#Japan #Tokyo #3D Splatting #KOTOBUKIYA #KDDI Technology

A New Era of 3D Visualization in Hobby E-Commerce

KDDI Technology and Kotobukiya have embarked on an innovative partnership to validate the application of the cutting-edge 3D Gaussian Splatting technology in product visualization. Teaming up with KDDI, this collaboration aims to create an environment where intricate products can be naturally viewed in detail through smartphones and PCs. This venture has the potential to revolutionize the customer experience in the hobby e-commerce sector.

Background and Challenges in the E-Commerce Market

In the e-commerce landscape, customer experience is deeply intertwined with purchase decisions. Due to this, various presentation techniques—such as photos, videos, and 360-degree views—have been continually evolving. Recently, 3D representations have gained traction, particularly in furniture and appliances. However, the hobby industry, which deals with finely crafted items like figures and model kits, has faced significant challenges in adopting 3D visualization technology. The primary obstacles have included the inability to accurately replicate texture and transparency, coupled with the risks associated with polygon models.

Polygon models demand extensive post-processing to meet high-quality standards, leading to increased time and cost burdens. This made it impractical to use polygon models as substitutes for traditional promotional photography.

Unmatched Potential of 3D Gaussian Splatting

The newly employed 3D Gaussian Splatting method offers solutions to these challenges. Unlike conventional 3D representations, this technique handles particles that quantify light properties, allowing for the natural reproduction of transparency and gloss. It can also faithfully represent intricate sculptures and complex patterns. Furthermore, it eliminates the cumbersome intermediate steps required by polygon models, enabling high-precision displays using lightweight data.

Notably, this technology can be captured using standard photographic equipment. Together with KDDI and KDDI Technology's communication innovations, organizations can achieve data lightening and rapid delivery. This integration creates a comfortable browsing experience on smartphones and PCs, paving the way for practical implementation of 3D representations in hobby-centric e-commerce.

Goals and Methodology of the Validation

The current validation project aims to explore how accurately product textures can be recreated, assessing online display quality and user interactivity. It will also examine how to streamline the processes from capture to conversion to delivery, minimizing the input burdens during implementation.

Vision and Roles of the Partners

Kotobukiya

Kotobukiya acknowledges the core value of hobbies—the enjoyment derived from physically interacting with products. While respecting this philosophy, the company aims to leverage digital technology to enhance understanding and decision-making before purchase. In this validation project, Kotobukiya will focus on providing character products and exploring the potential of digital representations.

KDDI

KDDI strives to contribute to a more enriched society by combining telecommunications with cutting-edge technology. Within this project, they will be responsible for developing modules that visualize 3D Gaussian Splatting on web pages, as well as establishing the module delivery system.

KDDI Technology

Driven by the vision of "turning dreams into reality through technology," KDDI Technology is dedicated to imagining and creating a brighter future. They will handle the capturing and production of character product images, the generation of 3D Gaussian Splatting representations, and the necessary post-processing for web display.

Upcoming Releases

Beginning in late 2025, specifically between November and December, selected products from Kotobukiya will see a gradual release of scanned data using the 3D Gaussian Splatting technology. Further details will be announced on Kotobukiya's special event page and via their official social media channels.

To engage with the upcoming event, visit the following URL: Hobby Model x 3D GS Web Experience Event

Related Press Release

Additional information on the upcoming digital figure technology exhibition and associated surveys can be found through the 2024 announcement at: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000047.000104990.html