On the Multiscale Representation of 2D and 3D Shapes

Abstract Binary pyramids in two and three dimensions can be used for multiresolution representation. The “standard” OR and AND pyramids have serious drawbacks, as they distort the shape significantly; therefore they can seldom be used effectively. Here we present alternative approaches to build binary pyramids, aimed at improving shape preservation (and, as far as possible, topology preservation) in lower resolutions. The algorithms are easy to implement and produce good results.