Compare Transformation

[Robert Schleif]

In the transformation window, it might be more logical to display the thumbnail of image A, and on the same line, provide its identify, and then the same for image B, rather than the current order of thumbnail of B, identify of A, and then more information about B.

[jsachs]

I admit it would look more consistent, but Image A is always the input image (i.e. the one above the Compare transformation). The Image B control is there to let you select the image to compare to, not so much to display a thumbnail. If there was an Image A control, it would imply you could select Image A with it which you can't.

[Robert Schleif]

Two points concerning Compare
Because Compare functions as a transformation, it seems somewhat dangerous. When you close the transformation images further down the branch can be all A, all B, or part A and part B. Depending on the similarity between A and B, what is going on may not be obvious.
Is it really necessary that Compare produce an output at all? It seems logical that it could be a tool, like the readout tool. If it functioned like this, it would be safe and it could be used to compare any two images in the image browser.

[jsachs]

Your point is well taken.

The other option is to have it always pass through the input image unmodified, possibly as an option. It is often convenient to insert it as a transformation so that if you change one of the images you can go back and re-compare.

[tomczak]

Paused Compare, having a conditional output, works well in batches as a user's decision-maker.

[tomczak]

Also, it is already possible to make it work a bit like a separate tool that could compare any two images in the browser without output that could have a consequence by creating a new stream consisting of Copy + Compare transformations. One could choose any image for input in Copy to become the image A, and compare it to any image B in Compare.

[Robert Schleif]

Although I would find making Compare into a tool to be more harmonious with the design and philosophy of PW 8, simply passing its input directly into its output down the branch would remove its danger.

[tomczak]

I figured I would illustrate the idea of using Compare in a separate new top-level branch as a tool.

The left-most top-level branch consists of Copy + Compare + (optionally) Export. It can compare any two images in the browser without the Compare's output having any consequences on the output of the actual processing branches.

The optional Export in the end (not necessary for comparing alone) can be used to make a decision which of the two images are worth saving (you press either A or B) before exporting/saving one of the processed images as a file. Useful in a batch but also as a stand-alone.

[jsachs]

For the next release, I added the option to select what image is passed through as the output image when you click OK or Apply -- Image A, Image B or the Compare result.