Patent ID: 7289122
Filing Date: 2007-10-30
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A method for approximating the shape of an object with a closed Bezier curve, comprising: receiving a specification for the shape of the object; producing an objective function for the area of a closed Bezier curve, wherein the objective function expresses the area of the closed Bezier curve as a function of the locations of control points that define the closed Bezier curve; using the specification for the shape of the object to generate exterior constraints for the closed Bezier curve, wherein the exterior constraints ensure that the closed Bezier curve remains on the exterior of the object; and minimizing the area of the closed Bezier curve subject to the exterior constraints to produce a minimum-area closed Bezier curve on the exterior of the object which encloses the shape of the object, wherein the minimum-area closed Bezier curve provides a mathematical representation that approximates the shape of the object.