Abstract: Ray-intersection methods and apparatus that greatly facilitate processing associated with computer graphics are described. In the described embodiment, a collection of shapes are defined that approximate an object. The described shapes are polygons, with exemplary polygons comprising triangles. A ray is cast toward the approximated object, and a reference object which, in the described embodiment comprises one or more planes, is defined to contain the ray. Aspects of the individual shapes are pre-characterized to provide characteristic data. In the described embodiment, pre-characterization takes place by testing each of the vertices of the polygons to ascertain their position relative to the reference object. The characteristic data is then used to ascertain the position of the shapes that are defined by the vertices, relative to the reference object. This provides a sub-set of shapes that might be intersected by the ray.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a system and method for statically checking source code to determine potential compatibility issues with a new software release. The system and method perform a static check on input source files associated with a software release. The static check includes identifying programming constructs, such as function prototypes, structures, unions, and the like, within source code files associated with the software release. The programming constructs undergo a filtering process that reduces the number of potentially false change errors. The filtered programming constructs are saved in a database associated with the software release. The database is then compared with another database containing programming constructs for another software release in order to identify differences between the two software releases. A list of changes is generated that identifies the differences between the two software releases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a system and method for statically checking source code to determine potential compatibility issues with a new software release. The system and method perform a static check on input source files associated with a software release. The static check includes identifying programming constructs, such as function prototypes, structures, unions, and the like, within source code files associated with the software release. The programming constructs undergo a filtering process that reduces the number of potentially false change errors. The filtered programming constructs are saved in a database associated with the software release. The database is then compared with another database containing programming constructs for another software release in order to identify differences between the two software releases. A list of changes is generated that identifies the differences between the two software releases.