DStretch User Manual

Detailed operating guide for KStretch web application users.

Quick Start

  1. Upload an image.
  2. Run with defaults first.
  3. Adjust Stretch, Clarity, and Clip gradually.
  4. Tune Spectrum sliders one at a time.
  5. Compare Original vs Processed at matched zoom.
  6. Download output and metadata.

Core Controls

Stretch: primary decorrelation amplification for subtle color separation.

Clarity: local contrast enhancement for fine detail visibility.

Clip: normalization clipping control to reduce outlier dominance.

Spectrum Controls

Red, Yellow, Blue, White, and Black controls selectively rebalance color/tonal groups after decorrelation. A value of 1.00 is neutral.

  1. Start with all at 1.00.
  2. Adjust one slider at a time.
  3. Use zoomed side-by-side checks before final export.

Normalization and Mean Preservation

Per channel: best starting point for enhanced separation.

Global: single normalization across all channels.

None: raw stretched output behavior.

Preserve mean color: keeps output closer to original overall color balance.

Zoom and Inspection

  1. Mouse wheel for zoom in/out.
  2. Use + and - buttons for controlled zoom steps.
  3. Drag to pan when zoomed.
  4. Use Reset to return to fit view.
  5. Double-click for quick zoom/reset behavior.

Batch Workflow

  1. Upload multiple images.
  2. Apply selected parameters.
  3. Review batch result list.
  4. Download all outputs as ZIP.

Metadata and Reproducibility

Every processed output can include JSON and TXT metadata records with parameter values, file hashes, runtime info, and method summary text.

This supports traceability, documentation, and research reproducibility.

Interpretation Caution

DStretch-style results are enhancement views. They should be interpreted alongside the original image and independent domain evidence. Avoid overdriving settings to prevent artifact-driven conclusions.

Reset Defaults

  1. Stretch: 1.00
  2. Clarity: 0.00
  3. Clip: 1.00
  4. Spectrum sliders: 1.00
  5. Preserve mean color: ON
  6. Normalization mode: Per channel