Annotation Tools
Images captured by the Nikon DXM 1200 digital camera system can be conveniently annotated with text and graphics using the annotation tools available in the ACT-1 software. The annotation tools provide the ability to draw text, straight lines, rectangles, ellipses, polygons, polylines, and freehand curves directly onto any digital image captured by the DXM 1200 camera system. In addition, each annotation tool is fully configurable through a variety of options that can be accessed with the Set button located on the annotation toolbar.
The annotation tools are accessible through a floating toolbar that can be summoned at any time by clicking on the annotation button that is located on the main menu toolbar (Annotation Button; Figure 1), or by opening the Image menu and clicking on the Annotation option (Image Menu; Figure 1).
Each of the annotation tools can be made active by clicking the appropriate icon on the annotation toolbar (Figure 2). The properties of the annotation tool may then be adjusted by clicking the Set button on the annotation toolbar. Each annotation tool has its own set of options, which the user can easily configure for custom image manipulation and to prepare images for publication. To draw an annotation, begin by selecting the desired tool from the annotation toolbar.
Text may be added to a captured image by clicking on the image while the text icon is activated. The Text Setting Dialog Box (Figure 3) will then appear, and text may be entered into the text field provided (Active Text Field; Figure 3) by a text input box. Clicking the OK button in the text setting dialog box will insert the text annotation into the captured image at the point where the user clicked. Text options include a choice of typeface, pitch, color, style, emphasis, script, and optional background color.
Drawing a line, rectangle, or ellipse is as easy as dragging the mouse on the captured image window while the appropriate icon is activated on the annotation toolbar. The endpoints of a line may be repositioned by dragging with the mouse. Line settings include a choice of line width, as well as the option of affixing arrow heads to either of the endpoints of a line. Rectangle settings include a filled drawing option, a square drawing option, and a choice of line width for a non-filled rectangle. Ellipse settings include a filled drawing option, a circular drawing option, and a choice of drawing width for a non-filled ellipse. To draw a square using the rectangle tool or a circle using the ellipse tool, hold down the Shift key on the keyboard while dragging the mouse over the image, or click and check the appropriate option in the settings dialog.
To draw a polygon or polyline, click the mouse on the captured image to define the starting vertex. Then move the mouse to each desired vertex position and click. To finish drawing a polygon, double click on the last vertex, or single-click on the starting vertex. Polygon settings include a filled-drawing option and a choice of line width for a non-filled polygon. To finish drawing a polyline, double click on the last vertex position. Polyline settings include a choice of line width. The freehand tool allows the user to draw a freehand curve on the captured image. To draw a freehand curve, drag the mouse over the path of the freehand curve you wish to define. Freehand curve settings include a choice of line width.
The Color Settings panel is accessible from the settings dialog of each annotation tool, and can be used to select a drawing color either from a palette of commonly used colors, or from the custom HSI and/or RGB color selection panels (Detailed Color Settings Panel; Figure 4).
After annotations have been added to the captured image, they can be re-positioned on the image by dragging them with the mouse. The size and orientation of an annotation can also be adjusted by right-clicking on it and selecting the Reshape or Rotate option from the pop-up menu (Figure 5). Selecting the Reshape option will allow the user to resize an annotation in a number of different ways, depending on the type of annotation. Selecting the Property option in the pop-up menu will summon the appropriate settings dialog box for an annotation. Through the settings dialog box, it is possible to adjust any of the properties of an annotation after it has been created. When the captured image is finally saved, however, annotations are made permanent and can no longer be edited.
In conclusion, the broad variety and flexibility of the annotation tools included in the ACT-1 software greatly facilitates the illustration of captured digital images. When utilized, this feature of the ACT-1 software can minimize the user's need for additional software illustration packages.