Using NVIDIA DLSS
DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is an image upscaling technology by NVIDIA.
In Pixotope we use an official plugin developed by NVIDIA for Unreal Engine 4.
DLSS is used to improve rendering performance by reducing the rendered frame size, while maintaining the best possible quality and keeping the output resolution unchanged.
DLSS works well with both AR, XR and VS in Pixotope, and gives a significant boost to frame rates.
When to use DLSS?
DLSS reduces the size of the frame rendered by the engine, and afterward scales up the frame to the desired output size, while trying to provide the quality of the image as-if rendered in a higher resolution.
The upscale step happens before most of the post-processing in the graphics pipeline and by itself costs some performance, while only improving the performance of 3D rendering (or whatever happens before post-process).
In order to achieve the best performance improvements, one should consider using DLSS mostly for projects that are:
using real-time raytracing,
targeting high output resolutions (like UHD or 4k).
It might be worthwhile to read the official tips on the matter by NVIDIA:
https://developer.nvidia.com/blog/tips-getting-the-most-out-of-the-dlss-unreal-engine-4-plugin/
Requirements
NVIDIA GeForce RTX (series 20 or above) graphics card is necessary.
The latest graphics drivers should be installed.
Setup
Following the tutorials for UE4 should yield similar results in Pixotope Engine.
Setting up DLSS in Editor:
Launch the level in the Editor, enable the NVIDIA DLSS plugin and restart the Editor
Under "World Settings" check "Enable DLSS" and choose the "DLSS Quality"
For AR scenes, make sure to also enable "TAAAlpha Override"
Setting up DLSS in Director:
Make sure the NVIDIA DLSS plugin is enabled
Launch your level in LIVE mode
Select "NVIDIA DLSS" in PRODUCTION > Effects > 3D Graphics > Image up/down sampling
Choose the "Quality"
Testing and debugging
If you have access to the NVIDIA plugin source you can enable the on-screen indicator, showing the resolution fraction being used, as well as enable or disable logging, by triggering registry files that can be found under: .../DLSS/Source/ThirdParty/NGX/Utils