Clemex Grain and Cell Sizing

Application Package
user’s guide

the image analysis people

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 Contents
••••••

Application Packages: Introduction

Application Packages on the Evaluation CD ................................................................................ 1
Application Packages and Vision PE ............................................................................................ 1
Application Packages and Vision Lite ........................................................................................... 1
How to Use Application Packages ................................................................................................ 2
Choosing the Right Pre-built Routine ............................................................................... 2
How to Load and Execute a Routine ............................................................................... 2
How to Modify a Routine .................................................................................................. 2
How to Run a Routine on Your Sample ........................................................................... 3
Prior to Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 4
Tips for Modifying a Routine ......................................................................................................... 4
Tips for Grain & Cell Sizing ........................................................................................................... 5
Tips for Particle Sizing .................................................................................................................. 5
Tips for Layer Thickness ............................................................................................................... 6
Tips for Phase Analysis ................................................................................................................. 6

Application Packages: Reference Sheets

Grain and Cell Sizing
Example 1: Dark Grains with Light Phase at Boundaries .............................................. 1
Example 2: Duplex Grains with Inclusions ..................................................................... 3
Example 3: Elongated Grains with Dark Outlines .......................................................... 5
Example 4: Incomplete Grains with Dark Outlines ......................................................... 7
Example 5: Light Grains with Dark Outlines .................................................................. 9
Example 6: Solid Grains with Various Gray Levels ........................................................ 11
Example 7: Sollid Grains with Various Colors (Hue) ...................................................... 13
 Application Packages
Introduction
••••••

An Application Package is a group of pre-built imaging routines designed to

cover several typical examples of an application. Each example is
represented by an image, to help you select the one closest to your own
application.

Within each example you will find various methods for analyzing the same
image. To help you choose the right method look in the appropriate section
at the end of this guide.

Application Packages on the Evaluation CD

If you have a trial version of Vision Lite or Vision PE you will be able to explore
all the available Application Packages for the duration of your evaluation CD.
The Application Packages provided with the trial version will not work with a
full version of Vision Lite or Vision PE, unless purchased.

Application Packages and Vision PE

Since the Vision PE toolbox contains the complete set of instructions, you will
be able to execute, modify, copy & paste, delete and insert any instruction at
any place in your pre-built routines.

Application Packages and Vision Lite

The Vision Lite Toolbox may not contain all the instructions used in a pre-built
routine. You will be able to execute, modify or delete any instruction but will
not be able to copy & paste or insert those instructions which are not found in
the Toolbox. Those instructions which are not part of the Vision Lite Toolbox,
but are used in a pre-built routine will appear in gray.

CLEMEX Application Packages · 1

How to Use Application Packages
Choosing the Right Pre-built Routine
Open your Application Package in C:/IAfiles/Application Packages.

Within an Application Package you will have the choice of several examples,
each represented by a thumbnail of the image used in that example. You can
make your selection by follwing the steps below:

1. Select the folder whose image is closest to your own application. The
name of the folder will also give you an indication of what this example
covers.

2. Open the “Tutorials” folder. Hold your cursor over each routine to view
the tooltips. If you find it difficult to make a decision based on the
description provided, you can always try all of the routines one by one to
see the end results. The next section provides information specific to
each application.

How to Load and Execute a Routine

1. Double-click on a routine to load it into Vision PE or Vision Lite.

2. To execute the whole routine click on the “Execute Field Section” button.

3. The routines in the Tutorial section all contain instructions and

explanatory pauses to help you understand the different steps of the
image analysis routine. Read the instructions carefully and carry them
out when necessary.

How to Modify a Routine

Now that you have loaded and executed at least one of the pre-built routines
from the “Tutorials” folder, and have made a choice as to which ones you
would like to adjust to fit your own sample or images, you will need to:

1. Remember the first letter of the routine(s) you wish to use (A, B, C, etc).

2. In Windows Explorer, navigate to the “Acquisition” folder in the same

example within your Application Package. The routines found here are
the same as those in the Tutorials section, except for the following
differences:

· no pauses for comments

· no “Load Image” instructions. A “Grab” instruction is used instead to
capture the image from your camera.

2 · Application Packages CLEMEX

 3. To execute the routine step by step on your image use the “Execute
Selected Instruction” button. This will allow you to see where you need
to make adjustments.

4. To modify an instruction, double-click on it in the routine, change the

parameters in the Toolbox and click on “Modify”. You will find more
specific information for modifying your Application Package routines in
the next section.

5. To delete an instruction, select it and hit the “Delete” key on your

keyboard, or the “Delete” button in the Routine window.

6. To copy (or cut) & paste an instruction, use the “Copy” (or “Cut”) and
“Paste” buttons in the Routine window, or use CTRL+C and CTRL+V on
your keyboard.

Note for Vision Lite users: if an instruction appears in gray, you will not
be able to paste it!

