Rational curves over generalized complex numbers (Q1733301)

By interpreting real and imaginary part as coordinates in the Gaussian plane, rational parametric equations with coefficients in the complex numbers (and real parameter) describe planar rational curves. These ``complex rational curves'' have been investigated in the past decade and were found to exhibit a couple of appealing properties. This article studies rational curves with coefficients in complex, parabolic (``dual'' or ``real dual''), and hyperbolic numbers. These number systems have often been used in non-Euclidean geometry and kinematics but are less common in geometric modelling. It turns out that parabolic and hyperbolic rational curves share attractive properties with complex rational curves, including (a) circular, parabolic, and hyperbolic precision for complex, parabolic, and hyperbolic rational curves, respectively, (b) a suitable concept of Möbius invariance, (c) a fast algorithm for computing \(\mu\)-bases [\textit{X. Wang} and \textit{R. Goldman}, Comput. Aided Geom. Des. 30, No. 7, 623--635 (2013; Zbl 1286.65027)] and (d) characterization via ``circularity'' in the underlying Euclidean, isotropic, or Minkowski geometry. The article concludes with some examples and demonstrates that the parameter of a smooth transition between the number systems (or geometries) may serve as shape parameter in geometric modelling.