ANSYS Speos Optical Simulation Software

Overview

ANSYS Speos is a physics-based optical simulation software platform engineered for high-fidelity modeling of light propagation, human visual perception, and photometric performance within complex 3D CAD environments. Built on rigorous ray-tracing and Monte Carlo photon transport algorithms, Speos enables predictive simulation of optical systems—including illumination, imaging, sensing, and display technologies—by integrating real-world material properties, spectral data, and validated human vision models (e.g., CIE 1931/1964 color matching functions, photopic/scotopic luminosity curves, and contrast sensitivity functions). Unlike generic rendering tools, Speos computes absolute photometric quantities—luminance (cd/m²), illuminance (lux), luminous intensity (cd), and glare metrics (UGR, DGI)—with traceable metrological foundations aligned with international standards. It is deployed across R&D and validation workflows in regulated industries where optical safety, regulatory compliance, and human-centric design are mandatory—not optional.

Key Features

• Native bi-directional CAD integration with CATIA, NX, Creo, SolidWorks, and JT formats—enabling direct geometry import without loss of topology or assembly hierarchy
• Comprehensive material library including BSDF/BTDF measurements (measured or modeled), wavelength-dependent optical coatings, and micro-structured surfaces (e.g., diffusers, TIR lenses, holographic elements)
• Human vision modeling compliant with ISO/CIE physiological standards: foveal/peripheral acuity, chromatic adaptation, veiling glare, disability glare, and mesopic vision transitions
• Automated regulatory reporting for automotive lighting (SAE J1757-1, ECE R149), aviation interior lighting (FAA AC 25.775, EASA CS-25), and display readability (ISO 15008, ISO 20880)
• Multi-spectral simulation engine supporting visible, NIR, and SWIR bands (380–2500 nm) with configurable sensor spectral response (e.g., silicon, InGaAs, human eye)
• Parametric optimization and DOE-driven design exploration via embedded ANSYS optiSLang coupling for automated tolerance analysis and robustness assessment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

Speos operates exclusively on native 3D CAD assemblies and supports geometry from all major MCAD platforms without tessellation artifacts. It accepts measured BRDF/BTDF data (ASCII, XML, or .gls format), spectral power distributions (SPDs), and calibrated camera/LiDAR sensor models. The software adheres to GLP/GMP-aligned audit trail requirements through integrated project versioning, metadata logging, and user-action traceability. All photometric and colorimetric calculations comply with CIE S 014-2/E:2020, ISO/CIE 11664 series (colorimetry), and ASTM E308-22 (computing tristimulus values). For regulated applications—including HUD certification, cockpit lighting validation, and medical display verification—Speos output reports support 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature readiness when deployed with ANSYS Enterprise Licensing and identity management integrations.

Software & Data Management

Speos is delivered as a standalone application with optional integration into the ANSYS Workbench environment. It features a scriptable Python API (Speos Python SDK) for automation of repetitive tasks, batch analysis, and custom metric development. All simulation results—including radiance maps, point spread functions (PSF), MTF curves, and observer-based visibility scores—are exportable in HDF5, CSV, and industry-standard image formats (EXR, TIFF, PNG) with embedded metadata. Project data is managed via hierarchical folder structures with revision-controlled checkpoints; simulation history is preserved with full parameter provenance, enabling reproducible audits per ISO/IEC 17025 and internal QA protocols. Cloud-enabled job distribution and HPC scalability are supported via ANSYS Cloud and PBS/Torque schedulers.

Applications

• Automotive lighting system design: Near-field photometry, beam pattern optimization, glare analysis per ECE R149, and adaptive driving beam (ADB) validation
• Holographic and combiner-based HUD evaluation: Virtual image quality, ghosting analysis, eyebox uniformity, and sunlight load simulation under dynamic sky conditions
• In-cabin human factors assessment: Display legibility under ambient glare, switch backlighting uniformity, and occupant-specific visual task modeling
• LiDAR optical path analysis: Transmitter beam shaping, receiver étendue matching, stray light rejection, and environmental interference (fog, rain, snow) simulation
• Aerospace interior lighting: FAA-compliant emergency lighting path marking, cabin ambient uniformity, and crew workstation visual task support per AC 25.775
• Medical device display validation: Contrast ratio verification under clinical lighting, color fidelity per DICOM GSDF, and readability under low-acuity conditions

FAQ

Does Speos require a dedicated GPU or specific hardware configuration?
Speos leverages CPU-based ray tracing for deterministic accuracy; GPU acceleration is optional and used only for interactive preview rendering—not final photometric computation. Minimum recommended configuration: 32 GB RAM, 8-core x64 processor, and certified OpenGL 4.5+ workstation GPU (NVIDIA Quadro/RTX A-series or AMD Radeon Pro).

Can Speos simulate polarization effects and birefringence?
Yes—Speos includes full Stokes vector ray tracing and supports polarization-sensitive materials (e.g., liquid crystal layers, wire-grid polarizers, retarders) with Jones matrix formalism and depolarization modeling.

Is Speos qualified for use in ISO 26262 or DO-178C safety-critical development?
While Speos itself is not a certified tool per ISO 26262-6 or DO-178C, its outputs are widely accepted as verification evidence in ASIL-B/D and DAL A–C projects when used within documented V&V processes, including uncertainty quantification and traceable calibration against physical measurements.