Anthony J Pelham

US Patent:

49673750, Oct 30, 1990

Filed:

Mar 17, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/840459

Inventors:

Anthony J. Pelham - Port Orange FL
Walter R. Steiner - Ormond Beach FL
William S. Didden - Ormond Beach FL

Assignee:

Star Technologies, Inc. - Sterling VA

International Classification:

G06F 1520

US Classification:

364518

Abstract:

A graphics processor having an independent processor for traversing a hierarchical graphics data base. The independent processor, termed a "tree traverser", generates a stream of addresses to the memory in which the data base is stored, producing a stream of data over a private, unidirectional data path to a geometry processor.

US Patent:

53676157, Nov 22, 1994

Filed:

Sep 2, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/115727

Inventors:

Richard Economy - Ormond Beach FL
William A. Kelly - Port Orange FL
Anthony J. Pelham - Port Orange FL
Thomas A. Piazza - Port Orange FL
Lee T. Quick - Ormond Beach FL

Assignee:

General Electric Company - King of Prussia PA

International Classification:

G06F 1562

US Classification:

395129

Abstract:

In a computer image generation system, the number of vertices which define each of a plurality of terrain-defining polygons is augmented in real time for providing finer detail and for effecting substantially continuous smooth level of detail (LOD) transition. Augmented vertices may have components that are statistically derived, in which case it is not necessary to store and/or predefine them. Alternatively, some vertex components may have predetermined values derived from mapping data or from other deterministic sources and may be stored in compact form. Processing polygons, typically triangles defined by selected ones of the sum of the augmented vertices and the original vertices, may be used for displaying the finer detail. Statistically derived finer detail is especially suited for providing non-specific detail to features such as terrain, while deterministic data allows highly accurate representations of specific `real world` locations. The decision to augment vertices is controlled by a predetermined breakup criteria, which may be selected as one, or a combination, of: range from the viewpoint; angle from the viewpoint boresight; desired maximum error; and other defined criteria.