Fixed versus Interactive modules

Imatest has two types of analysis module: Fixed (in the left-most column of the Imatest main window) and Interactive (in the second column).

 

  • Fixed modules require all settings to be entered prior to running the analysis. Stored settings are read from imatest-v2.ini and can be changed by user input. Batches of images can be run. Results are displayed as figures and can be saved as image (usually PNG), CSV, XML, and JSON files. In most cases we recommend running an interactive analysis prior to running  fixed analyses. 

  • Interactive modules are run from Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs) that allow results to be queried and modified after the analysis has been run. This allows you to explore results in great depth. Results can be saved as image (usually PNG), CSV, XML, and JSON files.

New GUI:  Use toggle below analysis thumbnail to select Interactive or Fixed – Auto (batch) mode.
Classic GUI:  Fixed modules (first column), Interactive modules and postprocessors (second column)

Fixed vs. Interactive module summary

Fixed

Interactive

Usually run after settings have been made and tested in interactive mode.

It’s generally best to run in Interactive mode first — to explore results in depth and make sure calculations are properly set up.

Graphic results in Figures allow limited manipulation (zooming or rotation for 3D images).

Graphic results displayed in GUI windows allow a high degree of manipulation: You can change calculation and display settings and you can select any available display. You can analyzed results in great depth.

Batches of files can be run.

Only a single file can be analyzed (one exception: several files can be combined (signal-averaged) to improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)).

Most are available as Industrial Testing (IT) modules (EXE or DLL programs that can run in production/quality control environments).

Not directly available in IT.

Images must be read from files. They cannot be directly acquired.

Images can be read from files or acquired directly from devices (development boards from Aptina, Omnivision and others as well as devices supported by the Matlab Image Acquisition toolbox). Directly-acquired images can be continuously refreshed in realtime.

 

Most (but not all) Imatest modules have corresponding Fixed and Interactive versions.

 

 

Corresponding Interactive and Fixed modules

Interactive module

Fixed module

Notes

Rescharts

 

Interactive interface for several sharpness modules.

SFRplus Setup

eSFR ISO Setup

SFRreg Setup

Checkerboard Setup

All settings must be made in Rescharts ([module name] Setup). When run in Auto mode, these four modules are highly automated (with automated region detection based on criteria set in Rescharts), requiring no user input.

SFR

Fixed SFR can analyze several regions (ROIs); Rescharts SFR can only analyze a single region.

Random/Dead Leaves

 

Log F-Contrast

 

Star

 

Wedge

 

Focus Score Plus

Obtain a relative sharpness measurement from regions of arbitrary images. Most useful with direct image acquisition, typically with realtime focusing.

Color/Tone Interactive

 

Analyze a large variety of color and grayscale charts.

Color/Tone Auto

Can analyze a large variety of color charts, including the Colorchecker 24-patch and SG, the DSC Labs ChromaduMonde, the IT8.7, and many others (all charts supported by Multicharts). Much more versatile than the older (fixed-only) Colorcheck module, which worked with the 24-patch Colorchecker only.

Can analyze a large variety of grayscale charts, including the Q-13/Q-14, ISO-14524, ISO-15739, Imatest 36-patch Dynamic Range chart, and many more. Much more versatile than the older (fixed-only) Stepchart module.

Flatfield Interactive

Flatfield

Settings made in either module are used by the other. Blemish Detect capability is included.

 

Example

Here are results from eSFR ISO run in the Rescharts interface (eSFR ISO Setup). While the Rescharts interface is active, you can select any of twenty different displays from the Display dropdown menu on the right/ Display settings can be selected by the nearby buttons (dropdown menus, checkboxes, sliders, etc.). Most of these settings are used to control the display in the fixed run (eSFR Auto) shown below. See full instructions in Using eSFR ISO

eSFR ISO 3D Plot in Rescharts interactive mode (eSFR ISO Setup)

 

Here are similar results from a fixed eSFR ISO run. Very little can be done to manipulate this plot, but by pressing Tools, Rotate 3D, you can rotate the view. The advantage of the fixed modules is that you can run images (including large batches of images) quickly, without fussing with the settings (which you’ve already done in the interactive run).

eSFR ISO 3D Plot in Fixed mode (eSFR ISO Auto)