The FSPlot Module provides publication-quality annotated
graphs which can be automatically inserted into documents.

The Image your Coatings Deserve

Examine coating curves on your company's and competitors' websites. Do they resemble the top graph (from actual web page)? Not only is the graph rather shabby, it fails to provide important information about the blocking region.

FilmStar MEASURE directly supports spectrometers used to measure optical quality. That support includes publication quality QA graphs and reports. The same graphic capabilities in FilmStar DESIGN are useful for proposals and quotations. FilmStar even includes a macro with choices 'Print in Word', 'Web Page', 'PowerPoint'.

But pretty graphs are not enough. That's why FilmStar options include multiple axes (%T/OD) and even 'diabatic' transmittance. Need a single plot from UV/Vis to IR? FilmStar includes log wavelength.

Some might dismiss these capabilities as 'bell and whistles'. But we think that professional quality web and print graphics indicate the care taken to deliver the highest quality coatings.

FSPlot Dialog

Annotations

Annotations are graphics and text placed directly on a plot. These are especially useful for quality control graphs where customers often specify pass/fail criteria in geometric terms - for example, the spectrum must be within certain lines. Tutorial III.

As illustrated here, there are a variety of annotations. In addition, up to 12 line legends (not shown here) are possible. Legends and annotations are stored on disk with the FILM Archive file (DESIGN) or Scan Parameters file (MEASURE). For a further understanding of FSPlot options, click here (FsPlotOptions.xls, 304K).

FilmStar Graph Automation Video

FSPlot Annotator

FSPlot Annotator

Annotations (lines, symbols, text, axis labels, etc.) are easily added by clicking on the graph to bring up the FSPlot Annotator. This dialog demonstrates adding a horizontal line T = 50%. Made a mistake or prefer a different color? Click on the annotation to edit or remove it.

Graph Automation

Integration with FilmStar Modules

The FSPlot Module is tightly integrated with the Report Generator and with FilmStar BASIC.

In this simple example, the FSPlot Module is controlled by FilmStar BASIC, enabling us to automatically display color shifts as the angle of incidence is varied. Up to 12 graph legends can be automatically added. Note the ability to plot curves with RGB line colors.

FilmStar Graph Automation Video

Computed Annotations

Computed Annotations

As shown here, annotations can include automatic results calculated from theoretical or measured spectra. This is very powerful and not available in software supplied by spectrophotometer manufacturers.

The development of computed annotations was inspired by watching technicians manually mark up measured spectra. The technique relies on setting PlotAnnotation$ in FilmStar BASIC (click to view code).

FSPlot Formulator

FSPlot Formulator

The FSPlot Formulator supports arithmetic operations on data columns. This is typically utilized to show detail in pass and rejection bands on the same graph. It can also be used to compute and plot averages or differences. Once a plot formula is developed it is automatically applied to new graphs. Tutorial IV. The formula used in this plot is 

Web Graphics

Th FSPlot properties editor provides unlimited options when Bitmap/Gradient
mode is selected. A logo or watermark can be added. Graphics matching a company's color
and font scheme give a more professional appearing website. Tutorial I.

FSPlot properties

True blue motif

Earth tones?

Contour Plots

FilmStar DESIGN supports 3D contour plots as illustrated here.

Reflectance vs. Angle 2D Contour

Reflectance vs. Angle 3D Contour (Excel)