Multi-resolution geometry

A method for displaying an object, wherein a vertex list and a neighbor list is stored for the object, and vertices in the vertex list are identified by a collapse priority, and the neighbor list identifies the path of a collapse for the vertices, comprising the steps of:

• performing a collapse of the object responsive to the vertex list and neighbor list;
• storing vertex information for each collapse level, wherein the vertex information indicates which vertices exist in the object in the collapse level immediately higher and lower than the current collapse level;
• receiving input requesting a collapse level for the object;
• responsive to the requested collapse level requiring a higher resolution than a current collapse level, adding vertices to the vertex list for the object responsive to the vertex list and stored vertex information;
• responsive to the requested collapse level requiring a lower resolution than a current collapse level, collapsing vertices in the vertex list of the object responsive to the vertex list and stored vertex information;
• and
• rendering the vertices in the vertex list to produce a three-dimensional visual representation of the object.

A method for displaying an object, wherein a vertex list and a neighbor list is stored for the object, and vertices in the vertex list are identified by a collapse priority, and the neighbor list identifies the path of a collapse for the vertices, comprising the steps of:

• performing a collapse of the object responsive to the vertex list and neighbor list;
• storing vertex information for each collapse level, wherein the vertex information indicates which vertices exist in the object in the collapse level immediately higher and lower than the current collapse level;
• analyzing the object to determine a collapse level;
• responsive to the determined collapse level requiring higher resolution, adding vertices to the vertex list for the object responsive to the vertex list and stored vertex information;
• responsive to the determined collapse level requiring a lower resolution, collapsing vertices in the vertex list for the object responsive to the vertex list and stored vertex information;
• and
• rendering the vertices in the vertex list to produce a three-dimensional visual representation of the object.

A method for transferring data across a remote connection, in a system in which a minimal resolution of an object is stored and separate packets of information comprising data for creating higher resolutions of the object are stored, comprising the steps of:

• receiving a request for a transmission of an object to be displayed;
• transmitting a minimal resolution version of the object responsive to the received request;
• transmitting a packet of information comprising data for creating a next higher resolution of the object;
• determining whether a target resolution of the object has been met;
• and
• responsive to a target resolution of the object not being met, repeating the transmitting a packet of information comprising data for creating a next higher resolution of the object step.