A fast algorithm for parametric curve plotting

In parametric curve plotting by means of line segments, a curve r = r(t), tt₀, t_u] is given, and a set of ordered points r(t_i, iN, t_iet₀, t_u] is specified as the vertices of an inscribed polygon of the curve. There are several, analytical, numerical or intuitive ways to derive these vertices obtaining a smooth polygonal approximation. The methods, which can be found in the literature, either belong to some special curves or involve a considerable waste of computing time.

In this paper, we consider an algorithm that appears as a subroutine in the whole program. The subroutine allows the main program to space points as a function of a distance interval for any parametric curve. The design of the routine for performing this spacing is outlined and two examples are shown.