Look-ahead interpolation of short line segments using B-spline curve fitting of dominant points

In this study, a real-time look-ahead interpolation methodology with B-spline curve fitting technique using the selected dominant points is proposed. First, an improved scheme for selecting the dominant points is proposed to reduce the numbers of control points and iterations. Second, a point-to-curve distance function is defined, and its Taylor's expansion is investigated for curve fitting. Finally, a real-time look-ahead interpolation function, which consists of spline fitting, feedrate scheduling and parametric interpolation modules, is developed to obtain smooth tool path and feedrate profile simultaneously. Experiments on an X-Y-Z platform are conducted with a three-dimensional tool path, and the results demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the present algorithms.