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Computerized method and apparatus using containment relationships to represent objects in a three-dimensional space, and for moving therethrough

  • US 5,414,801 A
  • Filed: 06/11/1991
  • Issued: 05/09/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/11/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A graphics display system comprising:

  • two-dimensional graphics displaying means; and

    graphics processing means for a plurality of three-dimensional objects, a first one of said objects being contained within a second one of said objects, said graphics processing means comprising;

    means for representing said plurality of three-dimensional objects as a corresponding plurality of convex polyhedra;

    means for indicating containment relationships among said plurality of convex polyhedra corresponding to containment relationships among said plurality of three-dimensional objects, including said first object which is contained within said second object; and

    means for rendering a two-dimensional representation of the plurality of three-dimensional objects by selectively rendering only some of said convex polyhedra on said graphics displaying means, based upon the containment relationships in said containment indicating means, such that said first object is not rendered on said graphics displaying means upon rendering said second object from a perspective outside said second object, and said second object is not rendered on said graphics displaying means upon rendering said first object from a perspective inside said first object.

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