On application of DTP software in image analysis
Abstract
A rapid progress in computing power of PC computers enabled expansion of powerful and inexpensive software for desktop publishing (DTP). DTP software includes modules for preparing illustrations which comprise many useful image analysis routines, usually with well optimized code.
Possible application of these programs in image analysis for stereology is discussed and a few illustrative examples are attached. From the stereological point of view the main disadvantage of DTP software is a complete lack of measurement routines. It can be solved by a user developed software. Thus, it is demonstrated how to build a relatively powerful image analysis system, suitable for teaching and simple, routine measurements, practically without investment (assuming there exists a hard copy of the analysed picture and a working DTP system, i.e. PC, scanner, printer and software).