Generalized Fractional Bézier Curve with Shape Parameters

Abstract

The construction of new basis functions for the Bézier or B-spline curve has been one of the most popular themes in recent studies in Computer Aided Geometric Design (CAGD). Implementing the new basis functions with shape parameters provides a different viewpoint on how new types of basis functions can develop complex curves and surfaces beyond restricted formulation. The wide selection of shape parameters allows more control over the shape of the curves and surfaces without altering their control points. However, interpolated parametric curves with higher degrees tend to overshoot in the process of curve fitting, making it difficult to control the optimal length of the curved trajectory. Thus, a new parameter needs to be created to overcome this constraint to produce free-form shapes of curves and surfaces while still preserving the basic properties of the Bézier curve. In this work, a general fractional Bézier curve with shape parameters and a fractional parameter is presented. Furthermore, parametric and geometric continuity between two generalized fractional Bézier curves is discussed in this paper, as well as demonstrating the effect of the fractional parameter of curves and surfaces. However, the conventional parametric and geometric continuity can only be applied to connect curves at the endpoints. Hence, a new type of continuity called fractional continuity is proposed to overcome this limitation. Thus, with the curve flexibility and adjustability provided by the generalized fractional Bézier curve, the construction of complex engineering curves and surfaces will be more efficient.