Contents - Index

2D Image Digitizer

Also see 2D Preview

For a quick tour for setting up your scan parameters click here

The purpose of this module is to convert a graph in image format (such as a scanned graph from a magazine or book) to ascii data that can then be imported into programs such as MS Excel, SigmaPlot or a database.  The file format is comma delimited format (cdf) or tab delimited (tab).  It has the ability to auto scan the image or to select individual points on the image. The resulting scanned data can be directly transferred to the built in 2D analysis plotter.

Images can be imported as .bmp, .gif, .wmf, .jpg, .png, directly from the clipboard or from a TWAIN compatible device.  There is no limitation on the size of the image, the program will autofit the image into the window.  If the image is not orthogonal a rotate option is available on the menu allowing the user to deskew the image.

The autoscan will work if the image is not corrupted with scratches or noise that are of the same intensity as the graph line itself.  That is, if the graph line is solid black and you have noise or clutter on the graph (including grid lines) that are grey the scan will ignore everything but the data.

If the image is black and white (not grey scale or color) and contains noise or scratches then it may be necessary to use the "point" method.  Simply move the cursor over each point you wish to digitize and click the left mouse button.  Continue doing this until you have a reasonable number of points to recreate the graph.  The undo option will remove the last marked point each time you click on it. The clear option resets the image and parameters back to their original. A zoom window (magnifier) is available to simplify locating the points more precisely.

An additional feature is a built in bitmap editor.  This can be used to "clean up" the image prior to scanning to remove noise or grid lines.  The user should use this method prior to the point method if the image is only moderately corrupted.  The magnifier will assist in using the editor and locating points down to the pixel level.

Note that most menu selections are available as 'shortcut keys' such as CTRL+C will paste a clipboard image into the digitizer window.