FAQ

Functionalities

What is the difference between VELUX Daylight Visualizer modeller and other well known modelling applications?

VELUX Daylight Visualizer's modeller is a rapid and simple way to create accurate models for lighting simulation, although it may be less flexible in terms of the shapes it can create.

Do I have to be an expert in the field of computer simulation to use VELUX Daylight Visualizer?

No, the ease of use and intuitive workflow of the application make it accessible to anyone sharing an interest in daylight.

When drawing the floor plan, is it possible to define diagonal or round shapes?

No, it is only possible to create orthogonal shapes. More complex shapes and models can be imported using the 3D importer feature.

What does a red camera/window icon mean?

A red icon indicates the object placement is invalid (ie. when a camera is located outside the floor area it is red).

Can I use other surface textures (ie. bathroom tiles on the wall)?

Surface textures can be applied to the floor only. By choosing “User defined” you have the possibility to choose any jpeg image and use it as floor texture.

Is it possible to perform an undo function?

No, there is no undo function.

Can other furniture models be added or imported?

Specific furniture models can be used in imported models. It is not possible for users to import new furniture models in the Daylight Visualizer modeller.

Is it possible to import models from other CAD applications?

Yes, it is now possible to import 3D models in .OBJ format and .SKP (Google Sketchup). An option to import models in .DWG format will soon be made available.

Is it possible to get an overview of the project properties (floor area, glazing area, surface properties etc.)?

An overview of the project properties is available under the "File" menu. It is possible to save or print the project properties. Please note that the project properties are only available for projects made with the Daylight Visualizer modeller.

How do I perform average daylight factor values in the output viewer?

Average daylight factor values can be performed in the output viewer once the image has finished rendering. It is done by clicking with the left mouse button on the image to define a zone in the model.

Technicalities

What are the minimum system requirements for VELUX Daylight Visualizer?

Microsoft Windows XP and VISTA

256 MB RAM or more

50 MB available harddrive space

Intel Pentium 4, AMD* (older models not supported)

1024x768 minimum screen resolution

Can I install VELUX Daylight Visualizer on a computer using operating systems other than Microsoft Windows XP or VISTA?

No, the current version of VELUX Daylight Visualizer is only available for those 2 operating systems.

Is VELUX Daylight Visualizer available in other languages than English?

Yes, VELUX Daylight Visualizer is available in 5 languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish)

How to model window glass in imported models?

The window glass in imported models should be made of a one layer polygon only since the visible transmittance properties of the pane is assigned to the polygon itself.

For which target group is the VELUX Daylight Visualizer intended?

The VELUX Daylight Visualizer is intended for professionals and students in the field of architecture, engineering and education.

How much time does it take to render an image or an animation?

The time to render an image or an animation varies depending on the size of the image resolution, the quality setting and the number of frames to render for the animation (seconds x no. of frames per second). The time to render a single image can be as low as 15 seconds on a medium range computer.

What are the required characteristics for imported 3D models?

• Model should only be made of polygons (no nurbs object...).
• It is recommended to triangulate the polygons before importing the model.
• Polygons have to be modelled and connected together properly in order to limit light leaks.
• Each polygon needs to be assigned the correct corresponding material/surface (i.e. wall, floor, ceiling...).

• Each individual material has to be differentiated with recognisable names.

• Daylight can only be transmitted in the model through window glass. A simple hole with no glass material will produce wrong results. To represent a simple hole with no glass use the window glass material with 100% transmittance and refraction index of 1.0.