| Feature |
BASIC |
REG |
PRO
DSLR |
Description |
|
GENERAL |
|
Interactive or predefined region to analyse |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Indicate the hemispherical part of the image to analyse by one of three methods; 1) clicking the image, 2) entering numerical values or 3) automatically extracting parameters from a calibration file (provided with lenses and cameras that we sell). |
|
Analysis done in one or two steps (Pixels classification and canopy analysis). |
Y |
Y |
Y |
To; 1) view and modify the pixels classification, 2-) create or edit masks, 3-) create interactive gap regions and 4) choose analysis settings before it is complete. The analysis can be stopped at any time and can go backward by steps. |
|
Interactive or batch mode analysis |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Interactive analysis is done with operator interaction. A batch analysis can be done with or without operator supervision. Unlike some programs there is no limit on the number of images that can be processed in batch. Random or whole images lot analysis verification. |
|
User selectable number of sky regions (sky grid) |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Choose how many zenith rings or azimuthal slices the hemisphere is divided into. |
|
Zenith rings of equal view angle. |
Y |
Y |
Y |
WinSCANOPY divides the hemisphere equally among a specified number of annuli. Each zenith ring has the same field of view. |
|
Zenith rings of unequal view angle. |
N |
Y |
Y |
You can specify the beginning and ending of each zenith ring. |
|
Automatic data saving |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Data are saved automatically, no need to activate specific commands. |
|
Multiple passes analysis. |
N |
N |
Y |
Analyse images in multiple passes by successively changing the analysis parameters (growing season, radiation model, sky grid divisions...). Details. |
|
FILES |
|
Analyse tiff, bmp or jpeg image files |
Y |
Y |
Y |
These are the most common image file formats. Jpeg is produced by all digital cameras. |
|
Analyse grey levels images with 10 to 16 bits per pixel. |
N |
N |
Y |
Versions below the DSLR can only analyse 8 bits per pixels grey levels images. These images can reproduce only 256 grey levels or light intensities. A 10 bits image can reproduce 1024 grey 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 grey 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. |
|
Print any image used in the analysis |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Images can be printed with their analysis marks over them (suntracks, sky grid...) and with or without the accompanying graphic (which can also be printed/saved individually). |
|
Export any image used in the analysis |
Y |
Y |
Y |
You can save in tiff format readable by many programs; the pixels classification image, the color classes and color groups image (Pro and DSLR versions) and the original image with all its analysis settings. |
|
Save the analysis with the image |
Y |
Y |
|
An image that has been analysed can be saved in tiff format with its complete analysis. When such images are loaded in WinSCANOPY, the analysis is automatically recreated and displayed and can be modified. WinSCANOPY can take on the same settings as when the image was saved or discard the analysis and keep its setting. |
|
Automatic extraction of photo number from images file name |
N |
N |
Y |
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. |
|
Automatic extraction of camera settings from image files |
N |
N |
Y |
When a photo is acquired, most digital cameras store their settings in the image files. WinSCANOPY automatically extracts this information, displays it on screen before analysing the sample and save it with the analysis data. Some of the information that is automatically read and recopied to the analysis data comprises: 1-) lens focal length (to make sure that the lens was set to the focal length it was calibrated), 2-) lens aperture, 3-) camera exposure time, 3-) camera manufacturer, model and firmware, 4-) acquisition date and time, 5-) ISO and exposure program and 6-) metering mode. (This list is not complete). |
|
Extract GPS information from image files |
N |
N |
Y |
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 wont have to enter them during the analysis. Note: Regent Instruments do not sell GPS systems and not all GPS are compatible. |
|
Choose which information and data are saved in analysis data files |
Y |
Y |
Y |
This comprises full control over which title lines, analysis settings and measurements data that are written to files. It can go from the simplest format that comprises only the image identification number and a single measurement to a detailed file that includes all WinSCANOPY's settings. |
|
Save and load from a file the analysis settings |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Allows multiple persons to work with the program each with their own settings, without having to reenter them each time the program is started. |
|
IMAGES |
|
Select a color channel for viewing and analysis. |
N |
N |
Y |
A color image can be viewed and analysed:1-) in RGB color space, 2-) in true grey levels (converted from the three color channels not just from the green channel as some cameras or programs do), 3-) in its red, green or blue channel. You can view an histogram of light intensity distribution for each of the preceding choices. |
|
Image edition |
