Optimizing Thin Geometries

For over 16 years, Simplygon has been a leader in automating 3D content optimization for video game production. Through this experience, we have learned that some assets require unique approaches for optimal results.

One such challenge is optimizing 'thin geometry,' such as wire fences. Traditional triangle reduction methods can struggle with these assets, often leading to oversimplification and a loss of detail and realism. To address this, Simplygon offers a dedicated solution: the Billboard Cloud: Outer Shell.

The processors create an impostor using a set of billboards. Simplygon's algorithm analyzes the original model to determine the optimal placement and orientation of these billboards. Material properties can be efficiently transferred using material baking, and you have full control over the density and complexity of the billboards. This allows you to fine-tune the quality of the created impostor. You can also specify the resolution of baked billboard textures and select which material channels to bake.

Billboard clouds are versatile, ideal for optimizing both thin assets and vegetation. The key difference lies in their focus: 'Outer Shell' mode preserves the surface of the asset, while 'Vegetation' mode emphasizes volume and depth.

Additional Simplygon features that complement Billboard Clouds:

• Compute Casters: Combine billboard clouds with compute casters to create efficient proxies for assets with complex shaders.
• Hybrid LOD Chain: Create a hybrid Level of Detail (LOD) chain where the initial LOD levels are optimized with the triangle reducer while the final LOD level is created using a billboard cloud.

We are continually improving our algorithms in collaboration with developers worldwide to meet the technical demands of increasingly higher graphical quality. If you are interested in evaluating how to optimize thin geometries in your game contact us for an evaluation.