Abstract: A low cost image transform device capable of converting an input image to the linear drawing style in real time is presented. An edge signal of the input image is detected and normalized. The normalized edge signal is then non-linear transformed to decrease the intermediate tone level of the edges so that lines can be seen more clearly. Inversion control is further used to reverse the lightness and darkness of the non-linear transformed edge signal. The inverted signal is subsequently level adjusted and then mixed with a delayed version of the input signal using an externally controlled ratio signal. The resulting output signal is a drawing or painting type image. Since these processes are executed by simple addition or multiplication, the linear drawing style image is obtained in real time, in which edges having high-light and shaded contrast are extracted from the input image.