Convert RLE to APNG (Animated PNG)

The RLE (Run-Length Encoded) file extension, associated with the Utah Raster Toolkit, is a lossless image compression format used primarily for 4 or 8-bit bitmap images. Developed at the University of Utah, it employs run-length encoding to compress data by reducing consecutive repeated values, making it efficient for simple graphics like icons and line drawings. Historically, it was widely used in early versions of Windows and CompuServe software.

Animated Portable Network Graphics (APNG) is an extension of the Portable Network Graphics (PNG) format designed to support animated images. Introduced in 2004, APNG allows for animated sequences while retaining backward compatibility with non-animated PNG files. This format is utilized for its lossless compression, making it ideal for web graphics where image quality is paramount. APNG files are widely used for animated icons, logos, and other elements that benefit from high-quality animations without the artifacts common in GIF files. Its concise, efficient structure makes it a preferred choice among developers and designers focused on optimizing web performance.