stunning simulations and bridges the gap between virtual predictions and actual outcomes. It paves the way for a future where precision, realism, and adaptability converge, offering new dimensions for creative exploration.
All the simulations displayed in this article were generated with Ocean™.
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