Optimized point splatting based on a fully-balanced hierarchical structure

We propose an improved two-layer hierarchical point-based 3D model representation for interactive 3D rendering. A tree structure called multi-section tree is introduced that allows creating a fully-balanced hierarchy with a desired branching factor for any arbitrary number of points. The proximity problem, the challenge of keeping close-by points together in equi-partitioning process, is addressed by applying an initial bottom-up point-grouping process that divides the 3D model surface into small, nearly equal-size groups of neighboring points. Each group is represented by a small multi-section subtree but treated as a single point in the main top-down equi-splitting process. The top-down process creates the main balanced multi-section tree which holds the whole structure together. Results show that our two-step description leads to a very compact quantized representation with enhanced rendering quality.