What is a segment in spline modeling?

What is a segment in spline modeling?

• A. The portion of a spline between two vertices.
• B. The entire curve.
• C. A type of patch.
• D. A sequence of tangent vectors.

Answer: (A)

In spline modeling, a segment is the portion of the curve between two consecutive vertices. The spline is built from these pieces joined end to end, so each segment is a distinct piece of the curve defined by the end vertices and the influence of surrounding controls (tangents, knots, or handles) that shape its bend. The entire curve consists of multiple such segments connected together, rather than a single continuous piece. Why this is the best fit: the segment directly describes the unit of the spline between two points, which is exactly what you’re referencing when you talk about a “segment.” The whole curve is made up of many segments, a patch is a surface element, and a sequence of tangent vectors gives directional information at points but does not itself define the piece of the curve between two vertices.

In spline modeling, a segment is the portion of the curve between two consecutive vertices. The spline is built from these pieces joined end to end, so each segment is a distinct piece of the curve defined by the end vertices and the influence of surrounding controls (tangents, knots, or handles) that shape its bend. The entire curve consists of multiple such segments connected together, rather than a single continuous piece.

Why this is the best fit: the segment directly describes the unit of the spline between two points, which is exactly what you’re referencing when you talk about a “segment.” The whole curve is made up of many segments, a patch is a surface element, and a sequence of tangent vectors gives directional information at points but does not itself define the piece of the curve between two vertices.