Progressive fractal rendering

Abstract

A method for producing an image. The method includes the steps of forming a procedural representation of the image. Then there is the step of taking samples of the image. Next there is the step of rendering larger shapes in the samples as progressively smaller shapes which cover the larger shapes until the larger shapes become represented by smaller shapes each occupying exactly one pixel, wherein the time it takes to render each smaller shape is essentially the same. An apparatus for producing an image. The apparatus includes a computer. The apparatus includes a memory connected to the computer. The apparatus includes a computer display connected to the computer. The apparatus includes a pointer device connected to the computer. The apparatus includes a mechanism for taking samples of the image and rendering larger shapes in the samples of the image as progressively smaller shapes which cover the larger shapes until the larger shapes become represented by smaller shapes each occupying exactly one pixel. The taking mechanism is disposed in the memory.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.