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AccuRender Non-photometric Raytracer
AccuRender 3 introduced photometric rendering. Photometric render mode works well for architectural scenes. It captures subtle differences in light and can render realistic scenes over a broad range of lighting conditions. Interior and exterior architectural scenes work well in this mode since there tends to be a broad range of lighting effects in an image. With photometric rendering lights are specified and calculated using real-world units such as watts, and exposure adjustment after the image is created is possible. Photometric raytracing is also required for radiosity calculation.
Non-Photometric Render Mode
Non-photometric raytracing mode tends to work well for studio light scenes like product shots, automobiles, booth structures, and other freestanding objects. These scenes normally have a smaller range of lighting affects and unrealistic lighting effects are often desired to accentuate parts of the objects. This rendering method also may work best when rendering a simple scene that does not need to look realistic.
In non-photometric mode, light values are specified and calculated using arbitrary numbers rather than real-world methods, and exposure adjustment after creating the image is not available. Some AccuRender dialog boxes will look different in this mode. This mainly affects lighting values.
Setting the Render Mode
By default, AccuRender renders in photometric mode.
To switch AccuRender into non-photometric mode:
Open and close the AccuRender control panel to make sure AccuRender is loaded.
At the AutoCAD Command prompt, type (ar3_method 2).
The render mode setting is saved with the drawing. Other drawings and new drawings will render in the photometric mode.
To switch AccuRender back to the photometric mode, type:
Open and close the AccuRender control panel to make sure AccuRender is loaded.
At the AutoCAD Command prompt, type (ar3_method 0).
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