Conversion of complex contour line definitions into polygonal element mosaics

TLDR

The program was designed to interface contour definitions of human brain components, using highly complex brain data to illustrate the capabilities and limitations of the procedures. The study presents a simple algorithm for converting complex contour arrangements into polygonal element mosaics suitable for line drawing and continuous tone display. The algorithm maps adjacent contours onto a unit square, connects nodes to nearest neighbors, and uses the mapping to guide branching decisions, with ambiguous cases resolved through user interaction.

Abstract

A simple algorithm is presented for processing complex contour arrangements to produce polygonal element mosaics which are suitable for line drawing and continuous tone display. The program proceeds by mapping adjacent contours onto the same unit square and, subject to ordering limitations, connecting nodes of one contour to their nearest neighbors in the other contour. While the mapping procedure provides a basis for branching decisions, highly ambiguous situations are resolved by user interaction. The program was designed to interface a contour definition of the components of a human brain. These brain data are a most complex definition and, as such, serve to illustrate both the capabilities and limitations of the procedures.