Physics and Engineering of Radiation Detection

588 Chapter 10. Software for Data Analysis

LabTech

SigmaPlot

Sound (WAV)

Mathematica

Kaleidagraph

pCLAMP (Axon binary and data files)

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet

In addition to these formats, it can also access data from SQL^2 Server, MySQL^3 ,
Microsoft Access and other databases using ODBC^4. The user can also import data
written in any other format as long as the details of the format are known. In this
way Origin can handle any ASCII or binary data type. The good thing about
built in data import function is that the user can import data without worrying
about the format.
The newer version of Origin has a data import wizard that takes the user
stepwise through the process. The user then has the option to select different options
including the format of items to be imported. Several data filtration options are also
available, which can save the user from performing these function later in the code.

B.2 Graphics Capabilities

The graphics capabilities of Origin are one of the finest available in commercial
data analysis packages. With Origin one can generate essentially any type of two
or three dimensional graph. The graphs can be generated either using Origin C
language or through menu driven commands. The graphs can also be edited using
user interfaces.

B.3 Data Analysis Capabilities

Origin ’s data analysis libraries are based on NAG^5 routines, which are not only
reliable but are also known for fast algorithms. This assures the user that the
analysis is being performed by one of the best codes available.
Origin provides the user with a very broad range of data analysis libraries
and methods. Following are some examples of the types of analysis that can be
performed in Origin. This list is not complete and the interested reader should
consult Origin manualforanuptodatelist.

Linear and Polynomial Regression

Nonlinear Curve Fitting

(^2) Structured Query Language or SQL is a computer language used for data handling from relational
database management systems.
(^3) MySQL is a multithreaded, multiuser SQL database management system.
(^4) ODBC is an acronym for Open Database Connectivity. It provides a standard software application
programming interface method for using database management systems.
(^5) NAG stands for Numerical Algorithms Group. The group has released a large number of numerical
computation libraries for C and C++.