Introduction
IEEE P3366.2 (Standard for Polygonal Mesh Compression) aims at the standardization of polygon mesh compression technologies. It specifies efficient coding tools for compression, decompression, processing, and packaging of volumetric data which can significantly reduce the disk storage and communication bandwidth. With the advent of technologies, the demand for more immersive experiences beyond the conventional 2-D video viewing continues to rise. 3D mesh can be used to form and represent 3D models and provide 6-Degree-of-Freedom (6DoF) viewing experience. A mesh usually consists of huge amounts of points, faces, connectivities, etc., thus efficient compression is critical for these 3D models to be used in many applications. To guarantee immersive experiences, the Volumetric Data Compression Working Group of the IEEE Computer Society Data Compression Standards Committee, which manages the development of this standard, views standardization of mesh compression as essential for the transmission of high-volume volumetric data over bandwidth-constrained networks and processing such data on storage-constrained consumer devices.
The development of IEEE 3366 series of standards are collaborative efforts among many institions and individual experts. Participants in the IEEE standards development individual process act or vote based on their personal and independent opinions derived from their expertise, knowledge, and qualifications.
Importance of Involvement
Participating in standardization activities offers benefits and opportunities for professionals. Engaging in standardization activities allows you to stay at the forefront of your field, keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies, methodologies, and best practices. These activities bring together experts from various industries, academia, and government bodies. Participating provides a platform to connect with these professionals, fostering collaborations and expanding your professional network. By contributing to the development of standards, individuals can help shape the future in the specific realm and influence the direction of technological advancements, ensuring they meet the needs of end-users and the industry at large.
Working Group participation and membership is on an individual basis (i.e., regardless of affiliation). The types of members include non-voting members, voting members, and observers. In line with the committee’s schedule, the working group convenes a working meeting once every quarter, totaling 4 meetings a year. Additionally, based on member requests or the need for progress in standard development, extra meetings may be held irregularly between quarterly meetings to ensure the normal progress of the working group’s various standard development tasks.
Current Programs and Initiatives
For P3366.2, the Working Group is actively developing efficient compression tools for polygon meshes and the corresponding definitions of syntax, semantics, parsing, and decoding processes. The Working Group plans to call for technical contributions in June 2025 and release the initial working draft in September 2025. The standard draft for balloting is tentatively scheduled in September 2026.
The high efficiency of the compression methods embedded in the standard can expedite market adoption by simplifying and reducing the cost of utilizing volumetric data. This standardization facilitates the integration of polyon mesh across various systems and platforms, thereby enhancing its usability. Moreover, the standard can catalyze the incorporation of 3D meshes into emerging industries and applications. These could include architecture, virtual reality, and graphic design, opening new avenues for the application of this technology. IEEE standards welcome diverse perspectives and rely on the collective expertise of participants to develop robust, effective standards. The development of the standard can lead to changes in industry practices, such as how mesh data is collected, stored, transmitted, and used. It can promote best practices in data management and data quality, as the standard provides guidelines on these aspects.
Conclusion
IEEE P3366.2 is an ongoing mesh compression standard, part of the practical IEEE 3366 for volumetric data compression. The standard has attracted numerous experts in the volumetric data compression area and provided a platform for seamless communication. IEEE 3366 standards demonstrate high compression efficiency and low complexity for various volumetric data. Participating in standardization activities offers benefits and opportunities for everyone in the specific area. Engaging in the ongoing standard activities allows you to stay at the forefront of the immersive field, keeping pace with the latest technologies, methodologies, and best practices. IEEE standard provides a well-known platform to connect with tremendous professionals, fostering collaborations and expanding the network. By contributing to the development of standards, individuals can help shape the future in the specific realm and influence the direction of technological advancements, ensuring they meet the needs of end-users and the industry at large.
Link: https://sagroups.ieee.org/3366/
Disclaimer: The authors are completely responsible for the content of this article. The opinions expressed are their own and do not represent IEEE’s position nor that of the Computer Society nor its Leadership.
