Convert PBM to XV

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 XV file extension stands for Khoros Visualization Image File Format, developed by AccuSoft Corporation for storing raster images used in scientific and engineering applications. It supports various image types, including grayscale, color, and multi-spectral images, making it useful for visualizing complex datasets. Although now considered somewhat obsolete, it played a significant role in the evolution of digital imaging technologies.