An efficient multi-resolution modeling for 3D objects in applications of virtual environments

In this paper, we present an efficient progressive mesh algorithm to generate an arbitrary resolution model. In our algorithm, we use the half-edge method for edge collapse. In order to find proper edges for collapse at each iteration, we define a simple and efficient criterion to explore the geometric importance of a 3D object. The factors we consider involve edge curvature and neighbor face areas. Experimental results show that these factors combined together can effectively preserve the topology of the original model, while it has been simplified to a certain extent. This algorithm can thus be implemented efficiently as it can be utilized in many real-time or interactive applications of virtual environments.