WinSCANOPY Most recent version, for canopy analysis based on hemispherical photography

Features	Benefits
FEATURES UNIQUE TO THE DSLR VERSION:
Analyse gray levels images with 10 to 16 bits per pixel.	Versions below the DSLR can only analyse 8 bits per pixels gray levels images. These images can reproduce only 256 gray levels or light intensities. A 10 bits image can reproduce 1024 gray levels, while at 12 bits it is 4096 and finally at 16 bits it is 65536. An image with more bits per pixel has a wider dynamic range (difference between darkest and brightest light levels) and more tonal variations (light differences distinguished between the minimal and maximal light level). Light variations are merged when the number of gray levels is not sufficient. When subtle light variations are preserved, the image contains more details and this gives more choice for pixels classification into canopy and sky. WinSCANOPY allows you to view and use for pixels classification the images at different bit depths (ex: for a 12 bits image, choose to use all the 12 bits information, only the 8 most or least significant or any middle range bits).
Extract GPS information from camera image files.	You can connect a GPS (global positioning system) to some high end cameras (we do sell one such model) to precisely know the location (latitude, longitude and altitude) where the images are acquired. WinSCANOPY will automatically extract this information when it is present in image files so you won't have to enter them during the analysis. Note: Regent Instruments do not sell GPS systems.
Default settings configured for digital SLR camera images.	These cameras produce 3:2 aspect ratio instead of the 4:3 of consumer type point and shoot cameras.
Built-in calibration and knowledge about one specific DSLR camera-lens pair.	Calibration includes; 1-) non linearities compensation in the image projection position in function of elevation, 2-) determination of the hemisphere center position and 3-) the hemisphere radius that yield a 180 degrees field of view. Calibration is camera and lens dependent. Only one calibration pair is given at time of purchase of a camera and lens from Regent Instruments. Additional calibrations can be purchased.
FEATURES COMMON TO PRO & DSLR VERSIONS
Extract camera settings information from image files.	When a photo is acquired, most digital cameras store their settings in the image files. WinSCANOPY automatically extract this information, displays it on screen and save it with the data when you analyse an image. Some of the information that is automatically read and recopied to the analysis data is: 1-) lens focal length (to make sure that zoom lens was set to the position it was calibrated), 2-) lens aperture, 3-) camera exposure, 3-) camera manufacturer, model and firmware, 4-) acquisition date and time. 5-) ISO and exposure program and modifications, 6-) metering mode.
Select a color channel for viewing and analysis.	A color image can be viewed and analysed:1-) in RGB (full) color space, 2-) in true gray levels (converted from the three color channels not just the green channel as some cameras or programs do), 3-) in its red, green or blue channel. You can view the image and histogram of light intensity distribution for each of the preceding choices. You can view the pixels classification before the image is analysed to better choose the channel (or the pixels classification method)
Chromatic aberrations removal filter.	This filter compensates for color shifts in function of zenith angle per color channel.
FEATURES COMMON TO REG, PRO & PRO-DSLR VERSIONS
New types of masks and ways to work with them. (Masks were present in earlier versions. There are now newer types of masks, they can be created with more flexibility and ease and at more moment of the analysis).	1) Create as many masks as you want and of any type. 2) Export and import masks (even from other programs) to files (unlimited number of masks per file). 3) Save them with the image (in the same tiff file). 4) View the mask over the image (not on a grid) as you create them with any method described below. 5) Create masks by 3 methods: a) drawing over the image, b) specifying parameters or c) entering a list of coordinates points in polar or image coordinates. 6) Revert a mask selected region (the masked area can be the inside of the mask or the outside of it). 7) Manipulate masks individually (by clicking it) or as a group. All the above commands works for one or the whole set of defined masks.
New methods of pixels classification (into canopy and sky) and better feedback during parameters selection.	There are three new methods to classify pixels, two of which are specific to hemispherical images. 1) an adaptive threshold that changes value in function of the location in the image, 2) an hemispherical threshold that takes into account the light variation of hemispherical lenses, 3) a threshold that takes into account the light variations of the sun position in the image. The result of the pixels classification can be viewed before the analysis or in the middle of it for any method available including color pixels classification. As you change the methods parameters, the resulting classification is shown in the displayed image.
Histogram	Displays the light levels distribution for the gray levels and each color channel. Helps visualize thresholds selection.
Graphic above the image	This feature is not new but it was present in the Pro version only. It is now available in the Reg version (and the new DSLR).
FEATURES COMMON TO ALL VERSIONS
Export any images used in the analysis	You can save in tiff format ;1-) the pixels classified image, 2-) the color classes image and 3-) the color groups image. You can even analyse them.
Save the analysis with the image.	You can save in tiff format an image that has been analysed. When such images are loaded in WinSCANOPY, the analysis is automatically displayed and can be modified. WinSCANOPY can set itself to the same settings as when the image was saved or discard the analysis and keep its current setting. Note: other programs (like Photoshop) will be able to load the image but they won’t see or display the analysis.
Images can be analysed in two steps; 1-) image analysis (pixels classification) and 2-) canopy analysis (LAI, radiation, site factors...).	Allows you to view and or modify 1-) the pixels classification, 2-) create or edit masks, 3-) create gap regions and choose other analysis settings before the analysis is complete.
The analysis can be canceled in two steps.	A partial cancel (Delete Hemisphere) deletes only the canopy analysis (LAI, radiations, ...) while a complete cancel deletes all analyses (pixels classification, image edition, filtering, canopy analysis). After a partial cancel, the analysis can be completed (after modification to some parameters for example).
Photo number automatic recognition from file name.	From the image file name (ex: ABC00123.jpeg), WinSCANOPY will automatically extract the number (123) and write it in the sample identification window at the beginning of the analysis.
Images centered in the window after loading	Saves you a few mouse clicks and time
Analysis can be stopped at any moment.	A progress bar is shown during analysis. Press specific keyboard keys to stop the analysis. Can save time when you change your mind.
Contrast enhancement	Image contrasts can be enhanced. Some people find it easier to verify pixels classification with it. Has no effects on the analysis.
Analysis is faster	.
Images are no more rotated	The sky grid and analysis is rotated instead. This saves time and avoid image modification.
Sharpening filter has variable intensity settings	Allow more control over the strength of the modification applied to the image.
Magnetic and true north indicated around the hemisphere	For visualization and to verify the north position indicated by the NorthFinder.
Altitude, magnetic declination and orientation are specified in decimal (1.2) rather than integral numbers (1).	More precise.
Support for new point and shoot camera models	Includes pre-defined image resolutions and hemisphere radius. The hemisphere center position in the image is not provided because it must be determined (at calibration or by end user) per camera-lens pair.
Data file format updated	To store information and data of new features mentioned in this table.
New manual	Totally redesigned with more explanations and color illustrations.

WinSCANOPY Versions History (see below for XLScanopy versions history)
Our software products are regularly updated. Our customers will automatically receive notification of new updates with the features list. For any questions, please contact our sales department at sales@regentinstruments.com