Each one of these is a method by which the correct stitching position between two overlapping images is found within Stitcher. The two last methods are generally used if the two first fail.
Automatic Stitching: Done by clicking on the icon Automatic Stitch. Stitcher will use its advanced image matching algorithms to automatically find the correct overlapping position for all the images loaded within Stitcher.
There may be cases where Stitcher will not find the correct position for an image, such as when the image contains no features (a blank wall, or a blue sky) or when there are too many variations between images (a moving person or object, or a dramatic change in exposure). The manual stitch option (see below) is the natural solution for this kind of problem.
Semi-Automatic Stitching: Done by selecting “Stitch” or pressing Return after a new image is placed in the work area overlapping the next one. Here also, Stitcher will use its advanced image matching algorithms to automatically find the correct overlapping position for the new image in order to match perfectly with the image below.
When this fails, Stitcher will ask if you wish to Re-Adjust or Force Stitch. Re-Adjust simple means that you will have a chance to better approximate the ideal position of this image and try again.
Force Stitching: Done by selecting “Force Stitch” from the Stitch menu after a new image has been placed, or by selecting “Force Stitch” when normal stitching fails, or by pressing 'Control - Enter' on your keyboard. Force stitching simply forces an image to snap to the overlapping images according to its current location at the time the “Force Stitch” command was issued. It will not warp the image with the focal and distortion values found before.
Manual Stitching: Done by selecting any two overlapping images (using control + click or shift + click) and then selecting “Manual Stitch” from the Stitch menu or pressing shift + control + enter. Manual will display the two selected images side-by-side, and the user is able to manually identify common points between the two images. A minimum of 3 points are needed for Manual Stitching to work, but you can use more points if you wish. When completed, the two images will snap together in the best-possible position that includes the previously created points. This is a very effective method to find the perfect stitching position for two problematic images without a lot of guesswork. |
