Fast surface interpolation using hierarchical basis functions

An alternative to multigrid relaxation that is much easier to implement and more generally applicable is presented. Conjugate gradient descent is used in conjunction with a hierarchical (multiresolution) set of basis functions. The resultant algorithm uses a pyramid to smooth the residual vector before the direction is computed. Simulation results showing the speed of convergence and its dependence on the choice of interpolator, the number of smoothing levels, and other factors are presented. The relationship of this approach to other multiresolution relaxation and representation schemes is also discussed.