We consider the problem of transmitting huge triangle meshes in the context
of a Web-like client-server architecture. Approximations of the original m
esh are transmitted by applying selective refinement. A multiresolution geo
metric model is maintained by the server. A client may query the server for
a mesh at an arbitrary, continuously variable, level of detail. The client
makes repeated queries over time with different query parameters. The serv
er answers to queries by traversing the multiresolution model and transmitt
ing updates to the client, which uses them to progressively modify a curren
t mesh.
We study this problem in the context of a vertex-based multiresolution mode
l, which is a special instance of the Multi-Triangulation (a model that was
developed in an earlier work), based on vertex insertion and removal. We d
efine a compact data structure for such a model that exploits the specific
update rule. We propose a dynamic algorithm for selective refinement and we
discuss in detail its implementation as a client-server application. In or
der to reduce memory requirements and channel traffic, we develop a compres
sed representation which allows us to express mesh updates with a code of s
mall size. We also address client caching to further limit bandwidth occupa
ncy. Experimental results show that the Multi-Triangulation can be a key We
b technology for triangle mesh manipulation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.
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