On some functional equations arising in computer graphics (Q1381539)

The authors present several functional equations characterizing the absolute value and the integer part functions. A typical one is \[ 2f(y)f(f(x)-y) = (y+f(y))(f(x+y)+f(y-x)) - 2y(f(x)+f(y)), \] for which the absolute value function is offered as the only solution mapping the set of reals into that of nonnegative reals which is either injective or surjective. The paper is illustrated by impressive architectural drawings (column, gabled roof, truncated pyramid with battlements, spiral staircase etc.) made from combinations of integer part, absolute value and trigonometric functions. It would be nice to know also how the functional equations were derived from the architectural design (or other) applications.