Three dimensional computer graphic symbol generator
US5226109A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S715/976
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for generating three dimensional graphic symbols. Each symbol includes a plurality of polygons referenced to a datum point in a cartesian coordinate system, for example, having X, Y and Z axes. Apparatus for storing a vertex list is included. The vertex list characterizes each symbol and includes a starting address and a plurality of vertices, wherein each vertex is comprised of X, Y, and Z offsets from the datum point. In one embodiment, each vertex has a surface normal assigned to it. Connected to the vertex storing apparatus is an apparatus for registering an icon ID reference numeral to each symbol. An apparatus for mapping to the starting address is further connected to an output of the registering apparatus. The mapping apparatus uses the icon ID reference numeral to point to each symbol's starting address. Apparatus for transforming the vertex list into a different coordinate system is arranged to receive the vertex list from the vertex storing apparatus. Apparatus for tiling each symbol is arranged to receive the transformed vertex list from the transforming apparatus and tiles the symbol in accordance with a connectivity map.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.