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.