Extracting numeric waves from images

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Hi all,

I was wondering if it was possible to use IGOR to extract a numeric wave (which I can analyse, manipulate etc. myself) from an image file. Specifically, I want to use line graphs in scientific literature (given as pdf or jpg), convert the images of the lines in a separate x-y waves and then use the full capabilities of IGOR for data processing.

An example would be here: http://www.nature.com/nmat/journal/v11/n12/fig_tab/nmat3457_F4.html, where I would like have the two lines in panel b as numeric waves.

Thanks,

Soepvork
Have a look at IgorThief.
The .ipf is in \Igor Pro Folder\WaveMetrics Procedures\File Input Output\.
You can install it by adding the following to your procedure window:
#include <IgorThief>

You can then start it from the Data...Packages menu.

Hope this helps,
Kurt

October 7, 2013 at 03:49 am - Permalink

If you want a tool that does the tracing work for you, also take a look at the Tracer project:
http://www.igorexchange.com/project/tracer

I use it all the time. The linked sample graphs are especially well suited for the tracer tool, as the traces are already colored and well separated. Should be a work of 1 minute to get the data into Igor.

October 11, 2013 at 12:05 am - Permalink