αB-spline: A linear singular blending B-spline

Abstract

A linear singular blending (LSB) technique can enhance the shape-control capability of the B-spline. This capability is derived from the blending parameters defined at the B-spline control vertices and blends LSB line segments or bilinear surface patches with the B-spline curve or surface. Varying the blending parameters between zero and unity applies tension for reshaping. The reshaped curve or surface retains the same smoothness properties as the original B-spline; it possesses the same strict parametric continuities. This is different from the β-spline, which introduces additional control to the B-spline by imposing geometrical continuities to the joints of curve segments or surface patches. For applications in which strict parametric continuities cannot be compromised, LSB provides an intuitive way to introduce tension to the B-spline.