Properties of \(\beta\)-splines (Q1061330)

Spline functions are considered which have constraints at knots which are more general than the usual continuity constraints and which in certain cases are appropriate for geometric smoothness of parametrically defined curves. Local support basis functions are constructed and shown to have the variation diminishing property. The relationship to geometric smoothness is discussed. Finally the basis functions are given explicitly for the case of cubic splines with second degree geometric smoothness.