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This article is from March 31, 2006, and is no longer current.

Vertus Revolutionizes Masking with the Launch of Fluid Mask 2.0

In this version, for the first time in a commercial imaging application, an image is automatically converted into smooth clean objects. During the masking process these objects are selected and grouped – altering forever our perception of the core image manipulation task of masking and extraction.
Vertus, the leader in image cut-out technology, today announced the release of Fluid Mask 2.0 for Windows, a major upgrade to its Adobe Photoshop plug-in. Fluid Mask 2.0 boasts a set of new features designed to improve usability and results. A key feature is the new Edge Overlay that shows for the first time clean object edges within an image before masking commences. Suddenly masking’s become a whole lot easier – it’s now possible using Fluid Mask 2.0 to select, group and mask objects in images to make great cut-outs.
Vertus also coincides the launch of Fluid Mask 2.0 with the announcement of a price reduction to $199 (€199 / £149) from $249 (€249 / £179) following overwhelming interest from non-corporate customers as well as professional users.
Fluid Mask 2.0 delivers a revolutionary new-look masking interface and process, designed to help users meet cut-out challenges.

  • The feature and process changes in Fluid Mask 2.0 clearly demonstrate the breakthrough nature of Vertus’ new segmentation algorithms – for the first time they show objects in “real world” images with accurate and smooth edges which are largely free of the distorting effects of image compression and other artifacts present in many images.
  • Masking is now simply a process of selecting objects displayed in the Edge Overlay view – similar to coloring by numbers. Using Fluid Mask is simpler to perform and easier to grasp than ever before, resulting in more confident masking and better cut-outs.
  • The new Edge Detection Options panel transforms the process of managing mask application. It’s an intuitive and user friendly interface, replacing the original Image Information Layer. Adjustments are made using simple and easy to understand controls, producing new object boundaries displayed in the Edge Overlay view.
  • Fluid Mask 2.0 now supports 16 bit as well as 8 bit color for RGB and CMYK images.
  • The Global brush has an added strength slider to permit fine adjustments to its sensitivity. It’s now capable of identifying not just similar colors throughout the image, but also similar textures, giving it greater discrimination power and producing more accurate selections.
  • The Local brush strength adjustment has improved. There is now a slider to discriminate and group selection of objects of similar color in areas of complexity and fine detail, making selections of hair and other fine detail more controllable and accurate.

Fluid Mask 2.0 is based on breakthrough segmentation technology inspired by the way the eye, optic nerve and brain perform visual processing. When an image is loaded, Fluid Mask’s segmentation engine analyses the distribution of colors, finding the natural groups within the image. Together with information calculated about edges, gradients and textures, a model is constructed which divides the images into objects.
It is now also possible to see Fluid Mask 2.0 in action. Vertus now broadcasts a live Web-Cast demonstrating fluid mask most days showcasing the features and core functionality of Fluid Mask 2.0.
Availability
Fluid Mask 2.0 for Windows will be available on the website and purchasers will be entitled to 6 months free upgrades. All registered users of the first version of Fluid Mask will receive a free upgrade to version 2.0 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Upgrades are available directly from Vertus. Information about pricing and upgrades are available on Vertus’s Web site at https://www.vertustech.com. Fluid Mask for Mac will be launched around the end of April 2006.
About Vertus
Vertus is the graphics and imaging software division of Heligon, a technology business specializing in image data interpretation. Heligon’s groundbreaking technology uses complex segmentation algorithms to mimic the way the eye and brain perform visual processing to identify objects within images. Heligon licenses its technology to market leaders in industries including design and graphics, printing, video and healthcare. It is a privately owned company, based in London.
https://www.vertustech.com

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