Challenge : Two cones intersection

[ZackStorm]

Given two cones of infinite length in 3d space, with arbitrary origins, orientation vectors and opening angles, how can we find if the two cones intersect or not?

An answer in the form of a C, Lisp or Scheme function would be prefered, but a math based explanation is just as good.

Good luck  :)

DISCLAIMER: I am not the author of this challange ;)

[Widdowmaker]

Not possible. What you want us to do is find out if two cones interect. BUT you dont give us ANY information. The vector Opening angles orentation and starting point are all helpfull. If not nessacary. Assuming that both have an opening angle of at least 1 degree. And assuming that they are wrapped around a sphere then yes they will intersect at somepoint. But otherwise there is simply not enough information given.

[jackwanders]

I concur w/ Widdowmaker.

You can't possibly determine if two cones intersect if you have NO information about them, simply because it's not true that they will always intersect. Whether or not the intersect is determined by the information that you're not giving us.

PS - Is this a homework problem you're passing onto us?

[stuartshields]

The original post of this here: http://forums.free2code.net/view.php?tid=19816

As you see more information is there :)

[ZackStorm]

^ Exaclty what he said. I just wanted to know if anyone here could solve it. If it is impossible, then you have to prove that there is no solution ;)

BTW, "stuartshields", how did you find this thread and what member of F2C are you? :blink:

PS: I haven't been in school for decades ;)

[JohnsonBox]

See the situation of the attached pic:

The two cones cannot intersect.

[stuartshields]

member on f2c? stu

why?

And how I found this forum is coz I visit neowin frequently?