Structural vectorization of raster images

Abstract

This paper presents a new automatic algorithm for extracting vector information from raster images. The algorithm extracts structural information from the lines that is formatted to allow easy processing and evaluation of the image structure. Vectorization results are comparable with commonly used algorithms, however the outlined method differs from prior work by providing information in a more accessible form. This algorithm provides topological information at the cost of visual fidelity. Properties such as line topology and width are important for image processing, including object decomposition, author recognition and line style modification.