A Hierarchical Topology-Based Model for Handling Complex Indoor Scenes

Publication

D. Fradin, D. Meneveaux, P. Lienhardt
Computer Graphics Forum, Vol 25, number 2, pp 149--162, jun 2006

Abstract

Geometric modeling softwares make use of topological models to describe, create, modify an environment; topology expresses adjacency and incidence relations between objects. It corresponds to a fine representation often considered as time and memory consuming for rendering or lighting simulation. In this paper, we propose a topology-based representation dedicated to complex indoor scenes. Taking into account memory management and performances, our model enlarges a topological model (called \textit{generalized maps}) with multi-partition and hierarchy. Multi-partition allows the user to group sets of objects together according to semantics; for instance this can be used for a guided walkthrough in a building. The hierarchy representation provides a coarse to fine description of the environment. Our modeler prototype was used to create buildings made up with several million polygons. As shown in the results, the proposed topological information has been efficiently used for several applications such as global illumination and lower frequency wave propagation simulation.