B-splines, Pólya curves, and duality (Q2276704)

The relationship between two curve schemes, generalized B-spline segments (over one knot interval t) and Pólya curves [\textit{R. N. Goldman}, SIAM J. Algebraic Discrete Methods 6, 1-28 (1985; Zbl 0602.68103)] is examined from the computer-aided design viewpoint. Probabilistic models are used to derive the generalized B-spline segments and Pólya curves. Duality provided by the modified de Boor-Fix form [\textit{C. D. Boor}, \textit{G. J. Fix}, J. Approximation Theory 9, 19-45 (1973; Zbl 0279.41008)] of the dual basis connects some results of the two schemes. The comparisons involve the formulas for the B-spline basis functions and Pólya blending functions, degree elevation, change of basis to (or from) power basis, change of basis to (from) Bezier, knot insertion or deletion, and transformation matrices for transforming one type of Pólya curve (generalized B-spline segment) to another.