Patent ID: 7733338
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for reducing a three dimensional (3D) mesh, the method comprising: identifying one or more flow lines in the 3D mesh, wherein each flow line includes by a set of connecting edges; computing a different reduction cost by using a processor for each connecting edge within the 3D mesh based on a cost metric reflecting a plurality weighted factors, wherein a particular reduction cost estimates a decrease in image quality associated with removing an associated connecting edge from the 3D mesh, wherein each reduction cost is weighted based on a per-vertex modulation specified in a weight map associated with the 3D mesh; selecting a first connecting edge that connects a first vertex included in a first flow line within the 3D mesh and a second vertex included in a second flow line within the 3D mesh, wherein the first connecting edge is associated with a first reduction cost that is below a pre-determined threshold; determining a first flow line edge included in the first flow line, wherein a first endpoint of the first flow line edge is connected to the first vertex; determining a second flow line edge included in the second flow line, wherein the second flow line is adjacent to the first flow line, and wherein a second endpoint of the second flow line edge is connected to the second vertex; removing the first connecting edge, the first vertex, the second vertex and the first flow line edge; adding a new vertex having a position that preserves one or more flow fine characteristics of the first flow line and the second flow line; modifying the second flow line edge such that the second endpoint of the second flow line edge is connected to the new vertex; and storing the 3D mesh including the modified second flow line edge in memory.