Segmentation of 3D dynamic meshes based on Reeb graph approach

This paper presents a new segmentation approach, for 3D dynamic meshes, based upon ideas from Morse theory and Reeb graphs. The segmentation process is performed using topological analysis of smooth functions defined on 3D mesh surface. The main idea is to detect critical nodes located on the mobile and immobile parts. Particularly, we define a new continuous scalar function, used for Reeb graph construction. This function is based on the heat diffusion properties. Clusters are obtained according to the values of scalar function while adding a refinement step. The latter is based on curvature information in order to adjust segmentation boundaries. Experimental results performed on 3D dynamic articulated meshes demonstrate the high accuracy and stability under topology changes and various perturbations through time.