Torpatch

Torpatch is a data file generator for the Persistence of Vision raytracer. Given a series of points in space, Torpatch joins them smoothly with sections of tori. As a basic function Torpatch can output the coordinates of a torus section passing through any three points, or through two points given a tangent at one of them. The torus section can be extended to pass smoothly through any other set of points. Torpatch can also generate random 'tangles' if so desired.

This program has several uses:

• Making a smooth join between two POV primitives sometimes calls for a torus section between them. Torpatch is ideal for obtaining the coordinates of such a joining object.
• The ability to easily get the coordinates of the torus through any three points is helpful in other circumstances such as modelling chains.
• Torpatch's true purpose, however, is the modelling of random coils and 'tangles', either predefined through a series of control points, or completely random. The image on my gallery page is a good example. Such tangles could be modelled using e.g. Connect-the-Dots, but would require a much greater number of primitives to look smooth and hence a much longer tracing time.

Torpatch is released under the GNU GPL.

Download Torpatch (DOS EXE)

Download Torpatch source (Turbo Pascal)

Download Torpatch source (C)

Yes, the C conversion is done! Sorry about the delay...