KIRI Engine Version 3.13: Optimizations All AroundKIRI Innovations has unveiled KIRI Engine Version 3.13, an update that introduces significant improvements to enhance functionality, efficiency, fidelity, and accessibility. With notable breakthroughs in 3D Gaussian Splatting technology, this update represents a pivotal step toward wider acceptance and practical implementation of 3DGS.Higher Fidelity 3DGS Improved AlgorithmThe updated 3DGS algorithm offers significant improvements in visual quality. Users can expect enhancements in resolution, color accuracy, and rendering consistency across viewing angles. With the same input, the new algorithm produces 3DGS scenes with much higher fidelity, both when viewing the scene holistically and when examining details up close. These improvements open up more possibilities in practices such as field surveys, as well as environmental and design visualizations.Results of KIRIs updated High Fidelity 3DGS (middle) and the 3DGS from two other scanner apps (left and right) using the same input.This optimization draws inspiration from the Mini-Splatting2 project, by Guangchi Fang. Their research of aggressive Gaussian densification and visibility Gaussian culling laid the foundation for these advancements.The optimization was achieved by increasing the input threshold, increasing the consideration of the source materials quality. Its natural to wonder whether the raised input threshold might impact generation speed or performance, but luckily, both concerns have been effectively addressed through additional optimizations. Additionally, a new opening animation has been introduced, providing a visually engaging way to present projects. Embedding KIRIs 3DGS file viewer directly into web pages can boost user engagement by offering an attention-grabbing visual experience right from the start.Faster Processing TimesThe improved 3DGS algorithm now processes files in about half the time compared to previous versions. Given the same exact input, the previous version of 3DGS has an average of 5-7 minutes of Gaussian training duration, whereas the improved version completes the same task in 2-3 minutes. Cutting down the training time was achieved by reducing the number of points in the point-cloud data that is ply, focusing more on individual image resolution and visual presentation rather than the density of point-cloud representations. This improvement reflects enhancements and optimizations to the 3D Gaussian Splatting generation process overall, as it is able to reconstruct Gaussian splats with higher accuracy and at a more efficient speed.This reduced time opens up opportunities for near real-time environmental visual data to be transferred easily. This optimization also enables rapid generation, which is valuable for iterative workflows and can effectively allow for more trial and error.File Size OptimizationAnother key improvement is the reduction in 3DGS file sizes, which are now approximately 50% smaller. Because of the reduction in point-cloud density, the file size is naturally optimized to be smaller, yet it possesses higher fidelity due to the improved emphasis on resolution. The technology behind this optimization was achieved through the aggressive Gaussian densification approach, where dense point clouds are rapidly generated early in the training but finish as evenly distributed splats that allow for more visual dynamics. The finished result is more efficient compared to the previous version, as the point-cloud distribution reduces redundant points while simultaneously contributing to an even display of all details in the scene.This optimization allows users to load their 3DGS scenes more quickly. Integrating 3DGS files into rendering engines such as Blender will also significantly reduce workload and rendering time. The combination of reduced file sizes and higher fidelity ensures that users can achieve high-quality results without sacrificing efficiency.Website RedesignThe KIRI Engine website has been completely redesigned with a focus on usability. The new interface simplifies navigation, making it easier for users to find tools, resources, and learning materials. This update is intended to cater to a wide range of users, providing essential source materials with an emphasis on educational content for everyone to reference to. Specific changes worth mentioning are:Features Overview PagesShort-Video TutorialsImproved Blog Page with SubcategoriesExpanded Functionality and FeaturesKIRI Engine Version 3.13 introduces several new features designed to enhance the scanning and processing experience:Support for Both Video and Photo Inputs: Enables users to capture/upload either photos or a video for all scanning methods (except for LiDAR).Unified Camera White Balance: Ensures consistent quality and accurate color representation across captures.3DGS to Mesh File Type Selection: Allows users to select the desired to-mesh file type during the initial 3DGS upload.Enhanced Mesh Textures: Improves texture quality for more realistic results.Optimized Queue Times for Pro Users: Backend bugfixes regarding long queue times despite possessing KIRI Engine Pro.Spanish Language Support: Provides full Spanish support across all platforms.Discover the UpdateKIRIs Co-Founder, Chris, created a dedicated demo page to cover more detailed comparisons and technological insights regarding High Fidelity 3DGS. Check it out here.KIRI Engine Version 3.13 is now available. To learn more about the new features and optimizations, visit kiriengine.app for more information.Download KIRI Engine app from the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kiri-engine-3d-scanner-lidar/id1577127142Download KIRI Engine app from the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kiriengine.app&hl=enBrought to you by KIRI Innovations:This article is part of the befores & afters VFX Insight series. If youd like to promote your VFX/animation/CG tech or service, you can find out more about the VFX Insight series here.The post Why 3D Gaussian Splatting Just Got Better with KIRI Engine Version 3.13 appeared first on befores & afters.