Progressive Network Streaming and Client-side Rendering of 3D Graphical Content

Client-side rendering of 3D graphical content that is hosted on a remote content server can incur long start-up delays, because the content first needs to be downloaded before it can be rendered locally. UHasselt has therefore developed a progressive network streaming framework for 3D content that lets client devices gradually render a more complete version of the 3D scene while it is being downloaded, similar to how video streaming works on popular platforms like YouTube and Netflix. The framework can be used directly in Web browsers or integrated into 3D engines like Unity.

Key Features and Advantages

Faster start-up for remote 3D content: Users can begin viewing parts of the content while it is still downloading.
"YouTube for 3D": Instant access to 3D experiences with a single click.
glTF 2.0 compliance: glTF 2.0 is a standardized, extensible, royalty-free format for 3D graphics, widely supported in industry and recently adopted as a metaverse standard for 3D assets.
Web standards compliance: Uses HTTP for smooth integration with Internet infrastructure like firewalls and CDNs.
Server-side scalability: Content is hosted on a standard HTTP server, with streaming and rendering handled on the client side for optimal scalability.

MAX R Progressive Streaming Implementation

POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS

Our framework for the progressive streaming of 3D graphical content is suited to be used in heterogeneous applications:

Gaming and 3D virtual worlds (including the metaverse): users don’t have to wait for their game or virtual world to download to their client device.
Remote location scouting using interactive 3D graphics: use your Web browser to experience 3D representations of real-world sites like cultural landmarks, historical buildings, and so on.
E-commerce websites with interactive 3D product visualisations: use your Web browser to experience 3D graphical representations of commercial products.

COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES

We welcome strategic partnerships to introduce this technology into the industry. Our research lab offers opportunities for collaboration through consultancy, research projects, and licensing agreements.

Strategic Partners

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under grant agreement 101070072, MAX-R (Mixed Augmented and eXtended Reality media pipeline).