Image Cursor


The Image Cursor is a permanent tracking cursor available in every Image Window. The Image Cursor is used for locating centroid positions, measuring region statistics, and defining the limits of column and row profile plots. It's center coordinates, rectangle extent, and shape are used by many Mira commands for assessing, measuring, and plotting image data.

The Image Cursor is different from the mouse pointer which roams around the screen (see the picture below). There is only one Image Cursor per Image Window. Therefore, if an image set is opened by the window, the same Image Cursor is used for all members of the set. For example, if you use the Image Cursor to define the region to be cropped, and the Process Image Set flag is enabled, then all members of the image set will be cropped to the same region marked by the Image Cursor. Numerous keystroke commands work in concert with the Image Cursor to make measurements, create plots, and perform other operations in concert with the Image Cursor. See Image Window Keystroke Commands and Image Keys Pane.

The image cursor is dedicated to its image window and it stays fixed on the image unless you intentionally move it. It can be adjusted to any size and positioned anywhere within the image. See Adjusting the Image Cursor.

NOTE

When the Image Cursor is used to measure centroid positions for an Image Set, the cursor position may appear to be inaccurate after being shifted within the individual images. This happens because the Image Cursor is a feature of the Image Window rather than the individual images. However, the centroid coordinates tabulated in the measurement grid are correct. In contrast, Point Measurements are calculated and marked independently on each image, so they indicate the measured coordinates in each image if the centroid option is enabled on the Centroid Properties page.

 

The Image Cursor can be switched between 3 different shapes or hidden from view. You can select the shape using the Image Cursor Properties dialogs, Image Cursor Toolbar, or by using the (Cursor Mode) button on the Image Bar shown in the picture below.

Using the Image Cursor

Mouse Pointer vs. Image Cursor

The table below lists the differences between the capabilities of the Image Cursor and the Mouse Pointer.

Property

Mouse Pointer

Image Cursor

Tracking & Moving

Always moves with the mouse.

Moves only in Cursor Mode and when the mouse button is is down. Otherwise, remains where you drop it.

Size

Cannot be resized.

Resized by dragging the edges or by setting exact dimensions.

Dimensions

Fixed by icon size.

Measured in image pixel units (i.e., columns x rows).

Coordinates

Dynamically displays image x, y, column, row, and pixel value as it roams over the image.

Does not display coordinates. Measurements such as Centroid are listed in a Report Window or Measurement Pane.

Shape

Takes the shape of an icon for each different command or tool mode.

Can be changed to crosshair, rectangle, lines, or hidden. The rectangle also shows a central crosshair.

Position

Moved only by moving the mouse.

Moves using the mouse in Cursor Mode or using the keyboard arrow keys.

Related Topics

Adjusting the Image Cursor

Image Cursor Properties

Image Cursor Toolbar

Image Windows

Point Measurements

Measuring Images

Go To Coordinates

Pixel Table Pane

Image Keys Pane

Image Window Keystroke Commands


Mira Pro x64 User's Guide, Copyright Ⓒ 2023 Mirametrics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.