How to divide a set of overlapping ranges into non-overlapping ranges?

Question

Let\'s say you have a set of ranges:

• 0 - 100: \'a\'
• 0 - 75: \'b\'
• 95 - 150: \'c\'
• 120 - 130: \'d\'

Obviously, these range

Answer 1

What you describe is an example of set theory. For a general algorithm for computing unions, intersections, and differences of sets see:

www.gvu.gatech.edu/~jarek/graphics/papers/04PolygonBooleansMargalit.pdf

While the paper is targeted at graphics it is applicable to general set theory as well. Not exactly light reading material.