Shape Filling with Repeated Graphic Elements via Medial Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software programs, such as word processors and graphics packages, cannot fill shapes like letterforms with graphic elements or symbols, limiting user creativity in representing shapes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for defining a shape using repeated graphic elements positioned with respect to a medial axis or internal axes, allowing users to create and edit shapes by placing graphic elements within specific boundaries and parameters, enabling the representation of shapes using graphic elements that can fill and define the shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional word processors or graphics packages are used, then basic text processing or graphic image creation is possible, but shapes cannot be filled with graphic elements or symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines text processing capabilities with graphic element filling capabilities into a unified shape filling system. The shape filler allows users to fill shapes with graphic elements, symbols, or text characters, merging functions that were previously separate in word processors and graphics packages.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape filler is designed to work with multiple types of content (graphic elements, symbols, text characters) and can be applied to various shape types. It provides universal functionality across different document and graphic contexts, allowing the same tool to serve multiple purposes.
2Extent of automation
If shapes are filled with repeated graphic elements positioned with respect to a medial axis, then automatic and precise filling is achieved, but the system must calculate and position elements relative to the medial axis
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the medial axis and element positions before actually rendering the filled shape. By pre-calculating the medial axis and determining optimal positions for graphic elements along it, the system automates the filling process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape filler automatically calculates the medial axis and positions graphic elements without requiring manual user input for each position. The system serves itself by computing the necessary geometric information and arranging elements autonomously based on the defined parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If graphic elements are positioned with respect to internal axes offset from borders, then flexible shape definition is achieved, but the system must determine and manage internal axis positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shape definition process by introducing internal axes that are separate from the shape borders. These internal axes serve as independent reference lines for positioning graphic elements, allowing the shape to be divided into regions defined by the internal axes rather than just the outer boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds an internal dimensional layer by introducing internal axes that exist within the shape rather than just using the boundary dimension. This creates a new reference framework inside the shape where graphic elements can be positioned relative to these internal axes, providing additional positioning freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a shape may comprise one or more repeated graphic elements.