A new vectorization-based approach to the skeletonization of binary images

Abstract

Thinning is a very important preprocessing step for many image analysis operations. The main drawbacks of traditional thinning algorithms are slow speed and serious deformation. To remedy these problems, a novel approach which generates the skeleton of binary patterns via block decomposition and contour vector matching is proposed. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with the existing algorithm. Experimental results confirm the superiority of the new approach.