Patent ID: 6404921
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A contour extraction apparatus comprising:input means for inputting an image; extraction means for raster-scanning a pixel matrix of the image data input by said input means and extracting a contour vector located at a boundary between a black pixel in the pixel matrix, wherein the contour vector is defined by a loop of connected vectors, wherein the extraction means registers the coordinates of the extracted contour vector in a first table and registers in a second table that a vector flowing into or out of the contour vector is undetermined when the state of the pixels represents a start portion in the main scanning or the sub-scanning, and wherein the extraction means registers the coordinates of the extracted contour vector in the first table, and registers in the first table a vector flowing into or out of the contour vector by searching through the second table when the state of the pixels represents an end portion in the main scanning or the sub-scanning.