The Fast Iterative Method is a way of solving the Eikonal Equation on a discrete grid, similar to the Fast Marching Method discussed in another question here.
The paper describes the overall algorithm, as well as providing a method for solving the quadratic, as follows:
SolveQuadratic(a, b, c, f)
Returns the value $u = Ux$ that solves $g(U, x) = 0$, where $a ≤ b ≤ c$
u ← c + 1/f if u ≤ b return (u) u ← (b + c + sqrt(−b^2 − c^2 + 2bc + 2/f^2))/2 if u ≤ a return (u) u ← (2(a + b + c) + sqrt(4(a + b + c)^2 − 12(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 − 1/f^2)))/6 return (u)
That's easy enough to implement, as is the rest of the FIM algorithm. However, I'm unclear what the inputs $a, b, c$ are in the context of the problem (I do understand how to get $f$, though, I think). They are descried as "values $a, b, c$ of upwind neighbors in the cardinal directions of the grid".
I only need to solve in a 2-dimensional grid, so I believe I only need $f$ plus two inputs, and would drop the second test-and-recalculate step above, but I still need $b, c$.
I should note that I'm not a strong maths person; I have a BSc in Comp. Sci. but my maths skills are first-year / freshman level at best, and rusty...
Any pointers would be appreciated.