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Introduction
Imatest™ API* is a set of modules designed to
measure image quality in automated testing systems.
Their tight integration with Imatest Master makes it easy to
get them up and running quickly.
*API is an acronym for Application program interface.
With Imatest API you can use the same mathematical engine to measure image quality on the manufacturing floor that you used in the development lab. |
The initial API release (April 2007) is a set of EXE (Windows executable) programs, called API/EXE, which includes the following modules:
| Module (with link to instructions) | |
| SFR.exe | measures sharpness (MTF) using slanted edges of nearly any angle. Multiple regions may be selected in an image. |
| Colorcheck.exe | measures color accuracy and white balance using the GretagMacbeth Colorchecker (24 patches). |
| Distortion.exe | measures lens distortion (pincushion or barrel) using a grid pattern. |
| Stepchart.exe | measures tonal response and dynamic range. |
| Uniformity.exe | (Light Falloff) measures illumination nonuniformity caused by lens vignetting, etc. |
How Imatest API/EXE works
Imatest API/EXE is a set of standalone programs initiated by DOS calls from the test system. They have the same functionality as the corresponding modules in Imatest Master, but they operate without user intervention, making them suitable for use in automated systems. API/EXE modules are represented by the blue box in the figure on the right. The test system interacts with the API/EXE programs through files specified in the DOS command line: the primary inputs are an image file and an INI control file (created and saved by Imatest Master during setup). The output is data files in XML or Excel-readable .CSV format. Figures can be saved if desired.
Although Imatest API/EXE operates independently of Imatest Master, we strongly recommend that API/EXE users have at least one Imatest Master installation on site.
See Imatest API/EXE instructions for detailed instructions for all modules.
Pricing and distribution
The pricing (in USD) for the API/EXE programs is
| Module | Price | The license allows you one computer installation (one station) per module. Contact us to discuss quantity discounts. Purchasers should be familiar with the installation and operation of Imatest Master, which is necessary for setting up EXE runs. The license includes a reasonable amount of support (up to three hours) to get you up and running. |
| SFR.exe | $1500 | |
| Colorcheck.exe | $1000 | |
| Distortion.exe | $1000 | |
| Stepchart.exe | $1000 | |
| Uniformity.exe | $750 | |
| All five modules | $4000 |
Contact
to purchase an API/EXE modules or to request a free 30 day time-limited trial. We can issue Paypal invoices, and we can accept payments by several means, including wire transfer. (We are developing a more automated purchase/download system.)
Imatest API will not be available for public download. When we receive your request for a 30 day trial, your payment, or approve your purchase order, we will either send you instructions for downloading the installation files or send you the files themselves (typically around 800 kB per module). Contact us to discuss delivery details.
More about Imatest API
Imatest plans to introduce API/DLL programs about two months after the introduction of API/EXE in April 2007. API/DLL will be priced slightly higher than API/EXE. API/EXE users will be able to upgrade for the price difference. Many API/DLL installations will require some customization and support. Feel free to contact us with your specific requirements.
We also plan to introduce new test charts (using scalable vector graphics) along with modifications of sfr.exe that will support automatic region of interest (ROI) selection. This will allow for more framing tolerance in MTF tests.
| Digital Image Quality Testing - Copyright © 2008 Imatest LLC |