[vtk-developers] ICP Algorithm is patented by GM

[Lorensen, William E (Research)]

Folks,
One of our itk users informed us that General Motors has a patent on the ICP
algorithm. Paul Besl is a co-inventor. The patent number is US5715166:
Apparatus for the registration of three-dimensional shapes.

VTK has an ICP Transform class that implements Besl's algorithm.

We are discussing options in ITK. I think we'll have to delete it unless we
want to try and convince GM to let us distribute an implementation of their
patented code. Unlikely I think.

VTK should consider the same.

BTW: It took 6 years to issue!

Bill