On multi-degree splines

Abstract

Multi-degree splines are piecewise polynomial functions having sections of different degrees. For these splines, we discuss the construction of a B-spline basis by means of integral recurrence relations, extending the class of multi-degree splines that can be derived by existing approaches. We then propose a new alternative method for constructing and evaluating the B-spline basis, based on the use of so-called transition functions. Using the transition functions we develop general algorithms for knot-insertion, degree elevation and conversion to Bézier form, essential tools for applications in geometric modeling. We present numerical examples and briefly discuss how the same idea can be used in order to construct geometrically continuous multi-degree splines.