C1 modeling with A-patches from rational trivariate functions Original Research Article

We approximate a manifold triangulation in R3 using smooth implicit algebraic surface patches, which we call A-patches. Here each A-patch is a real iso-contour of a trivariate rational function defined within a tetrahedron. The rational trivariate function provides increased degrees of freedom so that the number of surface patches needed for free-form shape modeling is significantly reduced compared to earlier similar approaches. Furthermore, the surface patches have quadratic precision, that is they exactly recover quadratic surfaces. We give conditions under which a C1 smooth and single sheeted surface patch is isolated from the multiple sheets.