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Arkan
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Version
1.06
Arkan is designed to convert border of a raster mask
(selection of an object in scene) or any closed
polyline into B-spline (piecewise cubic Bezier curve)
representation spread widely in vector graphics
packages. Arkan chooses the best position both for
node points (junctions of adjacent Bezier polynomial
pieces) and for control points, which don’t lie on
the curve but only affects its shape. Minimum
description length approach powers the program. In
addition to its unique outlining capabilities Arkan
features nice and friendly user interface (see
screenshot).
It’s typical task in computer graphics to describe
contour of raster masks in terms of a set of cubic
Bezier curves. For example, to allow changing
(interpolation) of the mask during the time in a
compositing environment, such as Adobe After Effects.
Currently this task is performed manually for many
frames and it’s really painful even for a skilled
computer designer.
* Arkan can operate in one of two modes:
Semi-automatic. The user selects the number of node
points, their very rough positions and type: should
the spline be smooth or sharp at those nodes. Nothing
more. The program then adjusts position of node
points and locates the best position for controls
points by itself. The processing in this mode is very
fast.
Automatic. The user has to do nothing after loading
the mask into the program. The number of nodes, their
positions and positions of controls nodes, everything
is detected automatically. However operating in this
mode consumes significantly more processor power.
* Features & Benefits
Perfect quality of fitted B-splines, even if you
limit the number of Bezier curve pieces.
Subpixel precision of node and control points.
Outstanding performance for that quality.
Ease of tuning due to built-in powerful properties
editor.
Easy, familiar, and neat interface.
Adobe After Effects plug-in for handy importing
constructed splines into AE.
Export of Bezier splines in text, BMP & EMF.
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