Method for encoding three-dimensional volumetric data

A method for encoding 3D volumetric data, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving the 3D volumetric data;
• (b) quantizing the 3D volumetric data;
• (c) estimating a 3D pose from the 3D volumetric data to generate pose estimation data;
• (d) estimating a 3D shape from the 3D volumetric data to generate shape estimation data;
• (e) generating a 3D estimation model by modifying a predefined 3D template model by using the pose estimation data and the shape estimation data;
• (f) calculating a residual of the 3D volumetric data with respect to the 3D estimation model;
• and
• (g) generating transmission data including the pose estimation data, the shape estimation data, and residual data,
• wherein the predefined 3D template model includes a 3D body template model representing a 3D virtual human body and a 3D costume template model representing a 3D costume,
• wherein the shape estimation data includes body shape estimation data and the 3D costume template model, and
• wherein step (e) includes generating the 3D estimation model by applying the pose estimation data and the body shape estimation data to modify the 3D body template model, applying the pose estimation data to modify the 3D costume template model, and combining the modified 3D costume template model with the modified 3D body template model.