New method for distinguishing planar rational cubic B-spline curve segments as monotone curvature variation (Q2644435)

Some formulae on the degree and the knot vector of the product of three B-spline functions are given as well as a generalization of the Marsden identity. Also, the product of three B-spline functions is presented as combination of B-splines. Accordingly, it is shown that a monotone curvature variation (MCV) discriminant for uniform planar rational cubic B-spline curves can be converted into a higher degree B-spline function. Applying the property of positive unit resolution of B-spline, an MCV sufficient condition for the curve segments is obtained. It is pointed out that the result is simple and applicable in curve design, especially in curve fair processing.