Segmentoidut

Segmentoidut is a term used in geometry and computer graphics to describe objects that are composed of sequential straight-line segments connected at joints. The name derives from segment-based geometry and reflects a class of polyline-like structures used to model paths, boundaries, and articulated shapes.

Definition: A segmentoidut object is defined by an ordered list of segments S = [s1, s2, ..., sn], where each segment si has length li and orientation angle θi in the plane (or 3D directions in space). Segments connect at shared endpoints; the sequence may form an open chain or a closed polygonal loop.

Classification: Segmentoidut can be planar or spatial, and rigid or articulated depending on joint constraints between consecutive segments. They may be treated as independent components or as a linked chain with limited or defined degrees of freedom.

Construction: They can be produced by sampling a curve into a polyline, by procedural generation in computer graphics, or by decomposing a curved boundary into segments. They also arise in data representations that approximate continuous shapes with discrete elements.

Properties: The object is piecewise-linear; its geometric properties are determined by the segment parameters and joint constraints. Segmentoidut can be simplified or resampled to adjust the segment count, influencing accuracy, storage, and performance in rendering or analysis.

Applications: Used in vector graphics representations (SVG), computer-aided design, robotics modeling of manipulators, geographic information systems polyline data, and shape analysis. They provide a flexible, modular way to approximate complex curves and surfaces.

See also: Polyline, Polygonal chain, Piecewise linear.

References: This article describes a general concept in computational geometry and related fields; for further reading, consult standard texts on polyline geometry and curve approximation.