The precondition of a 3D model retrieval and synthesis with semantics is accurate segmentation and labeling. For the 3D character model widely used in games and movies

we propose a method of character parts segmentation and labeling for animation based on a priori knowledge of the structure. After the structure rules of the animation character model are generalized

the rules are formalized with a hierarchical knowledge expression that can instruct segmentation. The regional growth method is used to detach the model parts layer by layer when the extremity detection and the boundary judgment can be guided by the rules. Simultaneously the parts are labeled a semantic name. Our method is tested on the biped/quadruped character model through the structure rules description. The segmentation results are character components that are suitable for synthesis. Compared to other methods of character model segmentation with labeling

the result of our tests indicate that our method has more obvious parts

which can support model synthesis and has good extensibility to animation character.