Abstract: A system and method for implicitly computing signed distance values in a graphics application. In one embodiment, rather than storing numerous distance values along a given raster scan line, only two values are stored for each interval defining the intersection of the raster scan line with the shape. These two values represent the interior of the object to be rendered along a given grid line. In another embodiment each grid line may be parameterized (e.g., from 0 to 1). Each intersection interval may then be represented by the parameter value at an entry point of the surface and an exit point of the surface, along the given grid line.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a technique to represent three-dimensional (3-D) object using signed distance functions. A bounding box containing an object is constructed in a 3-D coordinate system. The bounding box has at least a bounding plane. A ray is projected from a grid point on the bounding plane to the object with a pre-defined direction. The ray intersects a surface of the object at an intersection point. A parameterization value of the intersection point associated with the grid point is computed. The parameterization value corresponds to a distance from the grid point to the intersection point.