3D-curve representation by means of a binary chain code

A binary chain code for representing 3D curves is presented. 3D curves are digitalized and represented as 3D discrete curves. 3D discrete curves are composed of constant straight-line segments using only orthogonal directions. The proposed binary notation is based on the orthogonal direction change chain code. Thus, using the proposed binary chain code it is possible to represent any 3D curve by only two states ("0" and "1"). The proposed binary chain code produces a curve descriptor which is invariant under translation, rotation and may be starting point normalized. Also, we define the complementary chain of a 3D curve which produces the mirror image of the curve. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.