Report Number: CS-TR-73-398
Institution: Stanford University, Department of Computer Science
Title: Image contouring and comparing.
Author: Baumgart, Bruce G.
Date: October 1973
Abstract: A contour image representation is stated and an algorithm for converting a set of digital television images into this representation is explained. The algorithm consists of five steps: digital image thresholding, binary image contouring, polygon nesting, polygon smoothing, and polygon comparing. An implementation of the algorithm is the main routine of a program called CRE; auxiliary routines provide cart and turn table control, TV camera input, image display, and xerox printer output. A serendip application of CRE to type font construction is explained. Details about the intended application of CRE to the perception of physical objects will appear in sequels to this paper.
http://i.stanford.edu/pub/cstr/reports/cs/tr/73/398/CS-TR-73-398.pdf