Introduction

Origin is a scientific mapping and data analysis software developed by OriginLab, which supports running under Microsoft Windows. Origin supports a variety of 2D/3D graphics. The data analysis functions in Origin include statistics, signal processing, curve fitting, and peak analysis. The curve fitting in Origin uses a nonlinear least squares method based on the Levernberg Marquardt algorithm (LMA) for fitting. Origin's powerful data import function supports multiple formats of data, including ASCII, Excel, NI TDM, DIADem, NetCDF, SPC, and more. There are various graphic output formats, such as JPEG, GIF, EPS, TIFF, etc. The built-in query tool can access database data through ADO.

Interface

Origin is a graphical user interface software with a spreadsheet front-end. Different from commonly used spreadsheet software, such as Excel. Origin's worksheet is based on columns, each with corresponding attributes such as name, quantity unit, and other user-defined identifiers. Origin uses column calculation instead of data unit calculation for calculation. Origin can use its own scripting language (LabTalk) to control software, which can be extended using Origin C. Origin C is a built-in C/C++based compilation language.

It is worth noting that Origin can serve as a COM server and be called through programs such as VB.NET, C #, LabVIEW, etc.

OriginPro

Origin has currently released two versions, the standard version (Origin 9.1) and the slightly higher priced professional version OriginPro 9.1. The latter has added some data analysis functions, such as surface fitting, short time Fourier transform, and more advanced statistical functions.

History

Origin was originally a software tool designed specifically for micro calorimeters, developed by MicroCal company. It was mainly used to plot the data collected by the instrument, perform linear fitting, and calculate various parameters. In 1992, Microcal Software officially released Origin, which was later renamed OriginLab. The company is located in Northampton, Massachusetts, USA.

Other related software

Due to the relatively ordinary functionality of Origin, the project file (. pro) is in a closed format and only supports the Windows operating system, which is its major drawback. Therefore, there are also many free, open-source, or free software on the internet that have implemented similar functions. Among them, LabPlot (based on KDE function library) and QtiPlot (developed based on QT) are the most well-known similar software, so these two sets of software are good alternative options for laboratory data analysis work.