7. To insert an instruction, select the instruction before which you wish to

add a new instruction and insert it from the Toolbox.

8. Make sure you look at several fields of your sample while adjusting your
routine so that you end up with one routine which will work on the whole
sample.

9. Do not forget to save your routine under a different name and in a

different folder, since the Application Packages are write protected.

How to Run a Routine on Your Sample

Now that you have saved your newly modified routine, you will want to run it
on your sample or images.

You need to be aware that in the above section you were executing the rou-
tine in “Design Mode” whereas this section is concerned with the “Run Mode”.
When running a routine, you are telling the system to work on several fields
and allowing it to cumulate results for all fields analyzed.

1. Create a stage pattern if this option is available to you (motorized stage).

2. Start a run on you sample using the “Run” button.

3. If you are performing a manual run you will need to move your stage to
the next field each time the system asks you to do so, and click
“Continue” in the “Manual Run” dialog box. Click “End Run” to stop the
analysis.

CLEMEX Application Packages · 3

Prior to Analysis
1. Make sure your sample is flat and well prepared.

2. Adjust light intensity.

3. Create a shading corrector.

Tips for Modifying a Routine

1. To modify the Gray Threshold instruction during a pause first select the
biplane you will be using (eg. BPL2, red) by clicking on the correct
bitplane button in the dialog box, then use the slider bars under the
histogram to adjust the the range of gray levels to be binarized. For Color
Threshold you can begin selecting the color range by clicking directly in
the image window on areas to be binarized, then fine tune the selection
using the histogram and color wheel.

2. It is best to remove the Pause during a Gray or Color Threshold when

performing a complete run on a sample unless the gray levels of your
features vary greatly from field to field. Double-click on the Threshold
instruction, uncheck the “Pause” check box and click “Modify”.

3. Before performing measurements, make sure that the bitplanes on which

measurements will be executed correctly represent the features to be
measured. Only make modifications to a routine if they help you achieve
this goal. You can add or remove any measurements as needed.

4. The toolbox instructions which appear in black in this manual are those
where Vision will pause automatically for you to adjust the parameters.
Those which appear in red have to be manually modified (by double-
clicking on the instruction in the routine) if there is a need for an
adjustment. Please read the information concerning each instruction
carefully to decide whether it needs to be modified or not.

5. After adjusting an instruction within the routine (eg. decreasing the size of
a Trap instruction) you may have to reexecute all of the preceding
instructions to see the changes on the bitplane. This can be done
automatically by clicking on the button “Execute all instructions up to last
selected”.

6. A Delineate instruction will sharpen an image. This is usually helpful for

binarization but in some cases adding a Delineate instruction will make
analysis more difficult. For this reason some routines do not include a
Delineate instruction. However, you may add it if your features are not
sharp enough to be binarized properly.

4 · Application Packages CLEMEX

 7. A Gray Threshold instruction can be replaced by a Color Threshold
instruction if you are having trouble binarizing a color image based on its
gray levels. The reverse is also true.

8. The Trap instruction can be replaced by or combined with a Chord Size

to eliminate mainly thin features or with an Object Transfer by Limits
instruction if a specific criterion can be used to distinguish those
features which are to be isolated from others. Similarly, you can replace
a Chord Size with a Trap or an Object Transfer by Limits to suit your
purpose.

9. A Pause Edit instruction can be added to any routine, if you wish to

perform manual editing steps. You can also remove a block of
instructions for manual editing from a routine if you feel that you do not
need these instructions.

Tips for Grain & Cell Sizing

1. You must be familiar with the ASTM E 112 norms in order to use image
analysis for grain size measurements. Consult the Vision 3.5 User’s
Guide or the Help within Vision Lite / Vision PE for more information.

2. Each field must contain a minimum of approximately 50 grains for the

routines to produce valid grain size results. Lower the magnification if
necessary. For a typical camera each field will contain between 100 and
300 grains (more if using high resolution camera). The smallest grain in
a typical field must be represented by at least 50 pixels. Increase the
magnification if necessary.

3. If your grains are not connected and you are analyzing several fields
using a motorized stage, you can use a Guard Frame (see Vision 3.5
User’s Guide) to avoid sectioning grains from field to field.

4. At the end of a complete run, you can validate your data by sorting the
measurement results in the Data Browser (e.g. using Area, Length or
ASTM E 112 rating). You can also remove objects for a measurement
(e.g. OJBM1, OBJM2) from the Data Browser if you do not wish to have
them appear in your statistics for that particular measurement.

Tips for Particle Sizing

1. A manual editing step (Pause Edit) can be added to any routine. This
can be useful for deleting, separating or drawing missing parts of objects.

2. If your particles are not connected and you are analyzing several fields
using a motorized stage, you can use a Guard Frame (see Vision 3.5
User’s Guide) to avoid sectioning particles from field to field.

