A Recursive Subdivision Algorithm for Piecewise Circular Spline

Abstract

We present an algorithm for generating a piecewise G1 circular spline curve from an arbitrary given control polygon. For every corner, a circular biarc is generated with each piece being parameterized by its arc length. This is the first subdivision scheme that produces a piecewise biarc curve that can interpolate an arbitrary set of points. It is easily adopted in a recursive subdivision surface scheme to generate surfaces with circular boundaries with pieces parameterized by arc length, a property not previously available. As an application, a modified version of Doo-Sabin subdivision algorithm is outlined making it possible to blend a subdivision surface with other surfaces having circular boundaries such as cylinders.