Raster To Vector Image Conversion

This document describes two strategies for converting a raster image to a vector graphic that can be used in 3D projects in Mastercam Art: 1. Trace Image converts the raster directly to vectors using adjustable threshold and resolution settings. 2. Image to Surface Trace is recommended for low resolution images. It first converts the image to a smoothed 3D surface, then slices the surface at a depth to extract the vector trace. The goal of both methods is to generate a clean vector representation of the raster image suitable for further 3D modeling and manipulation. Adjusting parameters like threshold, resolution, smoothing, and slice depth can optimize the conversion result.

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Raster To Vector Image Conversion

Uploaded by

luisnichols272850

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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Raster to Vector Image Conversion.

Overview- Use the following strategies to convert a raster image into a vector graphic.
Use these converted images to create interesting and complex 3D projects in Mastercam
Art.
Strategy #1: Trace Image – Raster to Vector

1. From the Menu bar, select on Art, Trace Image-Raster to Vector.

2. Select the clipart image you wish to convert, and click Open.

3. Slide the Threshold slider in the Black/White conversion dialog box until the
image on right shows the desired amount of detailed. Then, click OK.
4. Click OK in the Rast2Vec dialog box to accept the default settings.

With most raster images the default settings in this dialog box will yield a good
result.
5. Click OK in the Adjust Geometry dialog box to accept the conversion.

Note: If you are not satisfied, you can adjust the image’s spline-based geometry.
Click on Adjust Parameters to open the Spline Parameters dialog box, and make
adjustments to the vector trace for a cleaner image.
See Mastercam Help for more information about the Spline Parameters dialog
box.

6. Click Yes to exit Rast2Vec.

Mastercam displays your vector image.

Tip: If the vector trace is too loose as shown in the image on the left, try changing the
Resolution DPI setting on the Rast2Vec parameter page (See step 4.).To tighten the trace,
lower the DPI. To loosen the trace, increase the DPI. Large pictures (600 - 800 dpi), use
larger DPI settings, smaller pictures (300 -400 dpi) use smaller DPI settings. For best
results, set the DPI to the original scanned setting.
(The image on the right has a smaller DPI setting (tighter trace) than the image on the
left.)
Art remembers the last DPI setting in case you want to process a few pictures with the
same parameters. However, your last DPI setting may not be appropriate for the picture
you are currently using.

Use an image to surface trace (described below) if changing the DPI settings does not
create an acceptable image.

Strategy #2: Image to Surface Trace - For Low Resolution Bitmaps

If you cannot achieve an acceptable trace on a low resolution bitmap, try this alternative
method. When using this method, you first convert the image to a surface and smooth it.
Then, you slice the surface at a Z depth to get a trace.
I. Convert to Surface
1. From the menu bar, select File, New.

2. If you are prompted to save the previously converted image, select No.
3. Select Art, New Art Base Surface, From Image.
4. Select the clipart image you wish to convert, and click Open.

5. In the Convert to Grayscale dialog box, select the Maximize Contrast and Make
Negative options. Then, click OK.
Note: In Image to Surface, lighter surfaces are higher than darker surfaces. Selecting
Make Negative, raises the black areas by making them white.

6. In the Import Image Settings dialog box, increase the Height Range slightly to
raise the white areas further above the surface.
7. In the same dialog box, click on the Art Base Surface Attributes icon.
8. In the Change Art Base Surface Parameters dialog box, select Boundary, and
click OK.
Selecting Boundary creates a geometry boundary around the outside edge of the
Art surface.
9. Click OK to accept the settings in the Import Image Settings dialog box.
Mastercam processes the image, and displays either shaded (left) or un-shaded (right)
version of it.

II. Smooth
1. From the menu bar, select Art, Edit Art Base Surface, Smooth.
2. When prompted, click on the outer edge of the image to select the border (created
in step 9) to enclose the entire art surface.
3. Click OK to accept the chain.
4. In the Smooth dialog box, increase the Smoothing Radius to round the rough
edges. Adjust smoothing by increments of 0.01. A smaller number results in less
smoothing.
5. When you have the proper level of smoothing, click OK.
For a better trace (next section), the walls of the surface should be smooth.
6. Name the operation. Naming the operation makes it easier to identify.

III. Trace the model at a Z depth slice

Finally, you trace the model by slicing it at a specific height and generating geometry
where the slice intersects the surface.

1. From the menu bar, select Art, Trace Art Model at Z Depth.
2. Adjust the Z-Depth and click OK.
Since Art builds the model from Z0 up, you only need to move up a couple of
thousands to make the slice. Moving up such a small distance, avoids catching the
fillet between the model and the surface floor.

When converting low resolution black and white bitmaps, you can usually achieve a
better result using Image to Surface Trace.

Tip: To view geometry only, click on the icon labeled Hide Art Model in the Art
Operations Manager. Click the icon again to display the art model.