View Add/Edit Patient Images screen. View Video, 1 min. 43 sec.

Using a smaller resolution does have a dramatic effect on file size. What about image quality? Is a 5 megapixel image very much better than a 3.1 megapixel image? At a normal full screen viewing size, it is not much better. You may not even be able to tell them apart. The 1.2 megapixel image is only one fourth the size of the 5 megapixel. How good does that look? The 1.2 megapixel image for normal picture viewing looks pretty good. Most people would consider it to be a very acceptable image. If you have a high resolution digital camera we suggest you experiment with lower resolution settings within your camera to determine what trade off between image quality and file size best suits your requirements.

Video Capture Settings
In dentistry our primary interest in video devices is the intraoral camera. However the program can work with other video devices if you choose. This includes web cams and video movie cameras as well. To set up your video device click the Settings button (crossed hammer and wrench) from the Add/Edit Patient Images screen, which takes you to the Default Image Settings screen. Then click the Video Capture Settings button which will open the Video Capture Settings screen. Your installed video drivers will be displayed in the Select a Video Device drop down list. Select the video device you want to be active. Certain video devices such as Dazzle may have a multiple video source output. If that is the case make that selection from the Select a Video Source drop down list.

Video Compression Setting
Since video cameras generally produce a small lower resolution image compared to digital cameras or scanners, compression is usually not needed and therefore the “None” compression setting is suggested. However, if you want a smaller file and will be satisfied with the image quality, JPEG can also be an option.

DirectX Is Required For Video Devices
If you going to be capturing images from video devices such as intraoral cameras, your computer must have DirectX installed. Just as TWAIN allows communication between your scanner and your computer, DirectX provides communication between your video device and your computer. DirectX is usually included with Windows.

Acquiring Images
Images may be acquired from image files, scanners, digital cameras, or video devices like intra-oral cameras. These methods will now be discussed.