Medial axis approximation from inner Voronoi balls: a demo of the Mesecina tool

We illustrate a simple algorithm for approximating the medial axis of a 2D shape with smooth boundary from a sample of this boundary. The algorithm is compared to a more general approximation method that builds on the same idea, namely, to approximate the shape by a union of balls. While not as general, our algorithm is simpler, faster and numerically more stable. Both algorithms are visualized using the Mesecina tool, which is also described. Categories and Subject Descriptors F.2.2 [Nonnumerical Algorithms and Problems]: Geometrical problems and computations; I.3.5 [Computational Geometry and Object Modeling]: Curve, surface, solid, and object representations General Terms Theory, Algorithms Keywords medial axis, union of balls, Voronoi diagram

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: COMPGEOM
• Authors: Balint Miklos, Joachim Giesen, Mark Pauly
• Keywords: Algorithms, COMPGEOM 2007, Discrete Geometry, General Approximation Method, Medial Axis