SYNOPSIS
use Math::Bezier;
# create curve passing list of (x, y) control points
my $bezier = Math::Bezier->new($x1, $y1, $x2, $y2, ..., $xn, $yn);
# or pass reference to list of control points
my $bezier = Math::Bezier->new([ $x1, $y1, $x2, $y2, ..., $xn, $yn]);
# determine (x, y) at point along curve, range 0 -> 1
my ($x, $y) = $bezier->point(0.5);
# returns list ref in scalar context
my $xy = $bezier->point(0.5);
# return list of 20 (x, y) points along curve
my @curve = $bezier->curve(20);
# returns list ref in scalar context
my $curve = $bezier->curve(20);
DESCRIPTION
This module implements the algorithm for the solution of Bezier curves as presented by Robert D. Miller in Graphics Gems V, ``Quick and Simple Bezier Curve Drawing''.A new Bezier curve is created using the new() constructor, passing a list of (x, y) control points.
use Math::Bezier;
my @control = ( 0, 0, 10, 20, 30, -20, 40, 0 );
my $bezier = Math::Bezier->new(@control);
Alternately, a reference to a list of control points may be passed.
my $bezier = Math::Bezier->new(\@control);
The point($theta) method can then be called on the object, passing a value in the range 0 to 1 which represents the distance along the curve. When called in list context, the method returns the x and y coordinates of that point on the Bezier curve.
my ($x, $y) = $bezier->point(0.5);
print "x: $x y: $y\n
When called in scalar context, it returns a reference to a list containing the x and y coordinates.
my $point = $bezier->point(0.5);
print "x: $point->[0] y: $point->[1]\n";
The curve($n) method can be used to return a set of points sampled along the length of the curve (i.e. in the range 0 <= $theta <= 1). The parameter indicates the number of sample points required, defaulting to 20 if undefined. The method returns a list of ($x1, $y1, $x2, $y2, ..., $xn, $yn) points when called in list context, or a reference to such an array when called in scalar context.
my @points = $bezier->curve(10);
while (@points) {
my ($x, $y) = splice(@points, 0, 2);
print "x: $x y: $y\n";
}
my $points = $bezier->curve(10);
while (@$points) {
my ($x, $y) = splice(@$points, 0, 2);
print "x: $x y: $y\n";
}