Mesh Simplification Algorithm Based on Quadrangle Collapse

Many applications of Virtual Reality require 3D models. In this paper, quadrangles in the triangle mesh are defined. We put forward a quadrangle collapse based mesh simplification algorithm which can rapidly produce high approximations of 3D models. The algorithm uses iterative collapse of quadrangle to simple models and maintains surface error approximations using quadric matrices. Three vertices and six faces are collapsed in one iteration, thereby the algorithm can rapidly generate high-quality approximations of polygonal models with minimal times of collapses than Garland's and Pan's algorithms. The experiment results demonstrate the efficiency of the new algorithm.