Superquadrics are geometric shapes that generalize the properties of both ellipsoids and hyperboloids. They are defined by parametric equations and offer a flexible way to represent a wide range of complex 3D shapes. The term "superquadric" combines "super" (indicating the generalization of shapes) and "quadric" (referring to the family of shapes defined by quadratic equations).
A superquadric is typically defined by two sets of parameters: ε (epsilon) and θ (theta). Epsilon controls the shape of the superquadric, while theta controls its orientation. The specific parametric equations used to define a superquadric can vary, but they generally involve powers and trigonometric functions.
Superquadrics offer a rich variety of shapes that can exhibit properties such as sharp corners, edges, smooth curves, and concavities. By adjusting the parameters, you can create shapes ranging from spheres and ellipsoids to cubes, cylinders, and more exotic forms.
These shapes find applications in computer graphics, computer-aided design (CAD), robotics, simulation, and other fields where precise and versatile representations of 3D objects are required. Superquadrics are particularly useful when modeling complex objects with a combination of rounded and sharp features, allowing for a compact representation and efficient computations.
Superquadrics provide a powerful tool for representing and manipulating 3D shapes, enabling realistic rendering, physical simulation, collision detection, and other geometric operations. Their versatility and flexibility make them an essential concept in computer graphics and related disciplines.