Is SURF algorithm used in OPENCV patented?

asked 2013-08-06 00:18:08 -0600

robertzheng
75 ●1 ●2 ●4

updated 2013-08-06 02:24:57 -0600

Is SURF algorithm used in OPENCV patented? Can it be included in commercial product?

Summary:

1.SURF is not free.BRISK or FREAK is good alternative. Thanks to Notas!

2.SURF patent holder: http://www.kooaba.com/en/plans_and_pricing/ip_licensing Thanks to Steven Puttemans!

3.Only 2 nonfree module is patented: SIFT & SURF Thanks to Steven Puttemans again!

Hi, Notas & Steven, I will buy you an impressive Chinese meal when you come to Beijing! Welcome~

Comments

I will hold you to that!

StevenPuttemans ( 2013-08-06 02:49:44 -0600 )edit

Just email me the date you come. [email protected]

robertzheng ( 2013-08-06 03:06:36 -0600 )edit

add a comment

answered 2013-08-06 01:29:55 -0600

Notas

362 ●8

Yes it is patented, that's why it's in the nonfree module. To use it commercially, you have to contact the patent holders.

To be honest, I don't understand why everyone still uses SIFT/SURF when there are better alternatives in OpenCV (BRISK or FREAK for example).

edit flag offensive delete link

Comments

Thank you very much! Would you please help on the following 2 questions: 1) Is there a list for me to contact with patent holders involved in OpenCV? 2) How can I identify free & non-free module?

robertzheng ( 2013-08-06 01:41:57 -0600 )edit

http://docs.opencv.org/modules/nonfree/doc/nonfree.html Is this the answer to my 2nd question? Only 2 non-free modules in OpenCV?

robertzheng ( 2013-08-06 01:58:41 -0600 )edit

For contacting the SURF owners, go to this website : http://www.kooaba.com/en/plans_and_pricing/ip_licensing. And yes, only the nonfree module is patented, all the other functionality can be used.

StevenPuttemans ( 2013-08-06 02:13:06 -0600 )edit

Is this still in effect? The reason I ask is because in the beta, there isn't any non-free module? So would the application of these algorithms commercially be permitted now?

Potato ( 2015-02-20 14:47:31 -0600 )edit

add a comment

Is SURF algorithm used in OPENCV patented?

Comments

1 answer

Comments

Links

Question Tools

Stats

Related questions

Is SURF algorithm used in OPENCV patented? edit

Comments

1 answer

Comments

Links

Question Tools

Stats

Related questions

Is SURF algorithm used in OPENCV patented?