From: Jan Wee <jwee@mail.arc.nasa.gov>
Subject: NIH for DOS/Windows
Date: Thu, 05 Dec 1996 09:13:38 -0600
Dear discuss-lfm members,
(apologies for any formatting glitches!)
Two more essential URL's for those of you interested in=20
using NIH imaging software...
1) http://www.cipe.com
THE CENTER FOR IMAGE PROCESSING IN EDUCATION
promotes the use of digital image processing as a tool for
teaching and learning. CIPE offers workshops and materials
developed by the Image Processing for Teaching project at
the University of Arizona.
Image processing is the analysis of pictures on a
computer screen. Using the public domain image processing
software, NIH Image, digital images are displayed and
manipulated in a variety of ways. Scientists have used image
processing to make measurements and create visualizations
from image data for many years. Now, students can use the
same techniques to learn concepts in science, mathematics,
and technology.
and=20
2) http://ipt.lpl.arizona.edu
The Image Processing for Teaching (IPT) project has made a powerful=20
new technology available as a learning tool. Students are given the=20
tools to analyze and enhance digital imagery from every field of
science, mathematics, and technology. They are empowered with=20
open-ended opportunities for exploration, discovery, and quantitative
analysis.
Find out how your school can get involved in this exciting program.=20
Learn about opportunities for professional development, and availability=20
of curriculum-based materials. We invite you to become part of the strong
national community of IPT educators.=20
REGARDING THE ISSUE OF NIH FOR DOS/WINDOWS.... THIS FILE
FOUND AT THE CIPE WEB SITE:
Cross-platform Issues: Using NIH Image on a PC=20
News on using NIH Image and Image Processing for Teaching activities=20
with Windows based PCs. Updated Wednesday, November 20, 1996
Since its creation, NIH Image has been a Macintosh-only
software program. But, DOS and Windows aficionados can
now take advantage of this powerful and easy to use program.
Currently, the best option available for IBM-PC users is to run
the Macintosh=AE version of NIH Image on an IBM-PC using
Executor=AE 2. Executor 2 is a Macintosh emulator available from
Abacus Research and Development Incorporated (ARDI).
Executor 2 turns a PC into a Macintosh, allowing the user to run
NIH Image and read Macintosh formatted floppies, CD-ROMs
(including IPT and HIP products), ZIP disks, and other media.
Executor 2 can be used on computers running DOS, Windows=AE
3.x, Windows=AE 95, and Windows=AE NT.
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NIH Image runs nearly as well on an Executor/PC combo
as it does on a Power Macintosh. On faster PC's (late model
486's and Pentiums), the NIH Image/Executor team loads
images quickly and performs complicated image processing
tasks at an impressive rate. Once installed and running, Executor
affords the look and feel of the Apple=AE hardware platform. The
program works so well that CIPE has held basic image
processing workshops on Pentium computers in two college
laboratories.
Executor 2 has some limitations, however. First, Executor 2
is not a multi-tasking program. Accordingly, the user may only
load one software program at a time. Second, Macintosh files
must be stored in special DOS archives rather than directly on
the PC hard drive. Third, color images often pick up muddy
blotches when displayed in NIH Image under Executor. And,
fourth, selections (rectangular, oval, free-form and other
selections) do not display as well in the Executor/NIH Image
environment as they do on a Macintosh.
=20
Regardless of its limitations, Executor is a wonderful
program that permits sophisticated NIH Image processing on
IBM PC's. Visit ARDI to download a fully functional, 10 minute
demonstration version of the program, available free of cost.
In short order, however, Scion Image for Windows will be the
alternative of choice for image processors using Windows 95 or
Windows NT as their operating system. Image for Windows is a
32-bit program that has the look and feel of its Macintosh parent
and promises to afford the same image processing power. The
Scion Corporation, a manufacturer of video frame-grabbing
cards, is developing the new program and plans to maintain
Image for Windows as freeware.=20
=20
Development of Image for Windows is moving along well
and many functions typically used by IPTer's are currently
implemented. For example, most of the measurement tools and
measurement functions are fully usable. Color tables can be
changed and manipulated. Filtering and other image manipulation
tools are also available. And, images can be stacked and
animated.
However, the most recent test release (Alpha 8, see screen shot =20
at right) is not yet a fully operational program. A number of=20
functions are yet to be enabled and the program contains quirks=20
and bugs that must be ironed out as the program matures. If you=20
choose to download Image for Windows from its Web site, be sure to=20
review the included README file. It describes which features=20
have been implemented in the test program and which features=20
have not been implemented.=20
=20
When Image for Windows has become a fully functioning
program, two software programs available from Dataviz=AE,
Macopener for WindowsTM and Conversions Plus for WindowsTM,=20
will be useful items for people who wish to use
their Macintosh formatted materials from the Center for Image
Processing and the Image Processing for Teaching project.
Macopener allows the user to read and write Macintosh floppies
and other media on an IBM-compatible PC. Conversions Plus
includes Macopener within its shell and adds the ability to
convert between Macintosh and IBM-PC file formats.
Visit the Dataviz website for more information on their
products.
Contact me at (520)322-0118, (800)322-9884 or
SMooreIP@AOL.com if you have questions or require further
information.
Steven Moore, Ph.D.
Assistant Project Director
Center for Image Processing in Education
-------------------
Jan Wee
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