Upscaling Retro 8-Bit Pixel Art To Vector Graphics

An anonymous reader writes "Two researchers — Johannes Kopf from Microsoft, and Dani Lischinski from The Hebrew University — have successfully created an algorithm that depixelizes and upscales low-resolution 8-bit 'pixel art' into lush vector graphics. The algorithm identifies pixel-level details (original paper — PDF) to accurately shade the new image — but more importantly, the algorithm can create smooth, curved contour lines from only-connected-on-the-diagonal single pixels. At long last, we might be able to play Super Mario Bros. on a big screen without stretching our beloved plumber's pixels to breaking point. You really must look at the sample images." Scroll down in the paper to see how their technique stacks up against some others, including Adobe's Live Trace.

Comments

PhotoShop been there done that

[Tablizer]

I've seen something similar done in PhotoShop years ago using multiple cycles of blurring, "erode", "encroach" (opposite of erode), palette-ing, etc.

However, it doesn't work well on angles intended to be sharp. The dolphin is not a good example to test such a potential flaw.

Mostly good for Mario

[jandrese]

It seems to me that they've optimized their algorithm for recreating cartoony line-art style graphics. This works great if it was the initial intent (ala the Super Mario World graphics they used in most of their examples), but it falls down on many other art styles. Something like an old Sierra game (mid-series Kings Quest, Space Quest, etc...) are likely to be a hot mess. I bet most of Doom is a disaster too. So it's a cool tool, but the applications are limited by the original art design.