Multiwire Laboratories, Ltd.

General Software Questions:

Why do you employ the HASP software protection device on all of your software packages?

The HASP unit is meant to protect the software from unauthorized use and distribution. We are a small company that is committed to making the best product possible for the lowest cost.

Northstar/ScanORIENT says it can not find HASP security protection even though my HASP is plugged in.

Try downloading the latest HASP drivers. Uninstall the old ones using Windows add/remove programs in the control panel, and then reinstall them using the updated drivers. Latest HASP drivers can be obtained at this page: http://www.aladdin.com/support/hasp/hasp4/enduser.aspx

You should download the first zip file in the list (Win32/64 hdd32.exe GUI version).  You should first make sure that the HASP is physically plugged into the computer before installing the driver software.
 

MWL110 Real-Time specific Questions:

Why can't I provide my own real-time computer?

Because the real-time computer is custom built for the acquisition speed necessary. We carefully select motherboards for our computers that perform well.  Included with the system is also a custom card designed to interface with the detector electronics. In some computers, this card may not be provided with adequate resources to process the tens of thousands of bytes per second of data generated during a crystal orientation. It also serves to note that the real-time computer is only a small part of the MWL110's package. Specifically the computer is the user interface to a complicated chain of electronics dedicated to providing rapid crystal orientation.

Can I use the RT computer for general processing?

Yes, though we strongly recommend that no other hardware (sound cards, etc.) be added as this may conflict with the real-time electronics and processing.

Why can't we employ Windows 2000 for the RT system?

A new version that supports Win2k and networking is now available on new systems and as a stand-alone upgrade for older system in the field.

Why can't we connect a networked printer?  The earlier Win 3.1 and Win 95 versions didn't allow this as we "punched through" the operating system to get enough real-time speed for imaging the diffraction patterns.  The "punch through" has been eliminated in the Windows 2000 (current) version and it now properly works on a network.

ScanOrient. Problems / Comments

The following is a various problems you might encounter and possible solutions. These are provided to assist you in troubleshooting any problems that may arise.

1. Some common error messages:

"Problem opening parameter file" message: The last usage of the system probably used (and specified) a data file from another directory or drive. ScanORIENT will proceed to create a new parameter file once this message is acknowledged. Note that this message appears when you first install the software because a system parameter file is not part of the files shipped.

"Error Opening Index file" message: The last time ScanORIENT was run, it used a data file that no longer exists (or has been moved). Load a new index file to resolve this problem.

"Error Initializing TWAIN Source or No TWAIN source present": The scanner or its software has not been setup correctly -- re-install.

"Error Loading TWAIN Source Manager 'TWAIN.DLL'": The file TWAIN.DLL (usually in the windows directory) has become misplaced or corrupted. Reinstall the ScanORIENT software. If problems persist, re-install your scanner and software.

"A 'Scanner isn't responding' message keeps appearing": The scanner is not responding as it should be. Try running one of the applications that came with the scanner. Refer to your scanner manufacturer's troubleshooting section in your scanner manual.

"Image is too large to accept (8x10?)...": The scanned image being transferred into ScanORIENT exceeds the size limits. This can be the result of not selecting the area of interest through the scanner's interface dialog, or -- if an 8x10 film size is being used -- by the scanner not scaling the image as instructed. In the latter case, you should manually scale the image in the future (to 50% for an 8x10). When scaling the image, make sure you also scale the film-to-specimen distance. Remember that on any scaling, a calibration is a good idea!

"Image type is not 8-bits [gray scale]":  The scanner is transferring an image that is either not of sufficient resolution (8-bits), or is not a gray-scaled image (e.g. an 'RGB' or B/W was selected). Make sure that when scanning the image that you select a gray-scale, 8-bit (256 level) image type before doing the final scan. This selection is done through the scanner interface dialog as installed with your scanner software.

"Can ScanOrient handle images from a wet film?"  Not at the moment.  A feature will have to be added to invert the scanned image.  Right now the software allows you to invert the displayed image, but the peak finding routines still work on the raw histogram and bit more code is required to do the job.  We are considering this possibility for future upgrades.
 
2. Other Problems:
 
Orientation Problems:

1) Re-check the index file to ensure that the correct a, b, c, Alpha, Beta, Gamma values were used for the sample's crystal system.
 
