Contouring (Interactive)

The interactive contouring logic can be used to contour the particle of interest within a stack of 2D images or a 3D model. The logic can also be used to design a mask suitable to the specific shape of the particle.

As input data a stack of 2D images or a 3D model is required. In order import the data of interest into the contouring logic the “PLAY” button hast to be pushed once until a blue hourglass appears. By clicking the notepad a new window for the contouring process will be opened. In the preset Bezier-mode or by choosing the Polyline-mode single images of the dataset can be contoured using the cursor. With the Drawing-mode the area that should be excluded can be marked. The contoured area appears clear whereas the excluded area is shaded. With Invert-Mask the whole selection within one image can be inverted.

At the bottom the current image plus a preview of the previous and the following image are shown. By using the mouse-wheel or clicking the on the previous/next image each image of the stack can be contoured. 3D models are subdivided into single images corresponding to the box size (in pixel).

To apply the selection of contoured images the process has to be saved by clicking the “SAVE” button and then executed with the “RUN” button. For further applications three different output datasets can be selected.

• Bezier-Mode: The area of interest can be chosen by using the cursor. By pressing “SHIFT” while contouring independent areas within one image can be contoured. With “CTRL” areas which should be excluded can be selected.
• Poly-Line: By single mouse clicks the contouring area is connected by lines. By double-clicking the right mouse button inside the selected area the mode can be finished resulting in a clear contoured and a shaded non-contoured area.
• Drawing-Mode: By holding the left mouse button areas that should be excluded can be marked.

• Zoom in: CTRL + mouse wheel up
• Zoom out: CTRL + mouse wheel down

• next image: mouse wheel up
• previous image: mouse wheel down

• contouring several areas in one image: SHIFT + selection in Bezier-mode
• excluding specific areas from contouring: CTRL + selection in Bezier-mode