Vertex split connectivity prediction for improved progressive mesh compression

An encoder, comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory, the memory including instructions configured to cause the processor to:
• identify a pair of partitioning vertices to be connected to a split vertex associated with a collapse of an edge;
• create the split vertex by collapsing the edge;
• encode partitioning vertex information associated with the pair of partitioning vertices, the encoding of the partitioning vertex information based on an ordering of vertices of an umbrella of the split vertex, and the ordering of vertices of the umbrella determined based on a geometric shape and connectivity of the umbrella;
• and
• generate vertex split information that includes the partitioning vertex information.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer executable program code which, when executed on a computer system, causes the computer system to perform a method of progressive mesh compression, comprising:

• identifying, by an encoder, a pair of partitioning vertices to be connected to a split vertex associated with a collapse of an edge;
• creating, by the encoder, the split vertex by collapsing the edge;
• encoding, by the encoder, partitioning vertex information associated with the pair of partitioning vertices, the encoding of the partitioning vertex information based on an ordering of vertices of an umbrella of the split vertex, and the ordering of vertices of the umbrella determined based on a geometric shape and connectivity of the umbrella;
• and
• generating, by the encoder, vertex split information that includes the partitioning vertex information.