CLEMEX Application Packages · 5

3. At the end of a complete run, you can validate your data by sorting the
measurement results in the Data Browser (e.g. using Sphericity or
Roughness). You can also remove objects for a measurement (e.g.
OJBM1, OBJM2) from the Data Browser if you do not wish to have them
appear in your statistics for that particular measurement.

Tips for Layer Thickness

1. When drawing the coating interface manually you can change your
editing tool from Freehand to Line, to draw perfectly straight lines along
very even coating edges.

2. At the end of a complete run, you can validate your data by sorting the
measurement results in the Data Browser (using Length). You can also
remove objects for a measurement (e.g. OJBM1, OBJM2) from the Data
Browser if you do not wish to have them appear in your statistics for that
particular measurement.

Tips for Phase Analysis

If you wish to measure only one phase, use one of the routines designed
for two phases. You will need to delete the Field Measurements for the
second (unused) bitplane and modify the Relative Measurements to
remove the unused bitplane.

6 · Application Packages CLEMEX

 Grain and Cell Sizing

Example 1
Dark Grains with Light Phase at Boundaries

When to use this example

> if there is a phase at grain boundaries

When not to use this example

> if phase at grain boundaries is not visible enough

> if phase at grain boundaries does not surround each grain sufficently to represent
the grains
> if phase at grain boundaries is similar to a phase found inside the grains (eg.
coarse pearlite)

Inverted image

> if your image looks like the one on the left (light grains with dark phase at grain
boundaries) you can use this example but must remove the Invert BPL2 -> BPL2
instruction after the Gray Threshold step, or add it if it is not there.

Measurements

> you can add or delete any measurement to suit your application.

Method Summary Main Modifications

A The system automatically Binarization

separates grains. > Gray Threshold: adjust to make sure the light phase in your image is binarized in
Separation is carried out on red.
all features, including grains Removal of artifacts
that may already be > Trap: decrease size if too many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate
isolated. more features.
Grain separation
> Reconstruct: reduce number of cycles to separate fewer grains; increase to
separate more grains. Set to infinity to separate as many features as possible.
Removal of artifacts
> Trap: increase size to remove more small features which are not grains;
decrease size if actual grains start to disappear.
Grain expansion
> Zone: remove this instruction if you wish to measure the grains as you see them,
spaced by the second phase.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: delete these instructions if you do not want to remove
grains sectioned by the field of view (eg. if using a Guard Frame or building a
Mosaic).

CLEMEX Grain and Cell Sizing · 1

 Method Summary Main Modifications

B The system automatically Binarization, Removal of artifacts

separates rough / > Gray Threshold, Trap see Method A.
connected grains only. Isolation of rough grains
Select this method if not all > Object Transfer based on Roughness: decrease the limit to isolate fewer grains
grains are connected. to be separated.
Connected grains are first Grain separation, Removal of artifacts, Grain expansion, Removal of grains on the
isolated then separated. edge
Helps avoid overseparation. > Reconstruct, Trap, Zone, Squre Grid and Transfer: see method A.

C The system automatically Binarization, Removal of artifacts, Separation, Grain expansion (1)
separates grains (see > Gray Threshold, Trap, Reconstruct, Trap, Zone (1): see Method A.
Method A) then allows you to Manual editing
manually edit grain > no need to modify these 9 instructions.
boundaries. Grain expansion (2)
> Zone (2): if you removed the first Zone instruction (see method A), set this one to
1 cycle instead of “infinity”.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see method A.

D The system creates Adjustment of concentric circles

concentric circles and asks > Circular Grid: enter the parameters that correspond to your camera’s resolution:
the user to manually draw Camera resolution Center of the Grid Initial Radius Nb of pixels Nb of Grid
lines at boundary intersec- 760 x 572 X: 380, Y: 286 X: 90, Y: 90 90 3
tions. This manual tech- 640 x 510 X: 320, Y: 255 X: 80, Y: 80 80 3
nique can be used on any 1280 x 1020 X: 640, Y: 510 X: 160, Y: 160 160 3
type of image as long as
grain boudaries can be Note: This method uses several custom measures (Object Measures: Section
distinguished by the eye. Length Arms; Field Measures: Average Length, ASTM E 112 Heyn Circles
Select this method if none of Perimeter). To view the formulas of these custom measures use the menu path
the other methods work on Options > Custom Measure > Object (or Field), then select the measure and click
your images. on the View button.

2 · Grain and Cell Sizing CLEMEX

 Grain and Cell Sizing

Example 2
Duplex Grains with Inclusions

When to use this example

> If grains are light with dark and well defined grain boundaries.
> Some inclusions can be present.
> If small and large grains are to be analyzed at the same time.
> Can be used with the mosaic feature if the difference is size between small and
large grain distribution is too great.
> Use with a process frame if the sample is thinner than a field of view.

