Shing-Chou Pi

Title: Shing-Chou Pi: Innovator in Circular Arc Display Technology

Introduction

Shing-Chou Pi is a notable inventor based in Poughkeepsie, NY (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of display technology, particularly with his innovative methods for generating circular arcs. His work has implications for various applications, especially in the realm of electromechanical plotters.

Latest Patents

Shing-Chou Pi holds a patent for a method and apparatus titled "Bi-directional display of circular arcs." This invention presents an improved technique for generating circular arcs of any arc length greater than zero, up to a full circle of 360 degrees. The method is designed to locate nonsymmetrical closest points for non-integer radius and arc center values. It is capable of generating incremental move commands for drawing arcs in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, which is particularly advantageous for pen-type electromechanical plotters. By dividing the generation of a 360-degree arc into eight octants, the method simplifies the process by only considering two candidate directions toward the next integer display matrix value. The novel initialization employed provides a straightforward stopping test for any circular arc of arbitrary length and direction, utilizing simple addition and sign testing for display purposes.

Career Highlights

Shing-Chou Pi has had a distinguished career, primarily associated with International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). His work has been instrumental in advancing display technologies, and his patent reflects his innovative approach to solving complex problems in this field.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Shing-Chou Pi has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Jack E Bresenham and Donald George Grice. These collaborations have contributed to the development of advanced technologies and methodologies in display systems.

Conclusion

Shing-Chou Pi's contributions to the field of circular arc display technology exemplify his innovative spirit and technical expertise. His patent for the bi-directional display of circular arcs showcases his ability to address complex challenges in display technology.