AN OBJECT REPRESENTATION METHOD

摘要

Z-maps are conventionally employed as a format for representing objects. Data from the z-maps are readily extracted for use as coordinates in numerical control (NC) machines. A z-map uses a standard grid format with a plurality of grid points equally spaced apart to form a matrix. However, a presence of intricate features on a portion of a surface of the object results in a substantial increase in the number of grid points required by the z-map. The standard grid format of conventional z-maps requires the surface of the object to be segregated into at least two portions, for example a top face and a bottom face, and represented separately by multiple z-maps resulting in high object management complexity. An embodiment of the invention uses a combination of multiple z-maps and sub grid points for addressing the foregoing deficiencies of conventional z-maps.