Multi-resolution graphic representation employing at least one simplified model for interactive visualization applications

A method for execution by a data processor that prepares an object for display. The method includes a step of processing a first model of the object so as to produce a simplified model thereof, the step of processing including the steps of (a) superimposing a first plurality of grid cells on the first model; for any one of the first plurality of grid cells containing more than one vertex of the first model, (b) combining the vertices into a first representative vertex; (c) generating a first simplified model that includes the first representative vertex or first representative vertices; and (d) storing the first simplified model for subsequent use. The method encompasses a number of criteria for use by the step of combining the vertices within a grid cell. These criteria include: (a) selecting a center of the grid cell as a position of the representative vertex; (b) selecting a position of a predetermined one of the vertices within the grid cell as a position of the representative vertex; (c) selecting an average position of the vertices as a position of the representative vertex; (d) selecting a position of a vertex that is nearest to the average position as a position of the representative vertex; and (e) selecting a position of a vertex that represents a locally extreme point within the grid cell as a position of the representative vertex.