On Thu, 22 Feb 2001 17:19:18 +0100, Christoph Hormann wrote:
>As long as the shapes are basic mathematical objects (like sphere,
>cylinder, box, etc.) it is possible to find an precise solution.  Of
>course if the objects are approximated themselves (like isosurfaces) it is
>not.

Isosurfaces can be viewed as basic mathematical objects for the sake of
this exercise, since the approximation is purely visual.  The problem
of determining whether two "basic mathematical objects" overlap reduces
to a simple matter of solving a set of simultaneous equations and looking
for solutions within given ranges.  Unfortunately, the equations you're
solving aren't necessarily linear or even polynomial.  Presumably it's
possible to solve such a system for any given combination of objects
(though not necessarily) but it's either impossible or ridiculously 
difficult to automate the process for any two arbitrary objects.

-- 
Ron Parker   http://www2.fwi.com/~parkerr/traces.html
My opinions.  Mine.  Not anyone else's.

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