Title
Diffusion curves: a vector representation for smooth-shaded images
Abstract
We describe a new vector-based primitive for creating smooth-shaded images, called the diffusion curve. A diffusion curve partitions the space through which it is drawn, defining different colors on either side. These colors may vary smoothly along the curve. In addition, the sharpness of the color transition from one side of the curve to the other can be controlled. Given a set of diffusion curves, the final image is constructed by solving a Poisson equation whose constraints are specified by the set of gradients across all diffusion curves. Like all vector-based primitives, diffusion curves conveniently support a variety of operations, including geometry-based editing, keyframe animation, and ready stylization. Moreover, their representation is compact and inherently resolution-independent. We describe a GPU-based implementation for rendering images defined by a set of diffusion curves in realtime. We then demonstrate an interactive drawing system for allowing artists to create artworks using diffusion curves, either by drawing the curves in a freehand style, or by tracing existing imagery. The system is simple and intuitive: we show results created by artists after just a few minutes of instruction. Furthermore, we describe a completely automatic conversion process for taking an image and turning it into a set of diffusion curves that closely approximate the original image content.
Year
DOI
Venue
2008
10.1145/1399504.1360691
ACM Trans. Graph.
Keywords
DocType
Volume
vectorization,smooth-shaded image,gpu-based implementation,color diffusion,vector graphics,poisson equation,gradient mesh,image creation,final image,color transition,automatic conversion process,original image content,interactive drawing system,vector-based primitive,vector representation,image reconstruction,diffusion curve
Journal
27
Issue
ISSN
Citations 
3
0730-0301
64
PageRank 
References 
Authors
2.58
16
6
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Alexandrina Orzan11796.75
Adrien Bousseau279539.31
Holger Winnemöller333019.35
Pascal Barla455329.07
Joëlle Thollot574537.34
David H. Salesin66992804.71