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Visteon's Virtual Optic Software Drives The Future

15 December 2000

Visteon's Virtual Optic Software Drives The Future of Exterior Automotive Lighting

    DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 15 Visteon Corporation
views exterior automotive lighting as not only stylish and practical, but as
an opportunity to save vehicle manufacturers time and money.  To accomplish
that, Visteon relies on a software package called Virtual Optic Software.
    Virtual Optic Software is an umbrella term used to describe a host of
commercial and unique proprietary Visteon applications including design
programs, virtual simulation and virtual testing programs.  Virtual Optic
Software even offers an application that is employed by Hollywood special
effects wizards.  The program, called Alias(R), is used to make photo-
realistic renderings and three-dimensional representations in place of
physical models.  In the past, vehicle lighting solutions had to be prototyped
and tested in the lab, a process that lengthens product development times.
However, with Virtual Optic Software, Visteon can shorten product development
times and bring innovative lighting applications to market faster than before.
    "Virtual Optic Software is one of our greatest tools," said Jeff Erion,
manager, Advanced Lighting for Visteon.  "It lets OEMs see a wider selection
of options and gives them the ability to visualize the future product in full
three dimensional terms."
    Additionally, using the software potentially means more effective, safer
exterior lighting systems that can be less expensive to produce.
    "The software really offers the opportunity to help reduce development
costs because major design decisions can be made in the virtual stage," Erion
added.  "This really enables the customer the freedom to choose several
options before physically tooling up the part, resulting in substantial
savings in time and money."
    One of the most versatile new technologies being styled with the aid of
Virtual Optic Software is Visteon's LED Indirect technology.  Utilizing LED
light sources, Indirect technology offers OEMs new styling possibilities along
with superior function.  Additionally, LED Indirect technology offers 70 to 80
percent less power consumption than incandescent sources, instantly
illuminates for increased driver safety and will last the life of a vehicle.