The approximation of non-degenerate offset surfaces (Q1090055)

Let S be a surface such that the unit surface normal n is defined at each point of S. An offset surface \(S_ 0\) to S is defined as an envelope of the continuum of vectors \(d\updownarrow n\) where d is a real number. There are some difficulties that arise when generating offset surfaces. In his previous paper [ibid. 2, 257-279 (1985; Zbl 0583.65095)] the author considered problems appearing when n is not defined at each point of S. The paper under review deals with the problem of reducing the complexity of the functional representation of \(S_ 0\). The exact functional representation of \(S_ 0\) is typically more complex than that of S. A method for approximation of \(S_ 0\) by bicubic patches is developed. An analysis of the accuracy of the method along with examples is presented.