Application of 3D mesh model coding is first presented in this chapter. We then survey the typical existing algorithms in the area of compression of static and dynamic 3D meshes. In an introductory sub-section we introduce basic concepts of 3D mesh models, including data representations, model formats, data acquisitions and 3D display technologies. Furthermore, we introduce several typical 3D mesh formats and give an overview to coding principles of mesh compression algorithms in general, followed by describing the quantitative measures for 3D mesh compression. Then we describe some typical and state-of-the-art algorithms in 3D mesh compression. Compression and streaming of gigantic 3D models are specially introduced. At last, the MPEG4 3D mesh model coding standard is briefed. We conclude this chapter with a discussion providing an overall picture of developments in the mesh coding area and pointing out directions for future research.
3D Mesh Model Exterior Salient Part Segmentation Using Prominent Feature Points and Marching Plane