(Mamoru Hosaka (Auth.) ) Modeling of Curves and Su
(Mamoru Hosaka (Auth.) ) Modeling of Curves and Su
(Mamoru Hosaka (Auth.) ) Modeling of Curves and Su
Modeling of
Curves and Surfaces
in CAD/CAM
With 90 Figures
Springer¥erlag
Berlin Heidelberg New York
London Paris Tokyo
Hong~ong Barcelona
Budapest
Mamoru Hosaka
Tokyo Denki University
Kanda-Nishikicho 2-2
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 101, Japan
ISBN-13:978-3-642-76600-8 e-ISBN-13:978-3-642-76598-8
DOl: 10.1007/978-3 -642- 76598-8
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Hosaka, M. (Mamoru)
Modeling of curves and surfaces in CAD/CAMIM. Hosaka. p. cm. - (Computer graphics
-systems and applications) Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN-13:978-3-642-76600-8
1. Computer graphics. I. Title. II. Series: Symbolic computations. Computer graphics -
systems and applications. T385.H6958 1992
670.285'66 - dc20 91-43266 CIP
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use must always be obtained from Springer-Verlag. Violations are liable for prosecution under
the act of the German Copyright Law.
They are useful for ordinary products, but they do not seem "to be adequate
for application to products with special features attractive to customers, be-
cause there have still been companies which asked the author of this book for
advice as to the application of the system to their special product developments.
The author thinks the contents of the book include some hints on how to respond
to these questions.
This book is written for practical engineers who need knowledge about theories
of curves and surfaces and their processing methods for the design and man-
ufacture of engineering objects of high quality. The author has tried to make
the description as easily understandable and applicable as possible. Accordingly,
though the various methods are systematically formalized, they are also graph-
ically interpreted so that one can analyze problems just using pencil and paper
with the help of the drawings. This improves one's understanding of the problem
he is trying to solve.
The contents of the book are divided into the following six parts.
- Chapters 1-4. The basic mathematical tools and linear and quadratic curves
and surfaces.
- Chapters 5-8. The fundamental theory of curves and surfaces extracted from
the theory of differential geometry and its application. Also the curve passing
through a given point sequence.
- Chapters 9-12. Curves and surfaces with control points and their regular
connection.
- Cha.pters 13-15. Non-regular connection of surface patches and triangular
patches.
- Chapter 16 and Appendix. Interference of surfaces. Tracing methods of inter-
section curves by numerical calculation.
- Chapter 17. Geometric models and engineering drawings. Feature input,
construction of geometric models which include free-form surfaces, and their
utilization.
In Chap. 1, the theory of vectors and matrices together with their notations
which are used in this book are concisely summarized with application examples.
In Chap. 2, coordinate transformations and movement of a solid body are treated.
Since it is rather difficult for a person to grasp intuitively the three-dimensional
movement of a body, we formalize its description. And for its intuitive under-
standing, we introduce mirror reflections to represent rotations and translations.
In Chap. 3, objects which are represented by linea.r equations are treated. Since
this is related to the control polygons and nets, we introduce Menelaus' theorem,
which is a classic theorem of geometry. Its variants are used in various places
Preface VII
In Chap. 9, so-called Bezier curves and surface patches are defined from the
special characters of control points . Here the shifting operators for subscripts of
control point.s are introduced for simplicity of the expressions as well as of their
manipula.tion. Geometric properties of a Bezier curve are intuitively obt.ained
from a Bezier polygon which consists of t.he control points for the segment. Divi-
sion and degree elevation of the curve segment. correspond to those of the Bezier
polygon. A Bezier net for a surface patch is obtained by the tensor product of
t.wo Bezier polygons for curve segment.s. The net determines geometric propert.ies
of t.he patch.
In Chap. 10, first, the meaning of degree of freedom for the connect.ion of
Bezier polygons is explained; then a Connection Defining Polygon (CDP) which
det.ermines connection of the adjacent curves in c(n-l) is defined. When conti-
nuity of derivatives at the junction of two curves of degree n is gua.r anteed up
to t.he (n - I)-t.h derivative, the condition of connection is called c(n-l). Since
at each junction o(connecting Bezier polygons in c(n-l), there exists a CDP, we
explain that the adjacent CDP are related by another polygon called the spline
polygon. Inversely, from a given spline polygon we can decluce a sequence of
c(n-l) connected Bezier polygons. We explain practical met.hods of determining
t.hese Bezier polygons from an arbitrary spline polygon whose shape is a rough
picture of the shape of the generated connected curve. The spline polygon is
considered to cont.rol the shape of connected curves of degree n and the c(n-l)
condit.ion means t.hat t.he shape control is local. In a Bezier polygon , the control
is global.
Then we explain a method of division of a spline polygon which is equivalent
to increase of vert.ices of the spline polygon. Next, for a spline polygon of degree
three we show a met.hod to acld more freedom for shape control by changing the
connecting condit.ion from C(2) to C(2), which only guarant.ees continuit.y of the
curvat.ure vect.or at t.he junctions instead of t.he second derivative. In the last
part. of this chapt.er, effects of the scale ratios on the shape of the generated shape
of the curve and t.hat of the radius of curvature profile, whose shape is used as
an aesthet.ic crit.erion by designers , are explained.
In t.he first section of Chap. 11, by the met.hod of tensor product Bezier nets
are determined from a given spline net. In the succeeding sect.ions, proofs of t.he
methods of det.ermining Bezier polygons from a spline polygon are given. Here
Menelaus' theorem is extensively used .
In Chap. 12, rat.ional Bezier and rational spline curves are treated. First
comes t.he relation between linear division of a line segment and rational division
of the same segment with a different weight value attached to each of it.s end
point.s. The geometric properties of a Bezier polygon can easily be transferred to
the rational Bezier polygon and vice versa. A simple graphical mapping method
between th~ respective polygons is given. In the similar mapping from a rational
spline polygon we obtain rational Bezier polygons connected in c(n-l). We give
examples of effects of the weights on the shape of the generat.ed curve and surface.
Preface IX
and Sony Corporation. In motor ca.r body design and manufa.ct.ure, there are two
groups of persons who are least adaptable to comput.erizat.ion. One is a group of
sensitive st.yle designers, who are art.ists, and the ot.her is the group of expert.s on
die-face design of stamping presses, whose accumulated knowledge on stamping
press processes is valuable for successful die-making. If human interfaces and
int.eraction procedures which these persons would agree to use willingly ca.n be
provided, a successful integrated CAD/CAM system can be const.ructed. Its
other various and highly automated operations can be implemented technically
even if they are complicated. We describe such parts of the successful system.
The other feature is that the mast.er models which have been used in various
st.ages of manufacturing are replaced by the numerical master model from which
various standard and control information is extra.ct.ed for use in manufacturing
the st.amping dies and inspection of t.he manufactured objects and the welding
fixtures and jigs.
The next example is a very small commercial product such as an in-the-ear
headphone and its case. Though the size of the objects is very small, similar
design and evaluation techniques are used, and we explain them briefly. In both
examples the theories and methods which are described in this book were applied.
In t.he Appendix, numerical met.hods of differential equat.ion solving with
adapt.ive stepsize, which are used in this book for tracing or drawing various
curves on a. surface including int.ersection curves, are explained. We have t.ried
to make the descript.ion understandable wit.hout special knowledge of numerical
integration.
computer to shorten the design time and to make the design shape information
a direct input to the various downstream tasks performed by the computers such
as the structure design system of car bodies and the stamping die design and
manufacturing system (TINCA system). This project seemed very attractive but
it was difficult to attain its objective in a short time.
At that. time Toyota had a system called NTDFB (New Toyota Data File
system for Body engineering) which took in measured data from a clay model
made by designers and constructed awire frame model of a car body with inter-
polat.ion by Coons' pat.ches. But the quality of the surface was not satisfactory
and it was an enormous task to correct and to convert the data for use by TINCA
system for manufacturing stamping dies.
For the new project, at Toyot.a the designers' conventional methods were sys-
temat.ically scrut.inized and analyzed. According to this information new meth-
ods of surface synt.h~sis and evaluat.ion were developed with the collaboration of
the style designers. The new methods were a kind of simulation of designers '
activities during their creative works of constructing a clay model which was the
expression of their intentions. Accordingly, the system had to provide various
methods and tools for construction and evaluation of the model in order for the
designers and modelers to feel they were using their accustomed methods.
Through the experiments, armed with the theoretical works and experience
on a prototype and after more than three years development with much effort
and investment by Toyota, the system was completed and has been used since
1981 and an epoch-making enhancement of productivity of the design as well as
high product quality of the final products have been attained. By means of this
system and downstream systems integrated with it, all the physically constructed
master models were abolished and the number of tryouts of the stamping press
with real models was extremely diminished [18].
During cooperation on the development of the system, the author found
many problems to be solved, but owing to the limited developing time they
were not all solved satisfa.ctorily. These were problems related to the evaluation,
interference and connection of free-form surfa,ces, some of which were analyzed
more elegantly afterwards [17][19][20]; these topics are treated in this book. In
1981 the author left the University of Tokyo according to the age-limit rule there
and tra,nsferred to Tokyo Denki University, where he served as the director of
the university research center. After the term of office in 1988, he had time to
make his efforts t.o write this book in which most of his practically useful work
on free-form curve and surfaces are included in a systematic way, although some
of the complicat.ed analyses were omitted owing to the introductory character of
the book.
After the successful development work of the first Seat Reservation System of
Japanese N a.t.ional Railways, the author had to be engaged in consulting work on
the development of the large on-line stock information and transaction system of
the Tokyo Stock Exchange. They Doth have quite different characters from the
Preface XIII
CAD/CAM system of Toyota, but the common factor was that they involved
expert persons without whom the systems could not be operated successfully.
The author has realized that human considerations and good interfaces with the
machine were among the most important factors for the success of computerized
systems together with their high reliability and high performance.
4 Acknowledgements
The author owes his research work in this field to many people who gave problems
to him and discussed with him and tested research results. Especially, he thanks
very much the people at Toyota Motor Corporation and Prof. emeritus T. Sata
of the University of Tokyo, who first introduced me to this field, and Prof. F.
Kimura of the University of Tokyo, who was a student of my laboratory in the
same university . and afterwards has been my collea.gue in research work in this
field.
For materials in Chap. 17, Mr. M. Ohara and Dr. M. Higashi (now at Toyota
Technological Institute) of Toyota Motor Corporation and Dr. T . Kuragano of
Sony Corporation permitted me free use of various results of the developments
performed there. All the figures except those in Chap. 17, were produced by
Mr. T. Saitoh of Tokyo Denki University and Mr. T. Kushimoto and Mr. H.
Kobayasi of Stanley Electric Corporation by calculating equations in this book.
Their resea.rch works with the author are also included in the book.
By the effort of Mr. J.Andrew Ross of Springer-Verla.g, ma.ny errors, typo-
graphical and grammatical, of the original draft were corrected; I thank him very
much for his contribution.
5 Theory of Curves . . . . . 55
5.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . 55
5.2 Tangent and Curvature of Curve 55
5.3 Binormal and Torsion of Curve . 57
5.4 Expressions with Parameter t .. 59
5.5 Curvature of Space Curve and Its Projection 61
5.6 Implicit Expression of a Parametric Curve 63
14.3.2 Two-Valued Twist Vectors and Floating Inner Control Points 237
14.4 Correction of Cross-Boundary Tangent Vectors 238
14.4.1 Connection of Four-Sided Patches 238
14.4.2 Evaluation and Comparison of Methods 243
14.4.3 Three-Sided Patches . . 246
14.5 Case of C(2) Connection 250
14.5.1 Four-Sided Patches. 250
14.5.2 Three-Sided Patches . . 252
Bibliography . 337
1.1 Introduction
In treating geometric objects or quantities, we use vector and matrix notations
and operations throughout this book to simplify their description and also to
make the reader's geometric understanding easier. We show in this chapter only
the essence of vector and matrix operations with their application examples,
which will be referred to from various places in this book.
In Fig. 1.1, the above operations are shown graphically. Using equations (1.1),
(1.2), (1.3) and (1.4), a vector a can be written in a form:
(1.5)
2 1 Excerpts from Vector and Matrix Theory
a+ b
;/ /-
;f;?/ b
/. 6- b
b
Since the position of a. point P in the space is determined by its distance and
the direction from the origin of the coordinate system, it is a vector. Usually
when a vector represents a position, the tail of the vector p is fixed at the origin;
its component values are not explicitly subtracted by the corresponding value
(0,0,0) of the origin. Therefore, the coordinates values (Px, PY' pz) ofthe position
P are the components of its position vector p:
(1.6)
(~) (1.7)
Since this latter form occupies a large space and is not suitable for usual type-
writ.ing, when this form is needed, the following alternative is frequently used:
(1.8)
(1.9)
Its magnitude is the distance or the length between the points p and q, which
is denoted by
(1.10)
1.3 Product of Vectors 3
The magnitude of a vector is the square root of the sum of the squares of its
components. It is also called the absolute value of a vector. A vector it whose
magnitude is 1 and whose direction is same as that of a , is called a unit vector
in the direction of a . It is derived from a vector a by dividing by its absolute
value lal :
, a
a = jaf' (1.11)
The unit vectors which have the directions of the coordinates axes x, y and z are
i, j and k as used above.
When the tails of a and b are coincident, lei gives the area of the parallelogram
made by them. The direction of c is equal to that of the right screw in a rotation
of a towards b by the angle e. Hence, the vector c is orthogonal both to a and
4 1 Excerpts from Vector and Matrix Theory
(1.18)
(1.19)
From the above two linear equations for the three variables cx , cy and cz , we
obtain the ratios among the three components of c,
( 1.20)
J k
c = cxi + cyj + czk = ax ay a z (1.21)
bx by bz
axb
that of the area of a parallelogram whose adjoining sides are the vectors a and
b. The unit normal n of the parallelogram is given by
(a x b)
n - -:---...,- ( 1.22)
- la x bl'
Since the inner product (n . c) is the normal component of c, the expression
la x bl(n . c), which represents a product of the bottom area and the height of
the parallelogram, is equal to the volume of the parallel piped whose adjoining
three edges are a, band c. If its value is zero, the three vectors are coplanar. If
it is positive, the vector c is in the front side of a plane determined by a x b, if
negative, it is in the rear side of the plane.
In the evaluation of the volume of the paraUelpiped, the area defined by a
and b are considered to be its bottom face. But as anyone of the areas defined
by two vectors of the three can equally well be taken as a bottom face, its volume
is given also by (b x c) . a or by (c x a) . b as well as by (a x b) . c. They are
all denoted by [a, b, c] and are called the scalar triple product of the vectors and
have the relations:
When any two element vectors of a scalar triple product have the same or opposite
direction or when its three element vectors are coplanar, the value of the scalar
triple product is zero. Its sign is used to determine in which side of a plane a
given point exists.
axb
axb
( 1.29)
n = la x bl'
••• (axb)xa
rJ = ( x ~ = la x bl . lal . ( 1.30)
Using eq. (1.26), the numerator of the right-hand side of the above equation is
changed to . .
To prove this, set d = b in eq. (1.28); since a x band b x c are orthogonal, the
left side of eq. (1.28) is zero. By rewriting the inner product with absolute values
and the cosines of the angles between the vectors concerned, the above relation
is obtained.
(1.31)
and simila.rly
Since the triple product [el, e2, e3] is the volume of a parallelpiped of unit
lengt.h edges , which is equal to sin w cos e, we have
A = [a, e2 , e3]/s~nwcose , }
f1= [a, e3 , el]/ SlllW cos e, (1.32)
v = [a,el , ez]/sinwcose.
e
If w = 90 degrees and = 0, then the unit vectors el, e2 and e 3 are mutually
orthogonal. Accordingly, the above equations are reduced to
db dt db
b· ds = 0, ds' b + t· ds = O.
As dt/ds = Kn,
we have t.he relation (dt/ds)· b = 0 and hence we get
t . (db/ds) = O.
This means (db/ds) is orthogonal to t as well as to b, so it
has a. component of n only. Introducing a proportional constant -1', we can
express it as
db
ds = -rn.
Making the vector product of t with both sides of b = t x n, and using eq. (1.26),
we get a relation .n = b x t. Differentiating this by s, we obtain
dn db dt
---xt+bx-
ds - ds ds'
which is converted to
dn
ds = -rn x t + Kb x 11 = rb - d.
A= (1.35)
The right-hand side arrangement is called a matrix of size m x nand aij are
elements of the matrix. Matrices can have names: the name of the above matrix
is A. For simplicity, an notation A = [ai j ] may be used.
A vector of m components can be thought of a matrix of size 1 x m, or its
transpose is a matrix of size m x L
10 1 Excerpts from Vector and Matrix Theory
A= (1.37)
But to save space and to type it easily, the following expression is frequently
used:
( 1.38)
Let each column. of the matrix A be a transposed vector or matrix of m x 1:
(1.39)
(l.40)
When the size of matrices A, Band C are the same, the following arithmetic
operations:
C = A ± B, C = cA , (1.41)
are defined in such a way that the elements of C are equal to the arithmetic
operations between the corresponding elements of the matrices A and B,
( 1.42)
1. 7 Products of Matrices
1.7.1 Multiplication of a Vector and a Matrix
Multiplying a vector b of m components by a matrix A of m x n, we get a vector
c of n components,
( 1.43)
A component of c corresponds to an inner product of the vector b and the
corresponding column vector of the expression eq. (1.40) of A.
Since they are matrices of size 1 x m and size m x 1, their inner product is
denoted by ba? Using this notation and eq. (1.40), we can express eq. (1.43) in
the following form,
(1.44)
1. 7 Products of Matrices 11
bI = b, AI = I A = A. (1.52)
( 1.53)
c=bB. ( 1.54)
the expression and its numerical calculation, instead of the double summation
L L Ji(U)JJ(V)Pij, the equivalent matrix representation is frequently used. Let
b(u) be a vector whose components are Ji(u),(i = 1··· n) and b(v) be a vector
whose components are JJ(v),(j = 1·· ·n), then the expression of the surface
patch is formally written as
s(u, v)= b(v)· C· b(u)T = b(u) . C· b(v)T, (1.58)
where C = [PiJ
This is one of expressions for a tensor product surface patch. The derivation of
eq. (1.58) is explained in Chap. 9.
The inverse matrix of a square matrix is a square matrix which produces
the unit matrix I by its multiplication with the original square matrix. If the
relation
AB = BA = I ( 1.59)
holds, a matrix A is' called the inverse of a matrix B, or matrix B is the inverse
of matrix A. They are denoted by
(1.60)
In this case, the matrices A and B are non-singular. The inverse matrix does
not always exist: if value of determinant of a square matrix is zero, the matrix
is called singular.
'When a vector b is unknown, a vector c and a matrix B are known, and
there exists a relation:
c= bB, (1.61)
the l:lllknown vector b ca.n be obtained by post-multiplying the inverse matrix
B- 1 , if it exists, with both sides of eq. (1.61):
cB- 1 = bBB- 1 = bI = b. (1.62)
This is the solution of eq. (1.61).
The inverse of a product of two matrices is equal to
( 1.63)
When the inverse and the transposed matrices of a given matrix are the same,
then the given matrix is called the orthogonal matrix. A coordinate transforma-
tion matrix of rotation about any axis is the orthogonal matrix. For example, let
T 1 ,2 be the transformation matrix of rotation around the z axis, which is given
by
a.nd e = (ex, ey). Then e(A - AI) = °is resolved into its components:
(a - ,\)e x + hey = 0, = O.
hex + (b - A}ey ( 1.67)
If these simultaneous equations have solutions other than ex = e y = 0,
2.1 Introduction
In CAD and CAM, objects to be designed and manufactured have to be mod-
elled in the computer. In dealing with such models, geometric relations among
the objects have to be described and their calculations systematically performed.
Vector and matrix operations are very useful in these tasks. Among their ap-
plications, coordinate transformation and the movements of solid bodies are the
fundamental tools in treating 3D objects mathematically. We explain them in
this chapter. A position vector p of a point is denoted by p(1) to indicate that it
is seen from the coordinate system (1. The same is applied for its components:
(2.1)
When this point is to be seen from the coordinate system (2, it must be written
in the same form as eq. (2.1):
(2.2)
We 'have to est.ablish the relation between p(l) and p(2). When a body moves to
other location changing its orientat.ion, a point p(l) of the body moves to q(l)
seen from the same coordinate system. We have to also establish their relation.
Recognition and manipulation of the geometrical relations of objects in 3D
space are rather difficult tasks for a person without using real models or other
suitable visualizing methods. So, we formalize the mathematics used in three-
dimensional movements of bodies and coordinate transformations in a systematic
way so that they may easily be applied for computer processing.
In the last section of this chapter, simulation of the displacement of objects
by mirror reflections is treated, because sometimes movements of a body in space
are easily understood by analogy with mirror reflections.
from the latter by multiplying with a 3 x 3 matrix, which is called the coordinate
transformation matrix T12 . So we have a relation:
p(2) = P(l}T12 . (2.3)
The position p(l) must be derived by formally applying T21 to p(2):
p(l) = p(2)T21 . (2.4)
Replacing p(l} of eq. (2.3) by eq. (2.4), we get
p(2) = p(2)T21 T 12 . (2.5)
From this the following relation must hold,
(2.6)
where I is the unit matrix of size 3 x 3. The transformation matrix T21 is the
inverse of T 12 :
(2.7)
Seeing the same point p from the coordinate system C3, we have the following
relation:
p(3) = p(1)T13 = p(2)T23 . (2.8)
Replacing p(2) in the right-hand side of eq. (2.8) by eq. (2.3), we get
(2.10)
Taking its inverse and applying the relation (2.7), we have
(2.11)
This is the same relation as eq. (2.10). We can state that in the sequence of
coordinate transformations, the intermediate coordinates have no effect. So, its
general form is
(2.12)
(2.13)
2.4 Coordinate Transformation Matrix 2 17
To determine its elements tij, we set p(l) = ii1) = (1,0,0)(1). Then using eq. (2.3),
we obtain the first row of eq. (2.13):
ii2) = (tll t12 t 13 )
T _ [
tll
t21
t12
t22
t 13
t23
0
0
j
12 - t31 t32 t33 0 .
(2.20)
t41 t42 t 43 1
The relations (2.5) - (2.12) hold without modification, equations (2.14) and
(2.16) are modified to
T12 = [i J k 0 ]i2)T, (2.21 )
T21 = [ i· j k 0 ]~l)T. (2.22)
18 2 Coordinate Transformations and Displacements
y
x
z
Figure 2.1 Displacement of a body
In the previous section a point is fixed, but the coordinate systems (1 and (2 are
different, or the coordinate system (1 moves to a different position by rotation
and translation to become the system (2. In this section, a coordinate system
C1 is fixed, but a body B moves to a~other position by rotation and translation.
We are to formulate its movement.
A coordinate system (2 fixed in a body B becomes the coordinate system
(3 when the body B moves to another location. See Fig.2.1. Any point of the
body seen from the body coordinate systems (2 and (3 does not change though
its position p changes to q if seen from the coordinate system (1. So, we can
express
(2.23)
If we see q from the system (2, we consider q(2) has moved from p(2) and we
describe this fact by using the movement matrix S,
(2.24)
On the other hand, multiplying T32 with eq. (2.23) to get q(2), we have
(2.26)
2.6 Application Examples 19
We can state t.hat the value of S, which is the movement matrix of a body
1 it.s init.ial coordinate system C2, is the same as that of the coordinate trans-
)fInation matrix from C3 to C2.
If we use anot.her coordinate system C1 in eq. (2.24), we can change eq. (2.25)
o
(2.27)
rom which we have
(2.28)
~his is t.he formula. of the movement matrix in the system C1. We use S(l) in
,lace of T12 . S . T21 , then the above equation becomes
(2.29)
:ince S introduced in eq. (2.24) is the movement matrix in the system C2, it
hould be writ.ten S(2), and the coordinate transformation of S from the system
:2 to C1 becomes
(2.30)
,yhen there are successive movements of a body, which include rotations, this
an be expressed mathematically by the successive multiplication of relevant S
natrices. As it is rather difficult to grasp this kind of movement visually, the
,ther approach which uses the mirror (reflection) transformation is described in
'ect. 2.7.
L6 Application Examples
~.6.1 Successive Rotations in Space
n rot.at.ion of a body in space, the coordinate system attached to the body also
otates, so human understanding of the motion of the body becomes difficult.
3ut rot.at.ion around a coordinate axis is easier to grasp, and also construction
)f a. mechanism of rot.ation around a. fixed axis is easier, so in most cases general
otat.ion is resolved int.o successive application of single axis rotations.
With the coordinate system attached to a body, at first the body rotates
I.round its z axis by an angle '1jJ in the direction from the x to the y axes, then it
otates around its y a.xis by an angle e in the direction from the z to the x axes,
inally it rotates around its x axis by an angle ifJ from the y to the z a.xes.
Let consider t.he coordinate systems CO, Cl, C2 and C3, the origins of which
:oincide and their definitions are (refer to Fig. 2.2).
Z = Zl
./ y
,------
x Figure 2.2 Rotation of coordinates
Then the transformation matrices from one system to the next are con-
structed using eq. (2.14):
T01(1j; : z)
[005'1> - ,in 1 01
sin 1j; cos 1j; 0 , (2.31 )
o 0 1
[ 00'o 0 0 ,in 0 1
T 12 (e : y) 1 0 , (2.32)
- sine 0 cos e
(2.34)
1/2./2 -.;3/4./2
T03 = [ 1/2./2 3.;3/4./2 5/4./2]
1/4./2 . (2.35)
-.;3/2 1/4 .;3/4
Its transpose is equal to the inverse, because it is the orthogonal matrix. The
squared sum of each row or column of the above matrix is equal to 1, because
each row or column of the above matrices is the unit vector as are shown in
eq. (2.14). When the origins of CO and C1 do not coincide, T03 becomes a 4 x 4
matrix, whose 4th row is the vector of the origin of CO seen from C3 and the 4th
column is the vector (000 1)T.
2.6 Application Examples 21
L
Cl
/ (w
Q(.
e • y
In the system C3, the body rotates around the x axis by an angle w. The
final position is seen from C1 and then from co. Let p(O) be a point of the body
B. In C1 it is pel) = p(O) - p~O). After the rotation, p(l) moves to q(I), which is
expressed by p(1)S(1). From eq. (2.30), 5(1) is equal to (T13 ·5(3) . T31)' So we
have
q(1) = P(1)(TI3 ·5(3) . T31)' (2.36)
Since TI3 = T 12 T23 , which is given by T('1j; : z) . T(e : y), and 5(3) is equal to
T( -w : x) for it is a rotation around the x axis, and q(1) = q(O) - p~O), the final
position q(O) is given by
Ia
b
/'
C2
must. hold. From this equation, relat.ions between 8i and Zi are obtained.
To solve this equat.ion, first the transformation matrix T 1Z has to be con-
structed. Then from t.he equation r~I)TIZ = r~2), variables ZI and 81 for the
cylinder 1 being eliminated, the relation of Z2 and 8z is obtained. The following
values are the constant.s calculated from the given data.
(a·b)=cos¢,laxbl=sin¢.
The unit vectors (iI, jl' k 1) of the coordinate axes of the system C1 are deter-
mined:
kl = a, (2.40)
11 = -(a x b)/ sin ¢, (2.41 )
jl kl XiI = -a x (a x b)/ sin¢ = (b - cos¢a)/ sin¢. (2.42)
kz = b, (2.43)
iz (a x b)/sin¢, (2.44)
jz k z x i z = b x (a x b)/sin¢ = (a - cos¢b)/sin¢. (2.45)
Since the transformation matrix has the form (see eq. (2.22)):
we obtain
-1 0
Tl = [ 0 0 00]
-cos¢ sin¢ (2.47)
z 0 sin ¢ cos <jJ 0 .
d 0 o 1
Then from the equation rl1)Tl2 = r~Z), we get t.he following three equations:
Squaring the first and the second equations and adding them, we obtain the
following quadratic equation for ZI.
sin z ¢. z~ - 2Pl sin 81 cos ¢sin ¢. ZI + (PI sin 81 cos <jJ)Z + (-PI cos 81 + d? - p~ = 0
(2.51 )
24 2 Coordinate Transformations and Displacements
By setting the value of 81 and solving the equation, we obtain the value of Z1.
Taking the ratio of the second to the first equation, we have
-PI sin 81 cos ¢ + Zl sin ¢
tan 82 = . (2.52)
-PI cos 81 +d
We can determine the value of 82 from eq. (2.52), and Z2 from eq. (2.50). The
intersection curve of the two cylinders is thus calculated. According to given
values PI, P2, ¢ and d, the shape of intersection curve has two, one and no
loop(s) and shows special shapes between their transitions, which has singular
points where dzI/d8 l becomes indeterminate.
A more general treatment of the intersection is explained in Chap. 4 and in
Chap. 16.
B'=B·M, (2.53)
where Band B' are position vectors of bodies Band B', and M is a. kind of
displacement matrix produced by the mirror M. Hereafter, these definitions of
B, B, B', B' and M, M are used rather loosely so long as confusion does not
occur. Refer to Fig. 2..5. Let p' be the image of p by M, whose surface is defined
by its unit normal vector n and its distance do from the origin of CO, and the
position of p' is given by
To express the above equation in a matrix form, the fourth component 1 has to
be added to the three components of a position vector, such as in
co Z'
x CO'
(2.56)
which is derived from eq. (2.54). The value of the determinant of the matrix M
is equal to -1. This indicat.es that a point p' is an imaginary point seen from
the real coordinat.e system CO.
2.7;1 Translation
Consider t.wo parallel mirrors M} and Jvh separated by the distance h. A body B
is moved to B' by M}, and B' t.o B" by M 2 • Refer to Fig. 2.6(a). These processes
are described by
B" = B' . M2 = B . M} . M2. (2.57)
The distance bet.ween B a.n d B" is 2h.
This is equivalent to the translation of 2h in the direction from M} to M2
and does not depend on the absolute position of the mirror pair, that is, the
mirror pair (M}, M 2 ) can be moved anywhere in the perpendicular direction.
If t.he distance bet.ween two mirrors is zero, this is equivalent to no mirrors.
Accordingly, t.ranslations by even numbers of parallel mirrors are equivalent to
those by the two parallel mirrors.
( a)
(b)
Figure 2.6 Displacement of a body: (a) two parallel mirrors, (b) two intersecting mirrors
( a) (b)
(Af3, M4) is
an orthogonal pair
( M 1, M2) is
"',''''~'"'---';-..,.--~
an orthogonar-palr--- ! L3
,
(c) (d)
Figure 2.7 Conversion of two pairs of mirrors to a parallel pair and an in tersectillg pair
orthogonal to the former: (a) initial locations of two pairs, (b) rotation of each pair to include
the common perpendicular L 3 , (c) rotation of (M2' M 3 ) around L 3 , (d) final state of two pairs
2.7 Expressions of Movemen t of a Body by Reflection 29
This mirror plane M4 is determined by three points in the space: p' and
two mid-points of any two line segments joining corresponding points of the two
bodies B' and B". The axis of rot.ation which is represented by the mirror pair
(M2' M 3) passes t.hrough the point. p' and is orthogonal to the mirror M 4. The
rotat.ion angle by the mirror pair (M2' M 3) is determined by an angle between
two planes which include the axis of the pair and each of the corresponding points
of the bodies.
Using the above theorem, we can determine the screw a..xis and the rotation
angle between the initial position B and the moved position B". The body B is
moved to B' by a mirror M1 which is the perpendicular bisection plane of the
corresponding points of Band B". Since B' and B" are mutually mirror-imaged
bodies with a common point, the displacement of Band B" are represented by
the four mirrors M I , M 2, M3 and M 4. By rotating the pair (M2' M 3) around
their intersection line to make M2 orthogonal to MJ, we have two orthogonal
pairs (MI , M 2) and (M3, M 4), from which we can determine the screw axis, the
rotation angle and the displacement by the method of Sect.. 2.7.3.
Then, as in Sect. 2.7.3, the new screw axis and the four mirrors are determined.
3 Lines, Planes and Polyhedra
3.1 Introduction
In a.dvanced "CAD, its software has to process information on the models of 3D
objects as though a person treats real ones. In construction and processing of
the models , their information must be sufficient and have no contradiction, and
their processing methods must be robust, efficient and flexible, because the re-
sult is directly connected to real processes of physical objects. From this point
of view, a polyhedron is a fundamental object to be modelled in the computer.
Its information structure and processing methods are clear, and numerical ap-
proximation enters least compared with those of other 3D objects. Polygons and
polyhedra or wire-frames are also useful in describing objects with free-form sur-
faces, because free-form curves and surfaces are defined by their control points
(refer to Chap. 9). So we explain in this chapter their basic equations as well as
their geometric and topological properties and their .interference.
This is a line of infinite length. An equation of a line segment joining two points
Po and Pl is
r(i) = Po' (1 - i) + Pl' i , O~i~l. (3.2)
Next, we are to determine an intersection point of two line segments Ll and L2
both of which are on a plane. Equations of these line segments joining Po and
Pl' and joining P2 and P3 are given by
Since these two lines are on a plane , three vectors made from the end points
of the line segments must be coplanar, that is
(3.5)
32 3 Lines, Planes and Polyhedra
Po Po
Po
Figure 3.1 Intersection of two line segments
For the two line segments Ll and L2 to intersect, the two end points of Ll
must be on both sides of L2 and those of L2 must be on both sides of L1 . These
conditions are formulated in the following way: referring to Fig.3.1, if signs of
two scalar triple products
(3.7)
Multiplying (PI - Po) x n with the above equation to eliminate ill we obtain
i - [ Po - P2' P3 - P2, n 1
1 - [ P3 - P2' PI - Po, n r (3.9)
With these parameter values, the intersecting point of two line segments Ll and
L2 is given by rl(t 1 ) or r2(h) of eq. (3.3) and eq. (3.4).
3.3 Control Polygons and Menelaus' Theorem 33
- Lo and Ll a,re adjacent edges of a polyline made from three points Po, PI and
P2. Let a point qo on La and a point qI on L1 divide each edge in the ratio
t : 1 - t, where 0 ~ t ~ 1, and let the line segment joining qo and q1 be L 2 .
- Let a points q~ on Lo and q~ on L1 also divide the edges Lo and L1 in the
ratio i' : 1 - t', where 0 ~ t' ~ 1, and let the line segment connecting q~ and
q~ be L~.
- Then L2 divides L~ in the ratio t : I-t and L~ divides L2 in the ratio t' : I-t'.
The inverse theorem says that a point q2 which divides L2 in the ratio t' : 1 - i'
is collinear with q~ and q~.
Since these theorems are closely related to Menelaus' theorem which is ex-
plained below, in this book we cail such divisions of edges a Menelaus division of
34 3 Lines, Planes and Polyhedra
Po
Figure 3.3 Menelaus division of edges I
edges. For t.he applica.tion of t.he Menelaus division, t.he following procedure (re-
fer t.o Chap. 10) is used in the connection of Bezier polygons or the construction
of a spline polygon:
- Let. t.hree consecutive vertices of a. polygon be Po,' PI and P2, and one edge
(POPl) be divided into n sub-edges in the dividing ra.tio (AI : A2 : ... : An) at
the dividing point.s Po i for i = 1 ... n - 1.
- The ot.her edge (PlP2) is divided int.o n sub-edges in the ratio (A2 : A3 : ... :
A.n+l) at the dividing points Pl,i for i = l..n - 1.
- \Ve make an opposit.e edge of the vertex PI by connecting PO,i' and Pl ,i-l, and
divide this line in the ra.tio (A2 : A3 : ... : An) at the dividing points PO,i,j' for
j = l..n - 2.
- Then PO,j, PO,i,)-l' and Pl,)-l are collinear, or PO,J,i-l and PO,i,)-l are coincident,
where PO,j,i is the i-th dividing point of a line joining PO,j and Pl,j-l divided
in the rat.io (.\2 : A3 : ... : An).
(II) Refer t.o Fig. 3.4. Let POPIP2 be a triangle, whose edges are ao, al and a2,
and point.s qo, ql and q2 divide ao, al and a2 in the ratio (to: I-to), (tl : I-t l )
and (t2 : 1 - t 2) as shown in the figure, where 0 :::; to, t l , t2 :::; 1. If
then line segment.s Poqo, PI ql and P2Q2 are coincident. This is Ceva's theorem.
The inverse of the Ceva's theorem is as follows: let an intersection point of line
°
segment.s Poqo, Plql be 0, then the three points P2' and q2 are collinear. For
the applicat.ion of t.his theorem, see Sect. 13.4.1.
The above theorems can be proved easily by applying Menelaus' Theorem.
Referring to Fig. 3.5, it states thal for a triangle abc and any line intersecting
3.4 Equations of Plane and Intersection of Line and Plane 35
a e
Figure 3.5 Menelaus' theorem
with three edges be, ea and ab or their extensions at d, e, and I, where the
distance between points band d is denoted by bd or db, the relation
bd ee al = 1
(3.10)
de ea Ib
holds. Inversely, three points d, e and I (or d, e and b) are collinear if the above
relation holds in the triangle abc (or the triangle a Ie).
do
y
x
plane is defined to be positive when the enclosed part of the plane is on the
left-hand side of the boundary.
Refer to Fig. 3.6. Let r be the position vector of a point on a plane, and
let the distance from the origin to the plane be do (do is defined positive, if the
origin looks at the rear side of the plane, so the distance from the plane to the
origin is -do), then the relation
r·n=do (3.11)
is sometimes used for a plane which passes through Po and contains two different
non-zero basis vectors el and e2, u and v being parameters.
A line through Po with its direction a is given by
By substituting eq. (3.13) into eq. (3.11), we obtain the parameter value of the
intersection point of the line and the plane:
(3.14)
(3.15)
from the point Po to the plane, and the denominator the cosine of the angle
between the line and the normal of the plane. It follows that t gives the distance
along the line from the point Po to the plane.
