New features of version 4.19


Version 4.19 - October 7, 2004

RAW format support for the DSLR Sigma SD10 (Foveon sensor, without a Bayer matrix - RAW image is already an 48-bits colors image).

NEW COMMAND

SBLUR [ SIGMA] [GAMMA ]

Command SBLUR (for Selective Blur i) generates a blur in the image with a force more higher since the objects are more intense. This function is used on star fields to produce an Akira Fujii effect, for example to reveal the contour of the constellations. The parameter SIGMA permit to adjust the degree of the blur (select values between 2 and 15) and the parameter GAMMA makes adjust the sensitivity to the brightness of stars (the characteristic value is between 4 and 10). For an optimal effect it should be taken care that the most brilliant stars are not saturated. This command boost the colors and can be also used in combination with ASINH.

For example, let us apply command SBLUR to a wide-field image of the area Sagittarius-Scorpius realized with a Canon EOS 10D and a 17 mm objective lens at f/4 (composite of 8 images exposed 5 minutes at 400 ASA), from the observatory of the Pic du Midi observatory (July 2004). Here the image with a standard display:

The same image after application of command : SBLUR 5 7

It is noticed that the weak stars keep their sharpness whereas the brilliant stars are well raised. The Scorpius constellation is now for example easily identifiable. By modifying the parameters, by successive tests, it is easy to change the effect.

Another example. The Cassiopeia region before processing (Canon EOS10D + 17 mm lens image):

The Cassiopeia region after processing:


Version 4.18 - September 13, 2004

Support of the Canon EOS 20D and EOS 1D Mark II raw format (extension CR2). The camera settings new flag:

Notes: The model flag is the same for the 20D and for the 1D Mark II. The white balance parameters (1.95, 1.00, 1.36) are typical. You can also load the RAW in the CFA form from the File menu and process this as a standard RAW (see the road map for example).

NEW COMMAND

SAVEPPM [NAME]

Store current image in the form of a PPM file (Portable Pixel Map - 24-bits format). You can save true colors images (24-bits) but also, black and white images (16-bits)

NEW SPECTRO FUNCTIONS

L_COUNT

Compute the mean level of a 2D spectrum (in ADU or Analog/Digital Unit). The concerned part is selected with mouse.

L_NOISE

Compute the mean level and the RMS noise of a 1D spectrum - The wavelength limits of the computation are selected with the mouse.

L_OPT

An easy to use optimal extraction function of the 1D spectrum from the 2D spectrum. See L_OPTBIN.

L_POS2

Precise evaluation of the position of a spectral in a 1D spectrum. The line influence zone is selected with the mouse. The command return the position in pixel and also the FWHM of the line.

SLANT2 [INPUT] [OUTPUT] [Y0] [ALPHA] [NUMBER]

Equivalent to SLANT, but for an images sequence.


Version 4.17 - June 17, 2004

Improvement of the automatic preprocessing RAW files function - command Preprocessing of the Digital photo menu: addition of the correction of the cosmetic defects (hot pixels for example), see here the tutorial, ...

Addition of functions ADD_MIN and ADD_MIN2, equivalent to functions ADD_MAX and ADD_MAX2, but for the least intense pixels - click here for details.

Possibility to select files images to order them in a list of generic name of your choice. For that run the command Select files... of the Files menu. A dialog box appears in the center of the screen (if necessary mask windows in front of it). From the Windows Explorer drop images file name of your choice in the selection dialog box. Then, enter a generic name and click on the create sequence button. To return to the program, click on Cancel. For example, if you selected 4 files and that the entered generic name is SUN, you have in your working directory the ordered copy of the files chosen with names SUN1, SUN2, SUN3 and SUN4.


Version 4.16 - May 25, 2004

Addition of dialog box for adjust the white balance of a color image color by indicating RGB coefficients.

For an application example and an assistance about the manner of process the DSLR images, click here.

NEW COMMANDS

COSME_CFA [FILE_LIST]

Same function that COSME but applying to RAW images (Bayer matrix images). All the types of RAW files recognized by Iris can be treated (Canon, Nikon...). The processing is distinct for red, green and blue pixels of CFA matrix). The file whose name is given in argument contains the list of the hot pixels. Those can be found automatically with command FIND_HOT. Click here for an example.

COSME_CFA2 [ INPUT ] [OUTPUT ] [FILE_LIST]

Same function that COSME_CFA, but applying to a sequence of images.

ADD_MEAN [ NAME ] [ NUMBER]

Calculate the average of a sequence of images.

HISTO

Calculate the histogram of the in memory image and produces file HISTO.DAT in the working directory. This function calculates also the cumulated histogram (file CUMUL.DAT) and the opposite cumulated histogram (file CUMUL_INV.DAT).


Version 4.15 - May 8, 2004


The command 
NOFFSET2, NGAIN2, MAX et MIN are now compatibles with the 48-bits true colors format. The median stack (menu Processing and the console command  SMEDIAN) support also the 48-bits mode. Bug fixed in the  command  (L)RGB..., menu Visu.

Add of a stack min/max rejection function (eliminate the max and the min pixels of a sequence during stacking).  See the Add a sequence... command of the Processing menu:

 

The new command RGB balance... of the menu Digital photo is used for a precise scaling of the RGB layer of a true colors image (the coefficients are the same then in the camera setting dialog box):


NEW COMMANDS

COL2BW [INPUT] [OUTPUT] [NUMBER]

Convert a 48-bits true-colors image into a black and white sequence (simple add of the RGB layer).

FITS2FIT [NAME] [NUMBER]

Convert a FITS extension sequence to a FIT extension sequence (example the file name M57-2.FITS is converted to M57-2.FIT).


Version 4.14 - April 15, 2004

Improved support of RAW format for the digital SLR Nikon D70.

NEW COMMANDS

SELECTIVE GAUSSIAN FILTER FOR NOISE REDUCTION

The selective gaussian blur filter method is used for smooth areas of an image affected by noise. The filter is applied to areas with contrast below a certain threshold. The threshold is one of the parameter of the command. Typical values are between 5 and 50. A higher setting here will produce more smoothing. The second parameter of the command is the blur radius, the number of pixels considered for blurring. Typical values are from 5 to 15.

For run the selective gaussian filter invoque the command Selective gaussian filter... of the Processing menu:

For example:

  

Left, part of a wide field two minutes exposure with the Canon EOS 10D and a 17-mm focal length lens.  Right, the same image after the noise reduction (note, details are preserved). Here, the filter parameters are:


 

SAVEPSD [NAME]

Save the in-memory image into a Photoshop PSD 48-bits file (16-bits by color plane).
 

ADD OF FUNCTIONS FOR BASIC RAW PROCESSING

A set of functions is added for the preprocessing of individual RAW files (CFA images) :

 
 

 DIRECT LOAD OF A CFA IMAGE FROM THE FILE MENU

 See also new features of Iris V4.13