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Writer's pictureVIVERSE Team

Overcome Challenges of Real-time Rendering in 3D with Polygon Streaming

Updated: Apr 30

A real-time rendered 3D gaming environment of a medieval gothic cathedral

What is Real-time Rendering in 3D?

Real-time 3D rendering is widely acclaimed across industries like video games, virtual reality, and simulations for its ability to provide fast, high-fidelity graphics crucial for immersive user experiences.


Real-time 3D rendering is measured in FPS (frames per second), indicating the number of images rendered per second. The fps range for real-time rendering typically extends from 24 to 60 fps, with the actual frame rate dependent on the specific hardware and software setup utilized. This technology has advanced significantly due to improvements in GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) capabilities. Unlike traditional offline rendering methods relying on CPU (Central Processing Unit) farms, real-time rendering enables immediate and swift interaction with the evolving render.


A real-time rendered 3D gaming environment of an Egyptian garden


What are the challenges of 3D visualization and real-time rendering in 3D?

1. Inadequate Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Performance

Certain 3D visualization solutions, which distribute spatial content via the cloud, require expensive cloud-GPU/Edge infrastructure to manage the hardware-intensive rendering components of 3D content and transmit them to users' terminal devices. Furthermore, some modern hardware with limited processing capabilities may not have the ability to render high-fidelity models directly on the device.

 

2. Latency and Bandwidth Constraints

In scenarios where a device can handle rendering high-fidelity models, streaming content not locally stored may require the full download of content without occlusion culling and auto-LOD (level of detail) to visualize the scene. Consequently, limitations in Internet bandwidth would significantly affect the delivery of such content. Slow connections or content featuring large intricate models in this context may result in prolonged load times.

 

3. Data Loss during Compression

To alleviate strain on GPU and internet bandwidth, 3D model compression has emerged, aiming to maintain acceptable visual quality. However, many compression techniques introduce distortion, diminishing high-fidelity model details. Some methods selectively remove certain details, such as 3D mesh information, resulting in simpler models suitable for content purposes. Nonetheless, this selective compression often leads to lower-quality models, unsuitable for industries requiring high fidelity in visualizations. Therefore, careful selection of compression methods is essential to avoid unacceptable loss in visual quality.

 


How does 3D streaming technology overcome the challenges in real-time 3D rendering?

The emergence of 3D compressor distortion presents a novel approach to visualizing 3D models and environments: 3D streaming. Similar to music or video streaming platforms like Spotify or YouTube, 3D streaming technologies utilize cloud-based computing resources to manage the computational demands necessary for real-time rendering and streaming of 3D content. This scalability ensures consistent performance, regardless of the application's complexity or the number of concurrent users, taking into account that differences in processing power and network speeds can affect the device's ability to visualize content. For example, Pixel Streaming compresses 3D data and converts it into 2D video content, which is then projected onto terminal devices, effectively streaming 3D content as pixels (2D video) instead of polygons (3D models).

 

In contrast, Polygon Streaming dissects the intricacies of 3D models and environments, streaming only the visible, necessary components from the user's perspective. The adaptive mechanism of Polygon Streaming addresses current 3D visualization challenges, unlocking the potential for spatial content to be seamlessly streamed from the cloud and shared in high fidelity across any device, all at a more cost-effective rate. Furthermore, as a cross-platform technology, it empowers creators to utilize one streaming model across content on different gaming engines such as Unreal, Unity, and WebXR. Its primary objective is to achieve lifelike visuals in real-time.


Here’s a demo of an engine with over 10M polygons rendered in real-time via Polygon Streaming on the browser:



How does Polygon Streaming technology enhance immersive, detail-oriented 3D visualization?

A 3D model comprises multiple 2D shapes, commonly known as polygons or polys, that shape its complexity. Higher polygon counts contribute to more elaborate models, while low-poly models offer simplified representations. Nevertheless, complex models require additional processing time, longer download periods, and increased storage capacity to ensure high-fidelity quality and intricate details. Imagine being in an industrial design meeting, where you zoom in to closely examine the intricate details of metal components. Insufficient polygons may result in a lack of striking details, impacting the viewing experience.


Before and after applying Polygon Streaming to an engine, enabling high-poly 3D model streaming in real time

Polygon Streaming utilizes automatic mesh compression and adaptive LOD (level of detail) generation to maintain the intricate details of 3D models, facilitating the streaming of model components based on hardware capabilities while preserving quality. By storing intensive assets in the cloud, it reduces the size of final 3D content and optimizes loading times on terminal devices, enabling users to seamlessly visualize highly detailed 3D content as they interact with models or explore immersive environments.

 

Furthermore, Polygon Streaming aims to provide a comprehensive toolkit to enterprises, creators, and designers, empowering them to craft immersive, high-quality 3D content compatible with leading game engines. This ensures cross-platform accessibility. The goal of Polygon Streaming is to establish itself as a fundamental technology within the industry's visualization standards, attracting users from the rapidly expanding sector and encouraging them to embrace Polygon Streaming technology as a central solution for their 3D content creation. Ultimately, this facilitates the efficient and intelligent delivery of intricately detailed 3D experiences.

 


Communicate visual ideas with Polygon Streaming

Step into the next-level 3D spaces of VIVERSE, powered by advanced Polygon Streaming technology. Explore these intricately detailed 3D environments and exhibits, each comprising millions of polygons, fine-tuned with automatic mesh compression and adaptive LOD generation.

Immerse yourself in the dynamic presentation of 3D objects, experiencing unrivaled 3D visualization like never before.


Enter Timeless Gallery, comprising 3.6 million polygons.

high fidelity ancient vases and antiques on display in an 3D art gallery environment

Enter Inspiration Hall, comprising 1.2 million polygons.

portraits and artworks displayed in a two-story 3D virtual art museum environment


For businesses and creators seeking to boost their workflows with the cutting-edge Polygon Streaming technology, VIVERSE provides a customizable licensing model. Feel free to contact us for more information.

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