The Bernstein Coefficients Calculator computes the coefficients of Bernstein polynomials based on the degree of the polynomial and the index of the term. These coefficients are crucial in defining the individual terms of a Bézier curve, which is a weighted sum of these polynomials. By understanding and using these coefficients, designers and engineers can create precise and controlled curves in their work.
Formula of Bernstein Coefficients Calculator
The Bernstein polynomial of degree n for a given index i is calculated using the following formula:
Bernstein Polynomial Bᵢₙ(t) = C(n, i) * tⁱ * (1 – t)ⁿ⁻ⁱ
Where:
- Bᵢₙ(t) is the Bernstein polynomial for the given index i and degree n.
- C(n, i) represents the binomial coefficient, which is calculated as n! / (i! * (n – i)!).
- t is the parameter, typically ranging from 0 to 1.
- n is the degree of the Bézier curve, which corresponds to the number of control points minus one.
- i is the index of the specific Bernstein polynomial term.
Example of Bernstein Coefficients Calculator
To illustrate how the Bernstein Coefficients Calculator works, consider an example where you need to calculate the Bernstein polynomial for a Bézier curve of degree 3 (which means there are 4 control points) at index 2, with t = 0.5.
Steps:
- Determine the degree (n) and index (i):
- n = 3
- i = 2
- Calculate the binomial coefficient C(3, 2):
- C(3, 2) = 3! / (2! * (3 – 2)!) = 3 / 1 = 3
- Plug in the values into the Bernstein polynomial formula:
- B₂₃(0.5) = 3 * (0.5)² * (1 – 0.5)¹
- B₂₃(0.5) = 3 * 0.25 * 0.5 = 0.375
So, the Bernstein polynomial for degree 3 at index 2 with t = 0.5 is 0.375.
Useful Table
Below is a table that provides common terms and values used in the calculation of Bernstein polynomials. This table helps users quickly understand and apply the formulas to their specific use cases.
| Term | Description | Example Values |
|---|---|---|
| Degree (n) | The degree of the Bézier curve. | 3, 4, 5 |
| Index (i) | The specific term in the polynomial. | 0, 1, 2 |
| Parameter (t) | The parameter value, typically between 0 and 1. | 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 |
| Binomial Coefficient (C(n, i)) | The binomial coefficient for the term. | 1, 3, 10 |
| Bernstein Polynomial (Bᵢₙ(t)) | The value of the polynomial for the term. | Varies based on inputs |
Most Common FAQs
Bernstein polynomials are the building blocks of Bézier curves. They determine how the control points influence the shape of the curve. By adjusting these polynomials, you can precisely control the curve’s form, making them essential in graphic design, animation, and CAD.
You can use the Bernstein Coefficients Calculator to compute the coefficients for each term in a Bézier curve. By summing these terms, you can construct the entire curve. This process is vital in creating smooth and scalable graphics in various design and engineering applications.
Yes, the Bernstein Coefficients Calculator can handle curves of any degree. You simply need to input the degree and index for the specific term you want to calculate. The calculator will then provide the corresponding coefficient, which you can use to build the Bézier curve.