Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Computer graphics processing – Graph generating
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-04
2001-09-18
Jankus, Almis R. (Department: 2671)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Computer graphics processing
Graph generating
C345S421000, C345S423000, C345S441000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06292197
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to computer aided graphics system, such as a computer aided design (CAD) or computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system. More specifically the invention relates to computer graphic systems capable of modeling parametric objects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is a time consuming process to construct in 2D or in 3D space a graphical representation of an object which includes segments of an intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment. A modular matrix of rectangles consists of rows and columns of modular spaced equal rectangles. The spacing module of the rows is independent of the spacing module of the columns. Objects which include segments of an intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment may be part of complex geometric designs for example used in architecture for doors, windows or other applications.
At present, to generate an image incorporating segments of an intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment requires that the location of the vertices of the resulting segments is solved before the representation is drawn either on paper or on a computer. However, the image so created is specific to the attributes which are given (length, width, number of columns and rows of rectangles and the like), and cannot be used except with those attributes. Changing any value of the attributes of the modular matrix of rectangles or of the elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment such as the spacing and/or widths of the rectangles or the aspect ratio of the elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment, usually requires redrawing the entire image of the intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment.
To alleviate this problem computer graphics systems sometimes include a database with geometric data for a finite number of pre-constructed instances of objects with an intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment. The usability of such graphic system remains limited to the selection of those instances which are stored in the database. Changing the total width or length of such pre-constructed object may result in a degeneration of the selected geometry which the user cannot correct. Such degeneration, in the context of a computer graphics system for design, such as an architectural modeling program, is clearly unacceptable, because of the loss of dimensional accuracy and the geometrical distortion which results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required, is to provide a generalized, parametric object whose geometric attributes have values that are implemented in the output. Most preferably, the user should be able to specify and set attribute values so the user can efficiently design and re-design a nearly unlimited variety of geometrically specific solutions.
This invention relates to a method for generating representations of objects which include segments of an intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment. The segments may be grouped together to form a segmented section. To be parametric and devoid of anamorphism, the geometry must retain its encapsulated and/or user specified attribute values after an orthogonal transformation. For example the width of elliptic elements and the width of linear elements must remain constant and in conformity with their attribute values for any variations of the elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment's width to length aspect ratios that result from the design process.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer graphics system that can solve the drawbacks of known prior systems and can provide improved modeling for designing and prototyping efficiencies.
Another and more specific object of the present invention is to provide a computer graphics system that provides the user with a generalization of the geometry of an intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment, which the user can transform into a nearly unlimited number of geometrically specific solutions.
A further object of the invention is to provide a computer graphics technology that supports the efficient design of objects which include segments of an intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment. For example, it is an object of the system to enable an interactive cyclical design process of:
inputting the segment's attribute values;
receiving 2D or 3D visual feedback;
evaluation of the representation presented; and
editing the attribute values of the segment to produce a further more desirable representation.
In order to accomplish the afore-mentioned and other objects, a system for generating 2D or 3D representations of objects which include segments of an intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment according to the present invention, includes an input means for entering the position, orientation and attribute values of the object. The system may also include geometrical evaluation and simplification methods based on shape grammars. Shape grammars are a set of rules to evaluate and specify geometrical attributes and relationships. For example the preferred invention checks that no invalid and no undesirable geometries occur.
Therefore, according to the present invention, there is provided a computer graphics system for parametric modeling of segmented objects, said system comprising:
a means to define a modular matrix having rectangles which include boundary surfaces, said boundary surfaces intersecting at vertices;
a means to define an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment;
a means to define a common origin for said matrix and said elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment; and
a means to intersect said matrix and said elliptical, lenticular or rhombic segment, said intersecting means comprising:
a means to relate said vertices to said common origin to define a location of each of said vertices relative to said elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment;
a means to evaluate said defined locations of said vertices to discard invalid vertices and define valid vertices; and
means to determine the boundary surfaces of individual segments defined by said valid vertices;
wherein a geometrically accurate and undistorted model of said segmented object is provided as output.
The intersection of a modular matrix of rectangles and an elliptic, lenticular or rhombic segment may receive attribute values from constituent components of the object.
The field of application for this method includes but is not limited to computer supported modeling of: windows, transom windows, door windows, grates, wheels, pulleys, hubcaps, manhole covers, ornaments, etc.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5870106 (1999-02-01), Langelaan
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Jankus Almis R.
Nguyen Kimbinh T.
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