3.5 Polyhedron and Its Geometric Properties 1 37
If the distance d is positive, Po looks at the rear side of the plane, if negative,
it looks at its front side and if zero, it is on the plane.
Exercise. Determine the common perpendicula,r of two lines in space. (Hint:
the direction of the common perpendicular is that of the vector product of the
directions of the two lines. Determine a plane containing one of the lines and
pa,rallel to the common perpendicular, The intersection of the plane and the
other line is on the common perpendicular.)
(3.16)
If the dihedral angle is greater than 180 degrees, the edge between them is
named a convex edge, if smaller than 180 degrees, it is a concave edge. Whether
38 3 Lines, Planes and Polyhedra
(3.17)
From this point, two intersection lines of the planes (7r1,7r3) and (7r2,7r3) start.
Their directions are given by eq. (3.16) or (3.17) with ll3 substituting III or ll2 .
Example. Refer to Fig. 3.8. Edge tracing and an intersection point of three
planes 7r1o 7r2 and 7r3'
Let a. plane through the origin and parallel to the plane 7rl be 7r~, and a
similar plane parallel to the plane 7r2 be 7ri. Starting from the origin along the
intersection line of 7r~ and 7r~, which is denoted by (7r~, 7r~), one can reach the
intersecting point PI with 7r3, which is denoted by (7r~,7r;,7r3)' PI is given by
eq. (3.18) with Po = 0:
(3.19)
3.6 Polyhedron and Its Geometric Properties 2 39
Starting from PI along the intersection line (Jr3, JrD of the planes Jr3 and Jr~,
we get to the intersecting point P2 with Jr2, which is (Jr~,Jr2,Jr3) and given by
From P2 along the intersection line (Jr2, Jr3) of Jr3 and Jr2 , we reach the intersection
point P3 with Jrl ,which is (JrbJr2,Jr3) and given by
(d l - P2 . lll)(ll2 X ll3)
P3 = P2 + . (3.20)
[llb ll2, ll3]
In the above equations, (Pl' ll2)' (Pl' lll) and (P2 . lll) are zero because they
include factors [llbll2,ll2] and [lll,lll,ll3]' So the intersection point P3 ofthe three
planes 11"1 ,11"2 and Jr3 is given by
(3.21)
.: Convex vertex
0: Concave vertex
A: Mixed vertex
n n
Pl :Outside point
P 2 :Inside point Figure 3.10 Points and a convex
n
polyhedron
another common face. In this case each of the line segments is outside of the
convex polyhedron.
Looking from a 'point outside of a. polyhedron, one can classify its faces into
two groups; those which the point looks and those which it does not. The
bounda.ries of the two groups necessarily make a loop, otherwise its ends go
to infinit.y. This loop is a silhouette line of the polyhedron looking from the
point. For a convex polyhedron this loop is simple. In a general polyhedron ,
there may be more than one boundary loop which interfere with each other or
with themselves on the projected plane. The whole loops or parts of the loops
become the silhouette lines of the polyhedron. See Fig. 3.11.
plane t.o make a new pair, but in the special case when the previous intersection
line passes through. a vertex of either polyhedron or when the vertices of the
two polyhedra coincide, the previous face pair ends there and a new face pair
starts, which is selected from the faces around the vertex or vertices concerned.
Continuing the above process of determining the intersection until we reach the
starting int.ersection line, we complete an intersection loop.
Though the procedure stated above can apply to general polyhedra, if we
divide the original polyhedra into sets of convex polyhedra, we can determine
their intersection loops easier than by attacking the problem without dividing .
(i) Sweep a square, which is on the xy plane and of size a, in the z direction
by length a. This makes a cube and increases the number offaces, vertices
and edges by 4, 4 and 8 respectively,
(ii) Make a small square of size b at the corner of the front face A of the cube.
This creates one face, three vertices and four edges.
(iii) Sweep the new small square on the face A in the direction x by length b.
This creates two faces, three vertices and five edges.
3.8 Local Operations for Deformation of Polyhedron 43
/x
(iii),(iv)
(ii)
( vij )
(v),( vi)
(iv) Make a b x a rectangle at the corner on the side face B of the body. This
creates one face, two vertices and three edges.
(v) Sweep the new face in the y direction by length (a - b). This creates one
face, two vertices and three edges.
(vi) Make an a x a square on the upper face C . This creates one face, one
vertex and two edges.
(vii) Sweep the a x a square on the face C in the direction z by length (a - b).
This creates two faces, one vertex and three edge.
The final body created is the same as that of one cube. of size a interfering with
another cube of the same size displaced by (a ~ b) in the x, y and z directions.
In each process described above, the increase in the number of faces and vertices
is equal to the increase in the number of edges. So, the processes do not violate
the Eulerian relation of eq. (3.22).
44 3 Lines, Planes and Polyhedra
F +V - E = 2(5 - H),
where Sand H are the numbers of shells (connected surfaces) and holes of the
solid object. An advanced explanation and discussion of the topology and its use
for construction of data structure of geometric models are to be treated in the
book by Kimura.
4 Conics and Quadrics
4.1 Introduction
Conics and quadrics are frequently used in various parts of shapes in engineering
products. Though they are only one degree higher than lines and planes, their
expressive capability is far greater than the latter. Since their geometric and
algebraic properties have been fully investigated theoretically, we can use them
with confidence. Knowledge of them is necessary not only for their appropriate
use, but also for estimating characteristics of the shape around a point on a free-
form surface and understanding various techniques of analyzing surface problems.
Moreover, solid bodies can interfere in practice and this is a rather compli-
cated problem, but using quadrics of special types their interference analysis is
not difficult. So we treat such cases in this chapter and leave general ones to
Chap. 16. Conics are also be expressed as the rational Bezier curves of degree
two, which are tr~ated in Chap. 12..,
4.2 Conics
4.2.1 Equation of Conics
A general implicit expression of a conic is given by
where a,b,f,g and h are constants, and a ~ 0 can be assumed. Its matrix form is
Using a symbol C for the above central matrix, which we call the characteristic
matrix of a conic, we write the above equation:
(x y 1) . C· (x Y l)T = O. (4.3)
system (1 to (2, whose origin is at (xo, Yo) of (1. Its transforma:tion matrix and
its inverse are given by
o
1 TZ1 = [~ ~ ~].
-Yo Xo Yo 1
(x y 1)(1) = (x Y 1)(2)T2,1
a h g,]
[ h b l' ( 4.4)
g' l' d' '
where
From the first. two equations of (4.5), we can determine Xo and Yo so as to make
g' and h' vanish if the value of the determinant taken from the coefficients of
Xo and Yo is not zero. Denoting the left-upper 2 x 2 sub-matrix of e a:s D and
assuming its determinant is not zero:
(4.6)
we obtain
-I-g
Xo - _f hi·
b • det(D), _I
Yo - ha -f I·
-g .det(D), (4.7)
By rotating the coordinate system around its origin, we can transform the matrix
(4.9) into a diagonal form. We explained in Sect. 2.6 the eigenvalue method for
obtaining a diagonal matrix. Using the eigenvalues .AlJ .A2 of the upper-left 2 x 2
submatrix in eq. (4.9), the equation (4.9) is transformed to the following form:
.AI 0 0
(xy1)· [ 0 .A2 0
1.(xy1)T=O, (4.10)
o 0 d'
where
( 4.11)
Corresponding to these .Al,.A2, the directions and e e + 1r/2 of the eigenvectors
are given by
(.AI-a) h
tane= h = (.AI-b) (4.12)
e
Exercise. Show the same results are obtained by rotation of the conic around
its origin.
Hint.. Since the rotation matrix S (refer to Sect. 2.6.1) is given by
5 = T( -e : z) = [ eo~ e
- sm casee ]
e sin
the rotational part of eq. (4.8) is
- an imaginary ellipse if a', b' and d' have all the same sign,
- an ellipse if a' > 0, b' > 0 and d' < 0,
- a. hyperbola if a' > 0, b' < 0 and d' < 0,
- two straight lines if d' = 0, which is equivalent to det( C) = 0 from eq. (4.8).
u2 + (g /.;a - f /Vb)v = o.
This equat.ion is classified as
- a parabola if f /g #- ~,
- a real line if (g / y'a - f /Vb) = 0,
- t.wo real or imaginary lines if f = 9 = O.
The conics are expressed in parametric forms in various ways. A rational Bezier
expression of degree two covers all kinds of conics. This is treated in Chap. 12.
Exercise. Prove that eq. (4.1) is resolved into a product of two linear functions of
x and y by the condition det( C) = 0 . In this case a conic becomes two straight
lines.
(4.15)
4.3 Quadrics 49
Since the degree of the above equation for jJ, is three, there is at least one real
root, which corresponds to the two lines. Intersections of these lines and one of
the conics give desired points. The number of intersecting points is from zero
to four. When t.here are three real roots, we have t.hree set of two straight lines
which represent the pencils. Their intersecting points are those of the conics C 1
and C2 . An example is shown in Fig. 4.1.
4.3 Quadrics
where
a h g l
Q= [ h b f m
1.
(4.17)
g fen
l m n d
Let the left-upper 3 x 3 sub-matrix of the matrix (4.17) be
D=[~ ~f ~l.
. g c
(4.18)
50 4 Conics and Quadrics
If det(D) is not zero, we can translate the origin ofthe coordinates to (xo, Yo, zo),
which are given by
(4.19)
Q' =[
a
h
h g
b f 0
01
(4.20)
g f co'
o 0 0 d'
where
d' = lxo + myo + nzo + d = det(Q}fdet(D). (4.21 )
To transform the matrix (4.18) into a diagonal form, we have to determine eigen-
values of the mat.rix D, whose characteristic equation is (refer to Sect. 2.6):
(4.22)
It has three real roots ).1, ).2 and ).3, which are the eigenvalues. The coefficients
of ).2 y and )..0 of eq. (4.23),
Let the principal directions corresponding to ,\; be (cxi,;3i, l'i); from eq. (4.21),
their ratio is given by
.. .. . _I
cx, . ;3, . 1'. - (b -f \) (c -f ).i)
I:. - I hg f
(c _,\;) 1·1. hg (b -f ).i) I. (4.26)
4.3 Quadrics 51
Since the three eigenvectors (principal directions) are mutually 'orthogonal, they
make a coordinat.e system. Then the matrix (4.20) becomes diagonal, elements
of which are A1J A2, A3 and d'. Accordingly, the equation of a quadric is given
by
(4.27)
4.3.2 Classification
The shapes of quadrics are classified as follows:
1. A1JA2,,\3 and d' have the same sign: an imaginary ellipsoid.
2. Al "\2"\3 are of the same sign and d' has the opposite sign: a real ellipsoid.
3. one or two of A'S are negative and d' is not zero: a hyperboloid , which is
classified into two types according to the sign of the A's and d':
(i) ,\} > 0, ~2 < 0, A3 < 0 and d' < 0: eq. (4.27) becomes a hyperboloid of
two sheets.
(ii) A}, A2 > 0, A3 < 0 and d' < O:eq. (4.27) represents a hyperboloid of
one sheet a.n d can be factored into
{{i::x + V- A 3Z H{i::x - V- A 3Z} = {vi-d' + {i:zyHvi-d'- {i:zy}.
(4.28)
Accordingly, there are two sets of generator lines which satisfy the above
equation,
{Ax + vi- A3 Z } ,{vi-d' + Ay} } (4.29)
{Ax-vi- A3 Z } (lhHvi-d'-Ay} '
{Ax + vi- A3 Z } = ,{vi-d' - AY} } (4.30)
{Ax - vi- A3 Z } = (lhHvi-d' + Ay} ,
where, is an arbitrary constant.
4. one or two of the ,\'s are negative and d' is zero: a cone. A cone also has a
generator. Those quadric surfaces which have generators are ruled surfaces
(refer to Sect. 8.9).
In the above cases, since the point (xo, Yo, zo) is determined from eq. (4.19), these
quadrics are called central quadrics.
When det(D) = 0, the center cannot be determined, but eq. (24) becomes
A3 - (a + b + c),\2 + (ca + ab + bc - f2 -l- h 2 )A = O. (4.31)
One of its roots '\3 is zero; let the others be A}, A2. Taking the corresponding
principal directions (O!i' i3i, 'i) as the coordinate axes, we transform eq. (4.17)
into the following form:
1
r~ ~ o I'
m'
(x y Z 1) . o nd' . (x y Z l)T = 0, (4.32)
I' in' n'
52 4 Conics and Quadrics
Equation (4.32) is
(4.34)
Translat.ing t.he coordinate origin of eq. (4.34) to eliminate its t.erms including x
and y, we have one of the following forms:
- AIX2 + A2y2 = -2n' Z : elliptical or hyperbolic paraboloid.
- Al x 2 + A2y2 = d' : elliptical or hyperbolic cylinder.
When t.wo eigenvalues are zero, eq. (4.32) for A2 = 0 can be transformed into
the following forms by a transla.tion parallel to the x axis and a rotation around
the x axis:
- AIX2 = 2m'y : parabolic cylinder.
- AIX2 = d' : two paTallel planes.
They aTe non-central quadrics. A hyperbolic paraboloid has the generators:
{Ax + V- A2Y} = ')'( -2n')z } (4.35)
{Ax - V-A3Z} = (1/1') ,
{Ax + V- A2Y} (4.36)
{Ax - V- A3 Z } : (1/1')( -2n')z }.
All cylinders have the generators which are parallel to the Z axis. General
quadrics can be t.ransformed into the canonical forms of central or non-central
quadrics. Some of them have generat.or lines.
The quadrics mostly used in CAD are t.hose of revolution, which have two
equal eigenvalues. Their equations and names are
sphere x 2 + y2 + Z2 = r2
circular cylinder x 2 + y2 = r2
circular cone x 2 + y2 = C2Z2
circular paraboloid x 2 + y2 = c2z
circular prolate ellipsoid x 2 + y2 = r2 _ C2Z2 c2 <1
circular oblate ellipsoid x 2 + y2 = r2 _ C2Z2 c2 >1
circulaT hyperboloid of one sheet x 2 +y2=r2+c 2z 2
circular hyperboloid of two sheets x 2 +y2=c2z 2 _r2
(4.37)
Since the above bodies of revolution are parameterized, calculation of their in-
terference becomes a little easier.
4.4 Intersection of Two Quadrics 53
h•
b• i = 1,2, (4.38)
Jf(zo)
where gH zo), !f(zo) and d:(zo) are functions of zoo Let the characteristic equa-
tion of their pencil be D(fJ, zo) = 0, which is a cubic function of fJ and has at
least one real root Po. For the root, the pencil become a straight line, whose
int.ersection with one of the conics gives intersection points of the two conics.
For z = Zo + 6z, we obtain fJ = Po'+ 6p by using the Newton-Raphson met hod
54 4 Conics and Quadrics
Figure 4.2 Interference of two ellipsoids, Figure 4.3 Interference of three ellip-
intersection curves are shown soids, intersection curves are also shown
/\
{
( a) (b)
Figure 4.4 Fillet generation by rolling ball method: (a) interference of two cylinders, (b)
interference of a cylinder and a cone, ball-contact curves are also shown
starting from Zo and !-lo. For a new !-l, we obtain new intersecting points. Ex-
amples of intersection of two ellipsoids obtained by this method are shown in
Fig. 4.2.
This method is ext.ended easily t.o a. case of int.ersection of multiple quadrics.
Figure 4.3 shows an example of t.he intersection of three ellipsoids. When the
intersecting quadrics are circula.r cones or cylinders, their offset surfaces are also
the same type. Since the intersection curves of their offset surfaces are easily
obtained, they are used as loci of the center of a rolling ball to make fillet surfaces
along the intersecting corners. Figure 4.4 shows these examples.
Another method of intersection tracing of two surfaces represented by two
implicit equations is to use the numerical methods of solving differential equa-
tions. Details of this method are explained in Sect. 16.3. It is efficient and robust
and critical cases can also be t.reated.
5 Theory of Curves
5.1 Introduction
Curves are not only the fundamental geometric elements, but also they give
us various information on shapes. In CAD/CAM, free-form curves have to be
mathematically defined or extracted so that their properties can be controlled
and evaluat.ed by the computer. Accordingly, knowledge of the fundamentals
of the differential geometry of curves is required to apply geometry to practical
problems and it also gives the concepts and methods needed to understand the
theory of surfaces which is explained in the next two chapters [1]. The curves are
usually expressed in parametric forms, and arc length of the curve is used for
the parameter in theoretical treatments because of its simplicity of expression,
but for practical uses the parameter is cha.nged from arc length s to a more
manageable variable parameter t which monotonically increases with arc length.
When treating interference problems of curves or surfaces, the curves expressed in
implicit forms are sometimes convenient in numerical calculations or theoretical
analysis. Therefore, we introduce a method of converting from a parametric form
to an implicit one in the last section.
A unit tangent vector t of a curve is a unit vector from r(s) to r(s + ds), which
is given by
t = ~ = lim r( s + ds) - r( s) = r' ~ (5.2)
Idrl d.-+olr(s+ds)-r(s)1 Idrl
Here, a prime mark indicates differentiation with respect to the arc s. When ds
becomes infinitesimal, Idrl is equal to ds ,
Idrl = ds, (5.3)
56 5 Theory of Curves
n t
t + dt
~dt
~
t + dt · Figure 5.1 Tangent vectors and their
difference and normal vector
n+dn
t + dt
1
p =- . (5.9)
K
The radius p is called the radius of curvature, and the center of the circle is called
the center of curvature, whose location is
rc = r + pn.
dn db dt
- = - xt+bx-.
ds ds ds
Substituting equat.ions (5.6) and (5.ll) into the above, we obtain
dn
ds = -Tn x t + II:b x 11 = Tb - II:t. (5.12)
Equations (5.6), (5.ll) and (5.12) are called Serret-Frenet's formulas. They are
written collectively:
t' = II:n }
n' = rb - II:t . (5.13)
b' = -rn
Like the expression of curvature in eq. (5.7), we make an expression for torsion.
Differentiat.ing r( s) repeatedly, we obt.ain
is transformed to
To express the shape of a curve near the origin with t, nand b as the coordinate
axes, we take t.he first term of each coefficient of t, nand b in eq. (5.16) and
replace t, nand b by x, y and z, then we have
(5.17)
1 2 3 9 II: 2 1 3
Y= "2I1:X , Y ="2 r2 Z , Z = 611:rx . (5.18)
5.4 Expressions with Parameter t 59
xy plane
yz plane
zx plane
Figure 5.3 Shape of a curve near its origin. Its projections Oil three coordinate planes are
shown
Referring to Fig. 5.3, from the above equations, we can understand the local
shape of a curve. The projection of the curve on the osculating plane( the xy
plane) is a symmetrical second-degree curve with a tangent to the x axis at
the origin. The projection on the normal plane (the yz plane) is symmetrical
with respect to the z axis and has a cusp at the origin. The projection on the
tangential plane (the zx plane) is anti-symmetrical with respect to the origin
and has a tangent to the x axis. If the curvature does not take an extremum
value there, the shape of the curve in the 11 direction distorts anti-symmetrically,
because of the term ""s3/6 in eq. (5.16).
so we have
ds r:--:-r = 1'r1 ,
dt = vr· (5.21)
d2 r ds 2 dr ~s ds 2 ~S
i; = ds 2 . ( dt) + ds . dt2 = 11:11 • ( dt) + t· dt2' (5.23)
Multiplying 11 with both sides of the above equation, we have an expression for
the curvature by using eq. (5.21),
(11 • i:)
II: = -'-2-' (5.24)
r
(5.25)
From eq. (5.23) and eq. (5.25), the vector 11:11 becomes
(5.26)
3
. -~s + t . -d s
3
-d r3 = 11' (d)
-
'2)
(11:1' + 11:11 ,(dS)3
• - + t ,(ds)
. -
2
dt dt dt dt dt dt 3 '
then eliminat.ing t' and 11' by using Serret-Frenet's formulas (5.13), and multi-
plying b with its result, we obtain
(5.27)
Projected curve
(5.29)
62 5 Theory of Curves
(5.30)
By setting
A = (ex + e)3/2K,
y xy, B = (ey + e)3/2K,
z yz> (5.31)
(5.32)
(5.33)
(5 .34)
From (5.33) and (5.34) the component.s of n can be written in the forms:
(5.35)
(5.37)
The direction of t.he tangent vector t of the space curve is easily determined
from the tangent vectors of the projected curves, and the normal vector n is
calculat.ed from equations (5.31) , (5.36) and (5.35) . Accordingly, the binormal
vector b at t.he stating point is obt.ained from n x t . The curvature of the space
curve is given by eq. (5.37) and the shape of the curve near its starting point in
space is given by eq. (5.28.). Since these values are determined at both ends of
the space curve segment, it can be expressed by a Bezier curve of degree five or
higher.
5.6 Implicit Expression of a Parametric Curve 63
where the coefficients CO,n-1, CO,n-2,"', co,o of powers of t contain only linear
functions of x, y and canst and are easily determined.
By paTenthesizing the first two terms of eq. (5.38) and eg. (5.39) with common
t n - 1 outside we change them into
An operation {(bni + bn- l ) x (S.41) - (ani + an-d x (S.42)) eliminates the first
terms and gives
Cl,n-l t -
n l
+ Cl,n-2 tn-2 + ... + Cl,O = 0, (S .43)
where Ci,n-i are constants containing only linear functions of x, y and const.
Generally, by parenthesizing the first i + 1 terms of eq. (S.38) and eq. (S.39), we
get
X(t) ( an t i+ an-l ti-l + ... + an-i )t n - i + ... + ao = 0 , (S.44)
Y(t) (b nt i + bn-l t i - l + ... + bn-i )t n .- i + ... + b0= 0 . (S.4S)
By a similar elimination process of coefficients for t n - i we obtain an equat.ion of
degree n - 1 of the form:
(S.46)
Cont.inuing t.hese parenthesizing and eliminating processes, finally we obtain n
equations of degree n - 1 in t, which have a common root:
CO,n-l CO,n-2 CO,O
ttn-l
n- 2 1
r Cl,n-l Cl,n-2 Cl,O
x r . = o. (S.47)
Cn-;,n-l Cn-l,O to
We int.erpret these n equations as n homogeneous linear equations for n variables
(tn-I, t n - 2 , " ' , t, 1). And if these linear simultaneous equat.ions have solutions
other than zero, t.he determinant of the coefficient matrix must be zero .
. An element of this determinant is a linear function with respect to x and y.
The development of t.his determinant gives an algebraic equation of degree n in
x and y, which is the implicit form of 1'(t).
Example. Implicitization of a rational Bezier expression of degree two, which is
treated in Sect. 12.6.
Let control point.s be Po = (xo, Yo), PI = (x}, YI), PZ = (X2, Y2), and the
parameter t be 0 ~ t ~ 1.
A rational Bezier curve is given by
(1 - t)2pO + 2t(t - l)WPI + 3t2P2
l' ()
t = ~~~~~~~~~~----~
(1-tP+2t(1-t)w+t2 .
(S.48)
1'(t) = Po + '~'11WPI
) + '112 P2.
( S.49)
1 + 2'11w + '112
Since l' is (x, y), the above equation is transformed to
Applying the elimination met.hod described above, we obtain the following two
equations of u:
(y - Y2)X(U) - (x - X2)Y(U)
= 2w{(x - xr)(y - Y2) - (x - X2)(Y - yd}u +
{(x - xo)(Y - Y2) - (x - X2)(Y - Yo)}
0,
6.1 Introduction
From the basic vectors of the surface, the following quantities are defined.
They are called the fundamental magnitudes of the first order. Then eq. (6.3)
becomes
ds 2 = E(du? + 2Fdudv + G(dvJ2. (6.5)
6.3 Normal Section and Normal Curvature 69
Let an angle between the basic vectors s,. and Sv be w, then their inner
product F and the absolute value H of vector product of the basic vectors can
be expressed by the fundamental magnitudes of the first order:
Since usually the angle w is not equal to 90 degrees, the parameter net on the sur-
face constitutes an oblique coordinate system with its basic vectors. In analysis
and description in the oblique coordinate systems, the tensor notation is conve-
nient, but in this case, as the oblique coordinate system is only two-dimensional,
its merit is lost to those who are not familiar with the tensor notation and its
operations.
The third coordinate axis of the local coordinate system is taken in the
direction orthogonal to s,. and sv, that is, along the normal vector of the surface.
The unit normal vector of a point on the surface is given by
(6.8)
(6.9)
dt
ds
(6.10)
This is equal to K11 from eq. (5.6) of Chap. 5, when we consider the sign of cur-
vature. Multiplying the normal vector 11 with the above equation (6.10), we can
eliminate the first and the second terms of the right-hand side, because they are
70 6 Basic Theory of Surfaces
in the tangential plane. Introducing the following symbols called the fundamental
magnitudes of the second order,
(6.11)
(6.12)
Values of the fundamental magnitudes of the first and the second order
E, G, F, L, M and N are fixed on a point of the surface and do not depend
on the direction of the normal plane through the point P. But the direction
depends on the ratio du : dv. So the normal curvature ~ has different values in
different directions of the normal section.
When a cutting plane passing through a point on the surface is not orthogonal
to the tangential plane at the point, that is, the section is not a normal section,
the curvature ~c of this section at the point is given by
~
~c = cos e'
(6.14)
e
where ~ is the curvature of the normal section and is the angle between the
normal pla.ne and the oblique cutting plane. See Fig. 6.3. This relation is called
Meunier's theorem.
6.4 Principal Curvatures 71
Its proof is given as follows. Let n l be the unit normal of the cutting section
at the point, t be the unit tangent there and "'c be the curvature of the section.
There is a relation "'cnl = dt/ds, whose right-hand side is given by eq. (6.10).
Multiplying bot.h sides of the equation by n, we obtain ("'en· n/) = (n· dt/ds),
which is "'ccose = "'. So we have (6.14).
Exercise. Prove t.hat. the curvature "'e of an int.ersection curve of two surfaces 81
and 82 is given by
Differentiating eq. (6.16) with respect to 'Y together with the above extremum
condition, and t.hen writing K, and 'Y as 'K; and 1', we obtain an equation:
The coefficient of 'K;2 of the above equation is positive because of eq. (6.7), and
this equation is the second degree for 'K;. Let its roots be K,l and K,2, which are
called the principal curvatures of surface, then we get the following expressions
from the relation between roots a.nd coefficients of a quadratic equation,
!( ) _ 1 (EN + LG - 2M F)
2 K,l + K,2 - 2 (EG _ F2) , (6.22)
(LN - M2)
Kg = K,1K,2 = (EG _ F2) . ( 6.23)
The expression ](m is called the mean curvature and the expression Kg is the
Gaussian curvature of the surface. The local shape of a surface and the sign of
its Gaussian curvature have the following relation:
Kg > O. The normal curvature has the same sign in all directions, so the tangent
plane touches the surface at one point. The usual convex or concave surfaces
correspond to this.
Kg < O. The normal curvature becomes zero twice during the half rotation of
the normal plane around the normal. The tangent plane intersects with the
surface in t.hese directions of zero curvature.
Since the denominator EG - F2 of Km and Kg is positive from eq. (6.7), the
sign of the Gaussian curvature is determined from the sign of the numerator
LN - M2. So, when L or N or both are zero, or Land N have different
sign, the Gaussian curvature is surely negative. A surface patch s( u, v) of
degree one, the inner ring surface of a torus and a hyperboloid of one sheet
are examples.
6.5 Principal Directions and Lines of Curvature 73
At ~. point on the surface, in the directions determined by "11 and "12' the nor-
mal curvatures take extremum values. Since a tangent vector on the surface is
(sudu + svdv) , the inner product of the two tangent vectors corresponding to
"11 and "12 is given by
(6.27)
With equations (6.4) and (6.26), we convert the inside of { } of the above ex-
pression to
{E(MG - N F) - F(GL - N E) + G(F L - M E)}/(MG - N F),
and this is equal to zero.
It follows that the two tangent directions of the normal sections of the princi-
pal curvature are orthogonal. These directions are called the principal directions.
Except for singular points on the surface, any point has principal directions. If
the tangents of curves on a surface coincide with the principal directions there,
the curves are called the lines of curvature. Examples are shown in Fig. 7.1 and
Fig. 7.5.
The lines of curvature make an orthogonal net. The pattern of lines of
curvature of a surface is an inherent attribute independent of the coordinate
systems used. They are discussed in more detail in the next chapter.
74 6 Basic Theory of Surfaces
(6.28)
The constants 0',(3, a' and (3' are determined in the following way. Multiplying
s" and Sv to the first equation of (6.28) and considering L = n . s,," = -n" . s"
and M = n· s"v =. -nv . s,,' which are derived from differentiation of the relation
n . s" = 0 wit.h respect to u or v, we obtain the equations:
(6.35)
6.6 Derivatives of a Unit Normal and Rodrigues' Formula 75
This is proved as follows. Substituting the Weingarten's equations into eq. (6.35),
we obtain
(6.38)
where 'Y = dv/du. On the lines of curvature 'Y becomes ;y, which is given by
eq. (6.19). Using this and equations (6.29) and (6.30), the right-hand side of
eq. (6.38) is transformed to -i';,sudu - i';,svdv, which is equal to -i';,ds. Hence we
have eq. (6.37).
In a general space curve, Frenet-Serret's formula (5.12) gives the relation
where n is the principal normal of the curve, so dn and ds are not always parallel.
But along a line of curvature Rodrigues's formula (6.37) assures that dn, which
is variation of the unit normal of the surface, is parallel to ds: dn is in the same
or opposite direction to ds according to negative or positive principal curvature.
In the region of negative Gaussian curvature, there is two directions in which dn
IS zero.
For the above equation to hold everywhere, the insides of { } must be zero, that
is, the following relations must hold.
(6.39)
Multiplying the unit normal n with this equation and using the fundamental
magnitudes, we obtain an equation of sha.pe near the origin, z being the distance
from the tangential plane at the origin,
(6.41)
where
( 6.42)
and 11 and 12 are determined from eq. (6.25). Let it point (du, dv) on the tan-
gential plane expressed by the basic vectors s" and Sv be a point (x, y) expressed
by i and j. There is a relation:
Multiplying n x s" or n x Sv with both sides of the above equation and considering
eq. (6.41), we obtain
From equations (6.26) we know the coefficient of xy in eq. (6.44) is zero. So,
eq. (6.44) takes the following form:
( 6.45)
6.7 Local Shape of Surface 77
"g <0
Figure 6.4 Section patterns of a surface by its offset tangential planes
where
, __ (L + 2M'Yi
. },',' + N'Y;) f or z. = 1, 2 . (6.46)
(E + 2F'Yi + G'Y;)
Considering t.hat. eq. (6.46) corresponds t.o eq. (6.13) and t.he "Ii's to t.he principal
direct.ions , we have Kl = 1\;1, K2 = 1\;2 and eq. (6.45) becomes
Z
1 l X 2 + 1\;2Y-") .
= 2(l\; (6.47)
(Ldu 2 + 2M dudv + N dv 2 )
( 6.48)
- (Edu 2 + 2Fdudv + Gdv 2 ) ,
I\; - ~----------------~
( 6.49)
e
where is an angle between the x (Lxis and the tangent of the normal section at
the origin. Equation (6.49) is called Euler's formula .
Equation (6.47) represents the sha.pe of the surface in the vicinity of the
origin. The intersection of the surface with a plane z = c which is paTallel to the
xy plane has three kinds of form:
- Kg{ = 1\;11\;2} > 0 : t.he intersection is an ellipse for c > 0 or nothing for c < O.
Its long and short radii are V(2c/l\;d and V(2C/1\;2)'
- Kg < 0: The int.ersection curve is a. hyperbola, which intersects with the x
axis or the y axis according to the sign of c. If c equals zero, the intersection
is two straight lines through the origin, which become its asymptotes.
- Kg = 0: the intersection is two straight lines equidistant from one of the axes.
See Fig. 6.4; this diagram is called Dupin 's indicatrix. Equation (6.47) is used
also for approximate calculation of the intersection curve of surfaces.
7 Advanced Applications of Theory of
Surfaces
7.1 Introduction
Special topics on the geometric properties of surfaces are treated in this chapter.
They are developed from the fundamental theory of surfaces which has been
explained in the previous chapter. Knowledge of these topics is useful for treating
free-form surfaces in advanced problems. First we discuss the umbilics and lines
of curvature. On a free-form surface, there are points and regions which have
the special chara.ciers inherent to its shape, and whose locations do not depend
on the coordinate system adopted. The lines of curvature make orthogonal nets
on a surfa.ce, and the pattern they form exhibits inherent features of the surface.
The umbilics are singular points, or curves or regions seeing from the lines of
curvature. On the free-form surface the umbilics appear more frequently than
our expectation. There are other curves on the surface which depend not only
on its inherent features, but also on its orientation with respect to its observers
or its environments or its surfa.ce physical properties. These curves are useful for
describing or evaluating the objects from engineering and aesthetic criteria.
After treating these problems, we explain the application of the surface the-
ory to two special surfaces: an offset surface and a ruled surface. Determining
the offset surfaces of an original surface is important in engineering, but the solu-
tion in closed analytical form is very difficult to obtain. Since in determining the
intersection curves of a surface with an offset surface, we need the fundamental
magnitudes of the first and the second order of the latter and not necessarily its
whole shape, we can deduce them from the properties of the original surface. In
the last section, an equation of a ruled surface is introduced and its geometric
properties are treated.
7.2 Umbilics
An umbilic is a point at which the principal curvatures are equal. It follows
that all the normal curvatures there are equal: it represents an infinitesimally
small region of a spherical or planar surface. The condition of equal principal
curvatures is given from the condition of equal roots of eq. (6.21) of the previous
chapter, which determines the principal curvatures of a surface. From the zero
discriminant value of the quadratic equation, we have
This is transformed to
(EN - GL? -4(EM - FL)(FN - GM) = 0,
which is the same to the condition of equal roots of the equation of the lines
of curvature which is given by eq. (6.25) . This equation gives differential form
dv/du = -(GL - EN)/2(GM - FN), but the double roots mean the same di-
rections of tangents of the orthogonal curves. This is a contradiction. So the
roots must be indefinite. A relation
E:F:G=L:M:N (7.2)
is sufficient for the above condition.
A line element on a surface is given from eq. (6.5) by
ds 2 = Edu 2 + 2Fdudv + Gdv 2. (7.3)
If we set du : dv in the principal directions, using eq. (6.19), ds 2 is transformed
to
(EG - F2)(M - "'iF)("'l + "'2 -
2"'i), where i =1 or 2. (7.4)
At the umbilic this becomes zero. So we cannot trace the line of curvature there
by the differential equation solvers.
Examples of the umbilics which constitutes a curve are shown. If in a small
region of a surface, its shape is smooth and mirror-symmetric (reflection), the
intersection curve of the surface and the mirror plane is the line of curvature,
because the differential of the normal dn along the intersection is in the plane of
symmetry and the inverse of Rodrigues' formula assures us that the intersection
is the line of curvature. If another line of curvature of the surface intersects with
this intersection curve obliquely, the intersection point is an umbilic, because
there are more than two lines of curvature through the point. In this case all the
points of the symmetrical intersection curve are umbilics.
On a surface of revolution, when the curvature at a point on its meridian
curve is equal to that of the parallel of latitude through that point, all the points
on the parallel are umbilics. Surfaces on which all the points are umbilics are
a sphere or a. plane. On these surfaces any orthogonal net can give the lines of
curvature.
On free-form surfaces the umbilics appears frequently. For example, in the
patch shown in Fig. 7.1 there seem to be four umbilics, but we cannot recognize
them from its contour curves shown in Fig. 7.2.
If we take the origin at an umbilic of a surface and the z axis in the direction
of the normal, the shape of the surface around the umbilic is given approximately
by
z n's= S(du,dv) = (1/2)"'ds 2 +
+ (1/6)(Suuudu3 + 3Suuvdu 2 dv + 3Suvv dudv 2 + SvvvdV3), (7.5)
where", is a constant normal curvature.
7.2 Umbilics 81
Contour curve
Examples of shapes given by eq. (7.5) are shown in Fig. 7.3 and Fig. 7.4 to-
gether with their patterns of the lines of curvature. In Fig. 7.3 (a) and (b), the
umbilics are in region of positive Gaussian curvature and the pattern (a) appears
in a region of elliptical shape. The pattern (b) appears also in a region of nearly
elliptical shape with disturbing third-degree terms. When we observe shapes of
the surfaces by their contour curve patterns, we cannot imagine that the patterns
of their lines of curvature are so different. Clearly we can see an invisible singu-
lar curve on which tracing the lines of curvature by a differential equation solver
fails. This is an umbilic of the curve type. In Fig. 7.4 an umbilic is an isolated
point of zero curvature surrounded by a region of negative Gaussian curvature.
A pattern like (c) appears also in 'a region of positive Gaussian curvature.
82 7 Advanced Applications of Theory of Surfaces
Figure 7.3 (a), (b) Contour curves of two patches and their lines of curvature in a region of
positive Gaussian curvature
7.3 Characteristic Curves on a Surface 1 83
Figure 7.4 Contour curves of a patch and its lines of curvature in region of negative Gaussian
curvature
T4ere are curves on a surface which characterize its features. Some of them
are useful for understanding the shape of the surface or evaluating its surface
characteristics. We introduce their equations and examples in the following sub-
sections [18]. Generally, a curve on a surface s( u, v) is determined by a relation
between the parameters u and v. The relation is mostly given by a differential
equation of a form:
f(u, v)du + g(u, v)du = o. (7.6)
du dv
ds = 1jJ(u, v)g(u, v), ds = -1jJ(u, v)f(u, v), (7.7)
84 7 Advanced Applications of Theory of Surfaces
where
1
1j;(u,v) =± .
