Convert PBM to PFM

The PBM (Portable Bitmap) file extension, part of the Netpbm project, originated in the late 1980s to facilitate efficient and portable graphics file interchange. Primarily, PBM files are used to store monochrome bitmaps in a simple ASCII text format, ensuring easy compatibility across different systems and platforms. This format supports only black-and-white imagery, making it particularly useful in scenarios where simplicity and minimalism are prioritized, such as in Unix environments for bitmap manipulation and transfer. Its historical significance lies in promoting a standardized approach to bitmap graphics in early computer technology.

The Portable Floatmap (PFM) file format, also known as Portable FloatMap, is an image file format designed to store High Dynamic Range (HDR) images using floating-point values. Developed in the spirit of the Portable Pixmap format, PFM files contain image data with resolutions and byte order specified in the header. This format is particularly useful for applications requiring precise image data, such as computer graphics and image processing. PFM has been widely adopted in the IT industry for its ability to handle a wide range of pixel values beyond the standard 0-255 range, making it ideal for HDR imaging and other advanced visualizations.