This report and its

findings were Tata Elxsi benchmark report:

produced by Tata
Elxsi. The report was comparing PiXYZ Studio and
sponsored by Unity
Technologies. Unreal Datasmith

A Tata Elxsi perspective

Abstract
In the automotive industry, prototyping costs have risen exponentially with the
increasing complexity of vehicles and dependencies across physical, electronic
and software systems.

In order to provide an alternative to physical prototyping, we make use of new

technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Viewing
design data in AR/VR gives a real picture of the final product, allowing us to
make changes instantaneously and helps in quick decision making. It also
provides the ability to incorporate interactions with software-driven elements
such as in-vehicle HMI. The use of VR and AR involves real-time rendering of the
CAD data, which consumes a lot of memory and reduces the performance of the
application. So data preparation plays a vital role to boost the performance
while retaining the topology and mesh quality.

Data preparation being a time consuming process, we use software applications

like PiXYZ Studio and Unreal Datasmith to reduce the time and efforts. This
report benchmarks PiXYZ Studio compared to Datasmith for optimization. While

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both products are effective in importing CAD data, PiXYZ’s performance allows
faster workflows and produces more efficient models; PiXYZ was able to
complete some workflow steps 66% faster than Datasmith and produced a
model that was 28% of the size of the Datasmith model. (These numbers are
subject to our assumptions detailed below and the sample CAD data we have
used for experimentation.)

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 prototypes. Tata Elxsi has a dedicated
Introduction and experienced CAD/ CAM/ CAE
team to support design validation.
Visualization of any CAD data plays an
important role in any product based In this report, we aim to explore PiXYZ
industry. Physical prototyping has and Datasmith software that help to
always been the main solution to reduce the time consumed for the
visualize any product’s feasibility. process of data preparation. These
This is a tedious process and adds to software applications also help in
the time and cost of development. automating the process.

In order to reduce cost we use the (Note: Unreal Datasmith is a plug-in

latest available technologies like for Unreal engine, announced in July
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented of 2017. Unreal more recently refers
Reality (AR). These technologies to Datasmith as part of Unreal Studio
reduce the cost to a great extent. For which includes the original Datasmith
VR/AR, data optimization plays a product and Unreal engine.)
crucial role, but, it’s a time consuming
process. In order to reduce the time
for the process we use software like Benchmark
PiXYZ and Unreal Datasmith that can
help us save time and in some cases Methodology
partially automate the process This document describes the suite of
altogether. test cases used to compare the
workflow of optimizing CAD data
Tata Elxsi supports global automotive using PiXYZ for use in Unity and
OEMs by providing high quality design Datasmith for use in Unreal.
and engineering solutions and a
superior experience for its customers. Functionalities Tested in the
We have consistently and efficiently
Benchmark
supported global automotive clients
i. Number of different software
to develop vehicles conforming to
applications required for the
international standards. We have
process of optimization.
Centers of excellence (CoE) in areas of
ii. Total time for import
styling / aesthetic design, Class A
processes.
surfacing in BIW (Body in white)
iii. Final properties of the model
design and UI design.
(e.g., polygon count).
iv. Model quality (e.g., mesh
Tata Elxsi has in-depth understanding
detailing, flipped normal,
of global trends, consumer needs and
duplicate faces, keeping
technological developments. With an
topology as intact as
in-house state-of-the-art 3D
possible).
prototyping facility and global vendor
v. Degree to which the
network, Tata Elxsi helps clients to
hierarchy of data is
build full scale mock-ups and
maintained.

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 vi. Preservation and 5. Repair the mesh to rectify
maintenance of metadata as orientation of surface
properties in Unity /Unreal. normals. Then manual
inversion of faces if necessary
6. Delete patches/lines
Benchmarking Strategy 7. Apply materials with basic
colors to meshes according to
Figure 1 below illustrates the steps of how they are manufactured
the process followed for optimizing and how the look (body,
CAD data using PiXYZ for use in Unity seats, plastics etc.) We apply
compared to Datasmith for use in transparent material first to
Unreal. The flowchart helps us in check if layers of meshes are
benchmarking. present and then change it to
solid colors.
8. When transparent colored
materials are applied, if any
double surfaces are noticed,
we manually delete it. (Note
PiXYZ has tools to
automatically identify
duplicate faces.)
9. De-select all meshes, and
then do merge meshes by
materials
10. Decimate overall
11. If necessary, decimate each
part separately as per
requirement
12. Export model and import into
Unity or Unreal

