Patent ID: 7173622

Claim:
A computer graphics (CG) rendering system for representing models using a hierarchy of parametric surfaces requiring less storage space while supporting animation and interaction for a plurality of parametric surfaces, the System, comprising the steps of: a. computer processor means for processing a set of shapes represented by corresponding ones of a plurality of parameters for a set of piecewise polynomial cubic spline equations comprising at least a trajectory reference curve, a section reference curve and a profile reference curve; b. storage means for storing the set of parameters for three reference curves; c. first means for representing n-dimensional surfaces in a parametric fashion by using a Catmull Rom Spline with tension to represent all primitives using the same process of sweeping a section reference curve along a trajectory reference curve while varying both the radius and the spacing between samples via a profile reference curve; d. second means for creating and modifying the inputted â€œnâ€ parameters into the set of the three equations and utilizing 3 discrete types of curves to represent surfaces; e. third means for sharing with other users the computed plurality of parametric surfaces; and f. fourth means for sharing the parametric surfaces with the other users and the usage by the other users of a set of core algorithms.