An algorithm for automatic capturing of the font outlines

A new technique and an algorithm have been designed which are meant to automatically capture the outlines of fonts. A more flexible class of B! ezier cubic (generalized Hermite cubic) functions are the basis of this technique. This class of functions involves two families of control parameters, to produce more flexible shapes than ordinary Hermite or B! ezier cubics, in each segment. These functions, together with the control parameters, are utilized in an optimal way to fit a design curve to the data arose from the boundaries of the fonts. The optimal technique has used various ideas for curve design. These ideas include end-point interpolation, detection of characteristic points, least-squares method, recursive subdivision, and parametrization. The final shape is achieved as a generalized Hermite spline with GC smoothness. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.