Find Software to Automate Recognition of 2D Graphs

[cxaxnxexs]

Does anyone know if there is a software program that I can find/buy somewhere that can
recognize an image of a curve and generate a 2D Cartesian equation for it?

In my line of work I am constantly referencing these regular 2d graphs (power vs resistance graphs for thermoelectric modules) Cartesian coordinate system (x,y) graphs. They are always given to me by busy manufacturers so I can rarely get access to the original data that resulted in the graph produced. I have to spend a lot of time tediously estimating each point by hand to then enter each point into Excel to generate a polynomial regression curve fit. Granted, I probably could have spent the time doing this while typing all of this, BUT it is getting old

 

[Simon_Tyler]

I've never needed to do this before. So, I can't be much help. However, have you tried any of the programs mentioned in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Converting_scanned_graphs_to_data

 

[cxaxnxexs]

That is exactly what I was looking for! I downloaded the software called GetData Graph Digitizer & it works perfectly. It recognizes images of graphs and generates (x,y) data points for them. Just plug that data into Excel & do a regression curve fit & bingo! This will save me hours of work. Thanks for the help!

 

[mylonite]

ohhh, sorry to drag up this older thread, but this was EXACTLY the question I had, and this was one of the first hits on google. I haven't tried GetData's project yet (give me an hour!) but it appears to be the perfect way to take the information LED manufacturers actually give me and put it in equation form.

I've been using photoshop overlays because I don't actually need the curve, just a bunch of data points, but this will be a MUCH better use of my time. Thanks so much!

PS - I'm teaching myself how to design and build LED panels. I have virtually no background in the field since high school physics - I'm sure I'll be back =) Seems like you have an awesome resource here!