Ray Tracing - Lighting Problems

[Lewis.Young]

I've come across few things with the ray tracing feature in inventor that don't seem to be working properly.

First of all, i've selected my lighting (2 lights) and have them positioned how i want them, with one of them casting a shadow behind the object. However, when i enable ray tracing and have it on "High", the shadow thats supposed to be cast behind it hardly shows. 

As well as that, the shadows inside of the object are very dark, even though i've turned off ambient shadows!

I'm starting to believe that when i enable ray tracing it's changing the settings or something, which is proving to be very frustrating for me!

If anyone can offer some insight into this, it would be greatly appreciated 🙂

[blair · Accepted solution]

I've attached a PDF that will help some. Understanding lighting, is a trial and error unless you've done photography with set lighting, back and fill lighting.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! What release of Inventor are you using? The lighting styles in Inventor 2016 or earlier can lead to noticeable difference between shaded mode and realistic mode (ray tracing). In theory, the image-based lighting in 2017 should help remove the difference. If you can provide an example, it will be easier to tell where the problem is.

Many thanks!