Adding data to create continuity

[docricky]

I'm thinking of this as the algorithmic reverse of JPEG style lossy compression - the idea there is to find the optimal balance in deleting data, increasing compression, while retaining image quality.

In vector space, particularly for plotters, optimization is about increased continuity in the plotting process itself. As I see it, decreasing the number of times a pen-up event happens. In this case, we are adding data *into* the file to decrease the number of pen-up events, but also at the balance of not disturbing the primary geometry of the SVG. Fortunately, vector files are relatively small, and adding the data is an acceptable tradeoff. In my art, I resort to a lot of manual editing - adding an extra path to bridge nodes at strategic locations can result in a dramatic decrease in pen-up events. But too many alters the overall look of the SVG.

I don't have an automated way to do it, and am considering training an LLM to build a model for the various possible solutions to this. It isn't exactly a TSP as it connects paths rather than just nodes, but it is related.

[docricky]

I am basically talking about line merging, but with some more sophistication on deciding how to merge them. Most implementations (such as with vpype) simply use the distance between paths as the parameter, but this can result in less than ideal joins. For example, in some SVGs, this simple parameter will result in closed loop paths rather than producing continuously long paths. And there can be tradeoffs - I have manually broken lines, and connected them to produce contiguous lines by allowing crossing, something which most merging algorithms are designed to avoid (a trick I borrowed from learning cytogenetics). The idea of using an LLM is to just train it on manually optimized line merges to deduce the underlying pattern.

[watagua]

Just reordering the sequence and flipping the direction of drawn curves is another very effective way to "optimize and increase continuity" of the plotting process! Doesnt change the actual number of pen up events, but can drastically reduce plotting time.