8.6. Getting started with algorithm plugins a.k.a. filters

8.6.1. Introduction

Algorithm plugins may contain often used filters, specialised algorithms that work faster if implemented in C++ rather than python, or even complex software including e.g. GUIs and measurement control along with evaluation algorithms. Each plugin can contain a number of algorithms, which are named filters due to historical reasons. Like for every plugin, information on the filter is gained by selecting Info… from the context menu of your plugin or the actual filter. Here, you will find the mandatory and optional parameters of the specific filter.

You can also get information on filters using the filterHelp() command in python. Without argument, it gives a list of all available filters including a short info string. If you know a part of your filter’s name, the list will only contain filters using this name. If you use the complete name of filter, detailed help like in the GUI approach will be displayed.

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filterHelp()            # list of all available filters
filterHelp('mean')      # list shortened to filters containing 'mean'
filterHelp('calcMeanZ') # detailed information on 'calcMeanZ'

8.6.2. Usage of filters

Once you know the name of the filter you want to use, you can call it by use of the filter() command. It takes the filtername as string and the mandatory and optional parameters as arguments. Paramaters may be provided in designated order in keyword based notation.

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filter("[filtername]", mandParams, optParams)

Note

Most filters require some sort of destination dataObject. Make sure to provide suitable dimensions and datatype.