Robert J Fenwick

US Patent:

6744434, Jun 1, 2004

Filed:

Nov 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/997031

Inventors:

Volodymyr V. Kindratenko - Savoy IL
Robert J. Fenwick - Champaign IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc - Peoria IL

International Classification:

G06T 1530

US Classification:

345423, 345428, 700 98

Abstract:

A method for reducing the complexity of a triangulated CAD model while preserving the topological properties and shape of the original model is disclosed. In operation, the system and method identifies a plurality of coplanar vertices in a CAD model, removes the coplanar vertices if they form a circle that is smaller than a predetermined size, and then re-triangulates an opening left by the removal of the vertices from the CAD model.

US Patent:

6897863, May 24, 2005

Filed:

Nov 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/997030

Inventors:

Volodymyr V. Kindratenko - Savoy IL, US
Robert J. Fenwick - Champaign IL, US

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc - Peoria IL

International Classification:

G06T015/40

US Classification:

345421

Abstract:

A computer-implemented method is provided for identifying hidden and visible surfaces on an n-dimensional object. An n-dimensional image of an object is generated, the image including a first plurality of n-dimensional components that define a shape and orientation of the image and a plurality of parts located inside the image. An n-dimensional grid of pixels is superimposed on the image. The pixels are arranged in a lattice structure such that each pixel of the grid corresponds to one of a plurality of vertices of an m-sided cell, wherein each side of the m-sided cell includes at least four vertices. A second plurality of n-dimensional components located on an outer perimeter of the image that abut or overlap at least one side of one m-sided cell in the grid is then identified. The second plurality of n-dimensional components constitute the components of the n-dimensional object that are hidden and need not be repeatedly re-rendered.