When not to use this example

> If the grain boundaries are not visible enough or are not complete.
> If the inclusions are longer than the grains.
> If there are too many inclusions.

Inverted image

> if your image looks like the one on the left (dark grains with light but well defined
grain boundaries) you can use this example but must remove the Invert BPL2 ->
BPL2 instruction after the Gray Threshold step, or add it if it is not there.

Measurements

> you can add or delete any measurement to suit your application.

Method Summary Main Modifications

A The system does not Binarization

separate grains. Select this > Gray Threshold: adjust to make sure the dark phase (grain boundaries) in your
method if you do not want the image is binarized in red.
system to try separating con- Removal of artifacts
nected grains for you. Grains > Trap: decrease size if too many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate
must be well defined. more features.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: delete these instructions if you do not want to remove
grains sectioned by the field of view (eg. if using a Guard Frame or building a
Mosaic).
Measurements
> OBJM3 and FLDM4: add or remove measurements. If you removed the Square
Grid and Transfer instructions, you can delete these measurements altogether.

B The system automatically Binarization

separates grains. > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
Separation is carried out on Removal of inclusions
all features, including grains > Trap (1): will remove thin horizontal feautres. Decrease size if too many features
that may already be isolated. are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features. If you are left with too
many inclusions, your grains may become overseparated.

CLEMEX Grain and Cell Sizing · 3

 Method Summary Main Modifications

B cont’d Grain separation

> Reconstruct: reduce number of cycles to separate fewer grains, increase to
separate more grains. Set to infinity to separate as many features as possible.
Removal of artifacts
> Trap (2): increase size if too few artifacts are being eliminated (will be counted as
grains if not removed), decrease the size if actual grains disappear.
Removal of grains on edge of image, Measurements
> Square Grid and Transfer, OBJM3 and FLDM4: see Method A.

C The system automatically Binarization

separates rough / > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
connected grains only. Removal of inclusions
Select this method if not all > Trap (1): see Method B.
grains are connected. Isolation of rough grains
Connected grains are first > Object Transfer based on Roughness: decrease the limit to isolate fewer grains
isolated then separated. to be separated.
Helps avoid overseparation. Grain separation, Removal of artifacts
> Reconstruct, Trap (2): see Method B.
Removal of grains on edge of image, Measurements
> Square Grid and Transfer, OBJM3 and FLDM4: see Method A.

D The system automatically Binarization

separates grains (see > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
Method A) then allows you to Removal of inclusions
manually edit grain > Trap (1): see Method B.
boundaries. Separation, Removal of artifacts
> Reconstruct, Trap (2): see Method B.
Removal of grains on edge of image, Measurements
> Square Grid and Transfer, OBJM3 and FLDM4: see Method A.

E The system does not Binarization

separate grains > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
automatically but allows users Removal of inclusions
to manually add and delete > Trap (1): see Method B.
grain boudaries using Removal of artifacts, Removal of grains on edge of image, Measurements
bitplane editing tools. > Trap (2), Square Grid and Transfer, OBJM3 and FLDM4: see Method A.

F The system creates Adjustment of concentric circles

concentric circles and asks > Circular Grid: enter the parameters that correspond to your camera’s resolution:
the user to manually draw Camera resolution Center of the Grid Initial Radius Nb of pixels Nb of Grid
lines at boundary intersec- 760 x 572 X: 380, Y: 286 X: 90, Y: 90 90 3
tions. This manual tech- 640 x 510 X: 320, Y: 255 X: 80, Y: 80 80 3
nique can be used on any 1280 x 1020 X: 640, Y: 510 X: 160, Y: 160 160 3
type of image as long as
boudaries are visible. Note: This method uses several custom measures (Object Measures: Section
Length Arms; Field Measures: Average Length, ASTM E 112 Heyn Circles
Perimeter). To view the formulas of these custom measures use the menu path
Options > Custom Measure > Object (or Field), then select the measure and click
on the View button.

4 · Grain and Cell Sizing CLEMEX

 Grain and Cell Sizing

Example 3
Elongated Grains with Dark Outlines

When to use this example

> If grains are light with dark and well defined grain boundaries.
> If grains are elongated.
> If grains are too long to be seen in one field, use the mosaic feature.

When not to use this example

> If the grain boundaries are not visible enough or are not complete.

Inverted image

> if your image looks like the one on the left (dark grains with light but well defined
grain boundaries) you can use this example but must remove the Invert BPL2 ->
BPL2 instruction after the Gray Threshold step, or add it if it is not there.

Measurements

> you can add or delete any measurement to suit your application.