Benchmarking Software
Fig. 1 Benchmarking Strategy Applications
The process is divided into three
phases namely Input, Data This section gives a list of software
Optimization and Output. application and plugins that were
used during the benchmarking.
The general steps for processing are:
1. PiXYZ Studio (ver 2018.1.0.13)
1. Import CAD data 2. Unity 3D (ver 2017.3.0f3)
2. Repair the CAD mesh 3. Datasmith Plugin for 3ds Max
3. Convert Z- up to Y-up (ver 2018)
4. Tessellation (convert NURBS 4. Datasmith Plugin for Unreal
to polygons) Engine (ver 4.19.1)

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Model used for Optimization

Figure 2, shows the CAD model used for benchmarking. This is generic CAD data
of a premium sports SUV.

Fig. 2 CAD model used for Benchmarking

Detailed Steps Comparison

Below are the steps that explain the process of optimization in detail using PiXYZ
and Datasmith. The screenshots of workflow in PiXYZ (Top) and Datasmith
(Bottom) are given below for each step. Numbers in the brief comparison table
given below and screenshots are for the car CAD data we have considered in our
experimentation. The system configuration we used is as follows – Intel Core i7
CPU (4 GHz, 4 Cores), 64GB RAM, Nvidia 1080 GTX dual SLI, 8GB VRAM, 512 GB
SSD.

Note please zoom in to about 240% to clearly see all the information in
screenshots. Note the numbers in the comparison table are based on
assumption that 3DS max user's expertise is average.

1. Import STP data. In 3ds Max while importing we mention the mesh
resolution value as -10 and Y-up Axis.

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2. Repair the CAD mesh. This option is available for only PiXYZ. 3ds Max
does this automatically while importing. PiXYZ also offer an automatic
CAD reparation + tessellation feature while importing.

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3. Convert Z- up to Y-up. We do this in PiXYZ as Unity is Y-up coordinates.
3ds Max gives us an option to choose the axis system at the time of
importing.

4. Tessellation (convert NURBS to polygons). We tessellate the mesh in

PiXYZ according to our requirement (Parameters- Max Sag = 0.1, Max
Angle = 7, UV Mode = UniformUV, Create Tangents & Create Binormals
are checked in the Advanced options.) Mesh tessellation in 3ds Max
happens while importing and is based on Mesh resolution while
importing.

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5. Orientation of normals of a few surfaces are flipped as per requirement.
PiXYZ has a built-in feature to do this automatically while we can write a
script to do the same job in 3ds Max. Also, if needed, manual inversion
can be done in both.
6. Delete patches/lines in PiXYZ is a separate (automated) option while 3ds
Max does the job while importing.
7. Apply materials with basic colors to meshes according to how they are
manufactured and how they look (body, seats, plastics etc.). PiXYZ
Studio Editor offers the potential to automate the assignment of
materials according to metadata (PiXYZ automation was not used for
this benchmark).

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8. We apply transparent material to check for double meshes. We
manually delete any double/duplicate mesh present. PiXYZ Studio has
built-in tools to assist with identifying double meshes.
9. We merge meshes by materials to reduce the batch count as it is crucial
for real time rendering. Algorithms are available in PiXYZ to optimize the
product structure, to make a model suitable for real-time context,
based on materials or other metadata. In PiXYZ we can see the
occurrences count to be 13 based on the number of materials count.
And in 3ds Max we see that the alloys are combined together.

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 10. Decimate over all. We decimate it accordingly as per our requirement to
reduce the polygon count. (Parameters chosen are Surfacic Tolerance =
1, (Advanced Settings) Normal Tolerance = custom, Degrees = 8). In 3ds
Max decimation is done while exporting as *.UDATASMITH format.

11. Export model to FBX from PiXYZ and import into Unity. Similarly we
import UDATASMITH into Unreal.

Below are few images of the final output. PiXYZ in Unity (Top) and Datasmith in
Unreal (Bottom).