2) It may be possible that one of the points selected is outside of the range of indices within the angle table. Try another point instead or create a new angle table with a specific focus (on the sample in question and its axis).
 
3) Verify that the Specimen Distance is correct.
 
4) Set the ErrBar value to 1.0 (too wide means too many potential solutions to evaluate in the time allotted, too narrow means only a small range of possible solutions are going to be evaluated).
 
5) Recheck the COG and Epsilon values.
 
6) Redo your scanner calibration.
 
Image display is Poor: ScanORIENT operates best when a video driver with at least 256 colors is used. We recommend using the Windows driver 'Super VGA, 640x480, 256 colors' for overall consistency.
 
Only half of the scanned image is being brought over to the data window:  You need to set the scanner interface to scan at 100% (1:1). If this option is not available, there may be a more recent scanner driver available from the manufacturer that will do so. For example, the HP PictureScan interface should be upgraded to the DeskScan (2.3.1a+) interface. Often these drivers are available over the Internet -- free of charge.

Using an HP scanner (PictureScan interface), the program says it cannot find the HASP security device after I have been scanning for awhile:  This is a problem with the scanner interface software. You should upgrade the software to the latest revision (DeskScan II). If the problem persists, it may be that you need more memory or need to expand your virtual memory. Occasionally it may also be the result of trying to scan too large of an image into the ScanORIENT software.
 
Using Print Window, the image has no gray tones: Only the Data Display window (that showing the converted scanned image) contains gray levels. If, when printing this window, no gray scale is printed, it is typically a problem with the printer: 1) Contact the printer manufacturer and ask for the latest printer drivers, and if that fails, 2) Look into adding additional memory into your printer.
 
Occasionally when I go to scan (Acquire), the mouse changes to an hourglass but the TWAIN interface never comes up:  This is indicative of Window's resources being low (ref. the Program Manager's HELP - ABOUT menu). If you are running other programs (i.e. they are minimized), several windows open (e.g. program groups), or have lots of fonts -- these all take away from your resources, as does the scanning process itself. Adding more memory to your computer is one solution, as is minimizing the programs running, program group windows, and fonts. You should also ensure that you are employing a permanent swap file under your virtual memory manager (not applicable for Windows 95).
 

Northstar/ScanORIENT says it can not find HASP security protection even though my HASP is plugged in.

Try downloading the latest HASP drivers. Uninstall the old ones using Windows add/remove programs in the control panel, and then reinstall them using the updated drivers. Latest HASP drivers can be obtained at this page: http://www.aladdin.com/support/hasp/hasp4/enduser.aspx
You should download the first zip file in the list (Win32/64 hdd32.exe GUI version).  You should first make sure that the HASP is physically plugged into the computer before installing the driver software.

Where can I find the latest drivers for the HASP security dongle?

The following link will take you to the Aladdin HASP driver download page: http://www.aladdin.com/support/hasp/hasp4/enduser.aspx
You should download the first zip file in the list (Win32/64 hdd32.exe GUI version).

NorthStar. Problems / Comments
 
1. Common Problems & Error Messages:
 
"Interface Card is not Installed.." message for Win95 systems: On installation, the reconfg program is run to tell the software that the interface is installed and how. Should the PARAM.SYS file be accidentally lost, the NorthSTAR program will need to be reconfigured. To do this, go to (from DOS) the directory the NorthSTAR software is installed in and run the RECONFG program. Enter the proper DMA channel and interrupt for your system, then retry starting NorthSTAR. For information on how the card is configured, see page 47.

"..Software Security Device..." message: This type of message occurs when the security plug attached to the printer port has become loose or misplaced. The software will not run without the proper key (plug) attached.
 
"Could not allocate DMA Buffers..." message: Not enough memory was available to set up the data buffers for the real-time interface. Minimize any other programs you have open and re-try.
 
"Error opening data file" message: The last usage of the system probably used (and specified) a data file from another directory or drive that is different from the one you are now starting up in. Delete the file "param.sys" and restart the system.
 
Real-Time and Collect does not function: Check that the red LED on the interface card (rear of computer goes out upon selection of the Collect or Real Time functions. If it does not, there have been hardware or software additions to the computer that are creating a conflict with the DMA, IRQ or I/O aspects of the interface circuit.
 
If the LED stays out after a Real-time or Collect request, and the display shows no data or the collect progress indicator does not update, the circuit is probably ok and the TAC-PUR, X-RAY generator, detector and crystal specimen must be investigated. Often the problem is that the shutter has not been opened.

