Abstract: An image representation using a structured object may be readily manipulated by a computer. This image representation can represent more complex images where the structured object defines a boundary for which image values near the boundary in a region are defined by a function called an edge characteristic function. The edge characteristic function is applied by determining, for each point in the region, a point on the boundary to which the given point is closest, herein called an anchor, and a distance to that point. Different edge characteristic functions may be assigned to different points along the boundary. In one embodiment, edge characteristic functions are assigned to selected characteristic points on the boundary. These edge characteristic functions may be interpolated to provide edge characteristic functions for remaining points along the boundary.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for receiving a red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color separation signal from an appropriate source such as a photo electronic scanner; acting on the RGB signal so as to convert the RGB signal to a cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) signal in readable form for use by an appropriate four color printing device, the CMYK signal having approximately the same color ratio as the RGB signal and outputting said CMYK signal to the four color printing device such that the printed image will have approximately the same color ratio as the original RGB image.