1. A method of characterizing run-length encoded data for a transformed form of an outline of an image constructed from a plurality of scan lines of pixels on a pixel grid, comprising the steps of: characterizing color changes for each of said scan lines of said image using visible and invisible unit vectors, an invisible unit vector disposed between the pixels of like color and a visible unit vector disposed between the pixels of unlike color, said visible unit vectors constituting said outline; determining scan line crossover information for each of said characterized scan lines after transformation of said image outline; storing said crossover information in memory bins; and sorting said crossover information and calculating said run-length encoded data using said crossover information stored in said memory bins.