Output Files And Data Structures - CellScale BioTester User Manual

Output Files and Data Structures

For each test, the BioTester creates and saves three file types. The following table describes the
three file types for a project named "Sample1". Output from this test would be found in a
"Sample1" output directory (a sub directory of the user specified data directory).
File Type Description
.tst file The Sample1.tst file that contains the exact protocol and settings used for the test.
.csv file The Sample1Data.csv file that contains comma separated numerical data such as time, force and
displacement values.
.jpg files Captured images such as Sample1.000010.3.jpg, which would correspond to an image captured
at 10.3 seconds from the start of the test.
Each test folder will also contain 2 subfolders. The "Logs" subfolder contains a text file of the
content of the text dialogue portion of the main screen. It is useful as reference to troubleshoot
problems with your system, should they occur.
The "Tracking" subfolder is initially empty. If tracking is performed on any of the images in the
test folder using the "Analyze and Review" software module, there will be data files that contain
the tracking information stored in this directory.
While using the "Analyze and Review" software module, you may create additional data files such
as text files (*.csv) containing tracking results, images with force data or tracking results overlaid
(*.wmf), or movie files (*.avi).
elsewhere on your computer's hard drive without interfering with the software application (once
created, they cannot be opened by the LabJoy application).
When working with the data, you should be aware of a few details regarding the data output:
1. The output specimen sizes are based on the spacing between the BioRake tines and do
not account for the specimen material outside of the test region.
2. The software cannot calculate stresses since the thickness of the specimen is not known.
To calculate stress, you will have to manually measure the thickness of the material
before or after the test is performed.
3. Strains can be calculated using the output displacement values (which are based on the
BioRake tine motions). The specimen may actually be subjected to less strain than the
calculated values due to attachment site effects and tissue tearing. The image tracking
module is useful for determining the actual strain values and variations within the
specimen.
These additional files can be stored in the test directory or
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