Content-based information retrieval for VRML 3D objects

Because of the interest of 3D images and the popularity of World Wide Web, the number of 3D scene/objects and model database throughout the world is growing both in number and in size. VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) is used to model the 3D object of the Web page, and become as a standard for 3D information. Most content-based retrieval (CBR) techniques such as shape and color comparison among objects are for image and video. The mechanisms are designed based on 2D information. In this paper, we propose a new similarity method, based on 3D information extracted from a VRML object database. The system includes multiple subsystems, which are conducted in two main parts. The first part includes the VRML object parser system and the normalization system. The second part includes the comparison system, database management system and a friendly graphical user interface. The method is the first step of our project, which aims to incorporate feature extraction of virtual reality objects, such as chairs, car, and others in 3D space. House interior designers can use the proposed system. The user can select proper scenes and furniture in order to meet the requirement of potential customers.