 Buy MPO LCInvert
Testimonials
"It's perfect! I put lightcurves of 107 Camilla (converted from from UAPC) to
LCInvert and now I relax while watching the final shape rotating in the '4 vane'. I'm sure
people will love this."
– Josef Durech, Developer of the C source code core libraries.
About MPO LCInvert
The LCInvert is a Windows-based
program that uses the Delphi adaptation of the Core Inversion Library to generate the
files required to display 3-D asteroid models and then presents those models. The models
can be displayed in one of two windows: Model View, which allows "orbiting" the
asteroid as well as displaying it in asteroid-equatorial or ecliptic modes, and 4-Vane,
which displays the asteroid from four different view points simultaneously. The views
within the 4-Vane are fixed.
Some of the inversion methods are very CPU intensive and so can take some time to run.
During some of the processing, despite frequent calls to allow Windows to process
messages, the LCInvert program can take control of a large amount of CPU time and so make
other programs run slow.
Open GL Rendering
The 3-D presentation and animation is provided by components that use
OpenGL. The program has been tested on numerous machines and, providing the video card
drivers have been updated to use OpenGL properly, MPO LCInvert should run with no
difficulties.
Getting Starting Manual
The MPO LCInvert manual includes a brief primer on shape and spin axis
modeling as well as references to important reading material. There are six tutorials that
guide you through using the sample data so that you can learn the basics of importing data
from MPO Canopus, "Kaasalainen format", and UAPC/SAPC data files.
The Inversion Wizard takes
you step-by-step through the inversion process, from importing data to generating the
final 3-D model information.
For Advanced Users Only
MPO LCInvert is not for everyone.
It is very important to emphasize
that lightcurve inversion is not a simple, straightforward process and is fraught with
many more pitfalls than might ever be encountered when finding the period of a lightcurve.
It is very easy to reach false conclusions.
It is strongly suggested that you read the critical references
listed in the documentation and have a good understanding of the overall process. It is
not expected that you be able to understand the underlying algorithms or math in detail.
To answer the most common question right off: You cannot get the shape or spin axis of a main-belt
asteroid from data obtained during a single apparition. It just cannot be done. An NEO that goes through a significant change in
phase angle and viewing aspect during a single apparition might be an exception,
but only if there is sufficient data covering a large range of phase angles and assuming
that the asteroid is not being viewed nearly pole-on.
When doing lightcurve inversions, it is highly recommended that you contact those in
the literature that have done it successfully and get their feedback before
publishing any work.
Limited Technical Support
Technical support is limited to installation and basic getting started.
Beyond that, it is up to the user to become familiar with modeling via core reference
papers and additional reading.
The source code is considered its own documentation and support. It
is the solely the user's responsibility to understand and interpret the code.
Limited Technical Support
Download the MPO LCInvert manual
(PDF) to review the basics of shape and spin axis modeling as well the six tutorials for
LCInvert that get you started.
Right-click on the link and select "Save Target As" from the pop-up menu.
Pricing
DVD – $100. Includes C and Borland Delphi source code
of core libraries. Source code of the LCInvert engine and 3-D rendering is not
available.
Price includes non-refundable shipping/handling fee for orders to North
America. Orders are sent Priority (U.S.) or First Class (North America). Add
$10 per order (non-refundable) for Air Mail elsewhere. (1 pound limit. Additional charges
may apply for heavier shipments).
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