The author presents a new algorithm for image thinning by contour generation as well as an efficient method for contour tracing. Contour generation is faster and more efficient than other methods of image thinning. After introducing the terminology, he compares this new (serial) method with two parallel algorithms and another serial algorithm. Implementation details are also supplied.

This method requires no postprocessing because the contour generation used is immune to noise in the image. The nature of the algorithm guarantees connectivity and unit thickness of the skeleton. In this paper, the author realizes a complete presentation of the features of this new serial algorithm for image thinning. The references are good.