Content-based retrieval of 3D models in distributed web databases by visual shape information

Digital documents assembled of different components like text, images, video, audio and 3D models are supported today by ma,ly distributed applications. This paper presents a new approach to retrieve 3D models as part of digital documents using content-based image retrieval functionality. To find a 3D model best-fitting the user's query, shape information is extracted from the retrieved models and a score Is generated by comparing shape images with the graphical user input. A distributed database environment with a WWW interface is presented and used as a generic implementation platform for this technique. The new retrieval method for SD geometry is then described by extending the generic architecture in two steps with a sewer-side module and an interactive client display It is outlined how this method can be used for partial geometry download of 3D models in digital libraries.