Parametric surface interrogation ($S,S_u,S_v,S_{uu},S_{uv},S_{vv}$)

Core numerical enquiries return a surface point and its derivatives through second order, together with the parameter domain, patch boundaries and regularity information. At a regular point these determine its tangent plane, normal vector, first and second fundamental forms and curvatures. Subdivision and certified enclosing volumes provide spatial search and intersection support. Singular charts or discontinuity boundaries require one-sided or alternative-chart information; a zero cross product does not define a unique normal vector.

From a point light source $P$, a caster point $C(t)$ projects onto a receiving surface along the displayed ray. On a regular transverse branch, differentiating gives $[S_u,S_v,-(C-P)](u^{\prime },v^{\prime },{\alpha }^{\prime }{)}^T=\alpha C^{\prime }$. Newton method correction and certified patch/curve bounds support continuation and isolation of all visible branches. If the shadow's second derivative is bounded by $M$ on an interval of width $h$, its chord error is at most $M{h}^2/8$. A fixed sample grid can miss entire shadow components; surface boundaries, occlusion changes and grazing rays require explicit treatment.