Imatest - Imatest API

Executable programs for automated testing


	Table of contents Cross-reference Tour SFR Colorcheck Stepchart Multicharts Light Falloff Distortion Print Test Test Charts Lens testing Rescharts API for automated testing Customers & publications Compare versions Gamutvision Image quality Image quality factors Sharpness Sharpening SQF (Subjective Quality Factor) Veiling glare (lens flare) Color correction matrix Sharpness comparisons Noise Chromatic Aberration How to test lenses Shannon capacity Test Lab Glossary Glosario en Espanol Get Imatest Download Install Compare versions Purchase Renew subscription Register Training Training July 10-11, 2008 " Instructions 1 Install & register Using Imatest RAW files Lens testing SFR Part 1 SFR Part 2 SFR results: MTF SFR results: CA, noise SFR results: Multi-ROI MTF Compare Rescharts Log Frequency Log F-Contrast Star Chart API/EXE Building a test lab Gamutvision Instructions 2 Stepchart Stepchart: AI/ISO charts Dynamic Range Colorcheck Colorcheck Appendix Multicharts Multicharts Special Charts Light Falloff Light Falloff: Imatest Pro Distortion Print Test Test Charts Screen Patterns SVG Test Charts Maskfill Community Forums Links Affiliates Press Customers & publications Support Forums Feedback Troubleshooting Change Log FAQ Glossary Gamutvision Gamutvision Home Gamutvision tour Using Gamutvision Gamutvision Displays Finding bad profiles Gamutvision Change Log Gamutvision Print Test Black Point Compensation Gamutvision Equations

Table of contents

Introduction Pricing More on API

Introduction

Imatest™ API* is a set of modules designed to
measure image quality in automated testing systems.
Their tight integration with Imatest Pro 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.
*Imatest API/EXE instructions*

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 Pro, 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 Pro 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 Pro, we strongly recommend that API/EXE users have at least one Imatest Pro 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 Pro, 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.

Imatest API/EXE instructions

Digital image quality testing