The Display seems "fragmented":  Check that the interface card is seated properly. If the problem persists, connect the test cable and refer to the interface card troubleshooting section for further instructions.
 
Problems finding a solution:

1) Re-check the angle file to ensure that the correct a, b, c, Alpha, Beta, Gamma values were used for the sample's crystal system.
 
2) It may be possible that one of the points selected is outside of the range of indices within the angle table. Try another point instead or create a new angle table with a specific focus (on the sample in question and its axis).

3) Verify that the Specimen Distance is correct.
 
4) Set the ErrBar value to 6.0 (too wide means too many potential solutions to evaluate in the time allotted, too narrow means only a small range of possible solutions are going to be evaluated).

5) Recheck the COG and Epsilon values.
 

Why are the index files limited to 1500 entries or less?  Increasing this number beyond 1500 has not helped the indexing of images as we have carefully researched in the past.  The bottom line:  it doesn't help, it just wastes time.  (Obviously, we can change a variable to make it larger, but we have found that it is not a useful approach.)  The root of the problem is that the number of entries are growing geometrically as the number of entries.  A few examples will help you to see this

2 planes; 1 set of angles; the angle between planes 1-2
3 planes; 3 sets of angles: 1-2, 1-3, 2-3
4 planes; 6 sets of angles: 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 2-4; 3-4
5 planes; 10 sets of angles: 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5; 3-4, 3-5, 4-5
by extension
6 planes; sets of angles=sum(5+4+3+2+1)=15
7 planes; sets of angles=sum(6+5+4+3+2+1)=21
8 planes; by induction, one can see the progression can be summed as n*(n-1)/2 or for n=8, sum=8*7/2=28
so far the number of entries are small and the software runs fast!

but just try large numbers. for very large n, the number of entries is 0.5*n**2!  ie the number of entries is growing as the number of planes squared!  For the intermediate numbers we use, lets calculate this with Matlab.

For  2 planes, you get  1 entries
For  3 planes, you get  3 entries
For  4 planes, you get  6 entries
For  5 planes, you get  10 entries
For  6 planes, you get  15 entries
For  7 planes, you get  21 entries
For  8 planes, you get  28 entries
For  9 planes, you get  36 entries
For  10 planes, you get  45 entries
For  11 planes, you get  55 entries
For  12 planes, you get  66 entries
For  13 planes, you get  78 entries
For  14 planes, you get  91 entries
For  15 planes, you get  105 entries
For  16 planes, you get  120 entries
For  17 planes, you get  136 entries
For  18 planes, you get  153 entries
For  19 planes, you get  171 entries
For  20 planes, you get  190 entries
For  21 planes, you get  210 entries
For  22 planes, you get  231 entries
For  23 planes, you get  253 entries
For  24 planes, you get  276 entries
For  25 planes, you get  300 entries
For  26 planes, you get  325 entries
For  27 planes, you get  351 entries
For  28 planes, you get  378 entries
For  29 planes, you get  406 entries
For  30 planes, you get  435 entries
For  31 planes, you get  465 entries
For  32 planes, you get  496 entries
For  33 planes, you get  528 entries
For  34 planes, you get  561 entries
For  35 planes, you get  595 entries
For  36 planes, you get  630 entries
For  37 planes, you get  666 entries
For  38 planes, you get  703 entries
For  39 planes, you get  741 entries
For  40 planes, you get  780 entries
For  41 planes, you get  820 entries
For  42 planes, you get  861 entries
For  43 planes, you get  903 entries
For  44 planes, you get  946 entries
For  45 planes, you get  990 entries
For  46 planes, you get  1035 entries
For  47 planes, you get  1081 entries
For  48 planes, you get  1128 entries
For  49 planes, you get  1176 entries
For  50 planes, you get  1225 entries
For  51 planes, you get  1275 entries
For  52 planes, you get  1326 entries
For  53 planes, you get  1378 entries
For  54 planes, you get  1431 entries
For  55 planes, you get  1485 entries
For  56 planes, you get  1540 entries
For  57 planes, you get  1596 entries
For  58 planes, you get  1653 entries
For  59 planes, you get  1711 entries
For  60 planes, you get  1770 entries
For  61 planes, you get  1830 entries
For  62 planes, you get  1891 entries
For  63 planes, you get  1953 entries
For  64 planes, you get  2016 entries
For  65 planes, you get  2080 entries
For  66 planes, you get  2145 entries
For  67 planes, you get  2211 entries
For  68 planes, you get  2278 entries
For  69 planes, you get  2346 entries
For  70 planes, you get  2415 entries
For  71 planes, you get  2485 entries
For  72 planes, you get  2556 entries
For  73 planes, you get  2628 entries
For  74 planes, you get  2701 entries
For  75 planes, you get  2775 entries
For  76 planes, you get  2850 entries
For  77 planes, you get  2926 entries
For  78 planes, you get  3003 entries
For  79 planes, you get  3081 entries
For  80 planes, you get  3160 entries
For  81 planes, you get  3240 entries
For  82 planes, you get  3321 entries
For  83 planes, you get  3403 entries
For  84 planes, you get  3486 entries
For  85 planes, you get  3570 entries
For  86 planes, you get  3655 entries
For  87 planes, you get  3741 entries
For  88 planes, you get  3828 entries
For  89 planes, you get  3916 entries
For  90 planes, you get  4005 entries
For  91 planes, you get  4095 entries
For  92 planes, you get  4186 entries
For  93 planes, you get  4278 entries
For  94 planes, you get  4371 entries
For  95 planes, you get  4465 entries
For  96 planes, you get  4560 entries
For  97 planes, you get  4656 entries
For  98 planes, you get  4753 entries
For  99 planes, you get  4851 entries
For  100 planes, you get  4950 entries

