The technology is an algorithm for resizing images — still or video — that automatically recomposes an image as it is scaled, preserving the important features of the image as it adapts to the new dimensions. The algorithm works by finding optimal paths of pixels running top-to-bottom or left-to-right that do not cross portions of the image that should be preserved. These paths, or “seams,” may then be either removed or stretched depending on how the image is resized. The technology was developed at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories under a project code-named “Seam Carving” and has patents pending.
“Ever since it was first shown at SIGGRAPH 2007, Mitsubishi Electric’s Seam Carving technology caused quite a buzz,” commented Dr. Richard Waters, CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories. “We are pleased to be working with Adobe, the clear leader in image editing software, and happy to see our technology impact the millions of people that use Photoshop.”
While specific terms and conditions of the license agreement are not public, Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories is free to license Seam Carving to other companies.
About Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories is the North American arm of the corporate R&D organization for Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. It conducts application-motivated basic research and advanced development in computer and communications technology. Guided by a long-term, market-driven vision, Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories seeks to contribute to the advancement of science and to meet human needs by creating fundamental new technology that expands the productive use of computers. Additional information about Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories is available at www.merl.com. Licensing inquiries may be directed to Email Contact.
Photoshop and Adobe are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Contact:
Adam Bogue
Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories
617.621.7502
