A convexity-preservingC 2 parametric rational cubic interpolation

Summary AC ² parametric rational cubic interpolantr(t)=x(t) i+y(t) j,tt ₁,t _n] to data S={(x_j, y_j)|j=1,...,n} is defined in terms of non-negative tension parameters _j ,j=1,...,n–1. LetP be the polygonal line defined by the directed line segments joining the points (x _j ,y _j ),t=1,...,n. Sufficient conditions are derived which ensure thatr(t) is a strictly convex function on strictly left/right winding polygonal line segmentsP. It is then proved that there always exist _j ,j=1,...,n–1 for whichr(t) preserves the local left/righ winding properties of any polygonal lineP. An example application is discussed.This research was supported in part by the natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.