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PiXYZ in Unity

Datasmith in Unreal

Fig. 3.1 Final output images

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PiXYZ in Unity

Datasmith in Unreal

Fig. 3.2 Front view images

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PiXYZ in Unity

Datasmith in Unreal

Fig. 3.3 Interiors

PiXYZ in Unity

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 Datasmith in Unreal

Fig. 3.4 Infotainment

Tabular Comparison
Leader
# Functionality PiXYZ/Unity 3D Datasmith/Unreal Lead
advantage %

Number of Software 2 3
1 Applications/Plug-ins (PiXYZ Studio, (3DS Max, Unreal, PiXYZ 33%
used Unity 3D) Datasmith plugin)

Import STEP data

2 (Import time + 227 seconds 390 seconds PiXYZ 42%
Tessellation)

Applying Materials PiXYZ 17%*

3 5 hours* 6 hours
(Manual Process)

Combining
4 Meshes(Automatic 2 minutes 5 minutes PiXYZ 60%
Process)

Decimation PiXYZ 33%

5 2 minutes 6 minutes
(Automatic Process)

Final Polygon Count 519,000 1.8 million

6 (Initial - 17 million triangles triangles PiXYZ 71%
triangles) (3% of initial) (10.5% of initial)
-
7 Mesh Detailing** 9 9 Tie

Hierarchy of Data -
8 100% 100%
Maintained Tie

Preservation of
9 Metadata and 9 7 PiXYZ 22%
Reusability**

* An automated material assignment process is also available in PiXYZ Studio; this benchmark compares only
the manual process. Automating the assignment in PiXYZ Studio will significantly reduce the time required.
** Rated on a Scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest.

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Conclusion
In this benchmarking process we have compared PiXYZ using Unity Editor and
Datasmith using 3ds Max and Unreal Engine. Both are effective in importing
CAD data, although PiXYZ supports 14 more CAD formats than Datasmith (e.g.,
Alias, CSB Deltagen, IFC (BIM), Maya, PLM XML, etc.) and works with any
rendering solution or game application whereas Datasmith works only with
Unreal.

Regarding data preparation, PiXYZ offers performance advantages of up to 71%

and leads in 7 of 9 areas measured. PiXYZ also offered more data preparation
features (e.g., smart hidden geometry removal, de-featuring / simplification)
which allows for more efficient workflows and more efficient models to import
into Unity or Unreal.

There are more advantages for PiXYZ than Datasmith. From the tabulated
results it can be inferred that PiXYZ is doing a better job as the triangle count
value has been reduced by more than with Datasmith, while maintaining the
topology and mesh quality. Many users who tried PiXYZ found it very easy on
the UI interaction side.

For Datasmith, users also have to be familiar with 3ds Max UI. The
dependencies of software applications are lesser in PiXYZ as compared to
Datasmith. Both the software applications do a great job in preserving the
topology, mesh quality and hierarchy. The total process is easier to do in PiXYZ
due to the automation of many features. PiXYZ also lets you automate the
process for data directly from PLM which is an added feature compared to
Datasmith.

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About the Author
Tata Elxsi’s Digital Visualization team works on cutting edge technologies to help various industries in diversified
domains like Engineering, Marketing, Training, Education etc., to keep them a notch higher than their competitors.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) is the technology that is growing at a very high pace and is on demand.
AR/VR helps in visualization of products, thereby cutting down the development time and cost that puts them ahead in
the market. This team comprises of experienced designers, engineers and artists who work towards providing an
integrated niche solution to clients.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact us About Tata Elxsi Digital innovations, enhanced solutions and

bring business transformation.
Visualization (AR / VR &
For more information,
please contact at:
MR) service offerings About Tata Elxsi
[email protected]
Tata Elxsi’s Augmented and Virtual
Reality practice combines design, Tata Elxsi is a fully integrated global
technology and visualization to help design and technology consultancy,
businesses to drive innovation, part of the $ 103 billion Tata Group,
increase operational excellence, creating innovative products,
enhance productivity and create services and experiences to build
personalized customer experiences. brands and help businesses grow.
By intersecting design and
The AR / VR team is working with technology, Tata Elxsi enables clients
diverse industries to propel digital globally to bring new ideas and
innovations including - Automotive, products to market.
Marine, Healthcare, Broadcast,
Retail, Education, Entertainment, Its services span across research and
Manufacturing and Engineering. strategy, to design, creative digital
content including augmented reality
Some areas we are currently working and virtual reality, technology
on include: implementation and systems
 Field Force training integration. Tata Elxsi addresses the
 Product visualization automotive, communication,
 Manufacturing consumer products, defense,
healthcare, media & entertainment
 In - Store experiences
and transportation sectors. This is
 Product marketing
supported by a network of design
With industries converging,
studios, development centers and
Tata Elxsi’s expertise in delivering
offices worldwide. Tata Elxsi is a
cross-industry services puts us in a
listed company and headquartered in
leadership position to deliver better
Bangalore, India.

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