Direct recovering of Nth order surface structure using UOFF approach

Based on the UOFF (unified optical flow field), a direct method is being developed to reconstruct the curved surface structure characterized by an N-degree polynomial equation. The theoretical framework of the new approach is reported in a much more complete and mature fashion than before. Earlier limitations have been eliminated. The recovery of an unbounded third-order alpha -shaped surface is reported. Some numerical considerations and error analysis are also included. Compared with the existing direction techniques that can only recover the first order surface, the present approach represents significant progress.<>