Frequently Asked Questions

How to start with LucidShape?

 To get a first lift, you should try out our application examples in the menu application.

To get a "one click" reflector:

•  goto (Application->MF Automotive Reflectors->Automotive low beam).
•  Press the Calculate-Button.
•  Execute Simulate->Simulate By Ray Trace.

Easy, isn't it? ;)

See also Getting Started for an example.

Are there shortcuts hiding in LucidShape?

 Yes!! Here are some important keyboard shortcuts:

• Ctrl-Key + Left click on reflector -> interactive ray trace
• Ctrl-Key + Double left click on reflector -> freeze rays
• Shift-Key + Left Mouse Button + Mouse movement -> Zoom in and out geometry
• Hold both mouse keys down + mouse movement -> Pan geometry
• Ctrl-Key + Shift -> Boxed Zoom in 3D and UV-View

What are the differences between .do, .hdo, .lug and .lue files?

 There are four types of LucidShape files. All of these contain C-like shell scripting code but for different purposes and with different view types which pop up:

• .lug geometry files; a 3D view displays the geometry
• .lue experiment files; a tree view displays the structure; a 3D view displays the geometry and UV-Data views display all light distributions
• .do is a script file where you program LucidShell (like .cpp)
• .hdo is a header file to be included (like .h)