Hi all,
New versions of the PixInsight core application and PCL packages are now available and can be downloaded:
http://pleiades-astrophoto.com/betatest/The core application package is available under MS Windows and Linux x86.
The PCL package for Linux is not available yet. The only reason is that we haven't had the time to put the necessary files together and prepare a distribution package. We promise that this will be fixed as soon as possible.
The core application package for Linux x86_64 is not available just because we are having troubles to compile a few support libraries with 64-bit GCC. The rest of the platform compiles without flaws to native 64-bit code. We hope these problems will also be solved very soon.
Both Linux and Windows versions integrate Qt 4.3.0. This new Qt version has been considerably improved with respect to Qt 4.2.x, but it has a few minor problems with screen updates under Windows. If you see a few strange drawing effects on the real-time preview, HistogramTransform and CurvesTransform interfaces, this is the cause. These problems are of very little importance and don't affect the functionality of the cited tools. Hopefully they will be fixed in an incoming Qt version.
The Linux version has no problem at all and works without flaws, runs faster, is more stable, and handles wonderfully all available memory --just as usual ;-) .
_____________________________________________________________
New processesThis version includes the new Deconvolution and WienerDeconvolution processing tools.
The new Deconvolution tool implements state-of-the-art regularized Richardson-Lucy and Van Cittert deconvolution algorithms. Using wavelet-based multiscale analysis techniques, these algorithms separate significant image structures from the noise at each deconvolution iteration. Significant structures are kept and enhanced, while the noise is suppressed or attenuated. This allows for simultaneous deconvolution and noise reduction, which leads to robust, adaptive deconvolution procedures that in most cases outperform other implementations based on classical or less sophisticated design principles and techniques. In addition, our implementation includes a deringing algorithm that fixes the well-known
ringing problem (the Gibbs effect; e.g. dark halos around stars).
WienerDeconvolution is an excellent deconvolution tool that has been brilliantly written by Carlos Milovic. Wiener deconvolution is a fast deconvolution algorithm in the Fourier domain. It is an interesting deconvolution tool that can be very useful to process any kind of images with relatively high signal-to-noise ratios. Wiener deconvolution is particularly suitable for lunar and planetary imaging. It is also good to shape star profiles, as correction for less-than-perfect stellar images due to minor optical aberrations or slight tracking errors, and to quickly find and test PSFs.
Both tools include selectable Gaussian, motion blur and custom PSFs, as well as a dynamic range extension feature that is useful to fix saturated areas.
I have written a processing example (a sort of mini-tutorial) around a high-resolution lunar image acquired by Vicent Peris. This example is a good introduction for both tools and will guide you through basic and advanced features:
http://pleiades-astrophoto.com/examples/deconvolution/moon/en.htmlI'm writing now another example with a HDR M42 image, also by Vicent Peris. In this new example, we deconvolve the linear HDR image directly. By deconvolving the linear image we are applying deconvolution with a physical justification, not as a merely cosmetic tool. I'll tell you all you wanted to know about dark rings and didn't dare to ask
Enjoy!
_____________________________________________________________
Juan Conejero, Pleiades Software
PixInsight Project Home Page:
http://pleiades-astrophoto.com/
