Raster to Vector Conversion via Slope-Based Contour Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an efficient technique for converting monochrome raster graphics with textured lines into vector graphics, leading to jaggedness in lower resolution images, which affects image quality and processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a depixelator module that converts raster graphics into vector graphics by tracing contours and applying slope detection, segment refinement, and curve conversion techniques to generate mathematical representations of shapes, improving image resolution and processing power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If raster graphics are used for image representation, then memory usage is low and processing is simple, but image quality deteriorates with lower resolution and jaggedness appears
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the conventional approach of converting vector graphics to raster graphics for display, this patent inverts the process by converting raster graphics back to vector graphics. The depixelator module traces contours of raster images and generates vector path data, allowing the image to be represented mathematically rather than as a grid of pixels. This enables the same image to be rendered at any resolution without quality loss while maintaining efficient storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the fundamental representation parameters of the image data. Raster graphics use discrete pixel grid parameters (width, height, pixel values), while vector graphics use continuous mathematical parameters (paths, curves, coordinates). By changing the parameter system from discrete to continuous, the image can be scaled indefinitely without jaggedness while the file size remains manageable for simple graphics.
2Productivity
If vector graphics are used for image representation, then image quality is maintained at high resolution and processing efficiency is improved, but conversion from raster graphics is complex and computationally intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The depixelator module processes the raster image by segmenting it into discrete contour traces. It identifies and traces the boundary lines of the raster image separately from the interior regions, converting only the essential structural elements (contours) into vector paths. This segmentation approach simplifies the conversion process by focusing only on the necessary vector data rather than converting the entire pixel grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential vector information (contour paths) from the raster image rather than converting all pixel data. The depixelator module traces and extracts the boundary contours, discarding redundant pixel information. This extraction approach reduces conversion complexity by generating minimal vector data that preserves the essential shape and structure of the original image.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional raster graphics are used, then file formats are simple and compatibility is high, but jaggedness appears in lower resolution displays affecting visual quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curve fitting techniques to the traced contour points, replacing straight line segments with smooth curves (such as Bezier curves or splines). This curvature application eliminates the jagged appearance of raster edges by creating mathematically smooth transitions between points, while the vector format maintains simplicity and compatibility with standard graphics systems.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a disclosed system, method, and computer readable storage medium which includes an algorithm for generating a vector graphic based on a raster graphic input. A tablet scribe system identifies a boundary of a raster graphic image. The boundary is comprised of contrasting pixels in the raster graphic. The system determines a slope for each line segment of the raster graphic boundary. Based on a comparison of the slope for the adjacent line segments, the system generates a contour replaces line segments with equivalent slopes wherein each line segments represents a point on the contour. The system condenses the contour by removing redundant points on the contour based on their position relative to neighboring points and converts the edges of one or more remaining line segments into continuous curves on the contour.