On the convergence of hybrid polynomial approximation to higher derivatives of rational curves (Q2479378)

In computer graphics and computer aided design (CAD), a hybrid polynomial approximation of rational curves is used, because of its easier evaluation and data exchange between CAD systems. The paper is focused on the conditions under that the derivatives of the hybrid polynomial approximation can be used to approximate the derivatives of a rational Bézier curve. It is shown that under the convergence condition of the hybrid polynomial approximation to the rational Bézier curve, the first three derivatives of the hybrid polynomial approximation curve uniformly converge to the corresponding derivatives of the rational Bézier curve, too. Therefore, when the position vector of the hybrid polynomial approximation curve is used to the approximation of the position vector of the rational Bézier curve, it is possible to use the tangent, curvature and torsion vectors of the hybrid polynomial approximation curve to the approximation of the tangent, curvature and torsion vectors of the rational Bézier curve, too.