J(Eg2 - 2Ffg + Gj2)
The last equation is obtained from eq. (7.3). Using appropriate numerical meth-
ods of solving the differential equations with given initial conditions, we can trace
the curve. As for differential equation solvers, refer to the Appendix.
The characterist.ic curves of the surfaces are divided into three categories:
curves inherent to the surface geomet.ry, curves which are dependent on their
positions and orientations in space and certain curves, which also depend features
of t.heir environment such as the incident light and the reflection properties of
their faces. Curves of the former category are the lines of curvatures, curves
of zero Gaussian or zero mean curvature and curves of the extremum principal
curvature. Those of the second category are the contour curves, the contour
orthogonal curves, .t he equi-gradient curves, the extremum gradient curves, the
extremum search curves and so on. Some of these curves represent features of
the surface.
For example, the extremum gradient curves are loci of the maximum or
minimum gradient point on each of the contour curves. These curves are the
analog of ridge or valley lines in a t.opographical map. The third category includes
silhouette patt.erns, equi-brightness curves, equi-highlight curves and reflection
patt.erns on surfaces , which relate to the incident light, the view points, the
reflection characteristics of the surface, and the environmental as well as the
geometric conditions of the surfaces.
The points on the surface which are determined by the conditions f (u, v) = 0,
°
g( u; v) = of eq. (7.6) are singular points of the family of the curves described
by t.his different.ial equation. These points have certain special properties.
Since this equation gives an orthogonal net which is inherent to a surface, features
of the surfa.ce seems to be extracted from its pattern. But we have not yet
succeeded in their categorization. Equation (7.8) is resolved into a product of
two equations of type (7.6) , each of which corresponds to one family of lines of
curvature.
Since each point of a surface determines its principal directions, when trac-
ing a line of curvat.ure by numerical integration we must be careful not to be
deviated from the curve by numerical errors. If we introduce an arc length s as
the independent variable for the integration of the equation, the amount of cal-
culation increases but control of the steps of the integration procedure becomes
easier than the integration witholit it. In small regions around the umbilics,
7.3 Characteristic Curves on a Surface 1 85
the calculation becomes unstable. Beyond that point the sign of ds has to be
reversed.
It should be noticed that the umbilics make the lines of curvature form special
patterns. Figure 7.1 is an example of the lines of curvature of a surface whose
contour curves are shown in Fig. 7.2. This is a Bezier patch of degree 3 x 3.
We can notice a few special features indicated by arrows in Fig.7.1. These are
local patterns of the lines of curvature showing the existence of umbilics, but in
Fig. 7.2 we cannot recognize any special features at the same locations. Figure
7.5 shows t.he pattern of the lines of curvature of four patches connected in e(l).
The pat.t.ern shows clearly the connecting boundary curves of the patches and
also t.he differences of their surface characters. In Fig. 7.6(a) and (b), examples
of variations of patterns of the contour curves and the lines of curvature for the
same displacement 6z = 6% of the control point P22 of the Bezier patch used in
Fig. 7.1, which is of degree 3 x 3. Varia.tion of the curve patterns is more sensitive
in t.he line of curvature t.han in the cont.our curve.
Uses of t.he lines of curvat.ure are currently rather limited, because of their
cumbersome calculation and lack of experience for interpreting their patterns.
Since the lines of curva.ture of an offset surface are easily determined from those
of t.he original surface, they can be used in the analysis of offset surfaces. This
is treated in Sect. 7.5.
We frequent.ly need t.o find locations of the maximum or the minimum height or
the saddle points or paths from the lowest to the highest points of a surface to
use these data for other purposes. Hence, we need to obtain this information as
simply as possible.
Let n f be t.he unit vector directing upwards and let a component of s( u, v)
86 7 Advanced Applications of Theory of Surfaces
Figure 7.6 Variation of pattern of contour curves and lines of curvature with a displacement
=
/:::"Z 6% of a control point P2,2
(7.11)
These curves are the loci of the extremum points on the curves of constant
paTameter u or v of s(u, v). The intersecting points of these curves indicate
the locations of the extremum points on the surface. Their initial conditions
are given on the boundary curves or on constant parameter curves inside the
boundaries.
These curves not only give the extremum points at their intersection, but
also roughly depict the shape of the surface together with its contour curves.
On these curves one can determine the starting points of the contour curves
which do not reach the boundary of the surface. Figure 7.7 shows examples of
the extremum search curves of a complicated surface, and Fig. 7.8 shows their
overlay with the contour curves of the surface. Eight cross points of the curves
correspond to the lowest and the highest points and the saddle points of the
surface shape. When drawing the contour curves, these extremum search curves
were very helpful, otherwise some 'extremum points would be missed.
7.3 Characteristic Curves on a Surface 1 87
Contour cur ve
from t.he boundaries, we can find the intersections with internal loops made by
(7.11), because curves specified by equations (7.12) are the loci of the inflection
88 7 Advanced Applications of Theory of Surfaces
z = nf . s( u, v) == ¢( u, v) = const == h (7.13)
(7.14)
This is the differential equation of the contour curves of the patch s( u, v). Its
extremum search curves are given in the previous subsection.
, We introduce a group of curves orthogonal to the contour curves for detailed
descript.ion of the surface shape. We call this group here the contour orthogonal
curves, whose equation is given by
(7.15)
Since the inner product of the tangent vectors derived from eq. (7.14) and
eq. (7.15) becomes zero, the curves given by the above equation are orthogonal
to the contour curves. In Fig. 7.2, both the contour curves and their orthogonal
curves are shown.
Figure 7.9 Equi-gradient curves of the Figure 7.10 Curves orthogonal to the
patch shown in Fig.7.6 equi-gradient curves
shade boundary curves of the surface or represents its silhouette curves when
the viewing point is at infinity. Differentiating eq. (7.16) and using Weingarten's
equation, we obtain the differential equation of the curves:
As eq. (7.1.5) is deduced from eq. (7.13), so eq. (7.18) is obtained by ¢u and ¢v
in eq. (7.15) being replaced with (a¢u + (3¢1)) and (a'¢u + (3'¢v) of eq. (7.17).
Accordingly, the inner product of tangent vectors derived from equations (7.17)
and (7.18) is zero. Examples of the equi-gradient curves and their orthogonal
curves are shown in Fig. 7.9 and Fig. 7.10.
An equi-gradient curve crosses an umbilic in a horizontal direction, because
the shape of t.he surface becomes spherical at an umbilic. Accordingly, the equi-
gradient curves take an extremum height at. an umbilic.
The pattern of t.he equi-gradient curves can be used to evaluate surface
smoothness including connecting conditions.
Figure 7.11(a) shows the equi-gradient curves of e(l) connected patches and
(b) shows those of e(2) connected patches. In the former pattern, we can clearly
recognize cusps at the patch boundaries. "
90 7 Advanced Applications of Theory of Surfaces
( a)
(b)
Figure 7.11 Equi-gradient curves for composite patches: (a) C(l) connection, (b) C(2)
connection
7.3 Characteristic Curves on a Surface 1 91
37°
z Direction of
A.
x
¥ projection:n,
(7.20)
The solut.ion of eq. (7.20) gives true silhouette curves. Figure 7.14(a) is a parallel
projection of a patch from a direction other than the viewing direction to show
the loci of t.he silhouette curves together with highlight equi-brightness curves
described in t.he next section. Figure 7.14(b) is the perspective projection from
the viewpoint Pe. The silhouette curves bound the highlighted surface as well as
the shaded part of the surface beside the visible boundary.
92 7 Advanced Applications of Theory of Surfaces
(a) (b)
Figure 7.13 (a) Silhouette pattern and (b) contour curves, for C(I) connected patches
We are to express a' by a and n. The normal components of a and a' have the
same magnitude and opposite directions: they are (a· n)n and -(a· n)n. The
tangential components of a and a' are the same: a - (a· n)n. So we have
(a)
Silhouette curves
(b)
Figure 7.14 True silhouette curves and equi-highlight curves: (a) parallel projection to show
curves clearly, (b) projection from the view point
n
b
(a) (b)
Figure 7.16 Highlight equi-brightness curves and their orthogonal curves: (a) case of only
diffusion reflection, (b) case of diffusion and specular reflection included
(7.23)
where Ed, Es(e) and n are factors and an exponent value dependent on the
conditions and the material of the surface. If we assume they are constant, we
can make a. differential equation of the equi-brightness curves from eq. (7.23)
using the relations (7.21) and (7.22) ,
where p. and IJ are rela.tive constants to determine the ratio of the contributions
of diffusion and specular reflections.
Figures 7.16(a) and (b) are examples of the equi-brightness curves together
with their orthogonal curves for the same composite patch shown in Fig. 7.11(b) .
Figure 7.16(a) shows a case of only diffusion reflection, but Fig. 7.16(b) shows a
case including both diffusion and specular reflection. Highlighted region appears
clea.rly.
7.4 Characteristic Curves on a Surface 2 95
n Contour curve
(7.25)
By eliminating du and dv from equations (7.17) and (7.25), and using equations
(6.28) and (6.29), we obtain
The above equation can also be derived from the equation of the lines of
curvature and the condition (7.25) of the extremum height of the points on it.
And the condition (7.25) is the same as eq. (7.15).
It follows that at these extremum points the equi-gradient curve, the line of
curva.ture and the contour curve have a common tangent. Accordingly, varia-
tion dn of the unit. normal vector n along the contour curve becomes zero from
Rodorigues' formula. So, its component in the nf direction is zero at this point.
d(nf . n) = nf . dn = O. (7.27)
Since (nf . n) is cosO' (refer to Fig.7.17) and this is a measure of the slope
along the cont.our curve, at this point the slope takes an extremum value. This
is another interpretation of the gradient extremum curve. An example of this
curve is shown in Fig. 7.18 together with other characteristic curves.
The curvature k of a contour curve also takes an extremum value at this point
because the tangent direction of the contour curve coincides with the principal
96 7 Advanced Applications of Theory of Surfaces
Locus of zero
mean curvature
direction of the surface. The shape of the surface around this point is represented
by a quadric surface from eq. (6.42) given by
z = (1/2)(K:IX2 + K:2y2)
and the contour curve is a section curve given by a plane which includes the
principal axis, for instance x axis, of this quadric surface. The section curve is
symmetrical about the yz plane, that is, its curvature takes an extremum value.
The model surface in Fig. 7.18 is the same as that used in Figs. 7.5, 7.6, 7.9,
a.nd 7.13. The locus passes always through a point of maximum or minimum
slope on each level, which coincides with a. point of extremum curvature of a
contour curve. This is an image of a ridge or a valley path in a topographical
map. So we call the loci the ridge-valley curves. Their equation is given by
eq. (7.26).
Since it is rather difficult to obtain all the curves from step-by-step solution
of eq. (7.26), we convert it into the form of differential equations, which we solve
with the help of a differential equation solver with adaptive stepsize control.
Figure 7.19 is a more complicated case, which is the same surface as in Fig. 7.4.
The curves correctly represent the ridge or valley paths of the terrain. The
even number of curves start or end at points of the extremum heights, and the
curves pass the umbilics which are the locations of the extremum heights on
equi-gradient curves.
Contour curve
curvature are shown in light grey. At any points in the negative Gaussian cur-
vat.ure regions t.here are two directions of zero curvature, which are given by
e = ±tan- 1 V(-,.;,I/";'2). At a point where mean curvature is zero, the angle e
becomes 4.5 and 135 degrees. There is a net of curves whose tangent directions
coincide wit.h zero curvature directions. Currently, this net does not seem useful.
Along a line of curvature, the value of the principal curvature changes and
there exist.s a. point. of extremum value of the curvature. The loci of these ex-
tremum curvature points for all lines of curvature can be considered. They
are called here t.he principal curvature extremum curves. Their equations are
obt.ained from t.he equation of the lines of curvature (7.8) and the curvature
ext.remum condition d,.;, = ,.;,,,d'U + ";'vdv = 0, that is,
(7.28)
Since direct. calculation or use of the differential equation form of eq. (7.28) is
very complicated, we determine the extremum curvature points numerically while
t.racing each line of curvature, then we make their interpolation curves. An
example is shown in Fig. 7.20.
Loci of extIemum
principal CUIvature
Line of CUIvatuIe
The normal planes of both the original and the offset planes coincide because
they include their common normals. Now let the parameters u and v be taken
along the lines of curvature of s( u , v). See Fig.7.21. Differentiating eq. (7.29)
with respect to u and using Rodrigues' formula., we obtain
(7.30)
and similarly,
(7.31)
where ;;;1 and ;;;2 are the principal curvatures in the principal directions of s( u, v),
which are the same as those of constant. parameter curves in this case. Notice
that. sign of curvature of a surface obeys the definition given in eq. (5.6). For
example, when the normal directs upwards and t.he normal section is convex
upwards, the curvature is negative.
7.5 Offset Surfaces 99
Since Su . St, = 0, the above value is zero. It follows that the '11, v parameter net
of t.he offset. surface is orthogonal and t.hey constitute also the lines of curvature
net. Since unit normal vectors n+ and n on the corresponding points are equal,
their increment.s along a line of curvat.ure are the same, that is, dn+ = dn and
also t.he differentials of distances along the respective line of curvature have the
relation ds = ds+ /(1 - "'id), which is derived from equations (7.30) and (7.31).
Rodrigues' formula applied to s( '11, v) is
dn + "'ids = o.
Substitut.ing dn and ds into the above equation, we obtain
+
dn + (1 - "'i"'i d) ds + = O. (7.32)
This is Rodrigues' formula for s( '11, v)+. Accordingly, the principal curvatures of
s+('11,v) are
",.+ =
"'i
,for i = 1,2. (7.33)
• (l-"'i d )
So its Gaussian and mean curvatures are given by
J{+ =
9
(7.34)
(7.35)
In the above description of the surface, the lines of curvature are taken as its
paramet.ric curves for easy underst.anding. Since values of the curvatures are
independent of parameterization, so are the expressions of "'t, J{: and J{;:;. "'i,
Next, in the usual paramet.ric expression of a surface, we are to derive the
fundamental magnitudes of the first and the second order of its offset surface.
Since the basic vectors of the offset surface are given by
s+ X s+/ls+ v = 11
x s+1
11+ u v u
E+ E - 2Ld + 1l~d2
F+ F - 2M d + (11" • llv)cP
C+ = C - 2N d + ll~cP
(7.36)
H+ Is~ x s~1 = H(l - 2K",d + KgcP)
L+ = L -ll~d
M+ M - (11 .. 'llv)d
N+ N - ll~d
For derivat.ion of t.he above equations the following relations are used. By differ-
ent.iating the relations 11 • 11 = 1, 11 . Su = 0, we obtain
and ll~, 11~ and 11u • llv in eq. (7.36) are given by equations (6.31) and (6.32),
which are:
(M2 E + L 2C - 2LM F)I H2 = -KgE + 2KmL }
(APC + N2 E - 2M N F)I H2 = -KgC + 2KmN .
= (LJlIC + M N E - M2 F - LN F)I H2 = -KgF + 2KmM
(7.37)
Since we can det.ermine the fundamental magnitudes of the offset surface, we
can calculate the int.ersection curves a.nd various characteristic curves as in the
original surfa.ce.
So long as s+ (u, v) does not intersect with itself, a sphere of radius d, the
center of which is on the offset surface, touches the original surfa.ce at one point,
but if there are regions bounded by the self-intersection curve of the offset surface,
the sphere whose cent.er is in these regions not only touches the original surface,
but also intersects with it at other places.
Since the fundamental magnitudes of an offset surface can be determined
from the data of the original surface, the interference calculations for the offset
surface are performed wit.hout having the explicit equation of the offset sur-
face(refer to Sect.. 16.5). Figure 7.22 shows a surface and its offset one. Problems
of obt.aining t.he int.ersection curves of offset surfaces are t.reat.ed in Sect. 13.6 and
Sect.. 16.5.
Set.s of t.he normal lines emanat.ed from points on the net of the lines of
curvature of a surface s( u, v) constitute the mutually orthogonal surfaces Sl and
S2 in three-dimensional space. The surfaces s+( u, v) and s( u, v) are orthogonal
to t.hem. Since t.he offset dist.ance d can take any values, s( u, v)+ and s( u, v)
can be considered to belong to a set of the surfaces So. Then the space can be
divided by t.he three mutua.lly orthogonal sets of the surfaces So, Sl and S2 .
7.5 Offset Surfaces 101
Offset surface
Original surface
(a)
Offset surface
(b)
Figure 7.22 Original and offset surfaces: (a) 3 X 3 patch, (b) C(l) connected patches
Exercise. Show that the expressions of the Gaussian and the mean curvatures
of an offset surface derived from its fundamental magnitudes are equal to those
given by equations (7.34) and (7.35).
102 7 Advanced Applications of Theory of Surfaces
s" = pI + val, Sv = a,
su" = pll + vall, s"v = aI, Svv = 0,
n = (s" x sv)IH
(p' x a + va' x a)1 H. (7.39)
The fundamental magnitudes M and N of the second order of the surface are
[p', a, a']
M = 11 • s"v = =-----=-
H
N =0. (7.40)
(7.41 )
8.1 Introduction
Methods of constructing a curve which passes through all the points of a given
sequence are described. In CAD, input data for a curve are values of a point
sequence supplied by automatic measuring instruments or values from digitizers
used by a person or supplied from other processes. Since those data contain
errors of various sor~s, sometimes smoothing procedures such as methods of least
squaTes or appropriate filtering procedures are required .
For storage and use of data by computers, input data finally have to be
converted to mathematical expressions which preserve features and accuracy of
the original data.. There are several curve expressions, but except for parametric
polynomial or rat.ional expressions, they are not suitable for use in CAD for rea-
sons of difficulty of application and non-favorable properties of the curves. Non-
paTa.metric expressions are not widely used, but since polynomial and rational
interpolations and extrapolations are used in the latter sections for numerical
methods of solving differential equations, these two representations with their
calculation methods aTe included in this chapter [16].
In CAD, a curve segment is usually represented by a parametric polyno-
mial expression for ease of manipulation. We introduce Hermite expressions for
polynomials and then simulation methods of an elastic beam for smooth inter-
polation. The simulat.ed method has to do with spline curves, but control point
methods, which aTe a very useful technique to represent and control the shapes
of curve segments, aTe mentioned. The detail is treated in Chaps . 9 - 12. Curve
fitting by the rational expression of degree two or the conics in implicit forms is
treated in Chap. 12.
Given n + 1 sets of coordinates values (Xi, Yi), where the values of Xi are m
ascending or descending order, a polynomial of degree n,
n
p(x) = Lajx j , (8.1 )
j=O
104 8 Curves Through Given Points, Interpolation and Extrapolation
y y
/
Rational
interpolation
Polynomial
interpolation
x x
(a) 4 points (b) 5 points
(c) 6 points
Figure 8.1 Polynomial and rational interpolation and extrapolation for y = sqrt(x)
A value of the polynomial of degree m at given x can be deduced from values
of the polynomials of degree m - 1 using the following recurrence formula:
It is easily proved from the definition of P; ... (i+m) that the right-hand side of
eq.(8.5) takes values Yi, Yi+l,"', Yi+m, Yi+m+l at x = Xi, Xi+b"', Xi+m+l and
is a polynomial of degree m. These values are produced systematically in the
table below: for the case i = 1 and m = 4, From the first column of the above
table the second column is produced using eq.(8.5). If the elements of the first
column are only PI and P 2 , the result value is P 12 . If P 3 is added, then P 23 is
obtained and from P 12 and P 23 the final interpolated value P l23 is determined .
When this value is not so much different from g2 or P23 , we may not take in
106 8 Curves Through Given Points, Interpolation and Extrapolation
PI
g2
P2 P l23
P 23 P l234
P3 P 234 Pl234S
P 34 P 2345
P4 P 34S
P 4S
Ps
new input data P 4 and P s . But if we have to use all the data from PI to P s for
interpolation or extrapolation, we have to calculate P 1234S '
Our objective is to evaluate Y at x from a given sequence of points (Xl, yd,
••• , (Xn, Yn). vVe assume that from YI , •.• , Yn-l, a value Y = P I .. n - 1 has
already been determined and now a new point Yn at Xn is added. First we fill
the entries of Ta.ble 8.1 to produce P2 .. n , then we obtain P12..n from P12 .. (n-l)
and P2 .. n . To make the above process systematical, at first we define differences
between Pi(i+l) ... (i+m) and the lower adjacent entries:
We const.ruct two triangular Tables 8.2 and 8.3, whose entries contain Ci,m
or Di,m' The first index i indicates the i-th row of the difference tables and the
second index m shows the m-t.h column of the tables. Entries in the tables are
filled step by st.ep as each new value Yi = Ci,a = Di,a is added in the both entries
of the first columns (i , 0). At each level m, the Ci,ffi and Di,m are the correction
terms for the interpolation value one order higher. The final value PI ,2'" n is
equal to the sum of any Yi plus Ci,m or Di,m in the ascending order of m from
m = 2 to m = n according to eq.(8.6). Application of the tables appears in the
A ppendix of this book.
8.2 Polynomial and Rational Interpolation and Extrapolation 107
y Rational
in terpolation
Polynomial
in terpolation
Y Rational
interpolation
.. / / / \ Polynomial
interpolation
for instance, Fig. 8.3 shows very bad interpolation curves for both polynomial and
rational cases.
In numerical methods of solving ordinary differential equations, the Bulirsch-
Stoer method [16][17] applies rational instead of polynomial extrapolation. It is
an excellent method of solving ordinary differential equations and we use it in
Chap. 16; its detail is explained in Appendix of this book. Since its procedure to
obtain an interpolated or extrapolated value is similar to that of the polynomial
procedure described above, we treat the case of a rational function here .
. Let R i(i+1),,(i+n) be a rational function which passes through n + 1 points:
For x = Xi, the first term is R(i+1) ,,(i+n) and the second term gives
For n = 1, we obt.ain a rat.ional curve which passes two given points. From
eq.(8.9) we have
R i+1 - Ri
= Ri + 1 + X -
---{I _
x,' R
i+1 -
R
i} _ 1
x - Xi+n R i+1
YiYi+1(Xi+1 - Xi)
=
(S.10)
For n = 2, a. rational curve which passes given three points is obtained from
eq.(S.9) by
R i(i+1)(i+2) R(i+1)(i+2) +
(x - Xi+2)(R(i+1)(i+2) - R i(i+1))(R(i+1)(i+2) - Yi+1)
We wa.nt t.o obtain R 12 ... n by constructing two triangular tables similar to Tables
S.2 a.n d S.3 of the polynomial case. For this purpose, we define the difference
functions bet.ween the adjacent rat.ional functions similar to eq.(S.6):
Inst.ead of equat.ions (S.7) and (S.S), we have the recurrence formulas for C i,m
and Di,m for the rational case:
X i ,m D i,m(Ci+1,m - Di,m)
C i ,m+l (S.12)
(Xi,mDi,m - C i +1,m)
C i,m(Ci+1,m - Di,m)
D i,m+l (S.13)
(Xi,mDi,m - C i+1,m) ,
(x - x;)
where Xi ,m = (x - Xi+m+1)"
Then we can const.ruct a table similar to Tables 8.2 and S.3 step by step each
time a new pair (Xi, Yi) is added. If x is given, we can determine Y = R 12 ...n by
a similar method as for Y = P12 ... n."
110 8 Curves Through Given Points, Interpolation and Extrapolation
Relations between the extrapola.ted values at x = 0 and the number of the given
points taken from t.he head of the above sequence are shown for the polynomial
and the rational ext.rapolations.
number of points 4 5 6 7
polynomial 0.1417 0.04699 0.00366 0.000015 (8.15)
ra.tional 0.1249 0.04096 0.00357 0.000015
Though the curves gi ven by the polynomials oscillate extremely around the true
curve as the order increases, the values of y given by the two extrapolations at
x = 0 do not differ considerably for this sequence oevalues of x.
where
gi( t; 2m + 1) = ~ f
Z. j=O
Cr+1- i • t i+j (1 - t )2m+l-i- J, (8.21)
h(f'
t ,
')m + 1) =
IiJ
.!.',L...J
~ C 2m +1- i . t 2m +1- i-j(1 _ t)i+J
J ' (8.22)
Z. J=O
,
Pi Yi Yi,i+1 Pi+1 y'
.+1
1
~di,i+1~
. .
Xi Xi+1 x
Figure 8.4 Elastic beam model for smoothing
Using t.he weight.ing functions given by eq.(8.19), we express the shape Yi,i+1 of
each curve segment in the following form:
y:'---dXi) (8.24)
Y~,l(XO)
which stipulate that a,t each junction, the second derivatives of the curve seg-
ments are continuous and at the end points they are zero. Substituting eq.(8.23)
into equations (8.24), we obtain the following three-term simultaneous equations:
, ( 1) '( 1 1), ( 1 )
Yi-1 ~ +2Yi ~+~ +Yi+1 ~
1- 1,1. 1-1 ,1 1,1.+1 1,,1+1
= 3 (Yi - Yi-1)
2
+ 3 (Yi+1
c-EYi)
' for
i = 1 . . . n - 1, (8.25)
di- 1•i i,i+1
Solving the equations, we determine values of Y! and the shape of each segment
from eq.(8.23).
If at bot.h ends of the curve its slopes yb and y~ are fixed, the number of
unknown Y! is n - 1, which is equal to that of equations (8.25). So, we can solve
them and calculate the shape from eq.(8.23).
8.5 Interpolation by Parametric Curves 113
(8.27)
(8.28)
which specify the .continuity of the tangent at the junctions, where ki+J is a
constant which we take as the ratio of t.he chord lengths of two curves. Since
in t.his section, the independent variable t of the curve expressions is normalized
between 0 and 1, the ratios k i have to be taken into consideration.
For each interval of the point sequence Po, PI' P2"", P n , a curve segment
of the above form is assigned and connected to its adjacent curve segments with
tangential cont.inuity. To determine the value of i'i(O) at the connecting points
to make the whole shape as smooth as possible, pseudo-elastic energy stored in
the curve is made a. minimum. Let a chord vector of a segment be
(8.29)
and let it.s absolute value lail be ai and assume that shape of the curve does
not deviat.e much from its chord line, then ds ~ la;ldt and the curvature IS
proportional t.o i:;ja} , and the stored pseudo-elastic energy is given by
In the above equation j:i is the function of i'i(O) and i'i+ l(l) by equations (8.27)
and (8.28). From the minimum condition 8Ej8i'i(0) = 0, we obtain similar
results as in the previous section; continuity of curvature at the intermediate
connecting points of curve segments and zero curvatures at the end points,
ri -:: 1 (1)
= ~?i\(0). , i = 1 . . . n - 1, }
1'0(0) = 1'n-l(l) = 0, (8 .31)
where ki = ai-da,.
From these equat.ions, which correspond to equations (8.23) and (8.24), we get
the simultaneous equations for the tangent vectors at the connecting points,
2ro + r1k1
r n-I + 2i'n (8 .33)
where ri = i'i(O),
°
When a.t the end points the directions of the tangents are specified instead of
zero curvatures, the magnitudes of the tangents are unknown. So, aE/a\i'o\ =
is needed instead of aE faro = 0, that is,
(8.34)
" . rn-l
rn + 2'2
rn = 3rn'
' (Pn - Pn-l ) . (8.35)
These boundary conditions are used instead of eq.(8.33). Since we can use the
Bezier expression (refer to Chap. 9) in place of eq.{8.23), a curve segment ri(t)
of degree t.hree is represented by its control polygon with three edges e3i , e3i+I
and e3i+2 (in Chap. 9, a sYl11bol a is used instead of the symbol e for an edge of
a cont.rol polygon). The tangent vectors at the ends of the segment are given by
its edges vectors:
It follows that equations (8.32) and (8.33) are converted to the relations
among the polygon edges as below,
r
e3i-3 + 2e3i{ki + kf) + e3i+3 k ki+1 = (Pi - Pi-I) + (Pi+l - p;)k; , }
i = 1 ... n - 1, (8.36)
2eo + e3 k I = (PI - Po), e3n-3 + 2e3n-l = (Pn - Pn-l)'
Equations (8.32) and (8.33) or (8.34) and (8.35) are three-term simultaneous
equat.ions whose solution is easily obtained. When a point sequence is given,
the chord vectors of adjacent point. pairs and the ratios of their absolute values
k i = ai-I! ai are all the data for the coefficients of the equations for determining
fi's. Each curve segment is calculated from eq.{8.27). Their connection continu-
ity is C(2).
When the dist.ances between adjacent points of the sequence are almost the
same, then const.ants k; may well be taken equal to 1, but when their variation
is great, k; should be taken as defined. In Fig. 8.5 two examples are shown with
the same given point.s: (a) constants k i are taken as ratios of the chord lengths,
(b) all ki are equal to 1. The resulting shapes are quite different.
8.6 Appendix. Derivation of Equations by Elastic Beam Analogy 115
Figure 8.5 Curve shapes and scale ratios: (a) k; = ratio of adjacent chord lengths, (b) k; = 1
Equations (S.24) and (S.25) are derived in the following way. For deflect.ion of
a wire or slender beam, a bending moment applied to its axis contributes most
to the stored elast.ic energy, and any other elastic energy such as that caused by
uniform compression need not be considered for the present purpose. The stored
elastic energy of a. wire by bending is expressed by(I/2) J G,,?ds, where G is the
rigidity of bending and K, is the curvature of the wire a.xis, and the integral is
taken along its axis.
. Minimizing this elastic energy under given constraints is difficult, because of
the nonlinearit.y of the curvature expression and the dependence of the bending
moment on the deformed shape of the wire. This is the kind of problem of
Elastica [19], and even if it could be solved any way it may not be practical.
Since its energy is used for a shape criterion only, its expression need not be
very accurate so long as its characteristics are preserved. Accordingly, instead
of a. flexible wire, an elastic beam of small deflection is assumed. In this case,
its curvature is approximated by J2y/dx 2 with the initial beam axis in the x
direction and its deflection in the y direction. This means the reaction forces
from the supports are directed vertically, so the bending moments at a section
of the beam between the supports is a linear function of the distance from a
support point. Since t.he bending moment divided by the bending rigidity of the
beam is equal to the curvature at that point, its deflection y is expressed by a
polynomial of third degree in x, because of the double integration of the linear
function of x representing the bending moment of a section of the beam.
This polynomial is expressed by the vertical positions (Yi, Yi+l) and the slopes
Y:and Y:+lat the end points Xi and Xi+l, multiplied by their corresponding
weighting function 90, ho, 91 and hI given in Sect. S.4. So we have eq.(S.23). We
construct a continuous elastic beam which consists of n curve segments connected
ll6 8 Curves Through Given Points, Interpolation and Extrapolation
where Y::i+l is the second derivat.ive of the deflection between the i-th and
(i + 1)-t.h supports, which represents the curvature there. The total energy is a
funct.ion of t.he slopes yi at the supports. Differentiating it with respect to yi and
setting the result to zero, we have
~G
~
J It
Y.,.+l
/) /I
Yi,i+l d
>l I
UYi
X
0, i = 0 ... n.
9.1 Introduction
There are various expressions for describing a shape, but the number of practical
ones is limited. A polynomial expression in parametric form with control points
is most useful in most applications, for it is not only mathematically simple,
but also it has favorable properties for engineering design; its expression does
not depend on coordinate systems, geometrical properties are easily grasped and
manipulated by control points, unwanted waviness usually does not appear in
construction and modification of shapes, and long curves and large areas can be
designed by connecting short or small segments.
Accordingly, we treat single segments of Bezier curves and surfaces which
have the above stated characteristics. Their expressions are a little different from
those in other textbooks, but because of our adoption of shifting operators for
manipulation of control points, our expressions for Bezier curves are simpler and
easier to process [5][8]. Then in the next chapter, B spline curves and surfaces
which have similar favorable properties in design are introduced as the special
connection of segments of Bezier curves and surfaces. We think this approach
is the easiest for design engineers to understand and use. The extension of the
approach to special applications is explained in later chapters.
A polyline made of the control points Po, PI, P2, P3 ... ,Pn is called a control
polygon. For the expression (9.1) to be useful, it needs to have the following
properties:
- The expression is independent of coordinate systems used.
- The shape of the control polygon approximates to that of r( t).
- The geometric characteristics of the curve are obtained from the control poly-
gon only. .
118 9 Bezier Curves and Control Points
To meet these requirements, the following relation must hold for the weighting
functions independently of t:
10(t) + 11(t) + 12(t) + ... + 1n(t) = 1. (9.2)
When all the control points converge to a same point P, the expression (9.1)
becomes
r(t) = p{10(t) + 11(t) + h(t) + ... + 1n(tn· (9.3)
Since both sides of the above expression must be independent of t and equal
to P, eq. (9.2) is derived. This is also the condition for independence of coordi-
nate transformation. A transformation applied to the left-hand side of eq. (9.1)
must be the same as the curve with the transformed control points and the same
weighting functions. Since a transformation consists of a rotation and a transla-
tion, the form of eq. (9.1) is invariant for a rotational transformation and together
with t.he condition. eq. (9.2) it is invariant for translation of the coordinates.
Properties of the weighting functions 1i(t) are described next. When all the
control point.s except an arbitrary Pj converge to one point P, the expression
(9.1) becomes
r(t) = p{10(t)+ 11(t)+ h(t)+···+ 1n(tn+(Pj-p)fJ(t) = P+(Pj-p)fJ(t), (9.4)
because of eq. (9.2). If r(t) is to be within the line segment joining P and Pj' a
weighting function 1j(t) must have a value between 0 and 1: hence for all j
o :::; fJ(t) :::; 1. (9.5)
The equality holds only for t = 0 or t = 1, where only one weighting function
is 1 and the others must be aU zero. Without these conditions, the curve is not
within the line segment (p, Pj)' And all the weighting functions must have a
single pea.k in the range, otherwise the relation between the control points and
the curve shape becomes complicated and the shape cannot be inferred from the
control polygon . Then the roles of the control points cannot be satisfied.
With these properties of fJ(t), the curve r(t) exists within the convex hull
made by all the control points (Po PI P2 P3 . "Pn)' See Fig. 9.1. If we take the
x-axis to coincide with one of the edges of the convex hull, the signs of y values
of all the control points are the same or zero, consequently the value of the curve
generated by the cont.rol points multiplied by their weighting functions has the
same sign. This means that the curve is on one side of the edge of the convex
hull. For all edges a similar property holds, hence the curve cannot go out of the
convex hull. It follows that if the control polygon is planar, the curve is planar,
and if the edges of the control polygon are collinear, so is the curve.
PI PI P2
.. .,
,r;a- - -- - ----- -- ----~
.,.
,,
.,,
,
,: ...
/// \,,\,
/,/ \\
Po Po
( a) (b)
'"
:' ...
/ \\
'~
Po Po
(c) (d)
n of the polynomial of t and the first control point Pi of r(t), we use a notation
ri(t; n) (9.6)
for representing the curve segment. The control points of this curve begin from
Pi and end at Pi+n'
A curve for n = 0 is considered a single point, so the following expressions
can be used:
ro(t; 0) = Po , ri(t; 0) = Pi . (9.7)
For n = 1, since the number of control points of a curve segment is two, a
curve ro(t; 1) is considered a line segment connecting them, and the degree of its
two weight.ing functions is 1. Owing t.o the conditions imposed on them, their
simplest forms are:
fo(t) = (1 ~ t), (9.8)
120 9 Bezier Curves and Control Points
(9.9)
A point given by the left-hand side of the above expression is the point dividing
the line segment joining 1'o(t; 0) and 1'1(t; 0) in the ratio t : 1- t.
For n = 2, increasing all the degree pa.rameters of the curve expressions in
eq. (9.10) by 1, we get
The expression r1(t; 1) is the line segment connecting P1 and P2, which is for-
mally derived from 1'o(t; 1) by increasing its subscript by one or from 1'1(t; 0) by
increasing its degree parameter by one. For fixed t, eq. (9.11) is considered to
give a point dividing the line segment joining ro(t; 1) and 1'1(t; 1) in the ratio
t : 1 - t. When t changes, the locus of 1'o(t; 2) represents a curve segment of
degree two, whose control points are Po , P1 and P2 . Generalizing eq. (9.11) for
a curve segment of degree n, we obtain
The left-ha,n d side of the above equation is the locus of a point dividing the line
segment connecting 1'o(t; n - 1) and 1'1(t; n -1) in the ratio t : 1- t. The curves
1'o(t; n - 1) and 1'1(t; n - 1) are determined respectively from the control points
(PO'P1,·"Pn-1) and (P1,P2,···Pn)·
Now, to simplify the manipulation of mathematical expressions of curve seg-
ments generated from the control points, we introduce the shift operator E which
operat.es on ident.ifiers of t.he sequent.ially ordered objects of a group such as the
cont.rol point.s of a curve. Its basic property is to increase or decrease the number
which is used as a subscript. of an object in the group in the following way:
(9.14)
where I is the identit.y opera.tor which does not change its operand, just like 1
in arithmet.ic multiplication. The rules (9.14) indicate that the shift operator E
obeys the law of multiplication in algebra, hence we can trea.t E as an algebraic
const.ant.
9.4 Different Expressions of B Curve 121
By applying the above equation to its right-hand side factor ro(t; n - 1) repeat-
edly, we finally obtain the following form for a curve segment of degree n:
To express the ab~ve equation by the last control point P n , the right-hand side
of eq. (9 .17) is multiplied by E-nE n = I and then it is converted to the desired
form.
ro(t; n) = (1 - t + EttE-nEn po
= {(1-t)E- 1 +t}npn- (9.18)
(9.19)
Equations (9 .17) and (9.19) are the operator expressions of a curve segment of
degree n with n + 1 control points. This curve segment is the same as what
is called a Bezier curve, whose form is given by eq. (9.20) in the next section .
