Patent ID: 6806873
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A computer graphics system comprising:a graphics accelerator card for processing three-dimensional graphics data; a memory for storing executable instructions; a processor for executing the executable instructions to code the three-dimensional graphics data; and a network connection over which coded three-dimensional graphics data is output to a network; wherein the processor codes a selected vector in the three-dimensional graphics data using a three-dimensional subdivision surface having plural faces, each of the plural faces containing a single vector and having a numerical code, the processor executing instructions to perform coding by: receiving an input indicative of a level of coding accuracy; subdividing the subdivision surface in accordance with the input; identifying a face of the subdivision surface that contains a vector that is closest to being parallel to the selected vector; determining if the vector is within a predetermined range of the selected vector; wherein, if the vector is within the predetermined range, the processor assigns the selected vector a numerical code comprised of a numerical code of the face and of any faces previously subdivided to obtain the face; and wherein, if the vector is not within the predetermined range of the selected vector, the processor subdivides only the face, leaving other faces of the subdivision surface undivided, to produce a subdivided face and repeats identifying, determining, and assigning or subdividing using the subdivided face.