A fast skeletonization algorithm using derived grids

A fast algorithm for skeletonization is presented. A derived grid and derived object are used to get a well-defined skeleton. This skeleton has several properties: one-point thickness, good centering, preservation of the object topological properties, reconstruction of the object from its skeleton. The construction of the skeleton involves three steps: first a distance function is constructed from the derived object, then basic points are determined, and finally, connecting paths are realized between these basic points. The algorithm needs only four sequential scans through the image and a following of the connecting paths