This operator form of a Bezier curve is convenient not only for its conciseness,
but also for its mathematical manipulation. We call the control points Pi Bezier
points or B points for brevity. Instead of B point sequence, we use the term B
polygon with the same meaning, but when its edges are emphasized, the term B
polygon is more appropriate than B point sequence.
(9.21)
122 9 Bezier Curves and Control Points
!i(t) !o(t)
fI(t) Nt)
h(t)
o 1
dro(t;n)
i'o(t; n) = n(l - t + Et)n-I(E - l)po
dt
n(l - t + Ett-I(PI - Po)
n{rl(t; n - 1) - ro(t ; n - I)}. (9.23)
This shows that the tangent direction at a point on ro(t; n) is that of a vector
from ro(t; n - 1) to rl(t; n - 1), while according to eq. (9.12) the point ro(t; n)
divides this vector in the ratio (t : 1 - t).
9.5 Derivatives at Ends of a Segment and Hodographs 123
Po P3
The hodograph is useful for examining the behavior of its original curve. For
example in Fig. 9.4, whether each of three curves (a.), (b) and (c) of degree three
generated from almost similar B polygons has a loop or not can be determined
by using their hodographs (d), (e) and (f) . The hodograph (d) of the curve (a)
passes to the right-hand side of the origin, that of (b) passes to the left-hand
side, whereas that of (c) passes through the origin. The direction of the tangent
vector of the curve (a) changes by far less than 180 degrees clockwise, that of (b)
by far more than 180 degrees counter-clockwise, and the curve (c) has a singular
point where its tangent vector vanishes .
The second derivative of ro(t; n) is given by
\ .-,/'
""'" ., -
\\,~1
t = 0.25 \, t = 0.5
a}/
Po \/ P2
:' ':
\ ;
a1 .... \
\:
"
\~
ro(t ; 11,) two vectors i'o(t; 11,) and ro(t; 11,) become parallel, because its curvature
vector is proportional to the normal component of ro(t; 11,) (refer to eq. (5.24))
and it becomes zero. Figure 9.5 shows B polygons and vectors of 1'o(t; 4), i'o(t; 4)
and j:o(t; 4) from t=O to t=l. There are two values of t where i'o(t; 4) and j:o(t; 4)
become parallel. These values correspond to inflection points of 1'o(t ;4).
The higher-order derivatives are obtained similarly:
(9 .25)
(9.26)
126 9 Bezier Curves and Control Points
1 J . (k)
, I: (CD(n - k)!ro (0; n), (9.28)
n. k=O
J
p"-J {I - (1- E- 1)}1Pn = I:(q)(-l)k(l- E-1?Pn
k=O
1 J . (k)
= ,I:(q)( -l)k(n - k)!ro (1; n), (9.29)
n. k=O
for j = O,···n.
The relation between the control points of connecting curves at their junction
is determined by the continuity conditions of derivatives there. Equations (9.26)
and (9.27) are also used for this purpose.
(9.30)
Since the osculat.ing plane is made by t and t + dt, it coincides with the plane
made by the first and the second edges of the polygon. The unit normal vector
11 is in the osculating plane and 90 degrees anti-clockwise from the first edge
vector. This is derived from eq. (5.26) and the definition of the unit normal.
From equation (5.24), the curvature at the end point is given by
n - 1 (al . 11)
K, =- n
--- ~.
- (9.31)
The sign of K, is determined by the sign of (aJ . 11). The unit binormal vector b is
det.ermined by t x 11 and the torsion at the end point is given from eq. (5.27) by
(9.32)
9.6 Geometric Properties of B Curve 127
al
ao
Po '-<::,:-----------i-------!:-~--------------:--}::-
"" i Pz -,
P'~" i
~o'
"'.0
At the starting point of a curve segment, its tangent direction, curvature and
torsion are represented by the first three edges of its Bezier polygon with forms
very similar to their original definitions: t has the direction of ~, the change
of the tangent direction de of the curve is considered to be proportional to the
normal component of al divided by the length of ao, and the arc length ds is
represented by t.he length of ~, that is, de/ds which defines the curvature is
given by eq. (9.31). The change of torsion angle db is represented in the B
polygon as the binormal component of a2 divided by the normal component of
aI, accordingly, db/ds which defines the torsion is given by eq. (9.32).
When the B polygon of a curve is given, its tangent, curvature and torsion at
its end points are obtained graphically. For instance, a procedure for determining
the center of curvature is as follows. Letting p be the radius of curvature and p'
be equal to (n - l)p/n , we get from eq. (9.31) the following relation:
p' : laol = laol : (al . n),
from which p' is determined graphically. Referring to Fig. 9.6,
1. Draw a perpendicular at PI to the edge ao, to which draw a perpendicular
from P2 to p~. Draw a line Ll joining its foot P~ and Po.
2. Draw a perpendicular from PI to the line Ll and extend it to intersect with
the normal line from Po. Let the intersection point be 0'.
3. Extend the vector Poo' by n/(n - 1) times from Po to determine o. Then 0
is the center of the curvature at the point Po and the length of Poo is the
radius of curvature.
A similar procedure can be applied to locate the center of torsion graphically by
using the following relation:
(n - 2)Pr/n ~ I~I = (al . n) : (a2 . b),
128 9 Bezier Curves and Control Points
where PT is the radius of torsion. The geometric properties stated above are
t.hose at t.he end points of a curve segment. Those at the other point on the
curve can be expressed in the same form, because any point on the curve can be
converted to an end point of a curve segment made by division of the original
segment, and t.he B polygon of the divided segment can be obtained from that
of the original B polygon.
(9 .34)
Here, we introduce a shift operator Ea for the control points pa i of the divided
first segment. The relat.ion between E and Ea is defined by
(1 - t* + Et*)'p a =
- E'a paa = pa.' (9.35)
Using this and denot.ing the left-hand side of eq. (9.34) by 1'0(7; n), we have an
expreSSlOn
(9.36)
Since 7 takes a value between 0 and 1, a parameter t is used in place of 7 and
the above eq. (9.36) becomes
(9.37)
Po P3
Figure 9.7 Division of a B polygon
1. Divide each edge ai of Bo at. p)1 ) in the ratio (t* : 1 - to), which we call
the dividing point of level one. A number in the superscript indicates the
level. The original vertices are denoted by p;O). A case for n = 3 is shown
. h (1) (1) 0)) .
III parent. eses as Po , PI , P2
130 9 Bezier Curves and Control Points
Po
Figure 9.8 Reconstruction of an original B polygon from its divided one
2. Connect pIll and P\~l by a line segment, which we caU the dividing line of
level one, and divide it at p;2) in the ratio (t* : 1- to). Then p\2) is called a
dividing point. of level two. ( For n = 3, p~2) is determined on the dividing
line p~l)p~l), and p~2) is on p~l)p~l). )
3. Connect p\2) and P;~l by the dividing line of level two and divide it at p;3)
in the ra.tio(t* : 1 - to). (For n = 3, p~3) is the only dividing point of level
three, and this is final.)
4. Repeat this procedure until division of the dividing line of level (n - 1) at
the dividing point p~n) of level n occurs. Then we determine locations of the
control points of Ba = (Po, .. , , p~) and Bb = (pg, ... p~) as follows.
(0) (1) (2) (n-l) (n)
Po Po Po Po Po ,
(n) (n-l) (n-2) (1) (9.44)
Po PI P2 Pn-l p~O).
The location of the dividing point of level n is a point on the original curve:
3. Finally, (1 - to) It* times extension of a vector p~O)p~l) fixes the location of
(0)
P3 .
9.8 Continuity Conditions of Connection of B Polygons 131
Thus, all the locations of the polygons Bb and Bo are determined from Ba.
The dividing lines and points of a B polygon are closely connected to those
of a B spline polygon, which is explained in the next chapter.
To obtain t.he relation bet.ween point.s Pi and qi, we expand {(1-t) +t} x ro(t; n)
in terms of {(I - t)n+l-it i } for i = 0··· (n + 1). Then it becomes
{(I - t) + t} x ro(t; n)
n n
= ~]C;)(I- tt-i+ICPi + 2:JC;)(I- t)n-iti+I Pi
i=o i=O
n+1
= ~]C;+1)(l - t)n+l-iti{(C;)/(C;+1)PiO~+I,i
i=O
(9.4S)
where
0' . = {O for i = j (9.49)
t,). 1 for i -I j
9.10 Expression for a Surface Patch 133
fl'
p
"
Po P3 Figure 9.10 B polygon by repeated
degree elevations and a curve segment
Comparing equations (9.47) and (9.48), we get the locations of the new control
points in terms of the old control points:
qi =
{ n n++1 -1 i} Pi 8'n+l,i + { i} 8'
n + 1 Pi-l O,i ' (9.50)
The relation is that both of the first control points Po and qo are the same
point., ql is located at the dividing point of the first edge ao of the original
polygon in the rat.io n : 1, qi is located at the dividing point of the i-th edge ai
in t.he ratio (n + 1 - i) : i and the last point q,,+l coincides with the last point
p" of t.he original polygon.
By repeat.ing this degree increasing process indefinitely, the corresponding
B polygon gradually approaches the shape of the curve segment it defines. See
Fig. 9.10.
(9.52)
(9.53)
where F is the shift operator used for the elements of the row (9.53), which
are expressed by .eq. (9.52), and operates on the second subscript of the control
points Pij' The role of F is just the same as that of E for the first subscript.
Since eq. (9.54) is a function of parameters u and v, whose degrees are m and
n, and represents a patch, we denote it by SOO( u, v; m, n). Substituting eq. (9.52)
into eq. (9.54) we obtain
This is an operator expression for a Bezier surface patch constructed from the
(m + 1) x (n + 1) control points net {PiJ, for i = 0··· n, j = 0··· m. An
example of Soo (u, v; 3, 3) is shown in Fig. 9.1l.
Since the equation of a B patch has a similar structure to that of a. B curve,
it has similar characteristics:
P30
\ . /
P03
(a) control net
(b) B patch
The expression for a B patch in operator form is concise and useful for
theoretical manipulation, but if we want to write all the control points explicitly,
136 9 Bezier Curves and Control Points
for instance in numerical calculation, then the following matrix form is used
(refer to Sect. 1.8, Example 2):
800(U , v; m , n) = F(u; m){PiJ}F(v; n)T, (9.60)
where F(u;m) {fo(u;m) fl(u;m)···fm(u;m)}
F(v; n) {fo( v;n) fl(v;n)"'fn( v; n)}
fi(t; m) = (9.61)
For i = 1, t.his is the tangent vector across the boundary u = 0, which we call
the cross-bounda.ry ta.ng ent vector T".
t
T" = m( 1 - v + Fv aoo . (9.64)
Similarly, we get. t.he cross-boundary tangent vector at the boundary v = 0,
Tv = n(1 - u + Eu)mb oo . (9.65)
The normal of t.he surface patch at the corner point PO~ is
aoo x boo
n - .,..-----,- (9.66)
- laoo x bool '
The cross-boundary t.angent vectors T" and T v are not constant along the bound-
aries and their rates of variat.ion along the boundaries at t.he corner point Poo
are given by
They are equal to 02S00(0, OJ m, n)/ouov and 02soo(0, OJ m, n)/ovou and are
called twist vectors at the corner, and take the same value when the corner point
is not singular.
As stated in the surface theory, the fundamental magnitudes of the first and
the second order at Poo are given by
E T~ = m2~0, F = Ttl' T v = mnaooboo ,
. 02soo(0, OJ m, n) _ ( _ )d
L n ou 2 - m m 1 02, (9 .70)
. 02soo(0, OJ m, n) _ d
M n OUOV - mn '11, (9.71)
02soo (0,Ojm,n) ( )d
N n· ov 2 = n n - 1 20, (9.72)
where d02 , dl l and d20 are distances from P02' P11 and P20 to the tangential plane
at Poo' The Gaussia'n curvature, t.he mean curvature and the principal directions
can be calculated from the locat.ions of the control points. As in the case of
B curves, any point on a B surface patch can be made a corner point of a.
divided pat.chj the control points around it. are determined and the fundamental
magnitudes at that point can be obt.ained accordingly.
As in the case of B curve, either of derivatives at t.he boundary or the cont.rol
point.s of the B patch can be expressed by the others. For instance, Pn is
expressed by the derivatives at the corner,
where Pij is t.he cont.rol point of the original pa.tch, and bi,j = 0 for i = j,
ot.herwise 8L
= 1, which is the same as eq. (9.49). The control points at patch
corners before and after t.he degree elevation are the same, but their indices are
different:
(9.80)
This is a very difficult. expression, from which R. Forrester deduced the Bernstein
polynomial form (9.20) in 1970 [3]' The form (9.17) was introduced by M. Hosaka
in 1976 [5] .
Equation (9.80) can be obtained by conversion from eq. (9.17) as follows: by
putting
al = (E - l)po, (1 - E)t == x, (9.81)
we get from eq. (9.17)
(9 .82)
9.13 Appendix. The Original Form of the Bezier Curve 139
n-l d . (1 - W- 1 Eial
ro(t;n)-po=-tL:(-d)'{ }(-t)'-.-, . (9.83)
i=O t t 2.
Expressing Eial as ai+1 and changing the summation range from (0 to n-1)
to (1 to n), we obtain the equation (9.80) which Bezier gave without explanation.
10 Connection of Bezier Curves and Relation
to Spline Polygons
10.1 Introduction
an S polygon (S stands for spline), from which B polygons (B stands for Bezier)
connected in c(n-l) are deduced.
We give formulas for obtaining B points from the S polygon and also the
method of inserting vertices of the S polygon without changing the shape of its
generating curve. The reason for adopting B polygons is that they are geomet-
rically clear and simple and their expressions are easy to manipulate compared
with the recursive formulas used in B splines. Especially in advanced design
activities, calculation problems such as interference and quality evaluation of
surfaces require analytical expressions of shapes, so simple closed forms of Bezier
type are suitable.
The description of spline curves and surfaces is divided into Chaps. 10 and 11.
In this chapter, we first treat a constraint on the connection of two Bezier curves
and then introduce the S polygon from which a row of B polygons connected
in c(n-l) can be generated. Omitting the theoretical aspects of the S polygon,
which are treated In the next chapter, we explain practical methods of locating
B polygons from a given S polygon and of inserting new vertices into it.
Then we loosen the connecting condition, from C(2), which requires conti-
nuity up to the second derivative vectors at the junction, to G(2) which satisfies
continuity only of curv,a ture vectors there. This allows a little freedom to move
locations of the B points without changing the S polygon of degree three. The
spline curve satisfying this condition is usua11y called the Beta spline, but the
method of deriving it adopted in this cha,pter is far simpler and the result is easy
to use.
In the last part of this chapter, we treat a problem of effects of scale ratios
on-generated shapes and that of control of curvature distribution along a curve.
The reader with good knowledge of Bezier curves and surfa,ces, who just
wants to make shapes by connecting them, need not know the theoretical aspects
treated in the next chapter, but may refer to Sects. 10.3 and 10.4 for curve
synthesis and Sect. 11.1 for surface synthesis.
For various curve segments of parametric expressions, there may be great dif-
ferences in increments of position vectors for the same incremental value of the
respective parameters, because usually the parameters are normalized between
o and 1 irrespective of the real magnitude of the objects they represent. This
does not cause a problem so long as curve segments are independent. But when
connecting them, we need to take account of these differences of scale for each
segment, because their derivatives with respect to the parameter cannot be com-
pared with each other without correction for their scale differences. Accordingly,
we introduce a list of ratios of the scale factors for connecting segments. For
10.2 Connection of B Curve Segments 143
convenience, we consider that each constituent segment has its 'own scale factor
A.
Let there be a row of Bezier curve segments of degree n, each connected in
C(i) .
where Pjn and a}n indicate the first control point and the first control edge of
the control polygon BJn ). Its superscript indicates the degree of the curve, and
if this is clear it may be omitted. Two curve segments rj_1(t; n) and rj(t; n) are
connected continubusly up to the i-th derivative at their ends.
Though we use the same symbol t for the parameter of each curve segment,
they are substantially independent each other. However, when two curves are
connected smoothly, it is natural to consider that the element ds of arc length
of both segments t.ake the same value at the junction. Therefore, we postulate
(refer to Sect. 5.2) a condition, setting j = 0 for simplicity:
where (dt)_l and (dt)o indicate that they belong to L1(t; n) and ro(t; n) at the
junction respectively.
Introducing constants A-I and AO which are proportional to the magnitudes
of tangent vectors i·_ 1(1; n) and ro(O; n) at the junction, we define the ratio
ko = A-dAo and obtain the following relation from eq. (10.3):
(10.4)
This ratio is considered the scale factor ratio of the parameters at the junc-
tion. For connecting curve segments ( ... , r -1, ro, r1, r2, ... ), a list of scale factors
(... , A-I, Ao , AI, A2,···) must be provided to ensure a natural shape. When curve
segments are of almost equal magnitude, all factors Ai may well take the value
1.
(10.5)
144 10 Connection of Bezier Curves and Relation to Spline Polygons
Let the two connected curve segments Ll(t; n) and ro(t; n) be represented by
Bezier curves in the operator forms(refer to equations (9.20) and (9.17)):
(10.9)
j=O Po = Po,
j =1 Po - P-l = kO(Pl - Po) or a_I = koao,
j=2 (Po - P-l) - (P-l - P-2) = k~{P2 - PI) - (PI - Po},
or a_I - a_2 = k~(al - ao) (10.10)
and so on.
These relations are the geometric constraints, as shown in Fig. 10.1 for C(1),
C(2), C(3) and C(4). The important fact is that in the C(i) connection, on both
sides of the junction the i consecutive control point.s of one segment are com-
pletely determined by the i consecutive control points of the other segment. This
sequence of 2i + 1 control points defines a B polygon of degree i. Application of
this fact is explained in the following subsection.
Po
.0
\:,-3 P~,p
;'P- 4
(a) (b)
0-- ---- ... .. _- .... :::0.-_ . • .. ---_ .. _.. _____ ~., 1."'•.. --- ... -- -- -- -- -:.G.-: -- ..... - --~
1'-1, / Po " """ PI
P""-,,,I_- .....
; _(:-) _~PI '. :,: ,\
P-2 P2 /'
1'-3 P3 '
, 1'-3
0 1'_4 1'-4
(c) (d)
Figure 10.1 Constraints of control points on both sides of a junction of two B polygons
Accordingly, displacement of the control points of the first segment does not
influence the (n+2)-th segment or further ones. For instance, let Bo B} B2 B 3 ,'"
be Bezier control polygons of curve segments of degree three and let them connect
in C(2). See Fig. 10.2. Then any displacement of control points of Bo does not
influence the location of the last three control points of B 2, while those of Bo
and B} have to be adjusted to keep the C(2) condition at the junctions, and B3
does not change at all. We are to find a method of automatic adjustment of
the control points of Bo , B} and B2 to keep them in C(2) connection. Thus the
c(n-l) connection enables local control of shape of connected curve segments of
degree n.
146 10 Connection of Bezier Curves and Relation t o Spline Polygons
• e e e e e o •
Bo Bl B2
( a)
Y',
: "
!BO "
Bl
B2
(b)
R
:
/\
,
\
\
I.,
Bo
B2
(c)
(10.12)
We call this B polygon B~; 0 the connection defining polygon or the CDP of
(3) (3) , - (2). . ' (2)
B_1 and Bo , because the polygon B_ I0 determmes the connectlOn of B_1 and
B'(2).
om.
C(2)
. ,(2) . (3)
The control pomts of B_1 are the same as those of the control pomts of B_1
,(2) (3)
except. for t.he left.most P-3' and those of Bo are the same as those of Bo except
for the rightmost. P3' So we use notations • B~i and B O
(3) in place of B~; and
B~2) when emphasizing their missing leftmost or rightmost control point. We
call these B polygons the left-end or right-end incomplete B polygons.
Refer to Sects. 9.7 and 9.S. Since these control points are determined by the
division of B~; 0 in the ratio (A-I: AO)' their locations are given, for 0 5 j 5 2,
by
(2)
P-2+j = + EtFp~i ,
(1 - t (10.13)
p(2)
2-J
{(1- t)E- l + t}jpi2 ), (10.14)
A-I ko
where t + (10.15)
A-I + AO = 1 k o'
(10.17)
148 10 Connection of Bezier Curves and Relation to Spline Polygons
(10.21)
Accordingly, each sub-edge has its own scale factor. The value j of the index of
its last element of Ljnl is the same as t.hat. of the edge b j to be divided . This
rule is det.ermined logically; the reason is explained in Sect. 11.3. When terms
a. 'scale list' or a 'A' list are used, they simply refer to a list such as eq.(10.18). A
set of consecutive n elements of a scale list belonging to an 5 polygon of degree
n becomes a dividing ratio list of an edge of the polygon.
Next, a unit 5 polygon of degree n, which is denoted by S1 n ), is defined as
the n consecutive edges starting at the vertex qi of an 5 polygon. Since all the
10.3 Introduction of S Polygon 149
dividing rat.io lists of Sr n) are (L;n), ... , L;~~_l)' the scale factor Ai is the only
common element. in them. Accordingly, there is only one sub-edge, which has
the same common scale factor Ai, in each edge of a unit S polygon Sr n ). We call
the common scale factor the main scale factor of the unit S polygon.
Leaving t.he t.heoretical aspect of the S polygon to Sects. 11.3- 11.5, we give
its features useful for derivation of B polygons.
1. A unit S polygon sf generates three successive B polygons denoted by
n)
PI
5(1).
o .
B (l).
o .
Po
.~---------- i>
ql
q••o'-----_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~
•
PI
q,
~
S~')
S(o) .
, , 'b
•
B P2
o ) :.
(a) n =1 (b) n = 2
q2
q1.2 q2.2
q3 ql • 5;;(4) q3
S~l) : '5(2) .
o . 6---'
B~3) : •• • B;;(4) :
(c) n = 3 (d) n = 4
v (3)
So : Br--~Dr--_BO--D
* B *(5) .
o .
(e)n = 5
part of the figure, relation between S~2) and' BO(4) is shown schematically.
152 10 Connection of Bezier Curves and Relation to Spline Polygons
AO
Ao
n=5
( . .. , B(n)
-1'
B(n ) B(n ) ... )
0 , 1, ,
whose scale ratios are ( ... : "-1 : Ao : Al : ... ). If we divide B~n) in the ratio
(t : 1- t) int.o two B polygons Ba~n) and Bb~n), we can consider that their scales
are '\ot and Ao(1-t). They connect with their adjacent B polygons B~n2 and Bin)
in e (n-l), because t.he original Bbn ) connects with the same adjacent B polygons
in ern-I).
5b
Now, from the original unit. 5 polygon n ) we produce two new unit 5
polygons 5a~n) and 5b~n) by the following procedure: see Fig. 10.4, which is a
case of n = 3.
5b
In each edge of n ) there is a sub-edges of the dividing ratio AO which is the
main scale of the polygon. We divided each sub-edge into two parts in the ratio
10.4 B points under Geometric Connecting Condition G(2) 153
--- --'--
-- .... ~-------
r: ::~
,./ \
:/ \
~
"-
/ \
: 1- t
~ -- - - -- -- -------- - - - - ---- - - --o Gr- ---0 13--------- ---- ----------------0 <r- ---<>
(t : 1 - t), then we have n dividing points (<to .. 'qn-l) ' We replace the
original n - 1 vertices (ql ... qn-l) by these new n vertices and consider there
generate two unit S polygons:
We can prove these two unit S polygons have the main scales >"ot and >"0(1 - t)
respectively and generate the B polygons B,,~n) and Bb~nl, which are the same
B polygons generated from the division of B6n ) in the ratio (t : 1 - t). (This is
treated in Sec. 11.5.4).
These B polygons B,,~n) and Bb~n) connect in c(n) if no displacement of
the vertices occurs. Even when vertices of the new S polygon are moved, the
condition of c(n-l) connection of the generated curve segments is not violated.
An example is shown in Fig. 10.5. We call this process the division of an S
polygon or the insertion of a. vertex.
/i : .
q2
"
p,
/~2 P3 \\a4
n.a\~
____ ' P5
P I ----
''0 q3
of degree two hold' only in the normal direction at the junction. It follows that
the dividing ratio list of each edge of an S polygon can be adjusted to modify
the shape of connected curve segments without breaking the condition of G(2).
Refer to Fig. 10.6. Let the connecting B polygons of degree three be expressed
by their edges
only the continuity of t.he curvatures there is allowed. Referring to the expression
(9 .31) for curvature at the left end of Bo, which is proportional to (n . al)/ii,
we have the equation of equality of the curvatures at the junction Bo and B 1 :
(n·al) (n·~)
(10.27)
This is convert.ed to
(10.28)
by the condition of continuity of the tangent vectors a2 = k1a3. Equation (10.28)
is the normal component of eq. (10.26). Using eq. (10.25), from eq. (10.28), we
have
(10.29)
10.4 B points under Geometric Connecting Condition G(2) 155
Accordingly, in G(2) connection, the tangential component of eq: (10.26) need not
be satisfied, but only its normal component eq. (10.29) is the condition. Here we
introduce an arbitrary positive constant 0", which we call the stretch factor, in
the above equation thus:
(10.30)
Since the left-hand side of eq. (10.29) represents the normal component of q2P2
and the right-hand side that of Q2P4' they are naturaUy equal. Equation (10.30)
now shows that they can be modified to
This means that locations of the control points on the edges b 1 and b 2 can be
moved along the r'espective edges. If 0" = 1, t.he connection is C(2), but if 0" is an
arbitrary positive constant, C(2) reduces to G(2).
To indicate that 0" is used at the junction of two B polygons Bo and Bl
connecting in G(2J, we attach a subscript to the strtch factor 0" such as 0"0. For
connection of Bi and B i+1 we use O"i . Then the dividing ratio list of an edge ai
is modified from L;3 ) for C(2) to L,;3) for G(2):
( c) all u = 1.3
with the Beta spline, our expression of curves with G(2) connection is simple,
that. is, t.hey are connected Bezier polygons of degree t.hree, whose control point
locations are easily determined from the S polygon with the modified dividing
ratio lists of degree t.hree. Effects of values of the stretch factor (J on the location
of t.he control points are easily determined even without a computer.
This is t.he ratio of scales of the parameters of connecting curves at their junction
or the ratio of absolute values of the tangent vectors there. If the value of
t.his scale ratio is not equal to 1, the magnitudes of the tangent vectors of the
10.5 Curvature Profile Problem in Design 157
connecting curves at the junction are not equal, also their derivatives of higher
degree with respect to the parameter are not the same, though the geometrical
quant.ities such as unit t.a,ngent directions, curvatures and t.orsions are continuous
there.
When we want to construct shapes by connecting curve segments, it is diffi-
cult to determine their ratios exactly in advance . Fortunately their exact ratio
values are not needed. We explain two methods of estimating ko at junctions.
2. The other method is to take ko equal to the ratio of their chord lengths. In
this case the list of A is proportional to the list of chord lengths of connecting
curve segments. This is effective when the shapes of connected segments
(more precisely their B polygons) are expected to be almost similar.
(c). = (1,1,1,2,1,1,1)
Figure 10.8 Effects of values of scale ratios on shapes of connected curves. Patterns of radius
of curvature are also shown
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 10.10 Selection of an optimum scale ratio at a junction. Profiles of radius of curva-
=
ture(logarithmic values) are shown: (a) scale ratio, 1: 1, (b) scale ratio chord ratio, (c) scale
ratio obtained from division of higher degree curve
11.1 Introduction
In Sect. 1L 2 of this chapter, we treat surfaces which consist of Bezier patches con-
necting in c(n-l) in all directions. Techniques for obtaining B polygons from an S
polygon are extended to those for generating nets of Bezier control points from a
given spline net. For simplicity of mathematical manipulation and programming,
we adopt a tensor product techn,ique for producing Bezier nets. Connection in
C(2) and insertion" of vertices of an S net are also included in the first section.
In the next three sections, we explain the theoretical aspects of the S polygon,
which are the bases of the practical methods in the previous chapter.
Properties of S polygons are discussed using Menelaus' theorem in the pri-
maTY geometry. Then we deduce two general algorithms to determine B polygons
from an S polygon and a method of inserting a vert~x in an S polygon. We in-
troduce a general formula for locating B points from a given S polygon of degree
n. When n is equal to or lower than 3, methods of locating B points from an
S polygon are well known, but in higher degree such methods are rarely found.
So we explain our method, which can be applied for arbitrary n. In this way
we. treat the theory of connection a.nd control in curves and surfaces using our
knowledge of Bezier curves and patches as much as possible. Finally in Sect. 11.7,
we explain an orthodox approach to the B spline curve, using the B spline basis
functions.
In an S polygon, its basic element is an edge with its dividing ratio list, while
in an S net, its basic element is a ruled surface of degree 1 x 1 with its u and
v dividing ratio lists . The ruled surface is defined by four vertices of a mesh.
Dividing points of edges in an S polygon correspond to dividing lines in the v
and u directions, which coincide with generating lines of the ruled surface in the
v and u directions. The dotted lines in Fig.1l.1 are the dividing lines. Dividing
ratio lists Lu;n) of the dividing lines in v direction are common to all the ruled
surfaces in the v direction (row), and Lv;n) of the dividing lines in the u direction
are common to all the ruled surfaces in the u direction (column). Accordingly,
the dividing lines in the v direction divide the dividing lines in the u direction
in the same dividing ratios as given by Lu;n) and vice versa.
. Now, we explain a tensor product method for determining locations of ele-
ments of a B matrix from a given unit S matrix.
1. Convert each column of a unit S matrix with the common dividing ratio list
Lu;n) into the corresponding column of the B polygons, then the S matrix
is changed to an intermediate matrix. If we make a surface from the control
points defined by this matrix, it consists of Bezier patches of degree n x 1
connected in the u direction in c(n-l) and in the v direction in C(O). The
u = canst lines of this composite patches make polygons in the row direction
and can be considered S polygons with the common dividing ratio list Lv;n).
2. Convert each row of the intermediate matrix with the common Lv;n) into
the corresponding complete B polygons, then we have a. matrix of vertices
of a complete B net, from which we can produce a B patch. This B patch
connects with its adjacent B patches of the same kind in c(n-l).
Example. Let a unit S matrix of soo( u, v; 3, 3) be
r
~:: ~:~ ~:~ ~:].
q20 q21 ~2 q23
(11.1)
Converting each column of the above array with the dividing ratio lists
i = 0,1,2, (11.2)
j = 0,1,2,
where locations of the B polygon for each row of the above matrix are given by
PiO = (q:.Ohl,
Pil (q:,lh,
Pi2 = (q:.Ib,
Pi3 = (q:.Ihb i = 0, . . . 3.
The scale of the B net thus determined is ).; x J..l)" Figure 11.1 shows a unit S
net of degree three and its derived B nets.
For a connection of 0(2) the dividing ratio lists L'U;3) and L'V;3) should be
used instead of LU;3) and LV;3) (refer to eq. (10.31)) where L'U;3) and L'vJ 3) are
the dividing ratio lists in the u and v directions for 0(2) connection.
For a higher-degree S net, the conversion process is similar to the above.
The order of the conversion procedures, for columns or rows, does not affect the
resulting surface.
164 11 Connection of Bezier Patches and Geometry of Spline Polygons and Nets
( a) Spline net
Figure 11.2 Shape of an S net and its derived B nets and six generated patches connected
in C(2)
In Fig. 11.2, an S net, its generating array of B nets and the shape of its
surface are shown in t.he same scale. For the S net, the shape of the generated
surface is globally similar, but its detail is quite different, whereas for the array
of B nets, the shapes of both the genera.ted surface and the B nets are visually
almost the same, and t.heir true shapes and geometric properties can easily be
calcula.ted. In the S net, shape modifica.tion by displacement.s of their vertices is
possible, but in the B nets it is not allowed. Accordingly, in the design of surface
shape, representations and displays of both the S net and the B net should be
used int.erchangeably.
c:d
a:b a:b
a: b = SIlO: (1 - 5)11'0
c : d = tAo: (1 ~ t)Ao
(a) Locations of new vertices (b) New S net with increased vertices
qo ho ql hI q2 h2 q3
5(3)
o .. 6 ~ ~. ~
a
5- 1,0 a
50,1
a 0
B_ 1 ,0
Iil
BO,1
*B-l Bo
o-----@----liJ
*Bo Bi
• ®
® ®
Bo
Figure 11.4 Schematic diagram for relations between S polygon and its various derived
polygons: a unit S ' polygon, truncated S polygons, CDPs, truncated B polygons and a B
polygon
(11.4)
To assign an edge hi the data of its dividing ratio list., we divide the edge
into n sub-edges in the ratio proportional to each element of L~n) given by
(11.4) . For simplicity, we call this process "divide hi by LIn)>> or "dividing
ratio of hi is LIn)>>. A "sub-edge of A/ is a sub-edge which is a Aj part of
an edge divided by LIn).
The eq.(l1.4) is derived as follows . Referring to Fig. 11.5, since a polygon
Bo whose scale is Ao is constructed from n consecutive edges (ho ··• h n - 1 )
11.3 Geometric Structure of S Polygons 167
We define Menelaus edges which are used in the process of locating B points
from an S polygon and explain their properties. Owing to t.he division of edges
into sub-edges by t.he scale lists and the shifting of the dividing ratios in the
consecut.ive edges, we can apply Menela.u s' theorem (Sect. 3.3) to each pair of
adjacent edges.
11.4 Menelaus Edges and Their Dividing Points 169
_:0.2
(
qO.1
qO.2.2 = QO.3.I
,1,-4 QO.2.3 = QO.4.I
qo "
QO.3.3 = Q0.4.2
Figure 11.6 Dividing points and Menelaus edge
Refer to Fig. 11.6. We select one dividing point qO.i on the edge b o = qOql
and the other point ql.i-I on the adjacent edge b i = qIq2' The subscripts of
qi.i-I are determined by increasing the first index and decreasing the second
index of qO.i each by one. We call this indexing operation skew shifting. We
divide a line segment joining ~.i and its skew shifted q1.i-I' in the ratio L~n-I)
into n-l sub-edges at the dividing points (~.i.1 qO.i.2··· qO.i.n-2) ' In each symbol
of the dividing points of this array, the first two index numbers indicate the index
of the starting point of this line segment which starts at qO.i and ends at q1.i-1
and 'the third one indicates the sequence number of the dividing points.
The following relations hold for the dividing points.
(i) Three points qO.] , qO.i.j-1 and q1.j-1 are collinear. When two of the three
point are determined first, a line joining these two points or its extension
intersects a line, on which the third point is to be placed. This intersecting
point gives t.he location of the third point.
(ii) Two points, whose location symbols are qO.i.j and ~.i+k.j-k are the same
point if j =I- i - I and k < n - i.
These two relations are easily proved by application of Menelaus' theorem
and it.s inverse (refer to Sect. 3.3).
A line segment , which joins t.he point.s qo.j and q1.j-1 each on the adjacent
edges and have n - 2 dividing points by the ratio L~n-I), appears frequently. For
convenience, we call this type ofline segment the Menelaus edge, which subtends
an angle at the vertex qi'
Anyone of the Menelaus edges which subtends an angle made by the two
edges b i and b i + 1 can replace the parts of these two edges cut off by the Menelaus
edge on their vertex side, because it preserves geometric properties of the cut-off
parts by t.he propert.ies stated above in (i) and (ii).
170 11 Connection of B6zier Patches and Geometry of Spline Polygons and Nets
q~
qO.4 q1.3 - q2.1
= ql.O q1.2 . ..... ::,,-<: ...... Q2.2
= ql """" Q3
"
qO.3 ---
. .
------------ ---- -- ----- --------- . -------------.
Figm'e 11.7 Relation between a unit S polygon S6 4 ) and its reduced S polygons
Sa(>'O) , SbeAO)
5b
1. Refer to Fig. 11.7. On each edge of n ) there exists a sub-edge corresponding
to the main scale >'0 . On the first edge ho, two dividing points qO.n-l and
qO.n {= ql} are t.he end points of this sub-edges. We construct two polygons
5 a and 5 b of 11 vert.ices by repeated skew shifting from ~.n-l and qO.n' which
are the start.ing points.
5a : qO.n-l q1.n-2
(11.5)
5b : qO.n . ql.n-l
11.5 Deri vation of B Polygons from an S Polygon 171
from 56") . Since the last edge of 56n ) does not belong to edges of 5 a (>.0) and
the first edge of 5a n ) is also not included in 5 b(>.0), we can conclude:
5 a (AO) can generate an incomplete B polygon B~(n) and 5 b(>.0) can generate
*B(n)
a .
It follows t.hat if we can determine locations of a complete B polygon of
degree n - 1 from a unit 5 polygons of degree n - 1, we can determine
a complete B polygon of degree n from the two incomplete B polygons of
degree n. Those incomplete B polygons are derived from the two reduced
.5 polygons of degree n - 1.
Since for degree 1, a unit 5 polygon and the complete B polygon are the
same, in the case of n = 1 the above statement holds, so it holds by induction
for general n.
4. In 56n ), there are still two unit 5 polygons of degree n - 1 other than those
st.ated above. One is a polygon wit.h vertices whose first index values are
one less than those given by 5 b in (11.5). The locations of its vertices are:
(11.6)
Since the main scale of this unit 5 polygon (11.6) of degree n - 1 is A-I, we
can use the notation 5 b (A_l) for this polygon, which can generate B: 1(n).
5. Similarly, a unit 5 polygon of degree n - 1 with vertices whose first index
values are one more than those given by 5 a in (11.5) is:
(11. 7)
It has the main scale Al with the right-end point coinciding with that of
56 n ). This polygon is denoted by 5 a (Al) and generates * Bl(n).
Thus 5 b(>.-I), 5 a(AO)' 5 b(AO), 5 a(Al) are the reduced 5 polygons of the first
kind, and from them four incomplete B polygons * B-ll B~, * Bo, B; can be
produced . The union of B~, * Bo is the complete B polygon Bbn ).
172 11 Connection of Bezier Patches and Geometry of Spline Polygons and Nets
6. Besides the reduced S polygons stat.ed above, from item (3) of Sect. 11.3.1
there are anot.her two reduced S polygons of the second kind: 5_ 1 ,0 and
S6
50 ,1 of degree n -1, which are deduced from n ). They generate two CDPs
B_ I0 and Bo 1·
7. Division of B'-I,O gives ·B_ l and B o, which are also obtained from Sb(Ld
and Sa(>'O). Similarly, division of BO,1 gives· Bo and Bi which are also gen-
erated from Sb().O) and Sa().I)' Accordingly, 5_ 1 ,0 and 50 ,1 are the reduced
S S6
polygons of n ). They are of the second kind. The B polygons B-1, Bo
and BJ are connected in c(n-l). From (6) and (7), we can prove that a
procedure of division of an S polygon, or insertion of a vertex in a.n S poly-
gon, does not change the shape of the original curve. This is explained in
Sect. 11.5.4.
Thus, all the condit.ions for S polygons given in Sect. 11.3.1 are satisfied without
cont.radiction. .
11.5.2 Examples
We apply the rule in item (3) of Sect. 11.5.1 for locating B polygons from a unit
S polygon.
B6
For n=l, it is evident that 1) = (Po PI) = (qo ql) is the same as Sal) = (qo ql)'
For n=2, a unit S polygon of degree two is S6 2 ) = (qo ql q2) whose dividing ratios
of two edges are (>'-1 : ).0) and ().o : ).1)' Its reduced S polygons are given by
(11.8)
The former gives the location of BO(2) and the la.tter determines that of • B~2),
. because they are actually of degree one and the result of the case of n= 1 IS
directly applied. Accordingly we have
(11.9)
(11.10)
(11.11)
By incrementing t.he first index of the dividing points of B~2) and Sa2), we have
Bi
the right-hand adjacent polygon 2 ):
(11.12)
1'0 = ql.(n-2)
ri = Q i.(n-i-l).(n-i-l) = Qi.( n-i ).(n-i-2), i=I···n - 3 }. (11.13)
r n -2 = Q(n-2).2
(In Fig. 11.7, since n=4, the degree of t.he reduced-truncated S polygon is two,
so there exist 1'0 = Q1.2 ' 1'1 = Q1.2 .2 and 1'2 = Q2.2 only.)
We prove that the polygon thus determined has the desired dividing ratio
lists and t.he main scale.
v(n- 2)
1. The first. edge of So is the same as the second edge of Sa(>.O) except for
the rightmost sub-edge which corresponds to AI. Since the dividing ratio
list of the second edge of Sa(AO) is L~n-l) = (A_ n+3,"', AO, Ad, the dividing
ratio list. of the first edge of S~n-2) becomes L~n-2) = (A_ n+3,"' , AO), which
v (n - 2)
we can denote as Lo
v(n-2)
2. The last. edge of So is the (n-2)-th edge of Sb(AO) except for the left.most
sub-edge which corresponds to A-I' Since the (n - 2)-th edge of S(AO) has
174 11 Connection of Bezier Patches and Geometry of Spline Polygons and Nets
the dividing ratio list L~n_-.}) = (>'-1, >'0,"', >'n-3), the dividing ratio list of
v(n-2) v(n-2)
the last edge of So becomes L n- 2 = (>'0,"', >'n-3)'
3. The intermediate edges of S are Menelaus edges of level one with respect
to the vertices of S,,(>'o) and also to those of Sb(>'O). For either case the
v (n-2) v (n-2) v (n-2)
dividing ratio lists of So are L1 ... L n_3 . From the properties stated
above, the polygon S~n-2) is a unit S polygon of degree n - 2 with the main
scale >'0, and its degree is n - 2. Hence, S~n-2) is the S polygon which we
desired, that is, the common part of S,,(,\o) and Sb(>'O)'
Application examples have already appeared in the previous chapter in Sect. 3.4.
with the main scale Ai into (t : 1 - t), we make n dividing points, each of which
divides each sub-edge of Ai in the ratio (t : 1 - t). There are n such dividing
points which replace the n - 1 intermediate vertices of the old unit S polygon.
This is the increase of the vertices of an S polygon. An example has already
appeared in Sects. 10.5 and 11.2.2.
As for the level of an edge and a dividing point, the lowest level is defined as level
zero. Edges and vertices of the level zero are those of the original S polygon. A
dividing point of level one is a point on an edge of level zero, and a Menelaus
edge of level one starts from a dividing point of level one. Dividing points of level
176 11 Connection of Bezier Patches and Geometry of Spline Polygons and Nets
two are on a Menelaus edge of level one. The dividing ratio list is inherited as
follows. For instance, if the level zero edge joining q1 and q2 has dividing ratio
list Li4 ) = P'-2, '\-11 AO, A1), the dividing ratio list of the level one edge joining
q1.3 and q2.2 is Li3 ) = (A-11 Ao, A1)' That is, the first element of Li4 ) is removed
and the rest is the same. The dividing ratio list of level two edge joining q1.3.2
and q2 .2.1 has the dividing ratio list Li2 ) = (.\0, A1)'
Now we generalize the above notation rule for dividing points. Let i be an index e
variable indicating a sequence number of a dividing point of level i. The location
of a dividing point of level i is given in the form:
(11.14)
- The location of this dividing point is on a Menelaus edge of level i-I whose left
end is qe .e
o 1.8 2 .••• 8i- 1. Its dividing ratio list is given by L8~n-i+1), because
the lowest level is zero by definition and its superscript of the dividing ratio
list eq.(llA) is (n). Accordingly for the level i - \ the superscript becomes
(n-(i-l)).
- The subscript of the dividing ratio list is coincident with values of the first
index 80 of the location symbol, because the last element of the dividing ratio
Qf a Menelaus edge is inherited from the last element of the dividing ratio of
the Menelaus edge of one level lower. Accordingly it is the same as that of the
lowest. level: it. is t.he scale factor of the rightmost sub-edge of an edge of the
original polygon.
- A vertex of t.he polygon is represented by q8 0 and a dividing point on its edge
is q8 0 .81 . The value of 80 can be any number because it represents vertices
of the originalS polygon, but for t.he ot.her 8k , k > 0, its maximum value is
n- k.
- The operation of skew shifting increases value of 80 by one and decreases each
values of 8k by one for k > O. If the values of indices of two dividing points
are the same t.o a certain level and the values of the following t.wo indices are
(i,j) and t.he ot.hers are (i + k,j - k) and if j =I i - I and k < n - i, the two
dividing point.s are the same point. Refer to Sect. 11.4.2. For example, three
dividing point.s wit.h location symbols
represent. t.he same location, because in the expressions (i) and (ii), qo is com-
mon and i = 3, j = 3, k = 1. In (ii) and (iii), qO.4 is common and i = 2, j = 2,
k = 1. They satisfy the condit.ions given above.
11.6 General Formulas for Lo cations of B Points 177
In I Po P5
1 0 1
2 0.1 1 1.1
3 0.2.1 1.1 1.2 1.2.1
4 0.3.2.1 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.3.2 1.3.2.1
5 0.4.3.2.1 1.3.2.1 1.3.2.2 1.3.3.2 1.4.3.2 1.4.3.2.1
- To convert location symbols for B points of B~i) , which is assumed known, into
t)lOse of Bo(i+I), which is one degree higher and misses the rightmost point,
replace the first index position of the location symbol in B~i) by two index
numbers: if the first one is 0, it is replaced by O.i and if the first one is 1, it is
replaced by 1.(i - 1). Do not change the subscripts of the control points Pj of
B polygons.
For exampIe, Iet us assume for z· = 3 we know Po(3) = qO.2.I , and PI(3) = q1.1'
Using the above rule we obtain p~4) = ~.3.2.I and pi4) = P1.2.I'
- To convert. location symbols for B~i ) into those of • B~i+1), replace the first
index position of the symbol by t.wo index numbers: if the first one is 0, it is
replaced by 1 and if the first one is 1, it is repla.ced by l.i. Increase values of
the subscript j of the control points Pj by one .
For exampI e, f rom Po = qO.3.2.1, we get PI = q1.3.2.I and from PI = QU.I'
(4) (5) (4)
we obtain p~5) = Q1.4 .2.1, which is equivalent to Q1.3.3.I and Q1.3.2.2' The last
one is written in the Table 11.1.
The general formulas for location symbols of B points of B~n) are given in the
form (11.14):
{ eoe =
k
1
= n - k : for k = 1 ... n - 1
To determine the real location of a B point from its symbolic notation, we
just translat e it according to the definition.
For example, we take PI and P2 of BaS). According to the above formulas
(11.15) for n = 5, j = 1 and j = 2 we have PI = q1.3.2.1 and P2 = q1.3.2.2' They
are the first and the second dividing points of the level two Menelaus edge divided
in t.he ratio Li3 ), because n = 5, i = 3 and eo = 1 and Le~n-i+l) according to the
first. item of Sect. 11.6.1.2. The end point.s of this Menelaus edge are ql.32 and
its skew shifted point q2.2.1'
The point q1.3.2 is the second dividing point of the Menelaus edge of level
one, which joins q1.3 andq2.2, divided in Li4 ). The point q1.3 is the third dividing
point of the edge of level zero between ql and q2 divided in LiS). The point q2.2.1
is the first dividing point of the edge of level two between q2.2 and ~.1' divided
in L~4). The points Q2.2 and Q3.1 are the second and the first dividing points of
the edges (Q2Q3) and (Q3Q4) of level zero divided by L~S) and L~S) respectively.
The relation bet.ween t.he levels of the Menelaus edges and edges of a B polygon
IS:
11. 7 Appendix. Orthodox Approach to a B Spline Curve 179
- Bot.h end edges of t.he B~n) polygon deduced from an 5 polygon of degree n
belong t.o t.he sub-edges of the Menela.us edges of level (n - 2).
- The other int.ermediate (n - 2) edges belong to the Menelaus edges of level
(n - 3).
- Each of t.he edges of a B;n) polygon, whose scale factor is Ai, is the sub-edge
of Ai of the respective Menelaus edge of level (n - 2) or the level (n - 3).
B6
For example, the first and the last edges of 5 ) are on level 3 and the other
three are on level 2, and their sub-edge belong to t.he Ao part of the respective
Menelaus edges.
Exercise. When t.he scale factors Ai are all equal, prove that the locations of B
point.s are as shown below.
For all n,
P (n)
n
_
-
(1/'))(
~ P n +1
+ P n -1 )(n) . (11.16)
For 11 = 2,
P(2) -q
1 - l'
For 11 = 3,
For n = 4,
For n = 5,
In order for basis functions or weight.ing functions for control points not to have
a global influence on the shape they express, they must have the property that
each one has value zero outside a restricted range called a support. Each of the
basis functions of t.his property together wit.h derivative continuity conditions can
be represent.ed not by a single polynomial, but by the connection of polynomials
defined bet.ween successive points called knots. The B spline curve is a linear
180 11 Connection of Bezier Patches and Geometry of Spline Polygons and Nets
The control point.s qi make a B spline control polygon. The normalized B spline
basis functions N;nl(x) of degree n are piecewise polynomials of degree n which
are defined over t.he knots ... < Xo < Xl < X2 < ... and have the following
properties:
n
LN(n)i(X) = 1,
i=O
N(n)i(X) > 0,
~T(n),: (x)
"' = 0 1'f X < Xi an d X > Xi+n+l,
N(n)i(X) IS (n - 1) t.imes continuously differentiable.
N (j-l)( ) N U-l)( )
Ni
(Jl () (
X = X - Xi
)'
(
X
) + ( Xi+J+l -
) . +1 X
X ( ). (11.18)
Xi+j - Xi Xj+i+1 - Xi+l
where
N,(O)(x) = {01 ifotherwise.
< <
Xi X Xi+l
The vertices qi and the knot.s ... Xo, Xl , X2,'" having been supplied, an ort.hodox
met.hod of calculation of a curve expression (11.17) at given X is to obtain values
of t.he spline basis functions by using the recurrence formula (11.18) given above.
Compared with the method of det.ermining Bezier points from the vertices of
the B spline control polygon with the given scale ratio list, the orthodox method
of B spline curves is not easy for understanding the geometric properties of the
curve or for it.s manipulat.ion. Moreover, when we need to calculate various
characteristic curves on a spline surfaces or to determine interference curves
between spline surfaces, their surface expressions derived from the tensor product
of eq.( 11.17) are not adequate because calculation of a large number of surface
point.s is required. For further det.ail on splines consult the references [22][33].
12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
12.1 Introduction
Bezier expressions for curves and surfaces are easy to understand and have fa-
vorable features for use in CAD and CAM. But they cannot exactly express
conics and quadrics such as circles and spheres. By extending the expressions
from polynomials to rational forms, we can provide them not only with the abil-
ity to express conics and quadrics, but also with possibly increased freedom for
design [28][29][32].
A Bezier curve is constructed by repeated linear interpolation between two
points, that is, division of a line joining two points in the ratio t : (l-t). Whereas
its counterpart, a rational Bezier, uses repeated rational interpolation which
divides a line joining two end points in the ratio WIt: wo(1 - t), where Wo and
WI are weights of the respective end points, and the weight of the intermediate
dividing point is wo(1 - t) + WIt. The end points and their weights may be
functions of t. For the same end points and the same value of the parameter t,
o :::; t :::; 1, the linear and the rational interpolations represent different points.
Similarly a ruled surface is expressed by a tensor product of two line segments in
linear or rational interpolation forms. For the same values of parameters u and
v, ~heir generators are different. But the rational and the linear interpolations
have close relations. For instance, in a perspective projection (see Fig. 12.1), the
control polygon (Po PI P2 P3) of a rational Bezier and the corresponding control
polygon (Po PI P2 pJ of a non-rational Bezier give the same projection seen
from a view point o. A ratio of distances from 0 to the corresponding control
points, 0Pi : 0Pi, is the weight Wi belonging to Pi.
Analogous to this correspondence between the control points, a point on a
rational Bezier curve can be mapped to a point on the usual Bezier curve or on
the corresponding control polygon. Many simple and elegant properties which
characterize Bezier and spline polygons are inherited by their rational equivalents
unless the projection violates the original relations. An S polygon of degree n is
mapped to a rational S polygon of the same degree. An S polygon of degree three
with C(2) connection is also mapped to a rational S polygon of degree three with
C(2) connection. The corresponding locations of B points are easily determined.
This approach makes their mathematical analysis and geometric understanding
much easier than other methods which use 4D space (wx, wy, wz, w) or only
rational forms in 3D.
Currently, the merits in use of the rational curves and surfaces are not al-
ways recognized except for representation of conics. This is because appropriate
selection of weight values used in the rational forms is not always clear and their '
182 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
Pi
Figure 12.1 Perspe,c tive relation between control polygons of a rational and a non-rational
Bezier
shape calculation is more complicated than non-rational ones [32]. But owing to
their generalized features, their use has begun to be considered recently. Accord-
ingly, we explain in this chapter characteristics and uses of the rational Bezier
and spline curves and surfaces, applying a new geometric interpretation, though
much space in the last section is allocated to rational Bezier curves of degree
two, which are practically useful. An optimum curve fitting method with conics
is explained, which uses rational expressions of degree two with positive as well
as negative weights.
~.~~:!
. . . .\/~!/
w6· . .
\&
()
(a)
(b) (c)
Figure 12.2 (a) Rational division of a line segment, (b) figure for the proof (when both
weights are positive), (c) figure for the proof (when one weight is negative)
make a ratio {oPo : oPo = 1 : wo}, similarly takes a point PIon OPI so
that {OPI : OPI = 1 : WI}.
3. Then we can prove that the point P divides the line POPI in the ratio
{WIt: wo(1- tn,
which is a rational division, and the point P has a weight
(1 - t)wo + tWI, that is, a ratio [op : op = 1 : {(I - t)wo + tWI} holds.
Line segments, for instance p~p~, each of whose end points are on oPo and OPI
or their extensions, are perspectives of the original line POPI with respect to the
point O. Among the perspectives the line POPI is special, because locations of
its end points are directly associated with the end points of the original segment
with weights Wo and WI' Accordingly, let us call this line POPI the canoriical
184 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
perspective of the original line POPI with respect to the point O. Any points P
between Po and PI correspond to their canonical perspective point p, which is a
dividing point between Po and PI in the ratio t : 1 - t. We can prove that the
corresponding point P is the dividing point of the original line POPI in the ratio
tWl : (1 - t)wo. The point P has the weight tWl + (1 - t)wo just as both end
points Po and PI have the weights Wo and WI' The canonical perspective has an
important role in the construction of rational Bezier or spline curves.
We give a proof for the above stated relations between the original line and
its canonical perspective line. Referring to Fig. 12.2(b), draw a line from Po
parallel to POPI and let its intersection with op and OPI be Pa and Pb, which
divide op and OPI in the same ratio Wo : 1 - Wo0 Then there is a relation of
length ratios:
(12.1 )
Let op divide POPb in the ratio x : y and POPI divide oPa in the ratio u : V.
Applying Menelaus' theorem to a triangle 6POPbPl and a line op, we have
(l~o~al)(I~~ol)(I~lApl) = (~)(wo)(l-t) = 1.
IPaPbl IOPII IpPol y WI t
From this we obtain
(12.2)
Therefore, the point P divides POPI in the ratio tWl : (1 - t)wo.
Then applying the theorem to a triangle 6PaOPb and a line POPI' we have
(l-t)wOPO+tWIPl
ro (t; 1) = () , ( 12.6)
1 - t Wo + tWl
which we call a rational Bezier curve of degree one. We use the notation ro(t; 1)
for it. Since there are relations Po = WoPo and PI = WIPI together with equations
(12.5) and (12.6), we have
We use the notation wo(t; 1) for the weight of a point ro(t; 1):
. (. ) _ (1- t + Et)(woPo)
(12.8)
Iot,l- Wo (
t; 1
).
1. From the control polygon with its weights and a virtual origin 0, make its
canonical perspective (Po PI P2 P3)' See Fig. 12.3(a).
2. Determine a point on a Bezier curve P from the canonical control poly-
gon as shown in Fig. 12.3(b). Three points Pa, Pb and Pc are linear in-
terpolated points on the edges (POPl)' (PIP2) and (PZP3)' These points
are ro(t; 1), rl(t; 1) and r2(t; 1). Two dividing points Pd and Pe' which are
ro(t; 2) and rl(t; 2), are linea,r interpolated points on (PaPb) and (PbPJ.
Then a point P, which is ro(t; 3), is a linear interpolated point of (PdPe)'
3. Referring to Fig. 12.3( c), take the corresponding points Pa' Pb, Pc, Pd, Pe and
P on the edges of the rational control polygon and its derived edges. Then
P is a point on a rational Bezier curve ro(t; 3), and Pd, P e are ro(t; 2) and
rl(t; 2),and Pa , Pb' Pc are ro(t; 1), rl(t; 1), rz(t; 2).
Since the weights of the points Pa,Pb and Pc are wo(t; 1),Wl(t; 1) and W2(t; 1),
the weights of the points Pd and Pe are wo(t;2) and wl(t;2), whichare the lin-
ear interpolations of wo(t; 1) and Wl(t; 1), and Wl(t; 1) and wz(t; 1) respectively.
186 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
Rational
/ Bezie, polygon
Canonical
/ perspective
Po
P3
P3 ...... /
\'. ... . ./ / 0) /
1"'- . . . ... . ' .,/ 1
/
(a)
Po Po
P3 P3
(b) (c)
Figure 12.3 (a) Rational polygon and its canonical perspective, (b) determining a point
from Bezier polygon of degree three, (c)corresponding point of rational polygon
Similarly that of pis wo(t; 3), which is the linear interpolation of wo(t; 2) and
w}(t; 2) . So we can use the expressions:
where
wo(t ; n) = (1 - t + Et)nwo. ( 12.12)
Since the graphical construction of a rational Bezier curve corresponds to that of
a linear Bezier curve, we can easily understand the effects of weights of vertices
of t.he rat.ional polygon using its canonical perspective.
and the summation of all the weight.ing functions for j = 0,··· n is 1. The
denominator wo(t; n) is considered a scalar Bezier curve, whose control points
are determined by values (wo , WI , ... , wn) given at t = 0 , (l/n), ... ,
« n - 1) / n) , 1. See Fig. 12.4. If the weights are equal, the denominator becomes
a. const.ant.. Then eq. (12.11) becomes a usual Bezier curve.
Since all the weights are assumed positive, each of the weighting functions for
the cont.rol points has positive values less than one, but it is not always of single
peak type, though the summation of the functions is equal to one. Anyway a
rational Bezier curve is in a convex hull of its control points by the same reason
as that for non-rational one. If a certain Wj is much larger than the others, then
the denominator becomes large at t = (j/n) and the curve r(t;n) approaches
P J whose weight is w)' This is more precisely explained in the following. If
we increase Wj to Wj + 6wJ and let ro(t; n) become r~(t; n), then eq. (12.11) is
transformed to
I ( . ) _ ro(t; 11) + ,),6wjpj
ro t, n -:- (12.13)
1 + ')'UWj
A ,
188 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
W
WI
./.,.,.........,."",."".,
~ ' .....
Wo ........ ,~.. _~~,,-,,---""
! W2
o I
:3
2
:3 1 Figure 12.4 Behavior of a weight
function of degree three
PI P3
~
\ 1
Po T~(t;:)\~
\ , -yAWl
TO(t; ~;\)
Figure 12.5 Variation of shape of a rational Bezier curve with weight
where 'Y =Cj U(l - t)n- j /wo(t; n). The right-hand side of this equation can be
interpreted as a. rational interpolation between the original ro(t; n) and a control
point. Pj' that is, division in the ratio ("(6wj : 1). See Fig. 12.5.
Accordingly, all the points of the original curve move towards Pj' Whereas
if a control point. Pj moves by 6pj' all the points move in the same direction as
that of 6pj.
So far, we have assumed that the weights are greater than zero, but here we
treat a case of a weight of zero. If Wi = 0, then the value of the denominator
becomes small at t = (i/n), but always positive. Though the control point Pi
has no influence on the shape of the curve, the summation of the weighting
functions of the other control points is equal to 1. So the generated curve t(t, w)
is cont.ained in a convex hull made by the control points without the vertex Pi'
Now we consider a case in which a control point Pi is moved to infinity in a
direct.ion 6Pi as t.he weight Wi approaches zero, while a product Wi Pi converges
12.2 Rational Bezier Curves 189
to a. constant relative vector Lpi' Then a relative vector Lr(t) which is equal
to Lpi multiplied by its weight.ing function affects the shape of the curve r in
t.he following way,
r(t, w) = f(t, w) + Lr(t), (12.14)
where Lr(t) = Lpi(Ci)(1 - t)itn-i/wo(t;n). An example of the use of zero
weight is given in Sect. 12.6.2.
For curves of degree two, the weights classify t he curves into an ellipse, a
parabola. and a hyperbola. This is discussed in more detail in Sect. 12.6.
wf(r;i) = (l-r+Er)iwo,
w~_i(r; i) = {(I - r)E- 1 + rrw n.
For n=3, the locations of the control points of divided rational Bezier polygons
are shown in Fig. 12.3. They are (Po, P a , Pd, p) and (p, P e, Pc, pJ, co~responding
to (Po, Pa, Pd, p) and (p, Pe, Pc, P3)'
For elevation of degree of a rational Bezier, since new control points P; of
the corresponding linear Bezier are given from eq.(9.50) by
• I
Pi = n +1 1 { 2Pi-l
.•
+ (n + 1 - ')'}
2 Pi , i = 0, ... n + 1,
90 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
.........;:... =
··~·;--P3 P4
=
P3 P4 Rational
Canonical Bezier polygon
perspective
From the above relation, ro , r~1), r~2) , ... can be obt.ained successively.
ro = Po,
12.3 Rational Bezier Patches 191
ro = Po,
(1) WI
ro n-(Pl - Po) (12.19)
Wo
(2) W2
ro = n(n - 1)-(p2 - PI),
Wo
{2nwr - (n - l)WOWI - 2wowd( )
+n 2 PI - Po . (12.20)
Wo
With a similar manipulation, the derivatives at t = 1 are given by
ro p",
r(l)
o n - - (p" - P,,-l )
W,,-l (12.21)
Wn
( 'll)_(l-u+Eu)(l-v+Fv)wooPoo
800 u, v,, - (1 - u + Eu )(1 - v + Fv )
Woo '
(12.24)
where {Pij} for i, j = 0,1 is its control point matrix and {Wij} is its corresponding
weight matrix. See Fig. 12.7. Equation (12.23) is a canonical perspective of
eq. (12.24). Locations of the control points Pij of eq. (12.23) are determined on
the line joining a virtual origin 0 'and Pij so as to make OPij : OPij = 1 : Wij'
192 12 Rational Bezi er and Spline Expressions
Rational Bezier
of degree one
p,/1
/ Pu
I P ll .
; .I
Canonical
perspective
Equation (12.24) is derived also in the following way. A rational line segment
800(0, v) joining Poo and POI is given by
(1 - v + Fv)wooPoo
800 ( 0, V ) = (1-v+Fv)woo , (12 .25)
and anot.her rational line segment 800(1, v) joining PlO and Pll is
(l-v+Fv)WlOPlO
800 ( 1, v ) = . (12.26)
(1 - v + FV)WlO
For v = canst a rational line segment. joining 800(0 , v) and 800( 1, v), whose weights
are (1- v + Fv)woo and (1- v + FV)WIO, is given, referring to eq. (12.8) formaIIyby
(l-u+Eu)(wb(v)p~(v))
800 (u, v) = -'---;----'-:::--:'-'--:~:-:--'-'-- (12.27)
(1- u + Eu)w!J(v)
where
(1 - v + FV)(WiOPiO)
(1 - v + FV)WiO
= (l-v+Fv)wio(i=O , l).
each point is on one of four adjacent rational Bezier patches of degree one, with
weights WiJ( u, v; 1,1) , i, j = 0, 1. This makes a rational Bezier patch of degree
two:
Figure 12.8 shows examples of the shape of rational Bezier patches of degree
three. The contour curves are shown to indicate variation of shapes according to
the variation of values of weights at the different vertices. Effects of the weights
on its shape are similar to those in the rational Bezier curve: each point on the
patch is moved in the direction of a control point with increased weight.
,····--·---·----·,------·--·-·.-,-------··- -·.·' 1
(a) control net and surface (b) all weights are equal
i..··········----:----·--------i--··········---j
,
!DJ'~
1ifS}-.; l
!~!
: , , ;
:_____________.;___________ .. ___.. ______ ... _____ .i ~_ ... __ ... _.. __..:.. ___ .. ____ .__ .. _; __ ... _... _______i
Figure 12.8 Effects of weights on shape of a rational patch of degree three. Contour curves
and the control poin t( s) of increased weigh t( s) indicated by dots are shown
rat.ional Menelaus edge is similar t.o the Menelaus edge and its end points are
rational dividing point.s of the rat.ional Menelaus edge of one level lower. The
rat.ional dividing point. has a weight. which is determined by linear division of the
weights of t.he end points of the edge. The location of a ra.tional dividing point is
at the dividing point in the ratio (w' a : wb) of the edge, when its corresponding
linear dividing point divides the edge in the ratio (a : b) and has the weight 1.
For inst.ance, t.he rational dividing points qO.1 and QO.2 of an edge of a rational
S polygon of degree three are located at the dividing point.s of ratios (k 1 A_2 :
kO(>'-l + '\0)) and (k1(A_2 + A-d : ko'\o) of the edge (QOQ1)' Their weights are
the dividing value in t.he ratios ('\-2 : ('\-1 + AO)) and (('\-2 + '\-1) : '\0) of ko
and kb which are t.he weights of the vertices Qo and Q1'
Accordingly, formulas of weights of the rational B points have the same form
as those of the B points derived from the linear S polygon, but the symbols of
vert.ices are replaced by its weights of the vertices. Formulas for the rational B
point.s are similar to those of the B points from the linear S polygon, in which
the linear dividing ratios are replaced by the rational dividing ratios. We give
an example for n = 2.
Referring to the formula given in Chap. 11 and Fig. 12.9, vertices of a Bezier
12.4 Rational Splines 195
....
Rational
spline polygon
..... \ i ! ..."" Canonical
....:~/ .. perspective Figure 12.9 Connected rational
Bezier polygons and curves of degree
two from a rational spline polygon
polygon of degree t.wo are determined from the unit 5 polygon of degree two:
.Aoqo + .A-I ql
Po
.Ao + .A-I
PI ql' (12.30)
.AI ql + .AOq2
P2 =
.AI + .Ao
Replacing Pi by ki ' we obtain
.Aoko + .A_lkl
Wo
.A-I + .Ao
WI = kI, (12.31)
.Alkl + .AOk2
W2 =
.Ao + .AI
We obt.ain t.he locations of the rat.ional Bezier control points from eq. (12.30)
by replacing the linear dividing ratios with the rational ones .
If two rational Bezier polygons of degree three connect in 0<2), the condition of
curvat.ure continuity at the junction of Bo and Bl gives the relation from the
derivatives given in Sect. 12.2.5:
(a)O"=l
Figure 12.11 G(2)connection of rational Bezier curves, showing variation of radius of curva-
ture profiles
From a rational spline net we can determine its canonical perspective from which
we obtain Bezier nets. Accordingly, we can easily determine their rational equiv-
alent.s. Or we can use the tensor product method for the derivation of a rational
spline surface. Anyway we can determine rational Bezier nets connecting in
c(n-l ) with t.heir adjacent rational Bezier nets.
An example is shown in Fig. 12.12. Given a vertex matrix {qi) and a weight
matrix {kiJ of a. rat.ional spline net of degree 2 x 2, we deduce those of a rational
Bezier net of degree 2 x 2 by a tensor product scheme. From each column of
{qij} and {kiJ, for j = 0,1,2, we obtain intermediate Bezier points P:j and their
k:
weight.s j .
Figure 12.12 A rational Bezier net of degree 2 x 2 from a rational spline net of the same
degree
. Bezier points {PiJ of the patch and their weights {Wi;} are determined
from each row of the array of intermediate points and their weights obtained
above, which we consider as rational spline polygons with the common scale list
(/-l-I, /-lo , ttd for i = 0, 1,2:
This patch connects with the adjacent patches S2i,2j( U, v), for i, j = -1, 0, 1,
in C(1) . A t.echnique similar to the above is applicable for the derivation of a
rat.ional Bezier pat.ch of higher degree from a rational spline net of the same
degree. Figure 12.13 shows a rational spline net and its generating rational
Bezier patches connected in C(l). Projections of boundary curves together with
paramet.ric curves of t.he Bezier pat.ches are also shown. Though they are very
dist.ort.ed by values of the weights, the contour curves of the surfaces are not so
dist.ort.ed and the shape variation is smooth. This shows that we cannot recognize
t.he shape of surface only from its parametric curves.
Figure 12.14 shows a composit.e surface consist.ing of a surface of revolution
smoothly connecting with a surface of elliptical cross section. This is an example
of ability of the rational spline surfaces.
(12.34)
(12.37)
200 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
Figure 12.13 Effects of a weight k22 on the shape of a patch. Dotted lines are parameter
lines, solid lines are boundary curves of a patch. Shapes of the patches may be grasped from
their contour curves, but not from their parametric curves
Resolving eq. (12.37) into its components and rearranging them, we obtain
u 2 (c-x)+2wu(b-x)-(c+x) 0, (12.39)
u 2 (-y)+2wu(h-y)-y = O.
u2 = '2w{(c+x)h-y(b+c)}/D, (12.40)
12.6 Expressions for Conics 201
u 2ey/D, (12.41 )
where D 2w{(e - x)h + y(b - en.
Eliminating u from the above equation, finally we obtain
(12.42)
wh 1
Yo = 1 + w' to ="2. (12.43)
:,,'
:
,/
/~
// "'/ _i___
, ,,/
Figure 12.15 A rational Bezier control polygon of degree two and a conic segment
/'
Iwl > 1 j
(hyperbola) j PI
"\r / '\""""
: l'
Iwl < 1
~ Iwl =
j (ellipse)
1 (parabola)
which is two straight lines through (Po , PI) and (PI ' P2) '
The conditions that the ellipse given by eq. (12.42) is a, circle are that the
12.6 Expressions for Conics 203
h
~/,;I
d,//_ _~ w=~
/
-c
w =-~
If 11/ = cld, eq. (12.3.5) expresses the upper part. of a circle above the chord POP2'
and if w = -cld, it. represents the lower part of the circle. See Fig. 12.17.
The case of 111 = 0 is treated in another way from the definit.ion of t.he curve.
Eq.(12.42) wit.h b = 0 is
( 12.46)
the resulting equation represents an ellipse with Popz and OPl as its conjugate
axes.
Exercise 3. Prove that a conic is uniquely determined if two points with directions
of tangents there and any other point on the curve are given.
. .
where PlO = (r, 0, 0), Pll. = (0,0, r), PlZ = (-r, 0, 0).
Subst.it.ut.ing t.he above expression into Pl of eq. (12.48) , we obtain a spherical
surface:
(1 - U)2po + u 2 pz
s( u, v) -'--:--~:7--~ +
(1 - u)2 + uZ
+ 2u(1 - u)(1 - V)ZPl.O ± 2v(l- V)Pl.l + VZPl.Z
( 12.50)
{(I - u)2 + u2 }{(1 - v)2 + v2 }
To check it.s spherit.y, we form the squared sum of the x, y and z components of
eq. (12.50) and obt.ain rZ which is equal to the squared value of the radius of the
sphere.
If three point.s Po , Pl and Pz of eq. (12.48) rotate around a certain axis, a
torus surface is constructed. If the control points of a plane curve are rotated
around an arbitrary axis, then a surface of revolution is easily produced.
PI
Pc = r(t, w) ,/
,X---
..-./
, /'
, /'
..-
/
..-
Po
Figure 12.18 Struc~ure of a conic segment
(1 - t? + t2 (1 - t)2pO + t 2P2
1'(t, w) = (1 _ t)2 + 2wt(1 - t) + t2 (1 - t)2 + t2 +
2t(1- t)WPI
(12.51)
(1- t)2 + 2wt(1- t) + t 2'
Let Pc be a point on 1'(t, w) and q a dividing point of t.he chord POP2 in the
ratio t2 : (1 - t? The second factor of the first term of the above equation is
equal t.o q . Accordingly, the right-hand side of eq. (12.51) gives a dividing point
Pc petween PI and q in the ratio (1- t)2 + t 2 : 2t(1- t)w.
We can determine a value of a parameter t of a point Pc on a curve and
t.he weight of the curve from length ratios Poq : qp2 (= m : n) and PIPc : P8
(= m' : n') :
..;;n;
= ( 12.52)
..;;n; + ...fni'
w = (-) ~-+ -m,} '
n {n'
2m rg (12 ,53)
If q is the mid-point of POP2' a vector Pcq is a camber vector of the curve with
the chord POP2' This gives the ext.remum y value.
p~ = 1'o(7jO) = Po,
206 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
(l-r+Er)wopo
r ( T" 1) - -'-:-_ _----::::-'-:-_.0-
p~ ( 12.54)
o , - (l-r+Er)wo '
( ) (1 - r + Er)2 wopo
p~ = ror;2 = (l-r+Er)2wo'
w0a 1,
w1a (1 - r) + wr, (12.55)
w2a (1 - r)2 + 2wr(1- r) + r2 ,
and
w0b = + 2wr(1- r) + r2 ,
(1 - r)2
w 1b = (1- r)w + r, (12.57)
w2b 1.
In t.his section t.he weight of the first and third control points of the rational
Bezier polygon of degree two must have the value 1. Accordingly, we have to
make a correction for the expression of the weights given by equations (12.55)
and (12.57). By the relation (12.34)' the weights (12.55) and (12.57) are changed
to
wr + (1 - r)
wg = 1, w~ = -,=.============2 w~ = 1, (12.58)
)(1- r)2 + 2wr(l- r) + r '
r+w(l-r)
wg = 1, w~ = -,=.============2 W 2b -- 1• (12.59)
)(1- rp + 2wr(l- r) + r '
12.7.3 Extension of a Curve Segment
When we try t.o fit. a. given sequence of points by connected curve segments of
conics, we make a segment as large as possible within a given tolerance to reduce
the number of conics, whose information has to be stored [34][35].
Accordingly, we consider extension of a curve segment which has been deter-
mined. Refer t.o Fig. 12.19. The segment r(t, w) starts from Po and ends at P2 in
12.7 Interpolation and Extrapolation with Conics 207
the convex hull (PO-Pl P2)' If we change the sign ofthe weight., the curve r(t, -w)
start.s from Po and ends at P2, but. it is outside of the convex hull. Hence, if we
want. t.o ext.end the curve segment r(t, w) beyond P2 in the same conic, we use
r(t, -w) from t = 1 to t' which corresponds to a segment from P2 to p~. We
want to combine the original curve r(t, w) from t = 0 to t = 1 and the extended
segment r(t, -w) from t = 1 to t = t' into one segment re(t, we) with its control
points (Po p~ p;) and the weight we of the second control point p~. Suppose
that value of t' has been determined, then a procedure to determine re(t, we) or
p~ and we is given in the following:
1. The three control points (Po p~ p~) are obtained by the division of r(t, -w)
. at t = t'. They a.re given by eq. (12.54) with T = t' and Wl = -w.
2. The weight we is equal to -wi, which is given by (12.58), with T = t' and
the sign of w reversed.
-wt' + (1 - t')
we = -
/(1- t')2 - 2wt'(1 - t') + t'2 . (12.60)
The reason is as follows. At t = t' we divide r(t, -w) into two parts, ra(t, WO)
starting at Po and ending at p~, and rb(t, w b), which starts at p~ and ends at P2
and is the extended part adjacent to r(t, w). Therefore, a curve segment whose
weight is equal to -Ix weight of ra(t,w a), that is, ra(t, _w a), starts at Po and
passes through P2 and ends at p~. This is the curve segmentre(t, we) which we
want.
To underst.and this dividing processes we can use the canonical perspectives
of these rat.ional Beziers. Refer to Fig. 12.20( a). We set the virtual origin 0 at the
mid-point between Po and P2' We construct a (l/w)-times magnified canonical
Bezier polygon (Po Pl P2) of the rational Bezier polygon (Po Pl P2) with respect
to the virt.ual origin O. Then we have
oPo = (l/w)opo, OP2 = (l/w)op2'
OPl = (l/wjwoPl = 0Pl'
208 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
PI
(b) Division of negative weight curve
The points Pa and Pb are the dividing points of PoP~ and P~P2 in the ratio
t : 1 - t . And Pc is the dividing point of PaPb in the same ratio.
The intersecting point of oPa and the extension of PIPO is Pa'
The int.ersecting point of OPb and the extension of PIP2 is Pb'
The intersecting point of PaPb and the extension of oPc is Pc'
The polygons POPaP c and P cPbP2 are the divided polygon of POPIP2 with
the weight -w in' the ratio t : 1 - t. They are the divided rational B polygons
a
( Po PIa P 2a) an d (b
Po PIb P2b) .
Ox x- ~, oy = y - 17, (12.61 )
F ox 2 + oy2 + 2)...f(x, y), (12.62)
°
where .\ is an auxiliary variable. We assume Ox and oy are small values .
From IJF/IJ(ox) = 0, IJF/IJ(oy) = and IJF/IJ)... = 0, we obtain
Ox +)...fx 0, (12.63)
oy + )...fy 0, (12.64)
f(x, y) = f(~ + ox, 1] + oy)
f(~, 1]) + fA~, 1])ox + fy(~, 1])oy = 0. (12.65)
Eliminating)..., we have
-ffx
ox = f2x + P' (12 .68)
y
210 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
. "".
qi = r (O,w ) r(t,w)
qJ --7 ,.
=r(l,w) '.
= 1'(1, -w)t~
'1k:.l ~/ 1'(t,-w)
;.. r
. ·qk = 1'(t', -w)
(a) Extension of curve segment
Figm'e 12.21 Extension of a conic segment for minimum number of fitting segments
and from eq. (12.61), the nearest point x, y on the curve is determined. The
distance d is given by
(12.69)
When a series of points qi of a shape outline is given and we want to make a curve
expression to approximate the shape for storage and processing, then to reduce
the storage space, the curve is approximated by the least number of connected
conics keeping the shape of the curve within a given tolerance. We use the range
extension technique of a conic given in Sect. 12.7.3 and the tolerance evaluat.ion
technique in the previous section.
The out.line of the curve fitting procedure is (refer to Fig. 12.21):.
12.7 Interpolation and Extrapolation with Conics 211
1. From the given five consecutive points, determine the tangent direction at
the mid-point and set the first control point at the mid-point. Alternatively,
the point.s may be given by the expression for the previous segment.
2. Approximate determination of location of the third control point and the
t.angent. direction there.
3. Determine the second control point from the intersection of the tangents at
the first. and the third control points. Then estimate the weight of the curve
segment. r using eq. (12.53).
4. Ext.ension of the coverage of the conic:
(a) Det.ermine the last point in the given sequence which is within the
t.olerance, using the eq. (12.69).
(b) Revise t.he old control points and the weight for the new rational Bezier
r(t, w) by the method explained in Sect. 12.7.3.
5. Determine th€ tangent direction from dr/dt at the end point of the ext.ended
segment. This is also the direction of the tangent of the starting point of
t.he next segment. Repeat from t.he beginning.
where (1- Gi) : Ci is the ratio of contribution of the adjacent chord vectors to the
tangent vector at. their junction qi' The constant Ci is assumed to be given by
Leiwi
w =
Lei
where ei = 8f(Xi, Yi)/8wl w =w;'
212 12 Rational Bezier and Spline Expressions
The value e i i's the sensitivity of pseudo-distance change from the conic
f(x, y) = 0, which is given from eq. (12.42) with the weight Wi . This value be-
comes small near the end control points where error of W becomes large.
Figure 12.22 shows an application of this met.hod to the const.ruction of a
vector font. The initial number of cont.our points produced from the data by t.he
scanner is 69.5 and the number of segments determined by the method is 1.5.
13 Non-regular Connections of Four-Sided
Patches and Roundings of Corners
13.1 Introduction
Usually in design of free-form surfaces, four-sided patches are connected to syn-
thesize required shapes. For this purpose, S nets can be used advantageously
because of their simplicity and the ease of shape control with the automatic
adjustment of defined continuity along the boundaries of the patches.
However, shapes with special features cannot always adequately be expressed
with S nets. For i~stance, box-like shapes, or fillets and roundings along the in-
tersecting boundaries are difficult. To cope with them, we introduce another
technique of smooth connection and synthesis of non-four-sided pa.tches. They
are produced by non-regular connection of B patches, blending of patches, bound-
ary correction pa.tches and triangular patches. These techniques are treated in
this chapter and the following two chapters.
In the next three sections, we describe methods of the non-regular connec-
tion of BEber pa.tches to cover non-four-sided regions. Though only continuity of
the tangential planes on the boundaries between adjacent patches is guaranteed,
the non-regular connection of patches is useful for expressing rounding corners
of va,rious types which appear in products or for aesthetic representation in de-
sign. To easily determine the locations of control points of patches, we introduce
polyhedra as the basic forms, from which the desired shape of patches can be
constructed.
First, we explain notations used in this chapter as well as a basic technique
and its simple application to make a closed surface with the minimum number of
patches of degree two. We keep the degree of patches as low as possible to make
calculation easy. After treating three types of non-regular regions, we explain
the rolling ball method to blend a connecting region with an envelop surface of
a rolling ball.
Let two Bezier patches 8( U, v) and 8'( U, v) connect along a common boundary
which is expressed by 8(0, v) or 8'(0, v) and the parameter U of the both patches
increase in the opposite directions along their v = canst curves. The connection
of two B control nets of degree two is schematically shown in Fig. 13.1. We use
the same symbols for the same geometric quantities of the patches, discriminating
one from the other by attaching a ·prime mark.
214 13 Non-regular Connections of Four-Sided Patches and Roundings of Corners
PI2 P'12
a2
S S'
el
ao Poo a' 0
Figure 13.1 Notation of control
PIO
uLu P'IO points and edges for connection of B
patches
The common B control points of the boundary of both patches a,re POO, POI,
P02 or p~o, P~l' P~2 and their corresponding points coincide. The expressions of
both patches are given by
s(u, v) (1- u + Eu)2(1- v + FV)2pOO' (13.1)
s'(u,v) = (l-u+Eu)2(I-v+Fv?p~o, O~u , v~1. (13.2)
On each boundary of a patch, we define the two tangent vectors: the cross-
boundary tangent and the along-boundary tangent. The cross-boundary tangents
are given by s,,(O,v) and s~(O,v) on the common boundary:
s,,(O,v) = 2(I-v+Fv)2ao , (13.3)
s~(O,v) = 2(I-v+Fv?a~, (13.4)
where aj = PI) - POj and a'j = P'lj - p'Oj for j = 0,1,2 , which are the control
vectors of the cross-boundary tangents. The along-boundary tangents on the
common boundary u = 0 are given by
sv(O, v)= s'v(O, v) = 2(1- v + Fv)eo, ( 13.5)
where ej = PO(j+l) - POj, j = 0,1. (13,6)
The conditions of smooth connection of the tangential planes of both patches at
any points on their boundary curve are:
(i) the cross-boundary tangent vectors of both patches are collinear, or
(ii) the two cross-boundary tangent vectors and the along-boundary tangent
vector are coplanar.
For these conditions, the following equations (13.7) and (13.8) must hold for any
values of v,
.\s,,(O, v) + .\'s',,(O, v) = {av + (1 - v),B}sv(O, v), (13.7)
.\ + .\' = 1, (13.8)
13.3 Example of Closed Surface of Minimum Number of Patches 215
Referring to Fig. 13.2, the tails of ai and a: are made coincident for i = 0, 1,2.
Because of the relation (13.8) between A and N, the left-hand sides of equations
(13'.9)-(13.11) are vectors, whose heads are at the dividing point of the line join-
ing the heads of ai and a:, i = 0, 1,2, in the ratio X : A. Giving appropriate values
for the constants a, j3 and,\, we can determine the control vectors eo, el, ai and
a: and the tangent plane along the boundary of the patches.
ao + a~ = -eo (13.12)
al + a~ = (-el + eo)/2 (13.13)
a2 + a~ el (13.14)
and we make the absolute values 6f vectors eo, ell ao and a2 all equal.
216 13 Non-regular Connections of Four-Sided Patches and Roundings of Corners
P 12 -=-----:-=1/# P'12
Pll
Referring to Fig. 13.3, since vectors ao, a~ and eo must be coplanar and their
absolute values are equal, they make an angle of 120 degrees with each other.
The control points PlO' p~o and POI make an equilateral triangle 1::::.0 with Poo at
its centroid. Three vectors a2, a~ and -el also are coplanar, hence P12' P~2 and
POI make an equilateral triangle 1::::.2 with P02 at its centroid. Since six patches of
the same shape enclose a space, there are eight corner points where three patches
meet. The eight corner points of the patches become the centroids of the eight
triangles I::::. i . Suppose a given regular octahedron with eight equilateral triangu-
lar faces. See Fig. 13.4. We set each of the corner points Poo, P02' P20' P22, etc.,
at each centroid of the faces of the octahedron, and we put the vertices of I::::. i at
the three mid-points of the edges of the face.
On each face of the octahedron, a small triangle like 1::::.0 exists and its vertices
are common with those of the similar small triangles on the adjacent faces. There
are eight such triangles which control the connection of B patches. If we can
determine six points Pll to satisfy eq. (13.13), we can obtain all the B points of
the connected six patches in C(1). · Let the length of an edge of the octahedron
13.4 Three or Five-Sided Patch in Regular Patch Nets 217
(a) (b)
Figure 13.5 Shape of connected patches: (a) parameter lines, (b) contour curves
be 2c. Refer to Fig. 13.4. Extending outwards a line joining the center 0 of the
octahedron and one of its vertices by length c/(3V2), we set a point Pll at its
end. Since al = Pll - POl and a~ = P~l - POl' the left-hand side of eq. (13.13)
is a vector from the center 0 to POl with the absolute value c/3. The right-hand
side of eq. (13.13) becomes also the same vector, because the absolute values of
el and eo are (c/..;3).
Thus all the B points of the patches of the second degree are determined. Fig-
ure 13 .5(a) shows the constituent patches with constant parameter curves. The
contour curves of the synthesized surface in Fig. 13.5(b) show smooth connection
of the patches though their parametric curves have corners on the boundaries.
Dividing
line
PIO P oo P '1O
locations of central control points Pl1 and the constituent B nets Bll B2 and B3.
We are to determine the locations of the control points of each B patch from the
positions of the vertices of the cut. block.
The B control points of B 1 , B2 and B3 are determined by the following pro-
cedures:
1. The cont.rol points Pl1 and P~l of Bl and B2 are two vertices of the central
triangle made by the cutting process, and the third vertex corresponds to
Pll of B3 ·
2. Refer to Fig. 13.7. Let a mid-point of the edge of the triangle be P~l. A
lower corner control point of Poo, which is the same as P~o, is fixed on the
symmet.ricalline as shown in the figure. A dividing point between P~l and
13.4 Three or Five-Sided Patch in Regular Patch Nets 219
POO in the ratto (1 : 4) becomes POI. Similar points to this POI exist between
B2 and B3 and between B3 and B l . They are the control points P~2 and
P12·
3. The centroid of these three points POI' P~2 and P12 becomes P02' which is
the meeting point of the three boundaries of B patches B l , B2 and B 3.
4. The control points PlO' P20 and p~o, p~o of Bl and B2 are determined from
the surrounding S net. Those of B3 are similarly determined.
A proof of the C(l) connection of these patches is: on the t.hree boundaries of
B l , B2 and B3, equations (13.9)-{13.11) with values of the constants
A = A' = 1/2, a = 0, f3 = 1/2,
become
aO + a~ = 0, (13.15)
{1/2)al + (1/2)a~ = (1/4)eo, (13.16)
a2 + a~ = el. (13.17)
For inst.ance, we consider the connection of patches Bl and B 2. Since P02 is the
cent.roid of three points POI' P12 and P~2 of the patches Bl and B 2, eq. (13.17)
holds. The left-hand side of eq. (13.16) is equal to POlPOl and the right-hand
side is a quarter of POOPOl' hence they are equal by the definition of the location
of POI. Equation (13.15) holds naturally. An example is shown in Fig. 13.8.
Smoothness check by the contour curves gives good result.
The above is the case when the dividing line ratios A : A' of the surrounding
S net are taken as 1 : 1, but even when the dividing ratios of the net are (AI : AD,
(A3 : A~) , (A5 : A~) as indicated in Fig. 13.9, we can determine B points of three
B patches connect.ed in C(1), if the following condition holds among the dividing
ratios:
(13.18)
220 13 Non-regular Connections of Four-Sided Patches and Roundings of Corners
Dividing
line
S net
Figure 13.9 A triangular region at a convex corner for non-equal), (cf. Fig. 13.6)
eo
ao
a'o
Figure 13.10 Location of B point of three patches for non-equal ). (d. Fig. 13.7)
Figures 13.9 and 13.10 correspond to Figures 13.6 and 13.7. The proof is given
in Sect. 13.7.1.
(a)
B5
D3 D4 FZ
B3
AO
BO BZ
(b)
Figure 13.11 A concave corner and five patches: (a) basic block, (b) modified block
Before making five B patches, we modify the basic block shown in Fig. 13.11(a)
to adapt to suitable B polygons as follows.
1. Make two new faces by cut ting off the convex edges to decrease the convexity.
The new faces are parallel to their original convex edges. The new planes
intersect ea.ch other making a new concave edge XY which connects with
the original concave edge Y Z. Fill the concave space along the connected
concave edges with a triangular prismatic column and a truncated pyra.mid
to decrease their concavity. See Fig. 13.11(b).
2. Four new faces are produced with the above procedures: in the central part,
a trapezoidal face (EoE}, D4 D3) whose height is h; in the left and right-
hand sides two bands of faces (AoD3, BoEo) and (A 2 D4 , B 2 E 1) parallel to
the respective convex edges, and let their widths be h'. We call them the
convex edge-bands; in the lower vertical part there is a face (EoA}, E1B 1)
parallel to the original concave edge, which is the concave edge-band. When
the slopes of the convex edge-bands and that of the trapezoidal face are
equal, their widths are equal,' h = h'. These edge-bands connect with the
222 13 Non-regular Connections of Four-Sided Patches and Roundings of Corners
H,
B4
D',
c,
B1 B2
F,
Figure 13.12 Locations of all control
points
trapezoid along EoEl, EoD3 and E I D4. Let the length of the upper edge
D3D4 of the trapezoid be m and that of the lower edge be n, and let the
mid-point.s of EoEI' EoD3 and EID4 be Do, DI and D2 , and the mid-point
of DID2 be O. The ratio m : n can be a.rbitrary, but if we take 1 : 3, the
values of various geometric relations become simple.
3. We draw mid-lines FoDo, CODI and C2D2 in the edge-faces and extend them
into the trapezoidal face . These lines int.ersect at the center point O. We
draw also lines D3FI and D4F2' parallel to the convex edges, that is, C2D2
and CODI' Connect OD3, and OD4.
4. There a.re five regions separated by the five boundaries: (ODoFo), (ODICO),
(OD 3FI ), (OD 4F2) and (OD 2 C2). We name these regions B I , B 2, B 3, B4 and
Bs. From these five regions we are to make B nets which define smoothly
. connected B surface patches.
Figure 13.12 shows the completed disposition of their control points. The equa-
tions (13.9)-(13.11) are applied for each boundary of a pair of the adjacent B
patches. Since the two bottom vect.ors ao and a~ are collinea.r (refer to Fig. 1),
a =0 in eq. (13.9). The equations which stipulate the connections for each pair
of Bi a.re:
).ao + )./a~ = 0 (13.19)
).al + )./a~ = (3eo/2 (13.20)
).a2 + )./a~ = (3el' (13.21)
Though we can take arbitrary values for h, hI and m and n, hereafter we assume
h = hI and 3m = n, for simplicity of explanation. Then the slopes of the convex
edge bands and the central trapezoidal pa.rt a.re equal and ratio of the upper
edge and the lower edge of the trapezoid is 1 : 3. This makes determining the
locations of B points simple. General cases are described in Sect. 13.7.2. We
treat three pairs of connection: (BJ and B 2), (B2 and B 3) and (B3 and Bs). The
other connections (B2 and B 4) and (B4 and Bs) are the same as (B2 and B 3)
and (B3 and Bs). We explain the method of locating the control points of each
pair.
13.4 Three or Five-Sided Patch in Regular Patch Nets 223
.; \ ...... . ----
..........
...................................:>
.... ~ ............. .
PlI
eo
i
- We treat first the pair (BI and Bz). Refer to Figures 13.13 and 13.12. The
boundary is (ODoFo). The points Eo and EI become Pu and P~I' The point
Do is POI and Fo is Poo which is determined from outside conditions. Then
D I , Dz become the control points P12' P~2' mid-point of which is 0 or P02' For
this case, ). = ).' = 0.5, j3 = 0 in equations (13.19)-(13.21).
- We treat the pair (BI and B3)' Refer to Figures 13.14 and 13.12. The prime
mar k of a vector indicates the vector belong to B I . Their common boundary
is (ODICO)' The control vectors are el = DIO, eo = CODI' a2 = OD3 ,
a~ = 0 Do. From the configuration of the central trapezoid, the constants )., ).'
and j3 in eq. (13.21) are determined:
Accordingly, from eq. (13.20) whose left-hand side is equal to DIDL the length
of eo is determined as 8DID~. Since P~I is at Eo, the location of Pu is its
symmetrical point Go with respect to COD I . Thus all the B points are fixed.
- We consider the pair B3 and Bs. Refer to Figures 13.15 and 13.12. The prime
mark belongs to the patch B 3 • The boundary is (OD 2 F I ). The control point
P~I of B3 is the same location Go as that of Pu of B3 of the pair (Bll B3) '
224 13 Non-regular Connections of Four-Sided Patches and Roundings of Corners
In this way all the B points of the five B nets are determined as shown in
Fig. 13.12 and the C(1) connections of the five patches Bl . B5 are attained.
Figure 13.16 shows the contour curves of the synthesized surface.
1. At first. we apply the procedure of concave space filling and convex edge cut-
ting t.o t.he original shape. Referring to Fig. 13.17, we fill the three concave
edge spaces with the corresponding prismatic columns shown in grey. The
cross section of the column is a rect.angle isosceles triangle. Two side faces
of the column are coplanar with the coordinates planes, and the three top
edges of each of the columns make an equilateral triangle with vertices on
each of t.he coordinat.e axes.
2: We cut t.hese fillers by a plane parallel to the equilateral triangle stated
above. The cut.t.ing plane reaches the side edges of three prismatic columns
as shown in Fig. 13.18. Let the intersecting points be (q6 and ql), (q2 and
q3), (q4 and qs)·
3. Then we cut the convex edge of t.he original body by a plane paraUel to
the vert.ical edge and passing through the line q6~' and remove the cut
part of original convex edge. We caU the produced face (q6~q43~1) the
convex edge-fa.ce and also we call a prismatic filler face (qSq4q32q4l) the
concave edge-face. Repeating t.he procedure for the other two convex edges,
we obt.ain t.he shape shown in Fig. 13.18. In the central region, there is a
hexagon with vertices q6, ql, q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5·
Let t.he cent.er of the hexagon be Qa and the mid-points of it.s edges be (Qm6, Qml,
Qm2' Qm3 ' Qm4 and Qm5); and the center lines in the edge-faces, each passing
through Qmi and t.he center Qa, be L i . We are now to make six B nets connected
to cover the cent.ral region, which generate B patches connected smoothly. Let
the corresponding B nets be B l , B 2 , B 3 , B 4 , B5 and B 6 • We define their outer
boundaries by the intersecting lines with the six cutting planes, each of which is
parallel to one of the coordinate planes. We name the main node points on the
226 13 Non-regular Connections of Four-Sided Patches and Roundings of Corners
PI3 P'!3
eZ
az a 'z
PIZ P'IZ
POZ
el
al a'l
PII P'II
POI
eo
b
08
..··P.;:::··"""
/ 0 'Bt BJ \\\Q
POD
P30 · P30
The symbol * indicates arbitrary locations. From the above equations we get the
relations
(13.38)
Substituting the ahove equations in the left-hand side of eq. (13.35) , we get zero
vector. The right-hand side is el = P02 - POI = qml - qml = O. Therefore,
eq. (13 .35) holds. Also we have
Substituting the above equations in the left-hand side of eq. (13.34)' we get
The right-hand side is -1/3(qml - qmlJ, so eq. (13.34) holds. Accordingly, with
the control points(13.36) and (13.37) the patch BI and the patch B2 connect in
C(l). With a similar disposition of the control points, any two adjacent B patches
of this arrangement connect in C(1) . The control points P30' P20 ' P31' P32 and
P30' P~o, P~l' P~2 of the patches are not concerned with this connection, hence
they can be taken to adjust connections with the outside regions. Figure 13.21
shows an example of contour curves of this rounding. The curves cut by the
parallel planes show smooth connection of the patches.
center of the ball and also the loci of contact points on the surfaces by solving
the differential equation for the intersection of the offset surfaces of the original
ones. The solving process is explained in Sect . 16.6.2.
The rounding procedure by a rolling ball around a vertex made by three
surfaces follows the rules:
1. Around a convex vertex, usually three intersection curves made by each two
Of three offset surfaces meet at one point, from where the center of the ball
starts along each one of the intersection curves. If the loci of the contact
points of the ball and the original surfaces are continuous, an envelop of the
moving ball becomes the smooth blending surface of the intersecting original
surfaces. Figure 13.22 shows the locus of the center of the ball and loci of
the contact points.
2. Around a convex-concave vertex, which is generated by one convex (concave)
edge and two concave (convex) edges , the ball moves first along the single
concave (convex) edge and then the ball moves along the consecutive convex
(concave) edges touching only two surfaces, a pa.rt of which is the envelop
surface already produced.
A point on the locus of the center o( s) of the ball and the two contacting
point.s Po(s) and P2(S) with the surfaces to be rounded are functions of the arc
length s of the locus of the center. Let the intersecting point of the tangents at
Po(s) and P2(S) in the plane OPOP2 be Pl' Then vertices of the triangle POPIP2
are considered three control points of a rational Bezier polygon of degree two,
whose weights are 1, (1/2), 1. Since these three control points are functions of
s, an envelop surface is determined by the moving ball.
230 13 Non-regular Connections of Four-Sided Patches and Houndings of Corners
Contact curve
Loci of th e center
of a rolling ball
(a)
Patch of 3 x 3 degree
Envelope surface
Figure 13.22 (a) Intersection curves of three inner offset surface, (b) Locus of the center of
a rolling ball and its envelope surface
13.7 Appendix
Referring to Figures 13.9 and 13.10, the B control points of Bll B2 and B3 are
determined as follows:
13.7 Appendix 231
1. The cont.rol points Pl1 and P~l of B1 and B2 are two vertices of the central
triangle made by the cutting process, and the third vertex corresponds to
the control point Pl1 of B 3 . These points are the same as those of the case
of the equal,\; 's .
2. As in Fig. 13.7 t.he control point. p* 01 is the dividing point of Pll and P~l '
but its dividing ratios is (>.~ : ).d instead of (1 : 1), and POI is the dividing
point of P"Ol and PO~ in the ratio (2)'~ : ).1).5) instead of (1: 4).
A control point Poo, which is the same point as p~o, is the corner point of B1
and B2 as shown in the figure. The control points P12 and P~2 are similar
to POI' They are determined in a similar procedure, but the corresponding
dividing ratios are ().~ : ).5), (2)'~: ).5).3) for P12, and (>.~ : ).3), (2)'~ : ).3).1)
for P~2' On each side of the cent.ral triangle (POlP~2P12), there is a dividing
point of t.he side in the ratio, each given by ().~ : ).1) or (>.~ : ).3) or (>.~ : ).5)
as shown in the figure, then P02 is the coincident point of three lines from
each vertex to the dividing point on its opposite side, because of condition
(13 .18). The coincidence is guaranteed by Ceva's theorem, refer to Sect. 3.4.
3. The cont.rol points PIO' P20 and p~o, p~o of BI a.nd B2 are determined from
the surrounding 5 net. Those of B3 are similarly determined.
Three Pll points of each of B patches are the three vertices of the triangle
in t.he 5 nets. The control points PIO, P20 and P21 of the central three B patches
are determined as in usual 5 net. The connection of these patches with the
surrounding B patches with e(!) is guaranteed by the 5 net properties.
The positions of B points thus determined satisfy the conditions of e(1)
connection of the three central B patches. We give its proof on the bounda.ry of
the patches B1 and B 2 .
In the triangle made by three points POl' the three vectors from the center
P02 to its vertices can be looked upon as the control vectors a2, el and ~.
The following relation holds between them by definition ( by applying Menelaus'
theorem):
I I ).1).5
).l a 2 + ).l a 2 = 2>.' el·
5
As for ao and al , the following relations exist by the definition,
These relations are the same as equations (13.11), (13.9), (13.10), which stipulate
the e(l) connection at the boundary edge of the two patches Bl and B 2 , if we
set
a = 0, (J = ).1).5.
2)'~
The e(1) connections between B2 and B3 and between B3 and Bl are similarly
proved.
232 13 Non-regular Connections of Four-Sided Patches and Roundings of Corners
2D~Dl
f3
m+n 4m
). , ).' = ,
5m+n 5m+n
m+n
f3 5m+n
Let the distance between P~l of B3 and eo, which is the boundary vector
between B3 and Bs , be d. Then the distance between Pll of Bs and eo is
d· ().II).) = 4mdlm + n. The location of Pll is determined at a point which has
this distance from eo and also has similar distance from the boundary vector eo
between Bs and B 4 •
14 Connections of Patches by Blending
14.1 Introduction
Generally, when we have to define a surface patch, its degree of freedom is not
always equal to that of given external conditions. If the latter is greater than
the former, there must be some relations among the given conditions, or some
methods must be provided to increase the degree of freedom of the patch to
satisfy the given conditions.
For a polynomiaJ surface s( u, v) of degree 3 x 3 of tensor product type, there
are sixteen constant vectors to be determined corresponding to the terms uiv j
{i,j = 0,1,2, 3}, or the sixteen control points, or the conditions of one position
vector, two tangent vectors and one twist vectors at each of the four corner points
of a patch. If two curves and two cross-boundary tangent vectors expressed in
degree three are given on the boundaries at u = 0 and u = 1, all the constants
of a patch are determined, because the sum of degrees of freedom of the given
boundary conditions is equal to sixteen. Hence we cannot give the conditions of
the cross-boundary tangent vectors along the boundaries v = 0 and v = 1. They
are automatically fixed . Accordingly, so long as a patch is expressed by a 3 x 3
polynomial, we cannot specify all the boundary conditions even up to the first
derivative vectors.
To construct a patch with such boundary conditions, we have to devise some
methods to increase the degree of freedom. We treat four methods. First, Coons'
approach is explained concisely, for it is a classic one , though not practical. It
uses a Boolean sum of three patches to meet given boundary conditions. Another
method is to blend two patches, each of which satisfies boundary conditions on
one pair of boundaries only, with weighting functions multiplied to eliminate
unwanted effects. Then methods of using patches with variable corner twist
vectors or variable inner Bezier points are introduced. Finally, a method of using
correcting patches , which compensate the derivative vectors along the boundary
curves of a patch to satisfy given conditions, is explained.
Coons' patch expression consists of three blending patches. It is not used today,
though its name is famous [1]. So we explain it concisely. Refer to Fig. 14.l.
On the boundaries 1 and 3 which correspond to the parameter values u = 0
and u = 1, the boundary curves rl.(v) and r3(v) , the cross-boundary tangents
tl (v) and t 3(v) are given and also on the boundaries 2 and 4 corresponding to
234 14 Connections of Patches by Blending
( 14.2)
Similarly, from the data on the boundaries 2 and 4, we have a surface patch
Sb(U , v):
(14.3)
On the boundaries 2 and 4, the position and cross-bounda.ry tangent vectors of
sa are automatica.lly fixed for j = 0 and 1 as
sa(u,j)
( 14.4)
s~(u,j)
Sb( i, v)
(14.5)
s~(i, v)
14.2 Coons' Patch 235
(14.6)
Substituting equations (14.4) into the above equation and letting matrix Mab be
1'3(0)
== 1'3(1)
lv[ab (14.7)
1'3v(0)
1'3v(1)
we ha.ve
( 14.8)
Similarly from equations (14.5), we can define a surface patch which is given
by
(14.10)
we have
(14.11)
The two patches sab and sba are expressed by the properties at their four corners
only, which are the elements of the matrices Mab and Mba . Now examine their
properties. The elements of the upper-left 2 x 2 sub-matrix of Mab or Mba
represent the four corners of the patch, those of the lower-left and upper-right
2 x 2 sub-matrices represent the tangent vectors in the u. and the v directions.
The corresponding elements of the sub-matrices are equal . The elements of the
lower-right 2 x 2 sub-matrix represent the lateral change of the tangent vectors
at the corners which are the so-called twist vectors.
Since in a regular surface patch t.he order of differentiation does not influ-
ence on t.he result, the corresponding element.s of this sub-matrix are also equal.
Accordingly, Al ab = Mba and consequently sab = sba.
So, the boundary conditions of the patch sab or sba are considered equal to
the sum of those of the non-defined boundaries of sa and Sb. Accordingly, in the
following expression of s( u., v), the surplus boundary condit.ions are canceled:
(14.12)
236 14 Connections of Patches by Blending
This satisfies the given boundary conditions on all its four boundaries. This is
called Coons' patch expression by Boolean sum. Usually it is difficult to give two
pairs of aIbitraIY cross-boundary tangent vectors in the u a.n d the v directions
along the respective boundaries.
When t.he bounda.ry curves and the cross-boundary tangent vectors aIe ex-
pressed by the zero-th and the first derivatives at their end points together with
the Hermite weighting functions of degree three, the three expressions sa( u, v),
Sb( u, v) and sab( u, v) become the same one. So we have
(14.13)
where
s(O,O) s(l,O) su(O,0) su(l,O)
s(O,l) s(l,l) su(O,l) su(1,l)
1
M= [
sv(O,O) sv(l,O) suv(O,O) suv(1,O) .
sv(O,l) sv(l,l) suv(O, 1) suv(1, 1)
Usually, it is still difficult to give appropriate values of the vectors Suv at the
corners of a patch.
The weighting functions wa(u, v) and wb(u, v) must satisfy the following condi-
tions on the boundaries:
where
(14.26)
Comparing the tangent control vectors (14.24) and (14.26), we know there is
no coupling between them. So we can make the independent cross-boundary
tangents on the boundaries v = 0 and u = O. This variant of Gregory's method
was introduced by H.Chiyokura [6].
To treat the connection of a patch with its surrounding ones, we have to increase
the degree of freedom of the patch to be connected. For this purpose we use
a compensating patch which gives the cross-boundary derivative vectors to be
added to the original ones to satisfy externally defined conditions [20][21].
The compensating patch gives null positional vectors on all the boundaries
and arbitrary cross-boundary tangential and higher derivative vectors. With a
composite patch of the original and compensating ones, we can satisfy all its
boundary conditions. We use techniques similar to those for connection of a
three-sided patch with its adjacent patches already fixed.
As for the connection in C(2), we treat it in the next section, since the
technique applied is similar, but the expression is more complicated.
tangent vectors. Here the superscript b shows a base patch ana another one C
(14.27)
Q(u, v) = (14.29)
T I (l - u)v(l - v) + T2u(1 - u)(l - v) + T3uv(1- v) + T 4 vu(1 - u)
{u(l - u) + v(l - v)P
where Ti is a cross-boundary tangent on one boundary i. Equation (14.28)
vanishes on all the boundaries, but its first derivative gives independent values
on each boundary of the patch:
(14.32)
where ti, i = 0,1,2,3, are the control vectors of the cross-boundary tangent on
the boundary u = O. From equations (14.27) and (14.32), the cross-boundary
tangent on u = 0 of the patch to be connected is given by the composite vectors:
The cross-boundary tangent can take arbitrary form so long as it does not vi-
olate the geometric constraints at the corners of the patch. For instance, at each
node of boundary curve meshes of patches, a tangent vector of a compensating
patch must be in the tangential planes defined there. The cross-boundary tan-
gents on the other boundaries take forms simila.r to the above . If in eq. (14.32),
the control ta.ngents to and t3 are zero, that is, at both ends of the boundary, there
is no need of tangent compensation there, and the denominator of eq. (14.29) can
be reduced to {u(l- u) + v(l- vninstead of {u(l- u) + v(l- v)P.
Example 1. Modification of connection of two patches from C(O) to C(l)
Figure 14.3(a) shows two connecting Bezier patches of degree 2 x 2, which are
symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane containing their common boundary
curve. Therefore, the respective cross-boundary tangent vectors make acute
angles on the common boundary.. The section curves of both patches cut by
240 14 Connections of Patches by Blending
(a) Two conn~ted Bezier patches (b) Section curves of shape (a)
the parallel vertical planes which are orthogonal to the plane of symmetry are
shown in Fig. 14.3(b).
We add compensating patches to both patches. The form of the compen-
sating tangent is T I = (1 - v Fto + 2v( 1 - V)tl + v2 t 2 • The tangent control
vectors of the compensating patches are determined so as to make the composite
cross-boundary ta.ngent control vectors of the two patches the same magnitude
and opposite directions:
,,
/~
" ~, '
~~
..
Then on the common boundary, their connection become e(l), Figure 14,3(c)
show the shape of composite patches and Fig, 14,3( d) is the section curve sim-
ilar to Fig, 14,3(b), We can notice clearly the rounding effects caused by the
compensating patches,
Example 2, Rounding of a convex corner
This is a similar case to Sect, 13.4,1. But use of the compensating patches makes
the rounding process simple and flexible, A net of the control points of three
Bezier patches B}, B 2 , B3 of degree three is shown in Fig, 14.4( a), Let the symbols
used for corresponding control points both sides of the boundary be the same as
used in Chap, 13. In the central triangular region where three patches meet at
P03' their common four control points, point P03 and three points P02 indicated
by the small circles, are in a plane to give the e(1) connection.
The locations of the set of control points (POO,PIO ,POI ,Pll) along the con-
necting boundaries of the patches can easily be arranged to make control vectors
of the cross-boundary tangent such as (PIO - Poo) and (Pll - POI) equal to the
corresponding vectors in the connecting patch.
But determining the locations of the control points P12 to guarantee the
e ( l) connection is difficult. So, we use the technique of compensating patches.
The form of the compensating tangent is TI = V3t 3 + 3v(1 - V)2t z which is
applied to both sides of the boundaries to make the control vectors of the cross-
boundary tangents equal and opposite. In Fig. 14.4(b), the contour curves of the
242 14 Connections of Patches by Blending
(a) Locations of nets of the base patches (b) Normal vectors along the boundary
connected in 0(0) before compensation
(c) Normal vectors after compensation (d) Contour curve pattern of hexagonal region
makes the normal vectors equal. The contour curves of the region are shown in
Fig. 14.6(d). Dotted curves are parameter constant curves.
for a. compensating pat.ch SC( u, v), whose base patch is a Bezier of degree two:
( 14.36)
is given by
z k . s( u, v) = k . Sb( u, v) + k· SC(u, v)
(1 - v? + 2v(1 - v) + v 2 x u(l- u)v(l- V )2
(14.38)
{u(l - u) + v(l- v)P
°
The contour curves of the above equation are shown in Fig. 14.7(a), Though
the slope on the boundary u = is modified from zero degrees to 45 degrees,
its effect on shape of the patch is at most 5% of the boundary length and its
variation is smooth. In Fig. 14.7(b) , a similar diagram for a triangular patch for
slope correction on it.s boundary w = is shown. °
For the example of Fig. 14. 7( a), Chiyokura.'s method cannot be applied, be-
cause it. cannot modify the tangent direction at the ends of a boundary curve.
So, we give the same condition of the cross-boundary tangent. on one bounda.ry of
a connecting pat.ch t.o compare the effects of both methods, Figures 14,8( a) and
(b) are similar cont.our diagrams of the shapes generated by the same correction
14.4 Correction of Cross-Boundary Tangent Vectors 245
Figure 14.8 Comparison of the methods for the same cross-boundary tangent
(14.40)
246 14 Connections of Patches by Blending
As for the influence on the shape by the correction, the disturbance of this
method can be cont.rolled by the magnitude of the compensating vectors.
One of the important features of the method is the correction ahility of
the cross-boundary tangent even at its boundary ends. For such a case, we
examine an example to determine which one of two connecting patches should
be compensat.ed. In Fig. 14.9(a), at the top vertex of the connecting patches, we
want to have two composite control vectors of the tangent for each patches, which
are collinear and equal with opposite sign. Let the original two control tangent
vectors be a, a l and 6a = a - a /. By adding two compensating vectors t = f-l6a
and t l = (1 - f-l)6a to a and a l respectively, we have the equal and opposite
control tangent vectors. The value of f-l varies from a to 1. In Fig. 14.5(b) the
shape for f-l = 0.5 is shown and in Fig. 14.9(b) the case of J.l = 1.0. In the former,
both patches sha.re the same compensa.tion, while in the latter only one patch
shares the compensa.tion. In this case J.l = 0.5 gives naturally good result, because
the base patches aj:e symmetrical. For general cases, more study is needed for
sharing compensation and the magnitudes of the compensating vectors to attain
desirable shapes.
The vector function Q takes the following forms, for a case of zero tangent values
a.t all its vertices,
(14.43)
14.4 Correction of Cross-Boundary Tangent Vectors 247
~a =a - a'
t = - J1.~a Compensating
t' = (1 - J1.)~a vector
Q = T1uv + T 2 vw + T3 WU • (14.44)
(uv + vw + wu)2
On t.he boundary w = 0, derivatives of triangular patches with respect to u are:
s~('U, 0)
V, s~(u, v, 0) = -T1uv for eq. (14.43), (14.45)
s~(u, v, 0) = s~(u, v, 0) = -Tl for eq. (14.44). (14.46)
its contour curves. The boundaries of e(O) connection are corrected to give e(1)
connection.
Let a four-sided pa.tch which is expressed by
on their common boundary curve s'(l, v) = s(l- v, v, 0). Locations of their con-
trol points on both sides of the boundary are schematically shown in Fig. 14.11,
The cross-boundary tangent of the four-sided patch s'(u, v) on the boundary
u = 1 is
s~(1, v) == 2(1 - v + Fv?b~, (14.49)
14.4 Correction of Cross-Boundary Tangent Vectors 249
PH
P 02
P OI Shaded region is
a triangular patch
where
and t.he latter is given by s~( u, v, 0) + s~( u, v, 0) from eq. (14.43), which becomes
-2v(1-v)T I . Consequently, the cross-boundary tangent ofthe triangular patch
is given by
Comparing eq. (14.51) and eq. (14.49), we can determine Tl to make all the
coefficients of (1 - v)2, v( 1 - v) and v2 proportional to those control vectors of
another patch t.o be connected in C(Jl. The result is shown in Fig. 14.10(b) and
(c) .
When t.he control tangent vectors of the triangular patch and the connecting
four-sided patch are not colinear, we have to use the compensating patch given
by eq.(14.44) and TI = 2(1-v+vF)2t o. Then, the right-hand side ofeq. (14.51)
is replaced by
(14.52)
250 14 Connections of Patches by Blending
This must be equal to the cross-boundary tangent of the four-sided patch, which
is given by eq. (14.49), and we can determine the control tangents to, tl and t 2.
(14.53)
A B
Q(u,v) = + , ( 14.55)
{u(l- u) + v(l- v))3 {u(l- u) + v(l- v)}4
where
From equations. (14.54) and (14.55), we obtain the first and the second cross-
boundary derivative vectors for 'U, = 0:
(14.56)
where T 1 and Rl are the cross-bounda,ry first and second derivative vectors.
They are independently given. We obtain similar results for the other boundaries.
So we can make their connection in C(2) even when the original patch connection
is C(O).
Example 6. Compensation for C(2) from C(O) connected pa.tch
Figure 14.12(a) shows C(O) connected patches of degree 2 x 2. Figure 14.12(b) is
its silhouette pattern without the compensation; its loci are discontinuous along
14.5 Case of e(2) Connection 251
~ i j j 1 ;
: i j f
I / i !
\]
the connected boundary. In Fig. 14.12(c) the silhouette pattern with the added
compensating patches for e(l) are shown; the loci become continuous, but have
corners on the boundary. In the same original patch with added compensation
patches both for e(1)and e(2), Fig. 14.12(d) shows that the discontinuity and
the sharp corners of the loci on the boundary, which appeared in (b) and (c),
disappear and that these compensation effects are local near the boundary. The
compensating effect can be changed by the magnitudes of the compensating
vectors.
252 14 Connections of Patches by Blending
A B
Q(u,v,w) (uv + vw + wup - (3/4)-;-(U-V-+-VW-+-W---'U):-:-4' ( 14.57)
(14.58)
15.1 Introduction
In Chap. 13, we treated non-four-sided patches, each of which was synthesized
from four-sided Bezier patches, and described their uses in special regions of
shapes. In this chapter, first we explain a triangular Bezier patch defined by
linear interpolations in barycentric coordinates, whose expressions in operator
form are similar to that of Bezier patches and their natural extension to rational
form. Then we tre'at methods of connection of triangula.r patches. Since there is
no simple equivalent of a spline net as in the four-sided patch connection [10][19]'
we cannot control a local shape of connected triangular patches easily. But there
are number of connection patterns, which are explained [12].
However, synthesizing a shape from only triangular patches of Bezier type is
not easy. Accordingly, we introduce the tangent compensating patch of triangular
form to increase the freedom of connection with other triangular patches. A case
of a triangular patch connected with a surrounding four-sided patch net has
already been treated in the previous chapter. In Sect. 15.6, we describe division
and degree elevation of a triangular patch, but they are not so effective as in the
case of four-sided patches.
whereu+v+w=I, O::;(u,v,w)::;l.
Two of the three parameters u, v and ware independent. Values of u, v and
w which determine a point in the triangle can be considered proportional to
the distances from the three edges to that point. In the parameter space, the
triangle is equilateral, and u+ v +w is proportional to its area, so by normalizing
it we have eq. (15.1). If the value of one of the parameters (u, v, w) is zero,.
the expression represents one of Its edges. That with two zero values of the
254 15 Triangular Surface Patches and Their Connection
Since the operator FE- l changes an index (ij) into ((i - 1)(j + 1)), its control
points are
PnQ P(n-l)l ... POn'
15.2 Operator Form of a Triangular Patch 255
These control points determine the shapes of the patch boundaries. The other
control points Pij with a < i + j < n determine the interior shape. The number
of all the control points is (1/2)(n + 2)(n + 1).
From eq.(15.4), we can interpret that a point of a triangular patch of degree
n is on a triangular patch of degree one with its three vertices placed on the
three mutually shifted triangular patches of degree n - 1. See Fig. 15.2. Let
Sij( u, v, W; n) be a patch whose lower-left-most control point be Pij, then the
shift operators E and F can operate on Sij( u, v, W; n). Hence, eq.(15.4) can be
transformed into
v, W; n)
SOO( U, (15.7)
= (u + vE + wFtpoo = (u + vE + wF)soo(u, v, W; n - 1)
= usoo(u, v, W; n - 1) + VSlO(U, v, W; n - 1) + WSOl(U, v, W; n - 1).
(r + sE + tF)(wooPoo)
Soo (r, s, t; 1) = -'-----:----...:.-'--;;,.:.=....::.::..:... (15.10)
woo(r, s, t; 1)
256 15 Triangular Surface Patches and Their Connection
The interpretation of the above equation is that a point soo(r, s, t;,I) on a rational
triangular patch of degree one is the rational interpolating point of three points
of degree zero.
.) _ (r + sE + tFt(wooPoo)
sao (r, s, t, n - ( ) . (15.13)
woor,s,t ;n
This is also obtained from the following recurrence formula:
.) _ (r+sE+tF)(woo(r,s,t;n-I)soo(r,s ,t;n-I»
sao (r, s,t , n - () . (15.14)
Woo r, s, t; n
The interpretation of the above equation is that a point soo(r, s, t; n) on a rational
triangular patch of degree n is a rational interpolating point of three adjacent
rational triangular patches soo(r, s , t; n - 1), slO(r, s, t; n - 1), s01(r, s, t; n - 1)
of degree n - 1 with respective weights woo(r, s , t; n - 1), wlO(r, s, t; n - 1) and
WOI (r , s, t; n - 1) of degree n - 1. Since a conic is expressed by the rational Bezier
of degree two, the boundary curves of a triangular patch can be made circular
arcS of the same radius and the same center. But it is possible, but not simple,
to construct a part of the spherical surface by rational triangular patches of the
same size [16].
where
boo = (1 - F)poo = Poo - Pal' (1.5.17)
Coo = (E-F)PoO=PlO-P01'
The directions of these tangent vectors are not along the boundary w = O. A
cross-boundary tangent, which we denote f, is given by
f (1 - >.)s" + >.sv
n(1 - v + vEt- l {(1 - >')b oo + >.COO} (15.18)
= n(1 - v + vE)n-l(b oo + >'aoo),
(15.19)
Derivatives of higher degree are similarly obtained, for instance, on the boundary
w= 0,
Q------I-----~ P (j+I) O
v v,
If at an arbitrary point on the common boundary, three tangent vectors t, t
and t are coplanar, then two patches Sao and s~o are ,continuous with a common
tangent plane. This condition of coplanarity is
[t , t' , t] = o. (15.24)
Developing both sides by terms (1- v)iv n - 1- i , i = 0 ... n -1, and equating
their coefficients, we get
Refer to Figures 15.3 and 15.1. The simplest case to satisfy the above
condition is to take I' = -1, A = p. Then each quadrilateral (Pia, Pil'
P(i+1)o, P:l' Pia) is in a plane and its diagonal PdP:l divides the other
diagonal PiOP(i+l)O in the same ratio for all i. We call this quadrilateral
(Pia, Pil' P(i+l)O, P:l) the control quadrilateral. A pair of grey triangles in
Fig. 15.3 makes the control quadrilateral.
15.3 a(l) Connection of Triangular Patches 259
rhough various shapes can be constructed from the triangular patches connected
me by one so as to satisfy the above conditions, the lack of a. simple mechanism
)f automatic adjust.ment of locations of the control points makes general use of
;riangular patches difficult .
260 15 Triangular Surface Patches and Their Connection
Figure 15.5 Special connection of triangular patches and their contour curves
Examples. From eq.(15.30) , if boo, b~o , aoo and eo are given, two unknown con-
stant.s cy and f3 are obtained. With these cy and f3 and given e1 and alQ, two
unknown 610 and b~o are determined from eq.(15.30) . Using these data, we can
const.ruct the C(1) connected triangular patches such as shown in Figures 15.5
and 15.6. In their central regions, five or six patches are connected. In Fig. 15.5
a hatched area of pent.agonal shape and in Fig. 15.6 the hexagonal areas must be
planar. Furt.her connection can be made outwards t.o satisfy equations (15.30)
and (15.30). Figures 15.5(b) and 15.6(b) are shapes of synt.hesized surfaces with
t.heir contour patterns .
15.4 Arbitrary Connection of Three-Sided Patches 261
If 'Y = 0, t.hen bia and b: a must be on a straight line and the ratios of
t.heir magnitudes a.re constant. In this case, a control quadrila.teral reduces to a
triangle. See Fig. 105.7.
(15.34)
Since t.he cross-boundary tangent of the other connecting patch on the same
boundary is given by
we can make two vectors (15.36) and (15.37) proportional by adjust.ing the com-
pensat.ing cont.rol vectors do and d l . With this technique, we can construct
shapes composed of smoothly connecting triangular patches. The degree of the
patches is not restricted to two. An example of a synthesized surface is shown
in Fig. 15.8. Four t.riangular patches are connected in C(O) around a point. With
addit.ion of t.he compensating patches, their boundary regions are rounded to give
the C(l) connection. The shape of the surface can also be modified by magnitudes
of t.he cont.rol vectors do, d l and d~, d~.
Letting r , s, t be new parameters for the parameter space oHhe central small
triangle in Fig. 15.9, the relations between r, s, t and u, v, ware given by
r+s+t=1. (15.39)
where Ea and Fa are the shift operators for the first and the second subscripts
of the new control points pt. Substituting 1 - s - t for r in eq.(15.40) and
differentiating it t times with respect to sand j times with respect to t and
setting s = 0, t = 0, we obtain the relations between the old and the new control
points Pij and pi) :
(15.41)
Application of the above equation is treated below: Next, the control points of
the divided smaU triangle at the left corner are to be obtained. Referring to
Fig. 15.9, since the relation between the new parameters r, s , t and the old ones
u, v, ware
where Eb and Fb are the shift operators for the first and the second subscripts of
the new control points prj.
By the same met.hod as previously used, we obtain the equation which determines
the relation bet.ween the control points of the new and the old patches :
(15.44)
From equations (15.41) and (15.44) with the given values of n, i and j , we ca.n
obtain the relation between the original control points Pij a.nd the new control
points pij of the divided triangle patch, and the relation between Pij and prj.
Since a new control points pi can be transformed in the following way:
and t.he right-hand side of the above equation can be substituted by the left-hand
side of eq.( 1.5.41), we obtain desired rela.tion between the new and the old control
points. Similarly we obtain the relation between p? and Pi'
Example. Division for n = 2.
Let the cont.rol point.s before the division be
( 15.46)
The locations of the new control points of the center triangle are given by
Poo (1/4)(E + F?poo = (1/4)(p2o + 2Pll + P02) ,
Plo = {1/4)(F 2 + E + F + EF)poo = (1/4)(Po2 + PlO + POI + Pll)'
POI = (1/4)(E 2 + E + F + EF)POO = (1/4)(p2o + PlO + POI + Pll)' ( 15.47)
P~l = (1/4)(1 + E + F + EF)poo = (1/4)(poo + PlO + POI + Pll)'
P20 (1/4)(1 + F)2poo = (1/4)(poo + 2POI + P02) ,
P02 (1/4)(1 + E)2pOO = (1/4)(poo + 2PIO + P20)'
The above equations show that the new control points are located at each cent.roid
of four point.s of t.he old ones. The control point of the divided sma.ll triangle
patch at t.he left corner are
pgo = POO'
pto = (1/2)(1 + E)poo = (1/2)(poo + PlO),
pgl (1/2)(1 + F)poo = (1/2)(poo + POI),
(15.48)
P~l (1/4)(1 + E + F + EF)poo = (1/4)(poo + PlO + POI + Pll),
p~o = (1/4)(1 + E)2poo = {l/4)(poo + 2PIO + P20),
pg2 = (1/4)(1 + F)2pOO = {1/4)(poo + 2POI + PoJ·
The control point.s of the divided patches a.t the right corner and the upper corner
have the similar relations. Geometrical interpretation of the locations of the new
cont.rol point.s given by equations (15.47) or (15.48) with respect to the old ones
is easy.
16.1 Introduction
Interference calculation of surfaces is an important basic procedure in CAD/CAM
technology. It appears in various processes such as set operations in solid mod-
elling, surface modelling, cutter path calculation for NC machining, and calcu-
lations in robot motion. Efficiency and robustness of its solutions are required
especially for those of free-form surfaces, because the degree of intersection curves
becomes so high that their analytical methods are generally hopeless and the nu-
merical methods become unstable where the normal vectors of interfering surfaces
on their intersecting curves become nearly parallel.
Recently, a great many mathematical studies on these problems have been
made , but they seem still too theoretical to be used by engineers for their prac-
tical applications. A basic textbook [10] on these topics has appeared recently,
but we explain our methods of intersection calculation in this section, because
they are easier as well as practically proved [13].
Interference of quadrics has been treated in Chap. 5 using pencils of two
quadrics and conics, but in this chapter it is included in a case of the intersection
of surfaces of implicit forms. First we treat a case of the intersection between
a plane and a free-form surface as a basis of the intersection of surfaces which
are represented in parametric forms or implicit forms . Since the contour curves
of a shape, which are its section curves by equidistant cutting planes, are very
useful for understanding the shape of a curved surface without its real model ,
methods of producing the contour curves of free-form surfaces must be efficient
and accurate. Accordingly first we treat the intersection of a curved surface and
a plane, then we extend the methods to the intersection of curved surfaces.
To trace them we apply numerical methods for solving ordinary differential
equations with automatic stepsize adjustment, because this provides good results
without requiring attention to determine the stepsizes to the next point [14][15].
Selection of stepsizes has always been a problem for tracing curves whether the
method of differential equation is adopted or not. Since near the singular points
of the interfering surfaces the behavior of the curve to be traced becomes un-
predictable and in other regions a large stepsize may be applied, control of the
stepsizes is needed for efficient and robust calculation. If we adopt the meth-
ods of differential equation solving with quality control, we are freed from this
problem. The other important problem is to find the initial starting points of
the curves and all the intersection loops. Since the intersection may become a
contact point or a very small loop, they may be missed if an appropriate method
268 16 Surface Intersections
to find them is not given. We discuss this problem and show a practical method
to solve it.
In regions where the normal vectors of interfering surfaces become nearly
parallel wit.h each other, the basic differential equation for their intersection curve
becomes invalid. We explain a method of treating these regions and discuss
the behavior of the intersection curves there. In this chapter, we also treat
intersection curves of offset surfaces, because the problem is practically important
and similar solving methods can be applied to this problem.
Some of the methods of differential equation solving for our purpose are
compared and evaluated in the Appendix.
In regions where the surface normal vector is nearly parallel to that of the cut-
ting plane, the solution becomes sensitive to numerical errors. Such cases occur
frequently in practical problems, so this problem is treated in Sect. 16.6.
When the contour curves of a surface which has many peaks are to be ob-
tained, a sophisticated method such as the extremum search curves (refer to
Sect. 7.3.3) is recommended to determine the starting points for tracing the con-
tour curves. The extremum search curves are loci of points on the surface where
its basic vectors are parallel to the plane. During its tracing, the distance from
the cutting plane is calculated to determine an intersecting point, where one of
the intersection curves starts. Since the extremum search curves determine all
the peaks, the bottom points and the saddle points as well as the paths between
these points, we can find all the starting points of the loops on the same level.
For a simle surface, a standard method for tracing a contour curve is:
where 8" and 8 v are the basic vectors at Po . By making the inner product with a
vector 8 v X nj and that with a vector 8" x nj on both sides of the above equation,
we obtain respectively
estimating t.he curvat.ure of t.he intersection curve there (see Sect : 6.3) or we take
a sufficiently small value for it. Since this approximate point is represented by
two expressions, P = Po + Ls on the plane and q = s(u + Lu, v + Lv) on
the patch, from these two points a point on the intersection is obtained by the
method described in the previous section. Repeating the same process, we obtain
successive points of the intersection curve.
Instead of the conventional procedure explained above, we use well estab-
lished differential equation solvers with adaptive stepsize to optimize the accuracy
of the results and the calculation speed as well as t.o standardize the procedure
for obtaining the intersection curves of all kinds of surface expressions, in which
a. plane is a special case. In application of numerical methods of differential
equation solvers for initial-value problems, initial values have to be determined
a.nd accumulation of truncation errors has to be kept within a given tolerance.
But both problems are satisfactorily solved in our case.
By ta.king the differential of eq. (16.1), we have
found in this book t.o indicate t.he shapes of surfaces, or to check the smoothness
of connection of patches. They are the results of this method.
-faces. Accordingly, we need some new ideas to solve this probl~m theoretically
and pra.ctically.
Since differential equation solvers with adaptive stepsize can be applied to
produce the intersection curves of various types of surfaces with good results, an
important problem of applying them is to find all the initial starting points for all
intersection loops, which in extreme cases become contact points. In obtaining
the intersection curves of a plane and a. free-form surface, the extremum search
curves of the patch can be used successfully for determining the starting points
and the loops. Curves similar to the extremum search curves can be applied for
determining their initial starting points and all the loops of the intersection curve
of two surface patches . This is explained in Sect. 16.3.3. But first, we explain
a method which gives a point on an intersection curve from two points, one on
each respective surface.
To avoid confusion with the symbols used in calculating interference of two
surface patches, we use different symbols for the parameters in the expressions
of the patches r(w, t) and s(u, v). Suppose we have two points Po and qo , one of
which is on each respective patch and near the probable intersection curve. Let
their paTameter values there be Wo, to and Uo, va. Then we have
Starting from the above points, we finally have to find a point on the intersection
curve with parameters which satisfy the equation
1. Let the tangential plane and the unit normal vector at Po of r( Wo, to) be
Fp and n p , and those at qo of s(uo, va) be Fq and n q . Symbols dp and dq
274 16 Surface Intersections
denote t.he dist.ances from the origin to the tangential planes Fp and Fq.
Since Po = r( Wo, to) and qo = s( uo, va), the distances are given by
(16.9)
2. Make a plane Fn which passes Po and is orthogonal to both Fp and Fq. Let
Un be t.he unit normal of the plane Fn , whose distance from the origin is dn .
Then we have
Up x U q
Un = 1
dn = Un' r(w, t). (16.10)
Up x u q I'
Let p be the int.ersection point of the three planes Fp, Fq and Fn- It is given
by
(16.11)
(16.12)
(16.14)
(16.15)
4. If Ipo - qol is not within the given tolerance, the above process from (1)
is repeated unt.il IPo - qol becomes sufficiently small. Convergence of this
met.hod is usually very good, even when the initial points are not near.
'When convergent results are not obtained, information on the nearness of
the two patches can be extracted.
Since the method stated above is very effective for detection of an intersection
loop, if one is given several pairs of initial points, pract.ically all the intersection
loops ca.n be detected. Figure 16.4 shows an example obtained by this method.
But if one wants to make the procedure more systematic, the following procedure
is recommended:
1. At first we fix a reference vector nf towards which both intersecting sur-
faces are directed, that is, the rear sides of both surfaces can be seen from
that direction. Determine the extremum search curves cPu = 0 and cPv = 0
for each of the interfering patches rand s. Regions separated by these
curves have monotonic gradients. Moreover, if possible, determine the points
cPuu = cPvv = 0 on the patch s, which we call the max-gradient points. There
is one max-gradient point in each region. Otherwise we select an arbitrary
point. in a region in place of the max-gradient point of the region. These
points are taken as Po.
2. For each Po we fix a point qo on another patch r, which is arbitrary, but not
very far from Po and preferably in a region of large difference of slope from
that at Po. We can exclude regions which surely do not interfere each other,
beca.use we can determine approximately a space in which no interference
exists by t.he data of the extremum search curves of both surfaces.
3. From a pair Po and qo, we can obtain a point on an intersection loop , which
is traced from this point. Using all the pair points we can obtain all the
intersection curves of the two patches. Usually most of points thus obtained
are on the loops already determined.
276 16 Surface Intersections
Intersection curve
Figure 16.4 Intersection of two free-form surfaces. Contour curves are shown
4. If we reverse the role of the surfa.ces sand r and perform the same procedure,
we can catch all the intersection loops more surely, although usually this may
be omitted.
Example. Figure 16.5(a) shows intersection curve patterns of two surface patches
at ~ine relative positions. The shapes of two patches sand r are the same as
shown in Fig. 16.2, but r is rotated by 90 degrees anti-clockwise relative to sand
separated by constant heights. Shapes of the intersection curves vary gradually
or rather a.bruptly as the height changes . At certain heights, new loops are
generated or disappear or one loop separates into two. These curves are obtained
by the process stated above. The z value (height) of the patch r is changed from
h = -1.0 to 1.0 with 6h = 0.25.
Around h = 0 the intersection pattern changes rather abruptly. Figure
16.5(b),(c),(d) are the intersection curves at h = 0, h = 0.001 and h = -0.001.
Figure 16.6 is the enlarged portion at the central part. At h = -0.775 X 10- 4
there is a branch point.
To show t.he effectiveness of the method, we explain a critical case. Figure
16.7 shows the intersection curves at the critical position of the two surfaces.
This position is a little lower than that of the case h = -0.5 of Fig. 16.5: the
left small loop which is seen in the case h = -0.5 reduces to a point at h = -0.65
whose location is indicated by a small dot and the upper-right intersection curve
is shown by a t.hick line. To test how the method of Sect. 16.3.2 can work well
in t.his critical case, we set the point pairs of Po and qo and see if we can obtain
a. convergence point. We move the location of Po to various points on s to
determine allowable domains on s:
16.3 Points on Intersection of Two Curved Surfaces 277
( a) (b)
(c) (d)
Figure 16.5 Variation of intersection curve pattern by displacement of one surface: (a) nine
positions from h = -1.0 to h = 1.0 and oh = 0.25, (b) h = 0, (c) h = 0.001, (d) h = -0.001
278 16 Surface Intersections
R(w , t)
Intersection
curve
S(u,u)
lntersection
A sm all loop (L) - +-V-n-r"rrl
curve (C)
Extremum
sea.rch curves
Figure 16.8 Map of starting points in one surface from Fig. 16.7.
Refer t.o Fig. 16.8. A max-gradient point in one region of r is selected as qo,
wh<?se projected location is indicated by a small star marker and the other point
Po is select.ed at va.rious points on the patch s. A blank small circle indicates
locations of t.he point Po converging to a very small intersection loop indicated
by a small dot. and each of black small disk mark points converges to a point on
the upper-right. int.ersection curve. A cross mark point shows a point which goes
out of t.he boundary of the patch. In the figure the extremum search curves of
the patch s which indicate boundaries of different slopes are also shown.
Even in such a. crit.ical case as this, the allowable area for convergence to the
crit.ical point. is large. There are cases of convergence where the distance between
the initial point. pair is great and the dista.nce between the final convergence point
and t.he init.ia.l point. pair is large. But the convergence is mainly determined by
the distance of the pair from the converging point and also the relative slope
difference of the t.angent planes at the st.art.ing points.
them, then we can detect an intersection loop, from which we can 'determine com-
mon normal points of t.he both surfaces and approximate shapes of the surfaces
around these point.s. The method is similar to that explained in Sect. 16.5.
When applying t.he method of obtaining an intersection point, monitoring
the dist.ance between two points p and q gives information on the critical point
without using the offset or displaced surfaces. Figure 16.9(a) shows the distance
and the number of iterations. Figure 16.9(b) shows examples of routes to the
convergence points. For a usual convergence to an intersection curve, a few itera-
tions suffice, but for critically separated points, the number of iterations increases
without convergence. When there is an intersecting point, the convergence to a
final point is very rapid, whereas in a case of near contact, but really separat-
ing, after rapid decrese of the distance of the pair points the distance fluctuates
without converging to a final points. The mean value of the distance fluctuation
is an approximate minimum distance between two surfaces in this region. The
above stated techniques are applied for detection of critical contact points.
The following techniques are also applicable for detection of small loops of
the intersection curves.
(i) Observing the pattern of the intersection curves of one surface and a set of
further surfaces, each shifted from the initial position by translation, we
can estimate critical cases and also existence 6f the isolated loops of the
intersection. See Fig. 16.5.
(ii) Since the contour curves of both surfaces are easily obtained, we can test
interferences of the two sets of the contour curves, and this gives all the
. intersection curves of both curved surface. See Fig. 16.2.
If one wants to detect theoretically all the intersection loops including the
critical points, a kind of extremum search curves can be used. For intersection
curves of a patch r and parallel planes F with their normal nf, the extremum
search curves, which are given by
nf . Su = 0, and nf . Sv = 0, (16.17)
can be used to search for all the starting points for the loops of the intersection
curves and the singular points at each of which one of the loops becomes a point
or has a branch point. Similar extremum sea.rch curves can be considered for a
set of the intersection curves of a surface S and offset surfaces r+ of r with va.rious
offset values e, or for a set of intersection curves of the surface s and the translated
surfaces of r along a vector a. We call here the extremum search curves for the
intersection loops stated above the extended extremum search curves. When the
surface r is a plane, the extended extremum search curves become the ordinary
extremum search curves. Equations of the intersection curves of the above stated
surfaces are given by
s = r+ = r + I1T • e, or s = r + a . e, (16.18)
16.3 Points on Intersection of Two Curved Surfaces 281
~
=
'0
c-
0.00015
Converging
o
~
=
<l> 0.00010 Not converging
/
<l>
~
<l>
.D
<l>
=
U
j 0.00005
is'"
Number of iteration
(a)
Critically
not contacting
point pair
Converged
point pair
(b)
Figure 16.9 Convergence in a critical case: (a) distance and number of iterations, (b) routes
to a converged point and a critically not contacting point pair
282 16 Surface Intersections
n T
• s" = 0, nT • Sv = o. (16.19)
Each of the above equations represents the extended extremum search curves,
and their intersecting points give locations of the singular points.
Since the offset value e or the displacement value e is the parameter of these
extremum search curves, we can determine the values of e at the singular points
and the starting points of the intersection curves of sand r with the offset zero
and the displacement zero. The method provides all the intersection loops, but
tracing the curves given by eq. (16.19) is not easy, because the normal n T is a
function of the parameters wand t, which are also determined as functions of
u and v through eq. (16.18). We obtain simultaneous equations with respect to
the arc length for these parameters and the other parameter e for the offset or
the displacement. We have tried this method and get the expected result, but
compared wit.h the previous method this one does not seem practical, because
the computation load is too much.
Since the intersection curves are usually space curves, they have non-zero torsion,
accordingly when expanded they have terms higher than third degree of the arc
length. Derivation of higher-degree derivatives along the intersection curve from
the two intersecting surfaces of parametric expressions are complicated, but if
we apply the Runge-Kutta process (refer to the Appendix), we can estimate
the values of the higher-degree derivatives by the weighted average of values of
the first derivatives at a few sampled intervals. So we introduce the differential
equations for describing the intersection curves and use reliable and efficient
methods of numerical integration of the differential equations. The methods with
automatic adjustment of stepsize work well for our problems. Hence, we explain
these methods in this section. Surface expressions may both be of parametric
form or one of them may be parametric and the other may be of implicit form,
or both may be of implicit form . .
16.4 Intersection Curves Described by Differential Equations 283
(16.21)
Multiplying the normal nl of s(u,v) and n2 of r(w,t) with eq. (16.21), we have
two equations:
From the square of eq. (16.21) an arc element ds of the intersection curve is given
by
(16.24)
where E;, F i , G i , for i = 1,2 are the fundamental magnitudes of the first order of
the patches s(u,v) and r(w,t).
From equations (16.22), (16.23) and (16.24), we obtain simultaneous differ-
en~.ial equations for the intersection curve of two surfaces s( u, v) and r( w, t):
du dv
ds = -¢>l(U,V,w,t)/t, ds = ¢>l(U,V,w,t)gl (16.25)
dw dt
ds = -¢>2(U, v, w, t)h, ds = ¢>2(U, v, w, t)g2' (16.26)
where
of this int.egrat.ion can be kept within a given tolerance and the curve returns to
the int.ial point. t.o complete a loop.
If during marching on a.n intersection curve to be traced, normal vectors of
the two surface becomes almost parallel, the integration program halts giving
a warning of vanishing values of terms Ii and gi. This indicates the possible
existence of a. singular point. Then intersection curves around a. possible singular
point are searched using the second-order terms of eq. (16.20). The method is
described in the next section.
(16 .30)
dx
ds
dy
ds
dz
Since Ix , Iy and Iz are expressed by x , y and z, which are also functions of'11 and
v by eq. (16.29) , eq. (16.31) is the differential equation of an intersection curve
expressed in '11. and v. Hence it is solved in a similar way as equations (16.4) ,
(16.6) and (16.5).
16.4 Intersection Curves Described by Differential Equations 285
Intersection curve
dx dy dz
gx ds + gy ds + gz ds = O. (16.32)
"rom equations (16.30) and (16.32)' we determine a ratio (dx/ds : dy/ds : dz/ds)
uch as
dx
1jJ(x, y, z)(fygz - gyfz),
ds
dy
= 1jJ(x, y, z)(fzgx - gzfx), (16.33)
ds
dz
= 1jJ(x, y, z)(fxgy - gxfy),
ds
vhere 1jJ(x, y, z) is the common factor, which is obtained from the normalizing
:ondition,
(dx? + (d Y )2 + (dz?
ds ds ds
= 1jJ(x, y, Z)2{(fygz - gyfz? + (fzgx - gzfx)2 + (fxgy - gxfy?}
= 1. (16.34)
~qua.tions (16.33) together with eq. (16.34) are the differential equations of the
nt.ersection curve, which can be traced by the numerical methods.
8xample 1. Figure 16.4. Intersection of two free-form surfaces of degree 4 x 4.
::::ont.our curves are also shown.
8xample 2. Figure 16.10. A free-form surface and an ellipsoid with three axes
)f different. length.
Example 3. Figure 16.11. Two surfaces of implicit forms: an ellipsoid and a
lyperboloid.
286 16 Surface Intersections
( 16.35)
dn s = n - n S , dn T = n - nT, 6no = n T
- nS. (16.36)
So long as we can assume that each normal vector varies continuously, the loca-
tions of the desired normal direction are considered very nea.r to the last point of
the int.ersection curve. For a surface region with very small Gaussian curvature
this assumpt.ion does not always hold (refer to eq. (6.36), then in such a region
t.here is no critical point on intersection curves. We can proceed the integration
process with smaller tolerance. Except such a case we ha.ve the equations:
(16.37)
16.5 Intersection Near a Probable Singular Point 287
Since the last term of the above equation is small of second order, it can be
neglected.
Multiplying n T or n' with eq. (16.38) and considering orthogonality condi-
tions n S • dn' = n T . dn r = 0, we obtain
n T . n~du + n T . n~dv = E, }
(16.41)
n$ . n~dw + n S • n;dt = E '
(16.42)
where
Substituting the above relations into eq. (16.40), we obtain an equation for 15
where
From eq. (16.44) t.he distance 8 between two surfaces at the oommon normal
points, and t.hen from eq. (16.42), du, dv, dw, dt are determined. The last term of
eq. (16.45) must be neglected initially and if an iteration is needed for accuracy
enhancement the t.erm is added. Thus the common normal points s( u+du, v+dv)
and r{w+dw, t+dt) of the two surfaces are obt.ained. In the a.bove derivation, we
assume that the distance to a common normal is so small that the Weingarten's
formulas hold.
'When t.he common normal exist.s, the surface shapes around t.hese point.s are
expressed, using t.heir respective principal directions and the common normal as
their coordinat.e systems (x, y, z) and (~, T), 0, by
(16.49)
where
](1 = k1 cos 2 ¢ + k2 sin 2 ¢, }
](2 = k1 cos 2(¢ + 90) + k2 sin2(¢ + 90), (16.50)
h = (k2-k1)cos¢sin¢.
The const.ant.s ](1 and ](2 are the orthogonal normal curvat.ures of r( w, t) in the
principal directions of s(u, v) at the common normal points.
Equation (16.49), which represent.s the intersection curve of t.he two surfaces,
is a quadratic curve, whose discriminant D is given by
where ](g and ](m are the Gaussian curvat.ure and the mean curvat.ure at the
point., t.heir superscript.s discriminating the respective surfaces.
We can classify t.he shape of t.he curve according to equations (16.49) and
(16.51).
If D "# 0, it has a cent.er at the origin. Rotating the coordinate system
(x, y, z) around t.he z axis by an angle
(16.52)
16.5 Intersection Near a Probable Singular Point 289
(16.53)
where the coefficients ).1 and ).2 are roots of the characteristic equation for
eq. (16.49) (refer t.o Sect. 1.9):
Using equations (16.50) and the mean curvatures K:", K;", the above equation
is changed to
).2 _ 2(J<:r, - K:n). + D = O. (16.54)
The shape of t.he int.ersection curve is classified according to the root of the above
equation:
• 0> 0:
A similar analysis can be applied for the intersection curve of surfaces, one or
bot.h of which is (are) expressed by implicit formes).
Note t.hat in calculating eq. (16.44), quantities of the denominators and the
numerators aTe very small, and repeated calculations for approximation are
needed to reduce the truncation errors.
Example. Figure 16.12 shows int.ersection curve around a common normal vector
of t.wo surfaces, whose distance is 0 = 8 X 10- 7 . Figure 16.12(a) is global view of
the int.ersection curves, which are hyperbolic in t.he very near region ofthe center.
To observe t.he shapes of the two surfaces around the points of common normal,
the contour curves made by two cutting planes, whose normals are the same as
the common one, are shown in Fig. 16.12(b). The distance of the two cutting
planes is 0.0002, where the length of an edge of the patches is of order 1, and the
figure shows clearly the triple intersecting points of the three surfaces. We can
know t.hat the principal curvatures of two surfaces are almost equal, because the
shapes of t.he cont.our curves of the two surfaces are elliptical of similar size.
290 16 Surface Intersections
Intersection curve
(a) (b)
Figure 16.12 Shape of intersection curves near a critical point: (a) global view of intersection
curves, (b) contour curves around a common normal point and intersection curves
The intersection curves of an offset surface and equidistant planes are needed
when the center of a ball of a ball end-mill is controlled to move on them for
machining of the original surface.
Let s+(u,v) be an offset surface of a part surface s(u,v) to be machined by
a ball-end mill of radius r,
s+ (u, v) = s( u, v) + n( u, v) . r, (16.61)
where 11( U, v) is the unit normal vector of the part surface at u and v.
If the center of the ball-end mill moves on the offset surface, it cuts the part
surface. Let the unit normal vector of the plane, whose distance from the origin
is d, be 11f . Then from eq. (16.1), we have
(16.62)
After the starting point of the center is determined, the intersection curve can
be traced using equations (16.5) and(16.6), in which ¢11. and ¢v are given by
Offset surface
Figure 16 .13 Intersection of an offset curve and parallel planes. Locus of contact point of a
rolli ng ball is also sh own
/
Center of a rolling ball ........._--................ Offset surface
// "'.'"''
..,/ / ...: ~;- .......
,J"' ............- ..'
,/
Original surface
(a)
Original surface
Offset surface
(b)
Figure 16.14 (al Intersection curves of two offset surfaces, (b) intersecting point of three
offset surfaces
the different.ial equations of the locus of the center of a rolling ball contacting
the two surfaces; t.hey can be traced numericaUy by solving t.he above differential
equations.
Examples. Figure 16.14( a) shows the int.ersect.ion curves of the two offset surfaces
and (b) shows t.he intersecting p'oint of the three offset surfaces.
16.6 Intersection of Offset Surfaces 293
q = p+ lli' r. ( 16.67)
From the above equation and the ratios (du : dv) and (dx : dv : dz ), we can
determine (du/ds+) , (dv/ds+), (dx/ds+), (dy/ds+)and (dz/ds+) as functions of
u, v, x , y and z. We can trace the intersection curve by solving these simultaneous
differential equations.
Figure 16.15 shows an example of the intersection of offset. surfaces: one is a
pa.r ametric and t.he other is an implicit expression.
294 16 Surface Intersections
°
A similar method can be applied for tracing the intersection curve of two implicit
surfaces 51: f(x,y, z ) = and 52 :g(u,v,w) = 0, in which symbols u, v and w
are used instead of x, y and z for discriminating purpose only. A point q on an
intersection curve of the offset surfaces is given by
(16.74)
°
where Pi and ni ,( i = 1,2) are a point and its unit normal vector on the original
surface 51 or 52' Considering ni·dpi = and ni ·dni = 0, we obtain the relations:
n2dp1 + n2dn1 . r = 0, df = 0, }
n1dp2 + n1dn2 . r = 0, dg = °. (16.75)
From the above equations, we obtain the ratios (dx : dy : dz) and (du : dv : dw).
The line element of the intersection curve is given from eq. (16.74) by
From the above equations, six simultaneous differential equations of the first
order with six dependent variables, whose left-hand sides are (dx/ds+), (dy/ds+'),
16.6 Intersection of Offset Surfaces 295
Envelope surface
17.1 Introduction
Various theories and methods explained in the previous chapters were originally
developed to meet the practical requirements of Japanese industries. In this
chapter their application examples are described: one is style design and stamp-
ing die design and manufacture in the integrated CAD/CAM system of a large
motor car company. The other is also style design, of small audio devices in a
large electronic appliance company.
In these systems", computer-internal models or descriptions of the design ob-
jects were needed in place of engineering drawings. Accordingly, we first confirm
the conventional roles of engineering drawings in design and manufacturing and
then explain the reasons for replacing engineering drawings by the internal mod-
els. Next an example of this replacement is given from the motor car industry.
Since readers of this book may not be experts on the cat industry, we explain con-
cisely the conventional processes of style design of a car body and manufacture
of its stamping dies and then we show how the internal models are constructed,
manipulated and used in a new system with the underlying philosophy of the
conversion from the conventional system.
The other example is the design and manufacture of free-form injection-mold
products for in-the-ear headphones in audio devices. In this case the shape of
the products is a very important factor to attract customers together with their
performance. In both cases their engineering drawings are not enough to convey
information for manufacturing and to perform prior evaluat.ion of the products.
Comparing the scale and complexity of the products, the design and manufacture
of motor cars include far more difficult factors than those of electric appliances,
but the latter must be also excellent in design and cost, because the performance
of the product is almost the same as that of similar competitive products on the
market. Anyway there are common factors in design methods in both industries.
In this chapter we treat mainly the case of motor-car style design and stamp-
ing die manufacture and then touch on the case of the electric appliance. As the
scale of the latter is small, it may be easy for understanding.
for the aims, and then develop it to specify every detail of the object, to de-
termine components and materials to be used. And at the same time they are
required to optimize the conflicting conditions for performance, reliability, cost
and marketability within the given constraints of time, manpower and money.
Manufacturing activities include preparing materials and components, decid-
ing machines and their operations for production of the objects and assembling
the components which are specified by the design process. They include gen-
erating control information for manufacturing and performing the instructions
thus produced and finally inspecting whether the manufactured objects satisfy
the specifications defined in the early stages. Of course these activities are under
the constraints of cost and production time.
In design and manufacturing before the advent of computers in these fields,
information generation and storage and tra.nsfer were mainly performed through
engineering drawings. Since their roles were and still are very important, fre-
quently the design activity was considered equivalent to the making of engineer-
ing drawings.
Design engineers represent their design intention and designed objects mainly
by engineering drawings, in which materials to be used, shapes of designed ob-
jects, and various information on meeting the specifications given to the designed
products are described. Through the process of making engineering drawings,
designers put their various ideas in order and select the best ones to optimize the
conflicting conditions. Completed engineering drawings are media to be com-
municated correctly to other people and they must carry basic information for
manufacturing and inspection. There are various types of engineering drawings
according to their uses and they are gua.ranteed to have no errors and no contra-
diction. Through them, other people not only understand the designed objects,
but also they can manufacture the real objects the drawings specify.
These engineering drawings are produced by persons who understand the
objects to be manufactured and have their images in their minds and know the
rules for how to express the objects. Persons who can read them not only know
the rules of the drawings but have the ability to construct in their minds the
images of the objects the drawings represent.
Even today the computer cannot understand engineering drawings or pro-
duce them automatically in the way that expert designers can. However, if
the computer can produce, according to our instructions, information which the
engineering drawings contain and can process its meanings, that information
is equivalent to our explicit knowledge obtained from the engineering drawings.
Without formation of this type of information, the computer is merely a machine
for simple data processing in design activities.
The source of this explicit information which the engineering drawings hold
is the geometric models or product models which are produced in the computer
by relevant commands given by designers who can interact with the models and
extract necessary information from the models. If such internal models can be
17.3 Examples of Integration 299
constructed, the computer has the possibility to support all the design activities
and control t.he manufacturing processes without human intervention for data.
transfer and conversion.
In the construction of this kind of model, to fully exert the designers' skill
and t.alent, t.heir way of thinking and practices must not be greatly altered so long
as more convenient and helpful alternatives cannot be offered to them. Usually
this is the most difficult requirement for a computer system designed to accept
experts' methods directly.
For advanced CAD/CAM systems which expert designers can use willingly,
the human interface with the systems is very important. The interface means
not only the physical interface, but also the mental interface between the de-
signers' ment.al model of the objects to be designed and the comput.er's int.ernal
information model of the object to be constructed. In design and manufactur-
ing activities, a great part of this internal information model is related to the
geometric model of the object to be designed and manufactured.
One of the main objectives of this book is to present theories and methods
of free-form surfaces which are easily and intuitively understandable to practical
engineers, some of whom are users of the systems or their developers. Another
objective is to show that an excellent user interface is an essential component of
a successful advanced CAD/CAM system.
- Style design
Style designers produce full-scale clay models based on their conceptual
sketches. After these models are authorized by the Board of Directors, the
models are measured to obtain 3D digitized data, which are used for produc-
tion of full-sized external drawings. They are used as the basis of the external
300 17 Applications of the Theories in Industry
II~~I
Clay Model+
I~ I
Ex ternal D rawing •
IltMtHll·ffi I
12)80 dy
oeSlgn
5""c'"'. ' l I
M.ilS ler Dr awing
IIJrum-~ I
Pro duc,ion Drawing "
I ~m~
(3) 5 l.;Impl" !IOle
OeslQfl ~ L
Ole Dlawi ng
_ 1.lml
I ~ S)
§3 I
14) M .ster Model l
S tan lping Oie Design
l 't
1~
MaSler Model Checker M orjel
1 ~
-"!d -
1- I
S tamping Die
~ Fixture
J
I ~ I 1 ~\~!Cll
I
Figure 17.1 Conventional design and manufacturing processes of car body and its stamping
die (courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.)
17.3 Examples of Integration 301
shape of the cars. Drawings for interior components are produced in the same
manner.
- Body structural design
Based on the full-sized external drawings and the base plan of the structure,
the structural design of the car is investigated. A full-sized master drawing is
made, based on which product drawings of each part of the body are produced.
They contain all the information needed for their manufacture.
- Stamping die design
Based on the drawings produced in the previous processes, the face shape of
the stamping die as well as the structure of the die are designed. The die-face
design includes special shapes called blank-holder surfaces, step draws and
draw beads. They perform important roles during the stamping action of the
pressing machine to deform a steel sheet, which is set in the cavity of the die,
into the designed shape without surface distortion or fracture of the sheet.
- Master model arid stamping die manufacture
The master model which becomes the standard for the following manufactur-
ing processes is produced based on the previously defined shapes expressed
by the drawings. The stamping dies are produced and checked against the
master model. Their manufacture requires special skills and manpower, and
correction of the die-face shape is frequently needed following a try-out with
the manufactured die. This takes very much time and effort.
- Checkers and jig manufacture
Copies of the master model are made for the sub-contractors of making welding
fixture jigs and checkers.
I Planning l
----- ------ --------------------t-- -------- ----- ------- -------- - -,,,
~-~- ,
:l§j I Styling design f.---.
L. ____ _
Proto-type
! Structural
manufacturing ~
Body structural design ~
r-----
, -,, ,, analysis
,, !
, :I Stamping die design ~
l_~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~ ~~ --,,
,
Stamping die IStamping die machining I
!
I Stamping die finishing I
manufacturing
,
L. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ __ 1
easily understood by others , and features of the shape which the designers want
are built into the clay models by collaboration of the designers and the mod-
elers, their checking a.nd evaluation are appa.rently easy. Accordingly, from the
standpoint of the style designers, use of the internal model must be as easy as
that of the engineering drawings and the clay models in their construction and
evaluation. And all the complexity of the expression and handling of the internal
models should be hidden and transparent to them.
In the new system shown in Fig.17.2 the most remarkable characteristic is the
use of t.he internal models, which become the databases, and interactive graphic
terminals, bot.h of which replace the engineering drawings and the clay models.
In style design , the designer's conceptual shapes depicted on drawing sheets are
supplied to the system as input data, which are manipulat.ed interactively by the
designers to const.ruct t.he internal model of the car body shape instead of making
a clay model. On the other hand a cla.y model is produced by the machine using
the internal model data and is used to evaluate the overall style design produced
from the internal model. The body structure design subsystem uses the shape
data for its design base and the designers create structures and product drawings
with interadive display terminals using the body structure data base. Large scale
FEM calculations are performed in a dedicated system to which input data are
supplied from this subsystem.
In the stamping die design subsystem, the necessary information is supplied
from the above stated subsystems and from its own database, and the die-face de-
sign is carried out by the designer at an interadive terminal observing simulated
17.4 Style Design System 303
stamping processes. In the master model and the stamping die manufacture sub-
system, the va.rious real master models are replaced by the internal model, from
which required shape information can be accessed freely to control machines
producing stamping dies and checking their accuracy. Also from the internal
model, various real master models and fixtures are manufactured for supply to
the sub-cont.ractor part makers where conventional manufacturing methods are
still used.
The important breakthrough of the system is the successful construction
and use of style design and die-face design subsystems. Of course, the body
structural design subsystem is the largest and central one, but this is the powerful
extension of a CAD system for ma.king engineering drawings. So, we explain in
the following sections the style design and die-face design subsystems which a.re
more characteristic of the advanced CAD/CAM systems.
(a) shows input data of character lines of the orthogonal side views. These
charader lines are converted to 3D curves in the system.
(b) shows a cross-section shape which a designer want to make,
(c) shows construction of a side window using the data of the cross-section.
(d) shows the base surfaces of the cabin constructed from the above data.
(e) shows the trimmed base surfaces. With the base surfaces the object is ex-
pressed roughly. Then the boundary regions of the base surface are modified
by the approach surfaces and the abrupt change of curvature is rounded by
the fillet surfaces.
(f) and (g) show the construction of approach surfaces and fillet surfaces and
their trimming.
(h) shows the final state of the designed surface.
As shown above, the base, approach and fillet surfaces are hierarchical classes of
surfaces.
In the procedures for defining surfaces, which is the item (3), the types of
the surfaces which have the specified highlight features are selected besides their
classes. Wit.h this systematization, designers can express their intentions clearly
and can converge quickly to their intended styles with the highlight features.
In items (2), (4) and (5), by the functions for evaluation of curves and sur-
faces, designers can evaluate the quality of their designed curves and surfaces
objectively and with the functions for shape control of the system they can mod-
ify the shapes without violating their intended features.
In item (7), finally, the model is approved by the Board of Directors of the
company. Then the information on the model is transferred and used in the
various departments of design and manufacturing as the shape database . This
is the outline of the computer-aided style design.
The style designers and modelers of motor cars use orthogonal projection draw-
ings to make a solid model of a car with clay, in which the main character lines
and vertical sectional curves of the car body are depicted. They make these
drawings from their various ideaS and rough sketches of the car they want to
306 17 Applications of the Theories in Industry
( I 1
(a) (b)
(d)
(f)
(g) (h)
Figure 17.3 Example of body surface design by CAD: (a) input of character lines, (b) input
of section curves, (c) design ofside window part, (d) base surfaces of a cabin, (e) after trimming
of base surfaces, (f) design of approach and fillet surfaces, (g) after their trimming, (h) final
state of design (courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.)
17.4 Style Design System 307
design. These are not precise drawings in a strict sense, but they contain the
main features of the designers' images of the car. If these curves are to be in-
put to the computer for style design, the characters of the curves have to be
transferred and if any geometric contradictions exist in the drawings, they have
to be removed. So far, to input a curve to the computer, the curve is traced
as a point sequence by a person using a cursor and a digitizing tablet. From
these data, a curve-fitting method of least squares is applied to obtain a smooth
curve, but with this approach a desired result which conveys the character of the
original curve is not always obtained. To improve the situation, a new method
was developed.
Since designers create curve segments whose curvature profile varies mono-
tonically by using appropriate curved rulers, besides least-square fitting, infor-
mation on the curved rulers used by a designer at certain stages of drawing can
be transferred to the computer. These curved rulers have been systematically
prepared or sometimes newly created by designers according to their needs. The
ruler information consists of its identifier, its used side, and its location on the
drawing sheet. From this information, the mathematical expression of a single
curve segment can be determined in the computer, and from the geometrical
properties of the pair of projected curves, the corresponding space curve is ob-
tained by a calculation which was explained in Sect. 5.5. Curve segments are con-
nected to make their curvature distribution as smooth as possible; see Sect. 10.5.
Methods of modifying input curves, without violating the original characters of
the curve, are provided. They consist of the following functions:
(a.) Shape unmodified: translation, rotation, sliding, extension.
(b) Shape modified: change of tangent angles, change of tangent magnitudes.
(c) Shape transformed: one end-point moving with the tangent free, one end-
point moving with the tangent constrained, transforming in offset direction.
The basic data are manipulated, evaluated and modified by the designers
using interactive graphic displays to construct a wire-frame model of the car.
<II
a.
~
OJ)
e
OJ)
.....
<II
a.
~
N ,
\Q
<II
a.
~
,
Figure 17.4 Types of surfaces and their highlight patterns and their generating methods
(courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.)
The next important function in a style CAD system is evaluation of the quality
of the constructed curves and surfaces. In the manual process, the curve quality
is checked by style designers observing from various directions the shape of the
17.4 Style Design System 309
curve drawn in a la.rge scale on a sheet. The style designers' keen observing
eyes ca.n point. out. regions of a curve as good, uneven, ext.ending, bulged and so
on. To int.erpret. t.heir words , logarithmic values of radii of curvature along the
inspected curve were plotted and the regions where the designers pointed were
found to correspond to non-smoothly varying regions of the plotted curve. This
plot. is now called the test of profile or distribution of the radius of curvature.
The surface quality is checked in the manual process by the designers ob-
serving a real surface of the clay model, but with the comput.er met.hod , a CRT
surfa.ce is too small and has inadequate shape and its display quality is not. good
enough to evaluate the quality of designed lines and surfaces in space.
310 17 Applications of the Theories in Industry
Figure 17.5 Profile ,o f radius of curvature of section curves and highlight pattern of a surface
(courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.)
profiles of curves on the surface or section curves of the surface. Irregularity of the
profiles indicates the existence of unfavorable regions on the surfa.ce. The radius
of curvat.ure distribution check can be performed in less time than the highlight
check, so it is used frequently during the design stage. This test for a curve is
rather severe and it corresponds well to the inspection test by the observing eyes
of proficient designers. However, the curvature profile check is not sufficient for
the surface quality evaluation. Figure 17.5 shows both the curvature profile and
the highlight distribut.ion. The curvature profile along the longitudinal sections
aTe deemed good, but the highlight pattern has wavy disturbances. The surface
construction must be modified. Figure 17.6 shows highlight lines of a model on
a display and Fig. 17.7 is a clay model made from the same data as in Fig. 17.6
and shows the real highlight test. Figure 17.8 is a drawing of a. complet.ed body
generated from an int.ernal model. Figure 17.9 is a photograph of the real car
developed from the int.ernal model.
Figure 17.6 CRT display of highlight pattern of a car (courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.)
Figure 17.7 Highlight test of a clay model (courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.)
Figure 17.8 Line drawing from an internal model( courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.)
Figure 17.9 Photog,aph of the real car of Fig. 17.8 (courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.)
need to evaluate them, though the evaluation criteria are quite different and
the sources of input base data are different.. From the body style and structure
databases, the shape information of the final product is obtained which defines
the shape of the central region of the die. Around the central region, the die-face
has to be determined to guarantee to deform the steel sheet, which is set in the
cavity ohhe die, into the predefined shape by the stamping. Refer to Fig. 17.12.
The design procedures are:
(1) The optimum direction of pressing is decided.
(2} The surrounding shape consisting of step-draw parts to prevent fracture of
the sheet is designed.
(3) The clamping surface part to prevent wrinkles of the sheet during stamping
action is designed.
(4) These surfaces are evaluated by calculating the indices which relate to local
deformation of the sheet during the stamping action. If the criterion is not
satisfied, then return to (2).
(5) Draw beads are designed and the shape of the material sheet is determined.
The indices calculation in item (4) consist of that of geometric displacement
during the stamping punch movement, which is precisely obtained, and that of
material deformation, which is performed by using FEM on the approximated
shape. Figure 17 .13( a) shows the ini tial blank steel sheet sha.pe held by the holder
around the peripheral region, and (b) shows diagram of variation of drawing
depth during the press punching from the initial clamped position of the steel
sheet. The shape of the die-face affects this distribution, from which values of the
indices to estimate formability are obtained. Just like the style CAD subsystem,
the die-face CAD subsystem has the following capabilities:
- Smooth reception of data from the other subsystem to construct an internal
model for designing the die-face.
17.4 Style Design System 315
Figure 17.10 Shading display for evaluation of color paint on a car, (courtesy of Toyota
Motor Corp.)
...
Sheet meta l after forming
Forming
.....
..J
~f~ >
Body data ¢(~)c:::) 'S
base
"",,'
~
0'
::.
00
2,
...
ff
o-j
=-
"Q
(5'
00
5'
....
::.
0-
"~
.:<
Drawing
Blank shape
on die face
Blank holder surface
The control points qij are used for modifying the shape of a patch wit.hout affect-
ing its boundary conditions of C(1) connection. The control point.s pi) and pi)
are used for modifying the cross-boundary ta,ngents in u and v directions inde-
pendently. The a,bove expression is a modification of that explained in Sect. 14.4.
Tool path calculation for a ball-end mill is performed by intersection of the
offset surface of the original patches with t.he t.ool driving planes. Calculation for
collision detection and avoidance, compensation for heat shrinkage of the material
used, and allowance for the electrode gap in an electro-discha.rge ma,chine must
all be performed. And since separately produced molded parts of a, product must
be glued on their parting surfaces to become a complete product, det.erminat.ion
of the part.ing curves and parting surfaces becomes indispensable. The parting
curve on the surface is a space curve which has the same geometric characterist.ic
as a silhouette curve from a viewpoint at infinity.
The design and manufacturing process are shown in Fig. 17.14(a)-(f) for an
in-the-ear headphone with a large resonant. tube and a nice fit to an ear: (a)
shows the designer's final idea sketches with rendering, (b) is t.he defined free-
form shape, (c) is it.s shading display for evaluation, (d) is a photograph of
the produced model at five times actual size, (e) shows the electrodes of the
discharge machine, and (f) is a shading display for a case for the device, which
is also aesthetically designed.
Since this example is on a small scale, all the information is generated, stored
and t.ransferred without converting to engineering drawings. Evaluation of de-
signed objects is performed on CRT in a sha,ding display.
17.5 CAD/CAM of Free-Form Injection-Mold Products 319
(a)
(b)
Figure 17.14 Design and manufacturing of in-the-ear head-phone: (a) final idea sketch, (b)
model output, (c) shading display, (d) machined mod el for evaluation, (e) produced electrodes,
(f) display for its case design (courtesy 'of Sony Corp.)
320 17 Applications of the Theories in Industry
(c)
(d)
Figure 17.14(contillued)
17.5 CAD ICAM of Free-Form Injection-Mold Products 321
(e)
(f)
A.I Introduction
In this book, we have used the numerical methods of solving differential equations
for tracing curves on surfaces which show their special features or intersection
with other surfaces. Though some of these surfaces are represented by implicit
equations, we convert them into the corresponding differential equations to trace
the curves, because-it is easier to trace a curve with step-by-step solution of its
differential equation than to calculate a great many of the coordinate values of
discrete points on the curve by solving its nonlinea.r equations. Since usually these
curves are determined uniquely by given geometric conditions, their tracing by
the differential equations does not become unstable, so long as truncation errors
do not accumulate. In rare cases at singular points on the curves the validity
of the differential equations fails. In such cases, we have to take the omitted
higher-order terms of the differential equation into consideration.
There are several differential equation solvers available for our problems.
Among them, those methods equipped with adaptive stepsize control show good
results. This enables us not only to avoid the problem of determining the inte-
gration stepsizes, but also provides the optimum ones for tracing the curves. We
explain the methods we have used in order to give an understanding of their prin-
ciples and uses. We do not intend to introduce their detailed theoretical aspects,
which, if needed, should be consulted in those references treating numerical meth-
ods of computation [14][15][16]. Since the equations for the intersection curves
have been given, we can check the accuracy of the results obtained from the
integration process at any stage of the curve tracing. But we can keep expected
errors of the integration process within the given tolerance, hence we need not
perform extra checks of accuracy in the real space using the original equations.
The tracing curve passes through the points on the intersection curve, which are
obtained at the initial stage, and the loop is closed.
By our experience on problems treated in Chap. 7 and Chap. 16, the fourth-
order Runge-Kutta method with adaptive stepsize control is most reliable though
its speed is low. It is faster than the Runge-Kutta,-Fehlberg method, which uses
terms up to the fifth order, but the Bulirsch-Stoer method is good and relatively
fast. Predictor-corrector methods are fast, but frequently they fail in critical
regions. If such a method is equipped with a mechanism of variable stepsize
control, then together with the Runge-Kutta method it gives good results and
is the fastest, but not always reliable. The Bulirsch-Stoer method with rational
324 Appendix Numerical Methods of Differential Equation Solving
with an initial condit.ion of the value Yi at the start t = ti, our objective is to
deduce the value Yn at t = ti + H as a good estimate of y(ti + H) with a given
tolerance.
kl = hf(t;, Yi) }
k2 = hf(t; + h/2, Y; + kd2)
(A.2)
k3 = hf(t; + h/2, Y; + k2/2)
k4 = hf(t; + h, Yi + k3)'
Then t.he value Yi+l is given by
(A.3)
Four evaluat.ions of the right-hand side of the differential equation (A.I) are
required per step and the error term is O(h5). This formula gives good results
for most different.ial equations if a proper stepsize is chosen. Since it is difficult
t.o give a proper st.epsize in advance, we are liable to take a smaller stepsize.
This brings long computation time, but still the fixed stepsize does not always
guarantee precise results in critical cases. Accordingly, adapt.ive stepsize methods
are preferable.
hold for the correct value y( t + 2h), where 4> is considered a constant independent
of the stepsize adopted so long as h is small. From the above t.wo, we know that
t.he difference I::::. = Yb - Ya of the two results is proportional to hS :
(A.5)
We use t.his relat.ion for adjusting the stepsize of the Runge-Kutta integration.
Let 1::::.0 denot.e the desired accuracy wit.h the st.epsize ho and 1::::.1 be a value
obt.ained wit.h a stepsize hI for the same equation. There is a relation which is
obtained from eq.(A.5):
(A.6)
This can be used to adjust hI for the next try of the integration: if 1::::.1 is larger
than 1::::.0 in magnitude in the first try, the value of the right-hand side indicates
how much the stepsrze should be decreased in the second try of the same interval,
and if it is smaller than 1::::. 0, the right-hand side value shows the degree of increase
of the stepsize in the next section.
The magnitude of 1::::.0 for the desired accuracy depends of course on the
problems we treat and the maximum magnitude of Y and h. Therefore, for
safety, wit.h introduction of a safety factor S(;::;; 0.95), eq.{A.6} is changed to a
slightly different crit.erion:
In the examples used in this book, value of 1::::.0 was taken as 10-6 rv 10-8
or E = 1::::. 0/ h = 10- 4 rv 10- 6 , and 1::::.1 was the maximum one chosen among the
differences I::::. for several dependent variables.
kl = hf(t" y,), .
326 Appendix Numerical Methods of Differential Equation Solving
(A.7)
(A.8)
Yi+1 = Yi + (h/24){9f(ti+ll Yi+1) + 19f(ti, Yi) - 5f(ti-ll Yi-1) + f(t i-2, Yi-2)}
(A.11)
is used for a more precise Yi+1' This method is fast compared to the Runge-
Kutta method and the accuracy is the same. Accordingly if it is reasonably
certain that the differential equation is well-behaved, this is one of the most
desirable methods. But when a curve to be traced has regions of great variation
of curvature and torsion, the tracing often fails.
Accordingly, if the method with adaptive stepsize control is introduced, the
situation is greatly improved, but since the predictor-corrector method always
A.4 Bulirsch-Stoer Method 327
requires four starting points, the change of stepsize must be kept 'minimal. As a
consequence, we use it only when the estimated truncation error
where cx) are coefficients independent of the stepsize h. Let WI, W2, W3' •• be
values of the int.egration at t = t + H obtained by the modified midpoint met.hod
with t.he st.epsizes hI, h2' h3 ••• (hI> h2 > h3 •• .). We consider these values
wI , W2, W3 ••• to be a function of the square of the stepsize: let this function pass
through the points (hi, wd, (h~, W2), (h~, W3) • ". The estimate of y(ti + H) is
considered as the ext.rapolated value of this function at stepsize zero.
This is the principle of extrapolation methods of differential equation solvers.
The Bulirsch-Stoer met.hod adopts a rational extrapolation, for it gives usually
better results than a polynomial extrapolation does .
328 Appendix Numerical Methods of Differential Equation Solving
Next. we explain the procedures of the method. We use the st.epsizes of decreasing
order in a section between t and t + H. The section is divided into eleven sets
of subsections whose numbers are (2,4,6,8,12,16,24,32,48,64,96), each one of
which is indicat.ed by the index k.
1. For each st.epsize hi, we calculate the integration value Wi and produce a
current extrapolated estimate y at h = 0 using the current and previously
obtained values Wi'S.
2. If the difference between the current estimate and the last obtained estimate
becomes negligible, further decrease of t.he substeps is unnecessary. When
t.he est.imates do not converge even at the eleventh st.epsize, the length H of
this sect.ion is made a quarter and we st.art again from the beginning.
3. When the estimat.e converges at an int.ermediate step, the length of the next
section should be adjust.ed to keep t.he index value for subsections nearly
constant. Let. t.he desirable index of subsections be kd and that of the current
stepsize be kc' If kc = kd - 1, the next section length is extended by 1.2
t.imes and if kc = kp, it is shortened by 0.95 times.
4. Otherwise it is given by the formula H x (number of subsections of the index
kd -l)/(number of current subsections). The index kd = 7 is said to be good.
In' t.he Bulirsch-Stoer method, the modified midpoint method is used for the
integration procedure, because its error of integration is expressed by a function
of the square of the stepsize h and the calculation is simple. The integration
procedure between t and t + H is given by:
h
= H/n, )
~;t~ hf(t, zo),
Zo
Zl = (A.15)
Zi+l = Z.-l + 2hf(t + ih, z.) for i = 1 ... n - 1,
y(t + H) ;::::: Yn = (1/2){zn + Zn-l + hf(t + H, zn)}·
(A.16)
AA Bulirsch-Stoer Method 329
entries of the tables are filled step by step when a new value Yi for Xi is added
in the entries (i, 0) of both tables.
The above tables are constructed a.n d the intermediate estimates are determined
in the following way.
330 Appendix Numerical Methods of Differential Equation Solving
Table A.1
YI = PI CI,I C I ,2 C I ,3 CI,4
Y2 = P2 C 2,1 C2,2 C2,3
Y3 = P3 C 3,1 C3,2 (A .19)
Y4 = P4 C4,l
Ys = Ps
Table A.2
1. Let PI (= yd already have been obtained. Then P2( = Y2) is added. DI,I and
Cl,l are calculated and stored, but Cl,l is not used. They are given from
equations (A.17) and (A.18) by
(A.22)
(A.23)
An est.imated value at level t.hree is P123 = P23 +D I ,2. Since P23 = P3+D2,1,
we have
(A.24)
AA Bulirsch-Stoer Method 331
(A.25)
(A.26)
The last term of t.he estimate of level n is considered the last correction
value for its final estimate. If D1,n-l is smaller t.han a. given tolerance, the
est.imate value of y is given by P12 . .. n.
The Bulirsch-St.oer algorit.hm uses a rational function for t.he interpolation in-
stead of the polynomial one .
. Let Ri(i+ll ..(i+m), which is t.he rational function equivalent of Pi(i+l)".(i+m), be
the value obt.ained by extrapolation at x = O. We want to find it by constructing
two triangular tables similar to Tables A.I and Tables A.2 of the polynomial case.
Let us define the differences of adja.cent rational functions similarly to eq.(A.17):
(A.29)
Then we can const.ruct tables similar to Tables A.I and A.2 each time a new pair
(Xi, y;) is obt.ained. Similarly to eq.{A.27), the estimate R 12 .. .n of the level n is
given by
R 12 ".n = Rn + Dn-1 ,1 + D n- 2 ,2 + .,. + D1,n-l ' (A.30)
332 Appendix Numerical Methods of Differential Equation Solving
(a)
Boundary of
3 x 3 patch
Control point
(b)
Figure A.1 Contour curves at very small heights obtained by Runge-Kutta method with
quality control: (a) contour curves, (b) locations of control points of connected patches
334 Appendix Numerical Methods of Differential Equation Solving
Extremum sea.rch
Figure A.2 Global shape with contour curves and extremum search curves
One calculating
- IPS Japan: the Information Processing Societ.y of Ja.pan. Its publications are:
- J. IPS Japan: ' Journal of the Informat.ion Processing Society of Japan
(in Japanese).
- Trans. IPS Japan: Transactions of the Information Processing Society of
Ja.pan (in Japanese).
- J. InL Process.: Journal of Informat.ion Processing (in English)
- Informat.ion Processing in Japan. Annual publication before 1978 (in English).
- Proc. -th Annual Convention IPS Japan (in Japanese).
- IPSJ SIG report.s (in Japanese).
- Proc. IPSJ SIG Symposium (in Japanese).
Preface
[1] Farin, G.: Curves and surfaces for computer aided geometric design: a
practical guide. 2nd ed. San Diego CA: Academic Press 1990
[2] Hoffmann, C.M.: Geometric and solid modeling. San Mateo CA: Morgan
Kaufmann 1989
[3] Hosaka, M.: MARS-l. Seat Reservation System of Japanese National
Railways. In: History Committee of IPS Japan (ed.): *History of Early
Japanese Computers. Tokyo: Ohmsha 1985, pp. 155-172
[4] Hosaka, M.: *Digit.al differential analyzer. Hit.achi Hyoron (J. of R&D of
Hitachi Ltd.) 45(10): 61-65, 1963
Hosaka, M.: *Generation of figures by DDA. J.ICSJ 3(7): 422- 452, 1965
Hosaka., M.: *On generation, storage and processing of graphics. J .IPS
338 Bi bliogr aphy
[12] Hosaka, M.: *Computer Graphics: Tokyo: Sangyo-Tosho Jan. 1974, Many
references for Hosaka's research work during 1963-1972 are included
[13] Hosaka, M., Kimura, F.: An interactive geometric design system with
handwriting input. In: Gilchrist , B.(ed.): Proc.IFIP Congress '77: Ams-
terdam: North-Holland 1977, pp. 167-172
[14] Kimura, F.: Geomap-III: Desining solids with free-from surfaces. IEEE
Computer Graphics and Applications 4: 58-72, 1984
[15] Hosaka, M., Kuroda, M.: *Generation of curves and surfaces in CAD, J. IPS
Japan 17(12): 1120-1127, 1976. English abstra.ct, Information Processing
in Japan (17): 75- 79, 1976
[16] Hosaka, M., Kimura, F.: Synthesis method of curves and surfaces in
interactive CAD. In: Proc. Intn'l conference on interactive technology (IEEE
78 CH 289-8C) 1978, pp. 151- 156
[17] Hosaka, M., Kimura, F.: A mathematical theory and design methodolgy for
free-form shapes. J. IPS Japan 13(3): 1-12, 1980
[18] Ohara, M.: CAD/CAM at Toyota Motor Corporation. In: Kitagawa, T.
(ed): JARECT, Computer science and technologies 18, Tokyo: Ohmsha and
North-Holland 1988, pp.191-210
[19] Hosaka, M., Kimura, F.: Interactive input methods for free-form shape
design. In: Sata, T ., Warman, E. (eds.): Proe. IFIP working confer-
ence on man-machine communication, Amsterdam: North-Holland 1981,
pp.103-115
[20] Hosaka, M.: *Theory of shape connection. In: Proe. symp. Graphics and
CAD '84 IPS Japan 1984, pp.51- 62
Hosaka, M.: *Intersction and connection of surfaces 1. In: Proc. symp.
Graphics and CAD '87 IPS Japan 1987, pp.57-66
Hosaka, M.: *Intersection and connection of surfaces 2. In: Proc. symp.
Graphics and CAD '88 IPS Japan 1988, pp. 121-132
Chapters 1-4
[1] Hosaka, M., Kimura, F.: A unified method of processing polyhedra. In:
Rosenfeld, J.R. (ed.): Information Processing'7 4 Proc. IFIP Congress'7 4,
Amsterdam: North-Holland 1974, pp.768-772
[2] Hosaka, M., Kimura, F.: An interactive geometric design system with hand-
writing input. In: Gilchrist, B. (ed.): Information Processing '77 Proe. IFIP
Congress '77, Amsterdam: North-Holland 1977, pp.167-172
[3] Levin, J.: A parametric algorithm for drawing pictures of solid objects of
quadric surfaces. Comm. ACM (10): 555-563, 1976
[4] Levin, J.: Mathematical models for detecting the intersection of quadric
surfaces. Computer Graphics and Image Processing 11: 73-87, 1979
[5] Sarraga, R.F.: Algebraic methods for intersections of quadric surfaces in
GMSOLID. Computer Vision, Graphics and Image Processing 22: 222-328,
1983
340 Bi bliograpllY
Chapters 5-8
[1] Coxeter, H.S.M.: Introduction to geometry. 2nd edition, John Wiley 1969
[2] Hosaka, M.: *Theory of curve and surface synthesis and their smooth fitting.
J. IPS Japan 10(3): 121-131, 1969 (English abstract, Information Processing
in Japan 9: 60-68,1969)
[3] Enomoto, H. et al.: *Computer experiment on global properties of structure
lines of images using graphic display and its consideration). J. IPS Japan
17(7): 641-649, 1976
[4] Kajiya, J.T.: Ray tracing parametric patches. Computer Graphics
(Proc. Siggraph '82) 16(3): 224-2.54, 1984
[.5] Sederberg, T.W., Anderson, D.C., Goldman, R.N.: Implicit representation
of pa.r ametric curves and surfaces. Computer Vision, Graphics and Image
Processing 28: 72-84, 1984
[6] Goldman, R.N., Sederberg, T.W., Anderson, D.C.: Vector elimination:
a. technique for implicitization, inversion and intersection of plana.r
parametric rational polynomial curves. Computer Aided Geometric Design
1(4): 327-3.56, 1984
[7] Sederberg, T.W.: Planar piecewise algebraic curves. Computer Aided
Geometric Design 1(3): 241-2.55, 1984
[8] Poeschle, R.: Detecting surface irregularities using isophotes. Computer
Aided Geometric Design 1(2): 163-168, 1984
[9] Tiller, W., Hanson, E.G.: Offsets of two-dimensional profiles. IEEE
Computer Graphics and Applications 9: 36-46, 1984
[10] Satterfield, S.D., Rogers, D.F.: A procedure for generating contour lines
from a B spline surface. IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications
4: 71-75, 1985
[11] Fa.rouki, R., Rajan, V.: Exact offset procedures for simple solids. Computer
Aided Geometric Design 2(4): 257-294, 1985
[12] Beck, J.M., Farouki, R.T., Hind, J.K.: Surface analysis methods. IEEE
Computer Graphics and Applications 6(12): 18-36, 1986
[13] Klok, F.: Two moving coordinate frames for sweeping along 3D trajectory.
Computer Aided Geometric Design 3(3): 217-229, 1986
[14] Farouki, R.: The approximation of non-degenerate offset surface. Computer
Aided Geometric Design 2(1): 15-44, 1986
[1.5] Rossignac, J.R. , Requicha, A.A.G.: Offsetting operations in solid modelling.
Computer Aided Geometric Design 3(2): 129-148, 1986
Bibliography 341
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Springer-Verlag 1980
[17] Press, W. H., Flannery, B.P., Teukolsky, S.A., Vetterling W.T.: Numerical
Recipies in C Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1988
[18] Higashi, M., Kushimoto, T., Hosaka, M.: On formulation and display
for visualizing features and evaluating quality of free-form surfaces. In:
Vandoni, C.E., Duce, D.A.(eds): Proc. Eurographics '90 1990, pp.299-309
[19] Love, A.E.H.: Treatise on the mathematical theory of elasticity. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press 1934, pp.401-410
Chapters 9-12
[1] Hosaka, M.: *Theory and design of free-form surface. J. IPS Japan 8(2):
65-72, 1967
[2] Hosaka, M.: · Synthesis and smoothing of free-form curves and surfaces.
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