An Intuitive Approach to Geometric Continuity for Parametric Curves and Surfaces (Extended Abstract)

The notion of geometric continuity is extended to an arbitrary order for curves and surfaces, and an intuitive development of constraints equations is presented that are necessary for it. The constraints result from a direct application of the univariate chain rule for curves, and the bivariate chain rule for surfaces. The constraints provide for the introduction of quantities known as shape parameters. The approach taken is important for several reasons: First, it generalizes geometric continuity to arbitrary order for both curves and surfaces. Second, it shows the fundamental connection between geometric continuity of curves and geometric continuity of surfaces. Third, due to the chain rule derivation, constraints of any order can be determined more easily than derivations based exclusively on geometric measures

Geometric continuous patch complexes

A theory of geometric continuity of arbitrary order is presented. Conditions of geometric continuity at a vertex where a number of patches meet are investigated. Geometric continuous patch complexes are introduced as the appropriate setting for the representation of surfaces in CAGD. The theory is applied to the modelling of closed surfaces and the fitting of triangular patches into a geometric continuous patch complex

Geometry of crossing null shells

New geometric objects on null thin layers are introduced and their importance for crossing null-like shells are discussed. The Barrab\`es--Israel equations are represented in a new geometric form and they split into decoupled system of equations for two different geometric objects: tensor density ${\bf G}^a{_b}$ and vector field $I$. Continuity properties of these objects through a crossing sphere are proved. In the case of spherical symmetry Dray--t'Hooft--Redmount formula results from continuity property of the corresponding object.Comment: 24 pages, 1 figur

Triangular patches within a geometric continuous patch complex

Triangular patches are constructed to fill in, with arbitrary order of continuity, a triangular hole within a complex of patches joining with geometric continuity. Explicit formulas are given for the special case that the hole is surrounded by rectangular patches joining with parametric continuity. Modifications and handles to control the shape of the patches are described

Urn Models and Beta-splines

Some insight into the properties of beta-splines is gained by applying the techniques of urn models. Urn models are used to construct beta-spline basis functions and to derive the basic properties of these blending functions and the corresponding beta-spline curves. Only the simple notion of linear geometric continuity and with the most elementary beta parameter are outlined. Non-linear geometric continuity leads to additional beta parameters and to more complicated basis functions. Whether urn models can give us any insight into these higher order concepts still remains to be investigated