Khronos launches integration of 3D Gaussian splats into the glTF file format
Khronos recognizes the potential of 3D Gaussian splatting and wants to include the display process in the 3D file format "glTF".
A Gaussian Splat from Niantic's "Scaniverse".
(Image: Niantic Spatial)
The Khronos working group for 3D formats is currently developing two extensions for the glTF file format with the aim of standardizing 3D Gaussian splats.
The first extension defines how such splats are stored in glTF: as points with properties such as position, orientation, size, transparency, and information for realistic lighting calculations. The second extension ensures efficient saving and streaming of the splats using the SPZ format. The open-source file format for 3D Gaussian splats developed by Niantic Spatial compresses the 3D graphics by up to 90 percent compared to the standard PLY format. The visual quality remains largely unaffected.
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For the integration, Khronos is cooperating with the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), Niantic Spatial, Bentley, and Esri, among others. The aim of the initiative is a standardized framework for the coding and distribution of 3D Gaussian splats that enables broad support and easy implementation on different platforms and in different applications, writes Khronos. The consortium emphasizes that the extensions pave the way for long-term support of 3D Gaussian splatting in glTF and leave enough room to add more complex features as the technology evolves.
3D Gaussian Splatting becomes part of “JPEG for 3D”
3D Gaussian splatting is a method of storing and rendering physical environments and objects that often offers more detail and realism than traditional polygon models while being fast enough for real-time rendering. Possible applications range from game assets to film productions and immersive VR applications. Thanks to optimizations, complex splats can now also be rendered in appealing quality on devices such as Meta Quest 3.
The integration of 3D Gaussian splats into the glTF file format is the first attempt by Khronos to standardize the rendering process. The glTF file format itself has existed since 2015 and was developed by Khronos as an open standard. As the “JPEG for 3D”, it is used for the efficient storage and distribution of three-dimensional models, scenes, and animations.
(tobe)
