Nonconvex polygon identifier
First Claim
1. A computer implemented method of identifying a polygon to be displayed on a computer graphics system, said method comprising the steps of:
- determining a bounding box for each of at least two non-adjacent edges of said polygon, said bounding boxes having dimensions corresponding to x and y coordinates of said at least two edges;
determining a point of intersection between lines representing said at least two non-adjacent edges;
comparing said point of intersection with each of said bounding boxes; and
utilizing the results of said comparison to determine whether said polygon is a complex polygon having self intersecting edges and multiple y scan lines for a single x value, said polygon to be scan converted by said computer graphics system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method is provided for distinguishing nonconvex polygons from complex polygons. The present invention compares the edges of a polygon for self intersection points. Initially, "base" and "compare" edges are designated and bounding boxes for each of these edges are determined. The bounding boxes are then compared and if they intersect the edges may have points in common, whereas if no intersection occurs, then there are no common points and the edges are incremented and a comparison of other edges occurs. If it is determined that bounding boxes intersect, the intersection point for the edges under consideration is determined. If this intersection point lies within both bounding boxes, then the polygon is complex and the test ends. However, if the intersection point is outside either bounding box, then the edges are incremented and processing continues until all relevant edges have been considered.
33 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A computer implemented method of identifying a polygon to be displayed on a computer graphics system, said method comprising the steps of:
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determining a bounding box for each of at least two non-adjacent edges of said polygon, said bounding boxes having dimensions corresponding to x and y coordinates of said at least two edges; determining a point of intersection between lines representing said at least two non-adjacent edges; comparing said point of intersection with each of said bounding boxes; and utilizing the results of said comparison to determine whether said polygon is a complex polygon having self intersecting edges and multiple y scan lines for a single x value, said polygon to be scan converted by said computer graphics system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for identifying a polygon to be displayed on a computer graphics system, comprising:
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means for inputting said polygon to said computer graphics system in order to display said polygon; means for determining a bounding box for each of at least two non-adjacent edges of said input polygon, said bounding boxes having dimensions corresponding to x and y coordinates of said at least two non-adjacent edges; means for determining a point of intersection between lines representing said at least two non-adjacent edges; processor means for comparing said point of intersection with each of said bounding boxes; and means for utilizing the results of said comparison to determine whether said input polygon is a complex polygon having self intersecting edges and multiple y scan lines for a single x value. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification