mask use in LIFE module

[BABO]

Perhaps I'm doing some wrong. I want to use a mask in the LIFE module. But it doesn't seem to work.

I have no problem using the mask when doing CONTRAST or COLOR. But LIFE seems to work on the whole image no matter what mask is in place.

BABO

[almcl]

I am no expert but here's a quick demo from last night's work (not one of my better imaging sessions, I am afraid).
Here's the image before using the life module,

new-1.jpg (119.35 KiB) Viewed 5045 times

then the mask used to isolate the galaxies,

new-2.jpg (119.59 KiB) Viewed 5045 times

and finally the appearance after using the Isolate pre-set (Shroud would produce similar results):

new-3.jpg (57.88 KiB) Viewed 5045 times

Some o the other pre-sets are more subtle but the mask should work.

[BABO]

As far as I can tell, the LIFE module worked on the whole image in the example you sent me.

Check carefully and I think you will notice. Maybe I'm wrong. I would have to be able to zoom you before and after images to be sure.

Thanks all the same,
BABO

[almcl]

I see where you're coming from, but I think the galaxies are largely unaltered.

The Isolate option (which was what I used here) is intended to "lift objects (such as DSOs) from very noisy data", to quote the help topic. I take this to mean it will darken the background but leave the masked object alone. Granted this seems opposite to the way it works in Decon or Sharp, but I can see the sense of it.

Hopefully, Ivo may stop by to correct any misunderstanding there?

[BABO]

Now that is an interesting possibility. Had not considered it. I'll try. Thanks very much for your comment.

BABO