DGG recently contributed a stunning Car Concept model to the glTF Sample Assets repository.
The asset was started from a public domain 3D model created by Unity Fan, then was optimized and converted into a well-formed glTF asset, to showcase the potential for high graphical quality in glTF while maintaining a small download size.
This asset not only demonstrates the capabilities of glTF but also highlights the efficient use of RapidPipeline 3D Processor, a powerful tool for streamlining 3D asset creation and processing.
The CarConcept asset in the glTF Sample Viewer
Small Parts Removal
The source model had many small parts which were removed to make a smaller file size. Individual nuts and bolts can add nice details to a model but they also increase the file size. Tradeoffs like these need to be made to achieve efficient real-time 3D models.
Bolts on the door panels, before and after removal
RapidPipeline was used to automatically remove all mesh parts below a specified size. In this case, any parts smaller than 3cm were removed. This avoided the tedium of finding and deleting all these bolts manually. Additional unseen mechanical parts were also removed for efficiency; the less unseen vertices the better.
The feature Small Feature Culling was used in RapidPipeline Web Platform to automatically remove parts smaller than 3cm
Using the glTF Validator
It is important to use the glTF Validator to test glTF assets periodically throughout the creation process, and especially at the end. Well-formed glTF models will behave in a predictable manner when used across the ecosystem, in different viewers and renderers, as well as when importing into other tools for editing.
At its core, RapidPipeline 3D Processor is built to leverage open standards like glTF. It automatically generates well-formed assets, and can even be used to clean up existing assets to get them to pass validations.
The glTF Validator can catch many common problems with malformed glTF assets
The Result: An Efficient & Visually Stunning Showcase Asset
The Car Concept model, enhanced by RapidPipeline, is a testament to the potential of glTF in the world of 3D graphics. Whether you're a developer, designer, or enthusiast, exploring this model can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your projects.
Meet the Author
Eric Chadwick
Senior 3D Technical Artist
Eric is a Senior 3D Technical Artist at DGG. He is a frequent Khronos Group contributor in the 3D Formats and 3D Commerce Working Groups, defining specifications and writing guidelines to streamline 3D asset creation for the retail industry. He has more than 20 years’ experience in real-time 3D content development for games, architectural rendering, and education; and is an administrator for the Polycount web community, the leading forum for 3D game artists to critique each other’s work and share creation techniques. Eric received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the Rhode Island School of Design with a concentration in illustration, collaborated with the Brown University School of Medicine on anatomy for artists, and studied in the European Honors Program in Rome.
