SURFACE RECONSTRUCTION - FROM POINTS TO SPLINES

We describe a method for reconstructing an unknown surface X of arbitr ary topology, possibly with boundaries, from a set of scattered points . Our method generates a parametric surface in two steps: first we use 3D alpha-shapes to construct a simplified surface (M) over cap that c aptures the topological structure of X, and then we build a curvature- continuous surface (M) over tilde based on this structure. Starting fr om data points scanned on existing physical objects, the method can pr oduce rather compact, accurate geometric models suitable for engineeri ng design and analysis. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.