Method Summary Main Modifications

A The system does not Binarization

separate grains. Select this > Gray Threshold: adjust to make sure the dark phase (grain boundaries) in your
method if you do not want the image is binarized in red.
system to try separating Removal of artifacts
connected grains for you. > Trap: decrease size if too many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate
Grains must be well defined. more features.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: delete these instructions if you do not want to remove
grains sectioned by the field of view (eg. if using a Guard Frame or building a
Mosaic).
Measurements
> OBJM3 and FLDM4: add or remove measurements. If you removed the Square
Grid and Transfer instructions, you can also delete these measurements
altogether.

B The system automatically Binarization

separates rough / > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
connected grains only. Removal of artifacts (1)
Select this method if not all > Trap (1): decrease size if too many features are eliminated, increase size to elimi-
grains are connected. nate more features.
Connected grains are first Isolation of rough grains
isolated then separated. > Object Transfer based on Roughness: decrease the limit to isolate fewer grains
Helps avoid overseparation. to be separated.

CLEMEX Grain and Cell Sizing · 5

 Method Summary Main Modifications

B cont’d Grain separation

> Opening HOR: reduce number of cycles if you start to see large parts of detected
grains disappear. If your grains are aligned vertically use the vertical Kernel
instead of the horizontal one.
Removal of artifacts (2)
> Trap (2): increase size if too few artifacts are being eliminated (will be counted as
grains if not removed), decrease the size if actual grains disappear.
Removal of grains on edge of image, Measurements
> Square Grid and Transfer, OBJM3 and FLDM4: see Method A.

C The system automatically Binarization

separates rough / > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
connected grains (see Removal of artifacts (1)
Method B) then allows you to > Trap (1): see Method B.
manually edit grain Isolation of rough grains
boundaries. > Object Transfer based on Roughness: see Method B.
Grain separation, Removal of artifacts (2).
> Opening HOR, Trap (2): see Method B.
Removal of grains on edge of image, Measurements
> Square Grid and Transfer, OBJM3 and FLDM4: see Method A.

D The system does not Binarization

separate grains automatically > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
but allows users to manually Removal of artifacts (1), Removal of artifacts (2)
add and delete grain > Trap (1), Trap (2): see Method B.
boudaries using bitplane Removal of grains on edge of image, Measurements
editing tools. > Measurements, Square Grid and Transfer, Measurements: see Method A.

E The system creates Adjustment of concentric circles

concentric circles and asks > Circular Grid: enter the parameters that correspond to your camera’s resolution:
the user to manually draw Camera resolution Center of the Grid Initial Radius Nb of pixels Nb of Grid
lines at boundary 760 x 572 X: 380, Y: 286 X: 90, Y: 90 90 3
intersections. This manual 640 x 510 X: 320, Y: 255 X: 80, Y: 80 80 3
technique can be used on 1280 x 1020 X: 640, Y: 510 X: 160, Y: 160 160 3
any type of image as long as
boudaries are visible. Note: This method uses several custom measures (Object Measures: Section
Length Arms; Field Measures: Average Length, ASTM E 112 Heyn Circles
Perimeter). To view the formulas of these custom measures use the menu path
Options > Custom Measure > Object (or Field), then select the measure and click
on the View button.

6 · Grain and Cell Sizing CLEMEX

 Grain and Cell Sizing

Example 4
Incomplete Grains with Dark Outlines

When to use this example

> If grains are light with dark grain boundaries.

> If parts of boundaries are not visible.

When not to use this example

> If the grain boundaries are not visible enough.

> If most of a grain boundary is missing.
> If the grains are too small.
> If there are many artifacts.

Inverted image

> if your image looks like the one on the left (dark grains with light grain
boundaries) you can use this example but must remove the Invert BPL2 -> BPL2
instruction after the Gray Threshold step, or add it if it is not there.

Measurements

> you can add or delete any measurement to suit your application, unless specified.

Method Summary Main Modifications

A The system does not Binarization

separate grains. Grains will > Gray Threshold: adjust to make sure the dark phase (grain boundaries) in your
be measured using the image is binarized in red.
stereological method, not Removal of artifacts (1)
as individual grains (size > Trap (1): will remove small features and artifacts from grain outlines. Decrease
ditribution will not be size if too many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features.
available) since they are not Removal of artifacts (2)
defined clearly enough. > Trap (2): will remove small features and artifacts from grains. Decrease size if too
many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features.
Measurements
> FLDM1: add or remove measurements. Do not use Object Measurements, or
Field Measurements based on count since grains are not separated.

B The system automatically Binarization

separates grains. > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
Separation is carried out on Removal of artifacts (1)
all features, including grains > Trap (1): see Method A.
that may already be isolated. Grain separation
> Reconstruct: reduce number of cycles to separate fewer grains, increase to
separate more grains. Set to infinity to separate as many features as possible.
Removal of artifacts (2)
> Trap (2): see Method A.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: delete these instructions if you do not want to remove
grains sectioned by the field of view (eg. if using a Guard Frame).

