Large-Scale Cinematic Visualization Using Universal Scene Description
Mark Bolstad · 2019
Universal Scene Description (USD) is the core of Pixar Animation Studios graphics and rendering pipeline. Released as open source in 2016, USD provides for the interchange of elemental assets (e.g. models), but additionally enables assembly and organization of any number of assets into higher level concepts, such as scenes or shots. These assets can be non-destructively edited or modified through layering that can then be transmitted between applications. Exporting scientific simulations through the USD API allows access to a wide range of tools for creating cinematic visualizations or for viewing scientific simulations in an augmented/virtual reality environment.