Abstract: A 3D scalable surface renderer allows efficient real-time 3D rendering of high-detail smooth surfaces. The renderer is exceptionally effective with software rendering and low-end weaker graphics accelerators, and provides excellent visible quality per the amount of polygons used, while retaining low CPU processing overhead and high efficiency on graphics hardware. The 3D scalable surface renderer provides real time rendering of extremely detailed smooth surfaces with view-dependent tessellation using an improved level of detail approach.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer graphics. This method allows efficient real-time 3D rendering of high-detail smooth surfaces. It is exceptionally effective with software rendering and low-end weaker graphics accelerators, and provides excellent visible quality per the amount of polygons used, while retaining low CPU processing overhead and high efficiency on graphics hardware. Also, it can be used under very restrictive memory requirements. In particular the invention relates to real time rendering of extremely detailed smooth surfaces with view-dependent tessellation using an improved level of detail approach. The invention utilizes a quad-tree map and geometric boundaries consisting of manifold non-self-intersecting surfaces. All cached fragments keep all of the information loaded from their corresponding source nodes in system memory, and additional information computed by the rendering system.

Abstract: Dynamic visualization of image data provided through a network communications channel is performed by a client system including a parcel request subsystem and a parcel rendering subsystem. The parcel request subsystem includes a parcel request queue and is operative to request discrete image data parcels in a priority order and to store received image data parcels in a parcel data store. The parcel request subsystem is responsive to an image parcel request of assigned priority to place the image parcel request in the parcel request queue ordered in correspondence with the assigned priority. The parcel rendering subsystem is coupled to the parcel data store to selectively retrieve and render received image data parcels to a display memory. The parcel rendering system provides the parcel request subsystem with the image parcel request of the assigned priority.

Abstract: Defects are removed from a tessellated polygonal mesh provided for the rendering of polygon corresponding image parcels through a process that first determines, for a predetermined segment of a first edge of a first polygon within the polygonal mesh, a difference in tessellation level between the first polygon and a second polygon disposed adjacent the predetermined edge of the first polygon, subject to the occurrence of a defect in the polygonal mesh between the first and second polygons. A terminus of the predetermined segment is then computed based on the difference in the tessellation levels and a new vertex, corresponding to the terminus, is added to a first set of vertices that define the first polygon. An image parcel can then be rendered based on the set of vertices, including the added vertex, such that the first image parcel as rendered covers the defect in the polygonal mesh between the first and second polygons.

Abstract: Defects are removed from a tessellated polygonal mesh provided for the rendering of polygon corresponding image parcels through a process that first determines, for a predetermined segment of a first edge of a first polygon within the polygonal mesh, a difference in tessellation level between the first polygon and a second polygon disposed adjacent the predetermined edge of the first polygon, subject to the occurrence of a defect in the polygonal mesh between the first and second polygons. A terminus of the predetermined segment is then computed based on the difference in the tessellation levels and a new vertex, corresponding to the terminus, is added to a first set of vertices that define the first polygon. An image parcel can then be rendered based on the set of vertices, including the added vertex, such that the first image parcel as rendered covers the defect in the polygonal mesh between the first and second polygons.

Abstract: Large-scale images are retrieved over network communications channels for display on a client device by selecting an update image parcel relative to an operator controlled image viewpoint to display via the client device. A request is prepared for the update image parcel and associated with a request queue for subsequent issuance over a communications channel. The update image parcel is received from the communications channel and displayed as a discrete portion of the predetermined image. The update image parcel optimally has a fixed pixel array size, is received in a single network data packet, and is constrained to a resolution less than or equal to the resolution of the client device display.

Abstract: Dynamic visualization of image data provided through a network communications channel is performed by a client system including a parcel request subsystem and a parcel rendering subsystem. The parcel request subsystem includes a parcel request queue and is operative to request discrete image data parcels in a priority order and to store received image data parcels in a parcel data store. The parcel request subsystem is responsive to an image parcel request of assigned priority to place the image parcel request in the parcel request queue ordered in correspondence with the assigned priority. The parcel rendering subsystem is coupled to the parcel data store to selectively retrieve and render received image data parcels to a display memory. The parcel rendering system provides the parcel request subsystem with the image parcel request of the assigned priority.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a generally U-shaped base unit (10) and a generally-rectangular travel unit (12) which mates with the base unit, between the legs (34, 36) of the "U". The portable unit contains a complete computer system, including a flip-up monitor screen (14), a disc drive (20), and a detachable keyboard (24). The mating base unit includes expansion slots (30) for additional memory, peripheral equipment controllers, a CRT controller, etc. Also the base unit includes a controller (112) for one or more additional disc drives (26, 28). The facing sides of the legs of the U-shaped base unit have a step-shaped configuration (42, 44, 46) and the portable unit fits onto the step. The bight portion (38) of the base unit has a front connector (49A) for mating with the portable unit and rear connectors (48, 58A) for connection of additional equipment, such as a printer and modem.