CLEMEX Grain and Cell Sizing · 7

 Method Summary Main Modifications

C The system automatically Binarization

separates rough / > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
connected grains only. Removal of artifacts (1)
Select this method if not all > Trap (1): see Method A.
grains are connected. Isolation of rough grains
Connected grains are first > Object Transfer based on Roughness: decrease the limit to isolate fewer grains
isolated then separated. to be separated.
Helps avoid overseparation. Grain separation
> Reconstruct: see Method B.
Removal of artifacts (2)
> Trap (2): see Method A.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method B.

D The system automatically Binarization

separates grains (see > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
Method B) then allows you to Removal of artifacts (1)
manually edit grain > Trap (1): see Method A.
boundaries. Grain separation
> Reconstruct: see Method B.
Removal of artifacts (2)
> Trap (2): see Method A.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method B.
Measurements
> OBJM1, FLDM2: see Method C.

E The system does not Binarization

separate grains > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
automatically but allows users Removal of artifacts (1), Removal of artifacts (2)
to manually add and delete > Trap (1), Trap (2): see Method A.
grain boudaries using Removal of thin protuberances
bitplane editing tools. > Pruning: use only if the grain boundaries in your image are thick and the Thin
instruction has produced small branches along the boundaries. If the branches
are long, increase the number of cycles. Remove this instruction if your original
grain boundaries are thin.
Measurements
> FLDM1: see Method A.

F The system creates Adjustment of concentric circles

concentric circles and asks > Circular Grid: enter the parameters that correspond to your camera’s resolution:
the user to manually draw Camera resolution Center of the Grid Initial Radius Nb of pixels Nb of Grid
lines at boundary intersec- 760 x 572 X: 380, Y: 286 X: 90, Y: 90 90 3
tions. Can be used on any 640 x 510 X: 320, Y: 255 X: 80, Y: 80 80 3
type of image if boudaries are 1280 x 1020 X: 640, Y: 510 X: 160, Y: 160 160 3
visible.
Note: This method uses several custom measures (Object Measures: Section
Length Arms; Field Measures: Average Length, ASTM E 112 Heyn Circles
Perimeter). To view the formulas of these custom measures use the menu path
Options > Custom Measure > Object (or Field), then select the measure and click
on the View button.

8 · Grain and Cell Sizing CLEMEX

 Grain and Cell Sizing

Example 5
Light Grains with Dark Outlines

When to use this example

> If grains are light with dark grain boundaries.

> If grains are complete and well defined.

When not to use this example

> If the grain boundaries are not visible enough.

> If grain boundaries are not complete.
> If there are more than just a few inclusions in each image.

Inverted image

> if your image looks like the one on the left (dark grains with light but well defined
grain boundaries) you can use this example but must remove the Invert BPL2 ->
BPL2 instruction after the Gray Threshold step, or add it if it is not there.

Measurements

> you can add or delete any measurement to suit your application, unless specified.

Method Summary Main Modifications

A The system does not Binarization

separate grains. Select this > Gray Threshold: adjust to make sure the dark phase (grain boundaries) in your
method if you do not want the image is binarized in red.
system to try separating Removal of artifacts
connected grains for you. > Trap: will remove small features and artifacts from grains. Decrease size if too
Grains must be well defined. many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: delete these instructions if you do not want to remove
grains sectioned by the field of view (eg. if using a Guard Frame or building a
Mosaic).

B The system automatically Binarization

separates grains. > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
Separation is carried out on Removal of artifacts (1)
all features, including grains > Trap (1): will remove small features and artifacts from grain outlines. Decrease
that may already be isolated. size if too many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features.
Grain separation
> Reconstruct: reduce number of cycles to separate fewer grains, increase to
separate more grains. Set to infinity to separate as many features as possible.
Removal of artifacts (2)
> Trap (2): will remove small features and artifacts from grains. Decrease size if too
many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

CLEMEX Grain and Cell Sizing · 9

 Method Summary Main Modifications

C The system automatically Binarization

separates rough / > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
connected grains only. Removal of artifacts (1)
Select this method if not all > Trap (1): see Method B.
grains are connected. Isolation of rough grains
Connected grains are first > Object Transfer based on Roughness: decrease the limit to isolate fewer grains
isolated then separated. to be separated.
Helps avoid overseparation. Grain separation
> Reconstruct: see Method B.
Removal of artifacts (2)
> Trap (2): see Method B.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

D The system automatically Binarization

separates grains (see > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
Method B) then allows you to Removal of artifacts (1)
manually edit grain > Trap (1): see Method B.
boundaries. Grain separation
> Reconstruct: see Method B.
Removal of artifacts (2)
> Trap (2): see Method B.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

E The system does not Binarization

separate grains > Gray Threshold: see Method A.
automatically but allows users Removal of artifacts (1), Removal of artifacts (2)
to manually add and delete > Trap (1), Trap (2): see Method B.
grain boudaries using Removal of grains on edge of image
bitplane editing tools. > Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

