Pixar, Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, NVIDIA and the Joint Development Foundation (JDF) this morning announced the formation of the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) which will standardize standards for 3D content. This is done through Universal Scene Description technology developed by Pixar.
AOUSD strives to standardize the 3D ecosystem by advancing Open Universal Scene Description (OpenUSD) capabilities. By promoting better interoperability of 3D tools and data. It also enables developers and content creators to describe, compose and render large-scale 3D projects
Created by Pixar Animation Studios, OpenUSD is a high-performance 3D scene rendering technology that offers robust interoperability across tools, data and workflows. In other words, OpenUSD will allow 3D content built in software such as Maya, Houdini, Autodesk 3ds Max, and Adobe Substance 3D Designer to be used cross-platform. In addition to geometric objects, cameras, lights and materials can also use this open source standard.
JDF which is a member of the Linux Foundation was chosen to house the project, as it will enable the development of an open, efficient and effective OpenUSD specification, while providing a path to recognition through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
AOUSD will also provide a primary forum for the definition of technology enhancement cooperation by the larger industry.
The alliance invites companies and other organizations to join and participate in shaping the future of OpenUSD.