Seamstress: Intelligent Image Scaling
The Seamstress image manipulation library promises smaller images without compromising detail. Version 1.0.0 of the software, which was released recently, uses an "energy function" to analyze various areas of the image before compressing and does not change eye-catching areas.
Content-aware image scaling is how the inventors Ariel Shamir (Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya) and Shai Avidan (Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories) refer to their method, which only modifies the "boring" parts of a graphic. The GPL'd Seamstress C library implements the approach shown in the figure: when the original image (top) is resized, the marbles simply move closer together without changing shape (bottom left). The version bottom right shows a conventionally scaled version that clearly demonstrates the differences.
Compressed: Seamstress simply compresses the free areas between the marbles (bottom left). In contrast to a simple width rescale (bottom right) the marbles keep their shape.
Besides the library, the Sourceforge project includes the GTK application Arachne, which demonstrates the functionality of Seamstress without requiring programming skills on the part of the user. The application modifies Tiff images dynamically to reflect the window size. Besides automatic analysis of the screen area by the software, users can manually select objects they do not wish to scale. As the screenshots show, you can even remove undesirable elements from images without compromising the realistic character of the image.
(Peter Kreußel)
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.