F The system creates Adjustment of concentric circles

concentric circles and asks > Circular Grid: enter the parameters that correspond to your camera’s resolution:
the user to manually draw Camera resolution Center of the Grid Initial Radius Nb of pixels Nb of Grid
lines at boundary intersec- 760 x 572 X: 380, Y: 286 X: 90, Y: 90 90 3
tions. Can be used on any 640 x 510 X: 320, Y: 255 X: 80, Y: 80 80 3
type of image if boudaries are 1280 x 1020 X: 640, Y: 510 X: 160, Y: 160 160 3
visible.
Note: This method uses several custom measures (Object Measures: Section
Length Arms; Field Measures: Average Length, ASTM E 112 Heyn Circles
Perimeter). To view the formulas of these custom measures use the menu path
Options > Custom Measure > Object (or Field), then select the measure and click
on the View button.

10 · Grain and Cell Sizing CLEMEX

 Grain and Cell Sizing

Example 6
Solid Grains with Various Gray Levels

When to use this example

> If grains are represented by varying levels of gray.

When not to use this example

> If there is not much contrast between grains.

> If gray levels are not evenly distributed within each grain.
> If there are inclusions.
> If the number of grains seen in each field is too small (grains are too large).
> If the grains are too small.
> If grains are not well defined.

Measurements

> you can add or delete any measurement to suit your application, unless specified.

Method Summary Main Modifications

A The system does not Filtering out of small gray variations

separate grains. Select this > Gray Closing: increase size to remove more dark objects within grains, decrease
method if you do not want the size if actual grains begin to disappear.
system to try separating > Gray Opening: increase size to remove more light objects within grains, decrease
connected grains for you. size if actual grains begin to disappear.
Grains must be well defined. > Smooth: increase number of cycles if the Gray Gradient instruction creates more
boundaries than necessary, decrease cycles if Gray Gradient doesn’t highlight all
of the actual grain boundaries.
Binarization
> Watershed: increase the number of Gray Levels if this instruction detects too
many boundaries (due to gray level variations within grains), decrease if not
enough grain boundaries are being detected.
Removal of artifacts
> Chord Size: will remove small features and artifacts from grains. Decrease size if
too many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: delete these instructions if you do not want to remove
grains sectioned by the field of view (eg. if using a Guard Frame or building a
Mosaic).

B The system automatically Filtering out of small gray variations, Binarization, Removal of artifacts (1)
separates grains. > Gray Closing, Gray Opening, Smooth, Watershed, Chord Size (1): see
Separation is carried out on Method A.
all features, including grains Grain separation
that may already be isolated. > Reconstruct: reduce number of cycles to separate fewer grains, increase to
separate more grains. Set to infinity to separate as many features as possible.

CLEMEX Grain and Cell Sizing · 11

 Method Summary Main Modifications

B cont’d Removal of artifacts (2)

> Chord Size (2): will remove small features and artifacts from grains. Decrease
size if too many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

C The system automatically Filtering out of small gray variations, Binarization, Removal of artifacts (1)
separates rough / > Gray Closing, Gray Opening, Smooth, Watershed, Chord Size (1): see
connected grains only. Method A.
Select this method if not all Isolation of rough grains
grains are connected. > Object Transfer based on Roughness: decrease the limit to isolate fewer grains
Connected grains are first to be separated.
isolated then separated. Grain separation, Removal of artifacts (2)
Helps avoid overseparation. > Reconstruct, Chord Size (2): see Method B.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

D The system automatically Filtering out of small gray variations, Binarization, Removal of artifacts (1)
separates grains (see > Gray Closing, Gray Opening, Smooth, Watershed, Chord Size (1): see
Method B) then allows you to Method A.
manually edit grain Isolation of rough grains
boundaries. > Object Transfer based on Roughness: see Method C.
Grain separation, Removal of artifacts (2)
> Reconstruct, Chord Size (2): see Method B.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

E The system does not Filtering out of small gray variations, Binarization, Removal of artifacts, Removal of
separate grains grains on edge of image
automatically but allows users > Gray Closing, Gray Opening, Smooth, Watershed, Chord Size, Squre Grid
to manually add and delete and Transfer: see Method A.
grain boudaries using
bitplane editing tools.

F The system creates Adjustment of concentric circles

concentric circles and asks > Circular Grid: enter the parameters that correspond to your camera’s resolution:
the user to manually draw Camera resolution Center of the Grid Initial Radius Nb of pixels Nb of Grid
lines at boundary intersec- 760 x 572 X: 380, Y: 286 X: 90, Y: 90 90 3
tions. Can be used on any 640 x 510 X: 320, Y: 255 X: 80, Y: 80 80 3
type of image if boudaries are 1280 x 1020 X: 640, Y: 510 X: 160, Y: 160 160 3
visible.
Note: This method uses several custom measures (Object Measures: Section
Length Arms; Field Measures: Average Length, ASTM E 112 Heyn Circles
Perimeter). To view the formulas of these custom measures use the menu path
Options > Custom Measure > Object (or Field), then select the measure and click
on the View button.

