Semialgebraic Range Stabbing, Ray Shooting, and Intersection Counting in the Plane

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Polynomial partitioning techniques have recently led to improved geometric data structures for a variety of fundamental problems related to semialgebraic range searching and intersection searching in 3D and higher dimensions (e.g., see [Agarwal, Aronov, Ezra, and Zahl, SoCG 2019; Ezra and Sharir, SoCG 2021; Agarwal, Aronov, Ezra, Katz, and Sharir, SoCG 2022]). They have also led to improved algorithms for offline versions of semialgebraic range searching in 2D, via lens-cutting [Sharir and Zahl (2017)]. In this paper, we show that these techniques can yield new data structures for a number of other 2D problems even for online queries: 1. Semialgebraic range stabbing. We present a data structure for n semialgebraic ranges in 2D of constant description complexity with O(n3/2+ε) preprocessing time and space, so that we can count the number of ranges containing a query point in O(n1/4+ε) time, for an arbitrarily small constant ε > 0. (The query time bound is likely close to tight for this space bound.) 2. Ray shooting amid algebraic arcs. We present a data structure for n algebraic arcs in 2D of constant description complexity with O(n3/2+ε) preprocessing time and space, so that we can find the first arc hit by a query (straight-line) ray in O(n1/4+ε) time. (The query bound is again likely close to tight for this space bound, and they improve a result by Ezra and Sharir with near n3/2 space and near √n query time.) 3. Intersection counting amid algebraic arcs. We present a data structure for n algebraic arcs in 2D of constant description complexity with O(n3/2+ε) preprocessing time and space, so that we can count the number of intersection points with a query algebraic arc of constant description complexity in O(n1/2+ε) time. In particular, this implies an O(n3/2+ε)-time algorithm for counting intersections between two sets of n algebraic arcs in 2D. (This generalizes a classical O(n3/2+ε)-time algorithm for circular arcs by Agarwal and Sharir from SoCG 1991.).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication40th International Symposium on Computational Geometry, SoCG 2024
EditorsWolfgang Mulzer, Jeff M. Phillips
PublisherSchloss Dagstuhl- Leibniz-Zentrum fur Informatik GmbH, Dagstuhl Publishing
ISBN (Electronic)9783959773164
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2024
Event40th International Symposium on Computational Geometry, SoCG 2024 - Athens, Greece
Duration: Jun 11 2024Jun 14 2024

Publication series

NameLeibniz International Proceedings in Informatics, LIPIcs
Volume293
ISSN (Print)1868-8969

Conference

Conference40th International Symposium on Computational Geometry, SoCG 2024
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityAthens
Period6/11/246/14/24

Keywords

  • Computational geometry
  • data structures
  • intersection searching
  • polynomial partitioning
  • range searching
  • semialgebraic sets

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software

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