Above was generated using a short Matlab program:
fid=fopen('test.txt', 'w');
for i=2:100
planes=i*(i-1)/2;
fprintf('For  %d planes, you get  %d entries\n', i, planes);
end
fclose(fid);

Thus you can see we can presently "do" up to 55 planes.  Anyway, this is a longwinded answer to a brief question!

I want to image process some of the histogram files with Matlab - any suggestions? Yes!

a) for older Win 3.1 and Win95 histograms from NStar version 3.2 use the following Matlab code:

%image_his.m
%quick code by db to read Win95 histogram and display with color or grey scale
;%  put in filename
clear  %clears variables out
fid=fopen('215zzzz.his','r');  %open histogram filename '215zzz.his' for reading binary file with read permission
a=fread(fid, [256,256],'uint8'); %read in 256x256 array with unsigned 8bit integers
image(a); colormap(jet); %create image of matix a in color using 'jet' color map
axis image; % make square pixels for plotting
colorbar
pause
image(a);colormap(gray); %now make B&W version!
axis image; % make square pixels for plotting
colorbar
pause
a_bar=255-a; %invert all the bits to make a negative image
clim=[190, 255]; %top 65 pixels contains the data
imagesc(a_bar, clim);colormap(gray); %now negative B&W version!
axis image; % make square pixels for plotting
colorbar

b) for Win2k systems using NStar version 4.0 use:

%image10_his.m      
%quick code to read Win2k histogram and display with color  scale
%  just change filename and rerun the .m file!  information in headers that follow image data are ignored
clear  %clears variables out
str=char('Fe7000.hs2'); %put name of histogram here
fid=fopen(str,'r');  %open histogram filename of det 215o for reading binary file with read permission
b=fread(fid, [256,256],'uint16'); %read in 256x256 array with unsigned 8bit integers
for i=1:256
    for j=1:256
        a(257-i,j)=b(i,j);
    end     %otherwise the image is reversed!
end
clf    %clear out old image
imagesc(a); colormap(jet); %create image of matix a in color using 'jet' color map
axis image; % make square pixels for plotting
colorbar

Problems that cannot be resolved: If an orientation problem occurs, use the SAVE HISTOGRAM facility and provide us a copy of this image file, the index file (e.g. NICKEL3.IDX), and the session's logfile (if used), along with a detailed description of the problem. If possible, use the 'Print Window' and report facilities as well to supplement your description.  
 

Why do you stay on Windows 2k and not migrate to Windows XP?  WIndows XP is an office product and offers nothing more except considerable processing overhead to support pretty graphics in windows (not to mention MS attempts to constantly monitor the software running).  Running under XP may be possible in the future, but one would have to be prepared to deal with the higher overhead and costs.  A testing period would be required to see that the real-time routines are stable under the XP operating system.  The Windows 2000 environment has proved solid and we find no reason to change at this time (January 7, 2006).