Method for reducing a binary image

Abstract

The method of the present invention reduces a binary digital image in size by a factor F by a method including the steps of: storing the image in bit sequence; removing one or more rows of bits along the vertical axis of the image to convert i rows of bits to j rows of bits where 0.5i.ltoreq.j<i; modifying a line adjacent to each line discarded to preserve selected information from the discarded line; repeating the steps of removing and modifying a predetermined number of times to achieve a reduction by a factor F1 along the vertical axis; rotating the image in a first direction by ninety degrees; removing one or more rows of bits along the original horizontal axis of the image to convert i rows of bits to j rows of bits where 0.5i.ltoreq.j<i; modifying a line adjacent to each line discarded to preserve selected information from the discarded line; repeating the steps of removing and modifying a predetermined number of times to achieve a reduction by a factor F2 along the original horizontal axis; rotating the image back to its original orientation; storing the reduced size image generated by the above steps.