Changeable degree spline basis functions (Q977431)

A generalization of B-splines is considered allowing that the spline is formed by polynomials of different degrees in separate segments. The changeable degree splines (CD-splines) have very similar properties as the usual B-splines as e.g.\ a compact support, a partition of unity property etc. Using the CD-spline basis functions for construction of curves, one needs less control points than with usual B-spline basis functions or with Bernstein basis functions. Unfortunately, since the new CD-splines are defined by an integral method, and there is no known De~Boor-Cox-like formula, the application of the CD-splines is rather time-consuming.