OpenUSD Unifying 3D Digital Worlds

Created

20 October 20242 November 2024

Reading time

3 min

| A Simulation News Article |

OpenUSD is the next iteration of Universal Scene Description, a technology originally designed by Pixar Animation Studios. Imagine it as a universal language that allows different digital tools and applications to communicate with each other, enabling the creation and manipulation of complex 3D scenes. Whether you’re making a movie, designing a product, or creating a virtual world, OpenUSD helps by providing a standard way to describe every element within these digital environments.

The Origins of OpenUSD

The roots of OpenUSD lie in the need for a robust and flexible system to handle the complexities of 3D animation. Pixar initiated its USD (Universal Scene Description) project internally in 2012 to manage and streamline the creation of their films, ensuring consistency and efficiency across various existing tools and stages of production. Recognising the broader potential of USD beyond animation, Pixar released it as an open-source project in 2016. This release allowed the global development community to enhance and expand its capabilities, extending its use into industries such as gaming, virtual reality, and industrial design.

In 2023, to further promote the adoption and development of USD, major tech companies including Pixar, Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, and NVIDIA came together to form the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD). This alliance aims to advance the standard and ensure it remains accessible and useful across a wide range of applications, from film production to industrial simulations.

Current Developments and Expansions

OpenUSD is gaining traction as the de facto standard for 3D content, with major companies like NVIDIA, Apple, and Autodesk integrating it into their workflows and software solutions. NVIDIA, for instance, has incorporated OpenUSD into its Omniverse platform, a real-time 3D design collaboration and simulation platform. Apple has also embraced OpenUSD, integrating it into ARKit to enhance augmented reality experiences. The formation of the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) in 2023 signals the willingness of industry to work together and develop and exploit OpenUSD to support its many uses cases.

Competing and Complementary Standards

While OpenUSD is becoming a leading standard for 3D content, it exists alongside other standards that serve different purposes. For example, the Khronos Group’s glTF (GL Transmission Format) is considered a complementary standard to OpenUSD. glTF is optimized for the efficient transmission and loading of 3D models in web applications, making it ideal for use in lightweight, real-time environments like web-based AR/VR experiences.

Another related standard is FBX, a format widely used in game development and other 3D graphics applications for asset exchange. While FBX is proprietary and lacks the openness of USD, it remains popular due to its extensive feature set and compatibility with many 3D software tools.

Why OpenUSD is Crucial for the Future

The significance of OpenUSD lies in its potential to unify the digital world. As industries increasingly rely on 3D and immersive technologies, the need for a common standard becomes paramount. OpenUSD provides this standard, enabling interoperability across various tools and platforms. This not only streamlines the creative process but also fosters innovation by allowing developers to collaborate more effectively. In a future where digital twins, metaverses, and AR are commonplace, OpenUSD will likely be the backbone that supports these interconnected virtual ecosystems.

Conclusion: A Universal Language for the Digital Age

OpenUSD is more than just a file format; it is a foundational technology that is shaping the future of digital content creation. From its origins at Pixar to its current role as a universal standard embraced by tech giants, OpenUSD is set to be a key tool in the development of the next generation of 3D digital experiences, driving innovation in everything from film production to engineering and training.