Christian A. Duncan

Balanced aspect ratio trees: combining the advantages of k -d trees and octrees

Given a set S of n points on Rd, we show, for fixed d, how to construct in O(nlogn) time a data structure we call the balanced aspect ratio (BAR) tree. A BAR tree is a binary space partition tree on S that has O(logn) depth in which every region is convex and “fat” (that is, has a bounded aspect ratio). While previous hierarchical data structures such as k-d trees, quadtrees, octrees, fair-split trees, and balanced box decompositions can guarantee some of these properties, we know of no previous data structure that combines all of these properties simultaneously. The BAR tree data structure has numerous applications ranging from geometric searching problems in fixed dimensional space to the visualization of graphs and three-dimensional worlds.

The geometric thickness of low degree graphs

We prove that the geometric thickness of graphs whose maximum degree is no more than four is two. All of our algorithms run in O(n) time, where n is the number of vertices in the graph. In our proofs, we present an embedding algorithm for graphs with maximum degree three that uses an n x n grid and a more complex algorithm for embedding a graph with maximum degree four. We also show a variation using orthogonal edges for maximum degree four graphs that also uses an n x n grid. The results have implications in graph theory, graph drawing, and VLSI design.

Tight bounds on maximal and maximum matchings

In this paper, we study lower bounds on the size of maximal and maximum matchings in 3-connected planar graphs and graphs with bounded maximum degree. For each class, we give a lower bound on the size of matchings, and show that the bound is tight for some graph within the class.

RSVP: a geometric toolkit for controlled repair of solid models

The paper presents a system and the associated algorithms for repairing the boundary representation of CAD models. Two types of errors are considered: topological errors, i.e., aggregate errors, like zero volume parts, duplicate or missing parts, inconsistent surface orientation, etc., and geometric errors, i.e., numerical imprecision errors, like cracks or overlaps of geometry. The output of our system describes a set of clean and consistent two-manifolds (possibly with boundaries) with derived adjacencies. Such solid representation enables the application of a variety of rendering and analysis algorithms, e.g., finite element analysis, radiosity computation, model simplification, and solid free form fabrication. The algorithms described were originally designed to correct errors in polygonal B-Reps. We also present an extension for spline surfaces. Central to our system is a procedure for inferring local adjacencies of edges. The geometric representation of topologically adjacent edges are merged to evolve a set of two-manifolds. Aggregate errors are discovered during the merging step. Unfortunately, there are many ambiguous situations where errors admit more than one valid solution. Our system proposes an object repairing process based on a set of user tunable heuristics. The system also allows the user to override the algorithms decisions in a repair visualization step. In essence, this visualization step presents an organized and intuitive way for the user to explore the space of valid solutions and to select the correct one.

Optimal Polygonal Representation of Planar Graphs

In this paper, we consider the problem of representing planar graphs by polygons whose sides touch. We show that at least six sides per polygon are necessary by constructing a class of planar graphs that cannot be represented by pentagons. We also show that the lower bound of six sides is matched by an upper bound of six sides with a linear-time algorithm for representing any planar graph by touching hexagons. Moreover, our algorithm produces convex polygons with edges having at most three slopes and with all vertices lying on an O(n)×O(n) grid.

Balanced aspect ratio trees and their use for drawing large graphs

We describe a new approach for cluster-based drawing of large graphs, which obtains clusters by using binary space partition (BSP) trees. We also introduce a novel BSP-type decomposition, called the balanced aspect ratio (BAR) tree, which guarantees that the cells produced are convex and have bounded aspect ratios. In addition, the tree depth is O(log n), and its construction takes O(n log n) time, where n is the number of points. We show that the BAR tree can be used to recursively divide a graph embedded in the plane into subgraphs of roughly equal size, such that the drawing of each subgraph has a balanced aspect ratio. As a result, we obtain a representation of a graph as a collection of O(log n) layers, where each succeeding layer represents the graph in an increasing level of detail. The overall running time of the algorithm is O(n log n+m+D0(G)), where n and m are the number of vertices and edges of the graph G, and D0(G) is the time it takes to obtain an initial embedding of G in the plane. In particular, if the graph is planar each layer is a graph drawn with straight lines and without crossings on the n×n grid and the running time reduces to O(n log n). Communicated by G. Liotta and S. H. Whitesides: submitted November 1998; revised November 1999. Research supported in part by ARO grant DAAH04–96–1–0013 and NSF grant CCR9732300. Duncan, Goodrich, and Kobourov, BAR Trees , JGAA, 4(3) 19–46 (2000) 20

Drawing planar graphs with circular arcs

In this paper we address the problem of drawing planar graphs with circular arcs while maintaining good angular resolution and small drawing area. We present a lower bound on the area of drawings in which edges are drawn using exactly one circular arc. We also give an algorithm for drawing n-vertex planar graphs such that the edges are sequences of two continuous circular arcs. The algorithm runs in O(n) time and embeds the graph on the O(n) × O(n) grid, while maintaining Θ(1/d(v)) angular resolution, where d(v) is the degree of vertex v. Since in this case we use circular arcs of infinite radius, this is also the first algorithm that simultaneously achieves good angular resolution, small area, and at most one bend per edge using straight-line segments. Finally, we show how to create drawings in which edges are smooth C1-continuous curves, represented by a sequence of at most three circular arcs.

Balanced Aspect Ratio Trees and Their Use for Drawing Very Large Graphs

We describe a new approach for cluster-based drawing of very large graphs, which obtains clusters by using binary space partition (BSP) trees. We also introduce a novel BSP-type decomposition, called the balanced aspect ratio (BAR) tree, which guarantees that the cells produced are convex and have bounded aspect ratios. In addition, the tree depth is O(log n), and its construction takes O(n log n) time, where n is the number of points. We show that the BAR tree can be used to recursively divide a graph into subgraphs of roughly equal size, such that the drawing of each subgraph has a balanced aspect ratio. As a result, we obtain a representation of a graph as a collection of O(log n) layers, where each succeeding layer represents the graph in an increasing level of detail. The overall running time of the algorithm is O(n log n + m + D0(G)), where n and n are the number of vertices and edges of the graph G, and D0(G) is the time it takes to obtain an initial embedding of G. In particular, if the graph is planar each layer is a graph drawn with straight lines and without crossings on the n×n grid and the running time reduces to O(n log n).

On Simultaneous Planar Graph Embeddings

We consider the problem of simultaneous embedding of planar graphs. There are two variants of this problem, one in which the mapping between the vertices of the two graphs is given and another in which the mapping is not given. In particular, given a mapping, we show how to embed two paths on an n ×n grid, and two caterpillar graphs on a 3n ×3n grid. We show that it is not always possible to simultaneously embed three paths. If the mapping is not given, we show that any number of outerplanar graphs can be embedded simultaneously on an O(n) ×O(n) grid, and an outerplanar and general planar graph can be embedded simultaneously on an O(n 2) ×O(n 2) grid.

Planar and poly-arc lombardi drawings

In Lombardi drawings of graphs, edges are represented as circular arcs, and the edges incident on vertices have perfect angular resolution. However, not every graph has a Lombardi drawing, and not every planar graph has a planar Lombardi drawing. We introduce k-Lombardi drawings, in which each edge may be drawn with k circular arcs, noting that every graph has a smooth 2-Lombardi drawing. We show that every planar graph has a smooth planar 3-Lombardi drawing and further investigate topics connecting planarity and Lombardi drawings.