XMerge is an open-source image manipulation tool that allows users to merge and correct linearly distorted images. It supports correcting rotation, skew, and other distortions.
Using SQP solver technology, the program calculates how the images should be positioned to meet these rules while minimizing distortion. Xmerge uses a powerful SQP solver called HQP, developed by R. Franke. The original implementation of HQP was designed for optimal control problems, so the developer stripped it down to make it more accessible for simpler applications.
For internal weighting of overlapping images, users select the edges of the mapped images. The preview and final images are generated using interpolation by Elliptically Weighted Averages, which produces far superior results compared to most other methods. While this method is slower, the outcome justifies it.
The software uses a truncated Gaussian function for filtering. However, if a larger window is used, it's likely that sinusoidal functions would give better results. In future versions of the program, developers plan to implement this option.
Xmerge mapping is based on the X=x*(a+b*y)+c*y+d, Y=y*(e+f*x)+g*x+h format, which may not be the most optimal configuration for all applications. The inverse coordinate mapping is also messy, which impacts usability. However, developers are planning to implement new mappings that can give better results for different uses, such as photograph merging.
The program offers several command line options, including setting output files for the final image or mapping data and loading saved mapping data. Users can also adjust magnification, background color, reference color, black level and more.
Xmerge has a few easy-to-meet system requirements, such as gcc, libc, libm, X libraries and xv (optional). The installation is a breeze with only one command required to compile the software. Once completed, users can copy the xmerge binary to any convenient location on the system path.
Overall, Xmerge is an excellent software that is easy to use and highly effective. It provides users with all the necessary tools to produce high-quality merged and corrected images.
Version 0.1.1: N/A