N |
Y |
Y |
To remove artifacts or defects. Images can be edited with pre-defined colors or with any color present in the image. Can also be used to darken white stems to make sure they are classified as canopy elements. |
|
Image sharpening |
Y |
Y |
Y |
To enhance grey levels or color transitions so that objects boundaries are sharper and to prevent small gaps from being classified as canopy. |
|
Panoramic view |
N |
Y |
Y |
Transforms the image from an hemispherical view to a panoramic view. Details. |
|
FISHEYE LENSES |
|
Lens calibration |
N |
Y |
Y |
9th order polynomial to compensate for non linearity in zenithal projection. |
|
Support lenses with field of view (FOV) different from 180 degrees |
N |
Y |
Y |
To analyse images acquired with a lens with a FOV smaller or larger than 180 degrees or to reduce the effective FOV of a standard 180 degree lens. Specify the sky grid's minimal and maximal viewing angles. |
|
PIXELS CLASSIFICATION (INTO CANOPY AND SKY) |
|
View the pixels classification before, during or after analysis. |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Valid for all methods available (see lines below) including color pixels classification (Pro and DSLR). As you change the classification parameters, the resulting classification is shown in the displayed image. |
|
Global threshold pixels classification method |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Light intensity (grey level) is used to determine if pixels belong to sky or canopy. |
|
Adaptive threshold pixels classification |
N |
N |
Y |
Light intensity (grey level) is used to determine if pixels belong to sky or canopy but criteria changes in function of the location in the image to adapt for lighting variations. |
|
Hemispherical threshold pixels classification |
N |
N |
Y |
Light intensity (grey level) is used to determine if pixels belong to sky or canopy taking into account the light variations of hemispherical lenses. |
|
Solar threshold pixels classification |
N |
N |
Y |
Light intensity (grey level) is used to determine if pixels belong to sky or canopy taking into account the sky's light variations (due to sun or other). |
|
Color based pixels classification |
N |
N |
Y |
True color information (RGB and hue, intensity and saturation) is used to determine if pixels belong to sky or canopy. Details. |
|
Interactive pixels classification modifications |
N |
N |
Y |
To verify and make modifications to the pixels classification for the whole image or regions of it. The regions can have any shape of can be the sky grid's zenith rings. Compare the effective classification to one that can be obtained with different classification criteria and retain the best. Details. |
|
Histogram |
N |
Y |
Y |
Displays the light levels distribution for the grey levels and/or each color channel. Helps visualize thresholds selection. |
|
MASKS |
|
Masks |
N |
Y |
Y |
To prevent some parts of the image which might contain non-canopy elements from being analysed. You can:
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 as you create them.
5) Create masks by 3 methods: a) drawing over the image, b) specifying parameters or c) entering a list of points in polar or image coordinates.
6) Revert a mask selected region (the masked area can be the inside the mask or outside of it).
7) Create them before or after the analysis.
8) Manipulate masks (save, load, apply) individually or as a group. |
|
DISPLAY |
|
User-customizable sample identification information. |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Choose which information is asked to the operator before each analysis (hide the information you do not need). This information is saved with the analysis data. |
|
Graphic of measurements above the image. |
N |
Y |
Y |
To view measurement data (radiation above and below canopy per hour, leaf angle distribution, sunfleck distribution...) graphically while the image is being analysed. It can be viewed (or hidden) on screen, sent to a file or printed. |
|
Choose which information/data is displayed over the image. |
Y |
Y |
Y |
This information (suntracks, dates, sky grid, masks...) is available at any time and over the original image (instead of a separate image as with some programs) without modifying it. You can also change the color used to display that information. |
|
RADIATION |
|
Suntracks |
N |
Y |
Y |
Can be automatically generated for a user specified growing season (with variable day interval) or manually one at a time. |
|
Substitute or modify theoretical direct and diffuse radiation. |
N |
Y |
Y |
Substitution or modification of default theoretical values can be done on an hourly basis by month. |
|
Choice of two diffuse (indirect) radiation models. |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Uniform Overcast (UOC) and Standard Overcast (SOC) are two models commonly used to quantify diffuse radiation distribution in function of zenith. |
|
MISC. |
|
WinSCANOPY software updated regularly. |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Typically one version released per year (some of which are free). For a list of improvements made over the last years, see WinSCANOPY most recent version. |
|
Free technical support. |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Technical support is done exclusively by email by qualified personnel (often by the programmers of WinSCANOPY) within typically one hour (when message is received on working hours eastern America). |
