A Colour Interpolation Scheme for Topologically Unrestricted Gradient Meshes

Abstract

Gradient meshes are a 2D vector graphics primitive where colour is interpolated between mesh vertices. The current implementations of gradient meshes are restricted to rectangular mesh topology. Our new interpolation method relaxes this restriction by supporting arbitrary manifold topology of the input gradient mesh. Our method is based on the Catmull-Clark subdivision scheme, which is well-known to support arbitrary mesh topology in 3D. We adapt this scheme to support gradient mesh colour interpolation, adding extensions to handle interpolation of colours of the control points, interpolation only inside the given colour space and emulation of gradient constraints seen in related closed-form solutions. These extensions make subdivision a viable option for interpolating arbitrary-topology gradient meshes for 2D vector graphics.