Software question

Images made through a microscope. All subject types.

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VIP
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Software question

Post by VIP »

When I photograph slides, I place a scale such as “I________I = 30 um” on the photo.
I have to do this manually. Is there software available to do this automatically?
All suggestions are appreciated.

pbraub
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Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:23 pm

Re: Software question

Post by pbraub »

This might better fit in the technical forum

You need some sort of pixel calibration (know how many µm is your pixel). ImageJ can make this easy for you (https://kaplinskylab.domains.swarthmore ... alebar.htm). If you want to have more aesthetic control you have to do it manually.

VIP
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Re: Software question

Post by VIP »

Entering the measurement scale “automatically” on a photo is not working. My microscope is calibrated with an eyepiece scale so I have all of the the information needed for a scale. How can I manually put a measurement scale on the bottom of a photo? Example “I________I = 30 um” .
Thanks.

pbraub
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Joined: Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:23 pm

Re: Software question

Post by pbraub »

You need to know how many pixels correspond to a micrometer or vise versa.
Best get an objective micrometer, these used to be expensive but now come quite cheaply from china and are adequately for nearly all purposes.
Take a picture of the objective micrometer (or any other feature with a known size) and use it to get the the required values. Then calculate how long your line needs to be and add it using your image editing software of choice. or use the tutorial for imagej i posted above.

rjlittlefield
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Re: Software question

Post by rjlittlefield »

There is also the no-calculations method described at http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4030 .

This simply overlays an image that you want to annotate, with an image of a measurement scale shot with the same optics. The posting shows use of a stainless steel scale with a macro lens, but for microscopy I just use a stage micrometer instead. A good variety of styles are available on eBay for under $20. Today I even see one on Amazon.

This is my go-to method because it's almost foolproof and it conveniently handles optics where the magnification is not known precisely to start with.

--Rik

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Re: Software question

Post by rjlittlefield »

This thread is now locked to avoid duplication.

If you want to add information, please do it at in the companion thread at http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... 15&t=45235 .

--Rik

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