12 · Grain and Cell Sizing CLEMEX

 Grain and Cell Sizing

Example 7
Solid Grains with Various Colors (Hue)

When to use this example

> If grains are represented by different colors (hue).

> If grains are saturated in color (colors are bright).
> If there is a marked contrast in color between grains.

When not to use this example

> If there is not much contrast between grains.

> If colors are not evenly distributed within each grain.
> If there are inclusions.
> If the number of grains seen in each field is too small (grains are too large).
> If the grains are too small.
> If grains are not well defined.

Measurements

> you can add or delete any measurement to suit your application, unless specified.

Method Summary Main Modifications

A The system does not Filtering out of small color variations

separate grains. Select this > Color Closing: increase size to remove more dark objects within grains,
method if you do not want the decrease size if actual grains begin to disappear.
system to try separating > Color Opening: increase size to remove more light objects within grains,
connected grains for you. decrease size if actual grains begin to disappear.
Grains must be well defined. > Color smooth: increase number of cycles if the Color Gradient instruction creates
more boundaries than necessary, decrease cycles if Color Gradient doesn’t
highlight all of the actual grain boundaries.
Binarization
> Watershed: increase the number of Gray Levels if this instruction detects too
many boundaries (due to gray level variations within grains), decrease if not
enough grain boundaries are being detected.
Removal of artifacts
> Chord Size: will remove small features and artifacts from grains. Decrease size if
too many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: delete these instructions if you do not want to remove
grains sectioned by the field of view (eg. if using a Guard Frame or building a
Mosaic).

B The system automatically Filtering out of small color variations, Binarization, Removal of artifacts (1)
separates grains. > Color Closing, Color Opening, Color Smooth, Watershed, Chord Size (1): see
Separation is carried out on Method A.
all features, including grains Grain separation
that may already be isolated. > Reconstruct: reduce number of cycles to separate fewer grains, increase to
separate more grains. Set to infinity to separate as many features as possible.

CLEMEX Grain and Cell Sizing · 13

 Method Summary Main Modifications

B cont’d Removal of artifacts (2)

> Chord Size (2): will remove small features and artifacts from grains. Decrease
size if too many features are eliminated, increase size to eliminate more features.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

C The system automatically Filtering out of small color variations, Binarization, Removal of artifacts (1)
separates rough / > Color Closing, Color Opening, Color Smooth, Watershed, Chord Size (1): see
connected grains only. Method A.
Select this method if not all Isolation of rough grains
grains are connected. > Object Transfer based on Roughness: decrease the limit to isolate fewer grains
Connected grains are first to be separated.
isolated then separated. Grain separation, Removal of artifacts (2)
Helps avoid overseparation. > Reconstruct, Chord Size (2): see Method B.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

D The system automatically Filtering out of small color variations, Binarization, Removal of artifacts (1)
separates grains (see > Color Closing, Color Opening, Color Smooth, Watershed, Chord Size (1): see
Method B) then allows you to Method A.
manually edit grain Isolation of rough grains
boundaries. > Object Transfer based on Roughness: see Method C.
Grain separation, Removal of artifacts (2)
> Reconstruct, Chord Size (2): see Method B.
Removal of grains on edge of image
> Squre Grid and Transfer: see Method A.

E The system does not Filtering out of small color variations, Binarization, Removal of artifacts, Removal of
separate grains grains on edge of image
automatically but allows users > Color Closing, Color Opening, Color Smooth, Watershed, Chord Size, Squre
to manually add and delete Grid and Transfer: see Method A.
grain boudaries using
bitplane editing tools.

F The system creates Adjustment of concentric circles

concentric circles and asks > Circular Grid: enter the parameters that correspond to your camera’s resolution:
the user to manually draw Camera resolution Center of the Grid Initial Radius Nb of pixels Nb of Grid
lines at boundary intersec- 760 x 572 X: 380, Y: 286 X: 90, Y: 90 90 3
tions. Can be used on any 640 x 510 X: 320, Y: 255 X: 80, Y: 80 80 3
type of image if boudaries are 1280 x 1020 X: 640, Y: 510 X: 160, Y: 160 160 3
visible.
Note: This method uses several custom measures (Object Measures: Section
Length Arms; Field Measures: Average Length, ASTM E 112 Heyn Circles
Perimeter). To view the formulas of these custom measures use the menu path
Options > Custom Measure > Object (or Field), then select the measure and click
on the View button.

14 · Grain and Cell Sizing CLEMEX