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The body of this page explains the image capture process step by step. You may also wish to refer to these related topics:
Except for the 'GET' functions, all rendering modes of the image collection software are optimized for speed. The GET functions are optimized for precision (although they are still quite fast.) The Get Menu(s):
The GET menus call the precision TIFF capture routine. For this reason, these are the menus preferred for most image acquisition applications, including image archival or image analysis. The GET menus offer a choice of three resolutions for image acquisition.
The defaults are an X resolution of 256, 512, and 1024;
each with a 3:4 aspect ratio. These can be customized in the MISC directory.
An X resolution and aspect ratio can be assigned to each of the three GET menu
items. The Y resolution is determined by the aspect ratio chosen. A 3:4 aspect
ratio is the same as an SVGA monitor, making
redisplay of the image on a PC the most convenient, as images do not have to be
resized or truncated when redisplayed. For hardcopies, an aspect ratio of 4:5
may be more desirable since it matches that of a Polaroid print. If the images
are for analytical use, a 1:1 aspect ratio is generally more desirable. The GET
resolution assignments may be changed between image acquisitions. The values selected at time of
shutdown will be preserved for the next session. The most appropriate resolution is determined by the purpose for collecting the image. A higher resolution image will contain more information but will also take longer to collect and be larger to store. Upon selecting a resolution, digitization of the image begins. The image is temporarily stored on the hard disk in the 'temporary storage' directory. The temporary storage location can be assigned in the 'MISC -> Directories' menu, otherwise it will be temporarily stored in the working directory. Image acquisition at the desired resolution is initiated by clicking on the appropriate 'GET' key. If frame averaging is not turned on, the image collection will stop after a single sweep over the sample. Otherwise, the sample will be scanned successively, removing noise with each pass. Image collection can be stopped at any time by hitting the ESC. A window opens for assigning a file name.
Simply enter an 8 character (or less) filename and hit 'Enter'. The ESC key will abort the collection. A check is made in the image storage directory for a file by the same name. If a file by the chosen name exists, the following window pops up above the 'Enter Filename' window:
Only if a 'Y' is entered will the file be overwritten. If another character is entered, you will be prompted for a new filename. There is a quirk: the old filename with a TIF extension will be placed in the enter filename window. Until this bug is fixed, simply delete the filename and enter a new one. It is not necessary to enter a TIF extension, as it will be automatically appended to the filename. When a filename is entered, additional data may be entered. This data will be written into embedded TIF 'Tags'. This is the data window that pops up to get the data:
The only parameter we consider essential is magnification, as it will directly affect the accuracy of the micron bar. The data that pops up in this window is the data you entered during the last image collection. Use the up and down arrow keys to navigate from one item to the next. Note that numeric fields (everything except User Name and Comments) require numbers and won't accept character input. When you are satisfied, hit the ESC key. You will then be prompted as to whether you wish to include a micron bar - data area on the image.
Like the 'Overwrite file' prompt, a 'Y' must be entered to include a micron bar. If you don't elect to add a micron bar, the file is written to disk. Note that the image stays on-screen, and you must hit ESC to return to the main menu. This may seem an unnecessary step, but in practice, it is very convenient to have the last image captured remain on screen for reference. If a 'Y' is entered (to add a micron bar) the image is redisplayed with the micron bar overlay. Here is a typical image based on the data entered in the window above.
Note that the micron bar contains some data entered in the data window, as well as an auto date and time stamp. Also please note that we have chosen a black-on-white micron bar area, as it is much more pleasing when printed on paper. We have provided customers with versions of the image collection software with semi-customized data areas. Note that the micron bar is adjustable. This is accomplished with the 'Page Up' and 'Page Down' keys. As these keys are depressed, the micron bar size changes, along with the uM size designation at the lower left. The 'Alt-Page Up' and 'Alt-Page Down' keys adjust the micron bar in larger increments. When a micron bar appropriate for the size of your images features is obtained, press the ESC key. A small red line will proceed down the right side of the image indicate the progress in writing the image to disk. In modern PC's this time is typically less than a second. Again, the image will remain on-screen for reference until you press the ESC key again. ESC will return you to the main (Opening) menu. Click MiniScan to go to the next option under GET in the Secondary and Backscatter pull down menus.
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DIGISEMTM and
DRV-2000TM are a registered
trademarks of ELMDAS Company.
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