VECTOR CODING OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS MATERIAL

Computer graphics material after raster scanning and digitizing is examined for linear narrow width areas of like light value, typically black or white. Runs of like value on successive scan lines are compared for contiguity and, when found, are compactly coded by coordinates of first and last scan lines defining each area and thickness. Data compaction ratios up to 36 to 1, as compared to the amount of data required to store data for every picture element, can be achieved in real time.