Detecting and creating intertwined graphics in vector-based designs

Abstract

Vector graphic file comprising vector objects (302, 304, 306) is accessed, and the objects are determined to comprise an intertwined group by determining that the objects comprise clipping group(s) (308, 312, 318), and by further determining that the clipping group(s) are spatially mutually exclusive or a non-clipping path object (316) intersects with a union of clipping path boundaries of the clipping group(s). A clipping group includes a clipping object grouped with clipping paths such that the paths form a closed path for masking a portion of the vector object in the clipping group. A clipping group includes clipping paths which form a closed path forming a clipping mask that masks the portion of the vector object of the clipping group within the area of the clipping mask. Also claimed is determining, from a vector graphic file, intertwine group(s) based on relative locations of clipping groups of vector objects in the file, determining overlapping zone(s) of the intertwining objects by comparing locations of closed paths of the intertwining objects, and determining a visual order of the intertwining objects within each overlapping zone(s). The visual order of vector objects within an overlapping zone may be modified based on a user input. Fig. 3