Smart Scribbles for Sketch Segmentation

A method is provided for sketch segmentation via smart scribbles, the results of which are especially suitable for interactive real-time graphics editing applications. A vector-based drawing may be segmented into labels based on input scribbles provided by a user. By organizing the labeling as an energy minimization problem, an approximate solution can be found using a sequence of binary graph cuts for an equivalent graph, providing an optimized implementation in a polynomial time suitable for real-time drawing applications. The energy function may include time, proximity, direction, and curvature between strokes as smoothness terms, and proximity, direction, and oriented curvature between strokes and scribbles as data terms. Additionally, the energy function may be modified to provide for user control over locality control, allowing the selection of appropriately sized labeling regions by scribble input speed or scribble input pressure. Once the drawing is labeled, a wide range of drawing applications are enabled.