Fast content-based search of VRML models based on shape descriptors

The present paper proposes a novel method for content-based search in a database of VRML 3D models. The proposed technique is based on a querying-by-3D-model approach. A set of shape-based descriptors are extracted from the reference 3D model and compared to the corresponding descriptors of the VRML models contained in the database. The descriptors used vary from simple geometric measurements such as the aspect ratio or a binary 3D shape mask to more complex and sophisticated shape-based criteria such as the edge paths of each 3D model. Similarity measures are then introduced for the specific descriptors and introduced into a 3D model-matching algorithm. Experimental results are presented, evaluating the performance of the proposed method.