Progressive streaming of textured 3D models over bandwidth-limited channels

The bitstream of a progressively encoded textured model consists of multiple refinement layers. Decoding each layer produces a model with a simplified mesh and a resolution-reduced texture. We have proposed a quality measure that captures the visual fidelity of the multi-resolution textured models (Tian, D.H. and AlRegib, G., Proc. ACM Multimedia 2004, p.684-91, 2004). Based on that quality measure, we consider the problem of streaming progressively encoded textured models over a bandwidth-limited channel. We develop a bit-allocation algorithm that optimally packetizes the source bits in every transmitted data unit, such that the perceptual quality of the model displayed on the client´s screen is maximized. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed bit-allocation algorithm.