Multi-resolution 3D approximations for rendering complex scenes

Abstract

We present a simple, effective, and efficient technique for approximating arbitrary polyhedra. It is based on triangulation and vertex-clustering, and produces a series of 3D approximations (also called “levels of detail”) that resemble the original object from all viewpoints, but contain an increasingly smaller number of faces and vertices. The simplification is more efficient than competing techniques because it does not require building and maintaining a topological adjacency graph. Furthermore, it is better suited for mechanical CAD models which often exhibit patterns of small features, because it automatically groups and simplifies features that are geometrically close, but need not be topologically close or even part of a single connected component Using a lower level of detail when displaying small, distant, or background objects improves graphic performance without a significant loss of perceptual information, and thus enables realtime inspection of complex scenes or a convenient environment for animation or walkthrough preview.