Overview
A cubic Bézier patch has a useful representation when written in a matrix form. This form allows us to specify many operations with Bézier patches as matrix operations which can be performed quickly on computer systems optimized for geometry operations with matrices.
This is an unusual representation for many students as it is not frequently shown in basic courses. If you have not seen this before it is suggested that you begin with the section on matrix representations for Bézier curves in which the equations are simpler and easier to understand.
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here.
Developing the Matrix Formulation
A cubic Bézier curve can be written in a convenient matrix form. A bicubic Bézier patch can be written in a matrix form by using methods similar to that for a Bézier Curve. Utilizing the representation of a Bézier patch as a continuous set of Bézier curves we have
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Patch Subdivision Using the Matrix Form
Suppose we wish to subdivide the patch at the point
. We
reparameterize the matrix equation above (by substituting
for
) to cover only the
first half of the patch, and simplify to obtain.
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Calculation of the Second Half of the Patch
In the same way, we can obtain the subdivision matrix for the second half of the patch. First we reparameterize the original curve, and then simplify to obtain
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General Subdivision with either Parameter
We can develop a procedure to generate the control points for the
first and second portions of the patch when subdivision is done
with respect to . These are
Combining these two methods, we can see that the arrays
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Summary
We have developed a matrix form for the Bézier patch which parallels the development for the Bézier curve. This representation allows us to develop matrices that, which multiplied by the control point array, calculate the control points of a subdivided portion of the patch.
These matrix equations exist for patches of all orders - we have done
order 4 (or degree 3) patches here. However, the matrices are
for a patch of order
, and are not as easily written
down.