Polygon display apparatus and method

Abstract

Data is generated for graphically displaying objects having surfaces defined by vertex locations, each having a particular intensity. The values of electrical signals that represent the coordinates of the vertex locations and a point normal used to obtain the intensities are controlled by programming a computer to generate electrical signals that represent coordinates of the vertices. The values of each of the coordinates is in terms of an equation having parameters 's' and 't'. 't' is identified and kept constant at a first amount. The coordinate equations are factored to redefine them in terms of a first constant and a variable represented by 's'. The equations are sequentially solved by substituting therein a predetermined series of values for 's' to control the values of the electrical signals so that certain of the signals represent ones of the coordinated that form a first row of the vertices. The factoring and solving steps are repeated using a second amount for 't' and the same predetermined series of values for 's' so that certain electrical signals represent ones of the coordinates that form a second row of the vertices. Groups of three of the electrical signals are sequentially selected from those representing the coordinates forming the first and second rows of vertices to form a first row of triangular polygons. The factoring, solving and selection are repeated as necessary to form rows of polygons that represent the entire object for display.