Genus of the intersection curve of two rational surface patches (Q1105316)

The authors discuss the classical formula for the genus of a plane algebraic curve applied to intersections of surface patches used in computer graphics and conclude that in almost all cases the genus is \(>1\) and therefore the curve is neither rational nor given by square roots of rational functions. \{The correct formula to apply would be the genus of a space curve, intersection of two surfaces of degrees m and \(n: \pi =mn(m+n-4)+1-\Sigma r_ i(r_ i-1)\) where \(r_ i\) is the order of contact when it is \(>0\), cf. \textit{G. Salmon}, Cambr. and Dublin Math. J. 5, 24 ff. (1849) who also treated the case of base points and curves. In any case, the curve can always be given by a Puiseux series which can be approximated for computer use by a finite asymptotic expression.\}