[Python] How to create a line plot with segments of different colors in Matplotlib?

I am trying to use Matplotlib to create a complex geometric pattern that looks like the attached photo.

My current approach works by "faking" the curved, clipped shapes. I first draw six large black circles in a circular pattern. Then, to create the "cutout" effect, I draw smaller white circles on top of them, which are slightly offset.

Here is the code I've wirtten (with ChatGPT comments):

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

def create_circle(x, y, r):
t = np.linspace(0, 2*np.pi, 100)
circle_x = r * np.cos(t) + x
circle_y = r * np.sin(t) + y
return circle_x, circle_y

plt.figure(figsize=(8, 8))
ax = plt.gca()
ax.set_aspect('equal')

# Parameter settings
R = 1.5 # Radius of each circle
center_distance = 1.0 # Distance from the center
num_circles = 6 # Number of circles

# Arrange the 6 circles by rotating them 60 degrees at a time
for i in range(num_circles):
angle = i * (2 * np.pi / num_circles) # Rotate by 60 degrees each time

# Center position of the circle
center_x = center_distance * np.cos(angle)
center_y = center_distance * np.sin(angle)

# Create the coordinates for the circle
circle_x, circle_y = create_circle(center_x, center_y, R)

# Draw the black circle
plt.fill(circle_x, circle_y, color='black')

# Create white circles for cutting out (slightly smaller and slightly offset)
for i in range(num_circles):
angle = i * (2 * np.pi / num_circles)

# Position of the white cutout (offset slightly inward)
offset_distance = 0.4
offset_angle = angle + np.pi * 0.3 # Rotate a little

white_center_x = center_distance * np.cos(angle) + offset_distance * np.cos(offset_angle)
white_center_y = center_distance * np.sin(angle) + offset_distance * np.sin(offset_angle)

# White circle (for cutting out)
white_circle_x, white_circle_y = create_circle(white_center_x, white_center_y, R * 0.5)

# Use numpy.concatenate to combine multiple white circles
if i == 0:
all_white_x = white_circle_x
all_white_y = white_circle_y
else:
all_white_x = np.concatenate([all_white_x, white_circle_x])
all_white_y = np.concatenate([all_white_y, white_circle_y])

plt.fill(white_circle_x, white_circle_y, color='white')

# Add a small white circle in the center
center_circle_x, center_circle_y = create_circle(0, 0, 0)
# Adjust the coordinates of the central circle using numpy.append
center_circle_x = np.append(center_circle_x, center_circle_x[0])
center_circle_y = np.append(center_circle_y, center_circle_y[0])
plt.fill(center_circle_x, center_circle_y, color='white')

# Settings
plt.xlim([-3, 3])
plt.ylim([-3, 3])
plt.axis('off')
plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

Continue reading...