How do you implement dynamic resolution scaling and adaptive quality in VR?

1 What is dynamic resolution scaling?

Dynamic resolution scaling (DRS) is a method of changing the resolution of the render target based on the GPU load and the frame rate. By lowering the resolution when the GPU is under stress, you can reduce the rendering time and avoid dropping frames. By increasing the resolution when the GPU is idle, you can enhance the image quality and sharpness. DRS can be applied to both the eye buffers and the mirror window.

2 How to use DRS in Unity?

To use DRS in Unity, you need to enable the dynamic resolution feature in the Oculus XR Plugin settings. You can find this option under Project Settings > XR Plug-in Management > Oculus > Features. Once enabled, you can use the OVRManager script to set the minimum and maximum resolution scale, as well as the target frame rate. You can also use the OVRManager.AdaptivePerformanceScale property to get the current resolution scale value.

3 What is adaptive quality?

Adaptive quality (AQ) is a technique that adjusts the rendering quality settings based on the CPU load and the frame rate. By lowering the quality settings when the CPU is busy, you can reduce the processing time and avoid dropping frames. By increasing the quality settings when the CPU is idle, you can improve the visual fidelity and effects. AQ can be applied to various aspects of rendering, such as shadows, anti-aliasing, post-processing, and lighting.

4 How to use AQ in Unity?

To use AQ in Unity, you need to enable the adaptive performance feature in the Oculus XR Plugin settings. You can find this option under Project Settings > XR Plug-in Management > Oculus > Features. Once enabled, you can use the OVRManager script to set the minimum and maximum levels of detail, as well as the target frame rate. You can also use the OVRManager.AdaptivePerformanceLevel property to get the current level of detail value.

5 How to test DRS and AQ in VR?

To test DRS and AQ in VR, you need to use the Oculus Performance HUD. This is a tool that displays various metrics and graphs related to the performance of your VR application. You can access the Performance HUD from the Oculus Debug Tool or the Oculus Tray Tool. You can choose from different modes, such as Frame Rate, GPU Time, Adaptive Performance, and Resolution Scale. You can use the Performance HUD to monitor how DRS and AQ affect your VR application and fine-tune your settings accordingly.

6 How to optimize DRS and AQ for VR?

To optimize DRS and AQ for VR, you should consider some best practices and tips. These include using DRS and AQ together to balance the load between the GPU and CPU, setting realistic minimum and maximum values to avoid noticeable changes in resolution and quality, using the Oculus Profiler Panel in Unity to identify bottlenecks and performance issues, using the Oculus Performance Lint Tool in Unity to check for common VR performance problems, and using the Oculus Validator Tool in Unity to test your VR application against the Oculus Store submission requirements and guidelines. Doing so will help you get the most out of your VR experience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?