Patent ID: 6625565
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A method of path length determination along the surface of a 3D object, comprising the steps of:selecting a first and second point on the surface; defining a first plane containing said first point and said second point; finding a first shortest path curve on said first plane wherein said curve is defined by an intersection of the surface and said first plane and bounded by said first point and said second point, and wherein a first length of said first shortest path curve is recorded; defining a subsequent plane containing said first point and said second point, wherein a first normal vector defining said first plane at said first point is at an angle theta to a subsequent normal vector defining said subsequent plane at said first point; finding a subsequent shortest path curve on said subsequent plane wherein said curve is defined by the intersection of the surface with said subsequent plane and bounded by said first point and said second point, and wherein a subsequent length of said subsequent shortest path curve is recorded; repeating said step of defining said subsequent plane and finding a subsequent shortest path curve for angles theta between 0 and 180 degrees; and determining a minimum shortest path length from said first recorded length and subsequent recorded lengths.