Thread: Changing header data in binary file

The lab I work in collects EEG data into binary files and use a particular program to view and analyze it, so I've been tasked to convert the data so another similar analysis program can accept it. The data itself(microvolt values) is stored in the same way for both programs, multiplexed(ie record 0 stores the first value for all the channels, and record 1 stores the next value for all the channels, etc), but have slightly different header data that describes things like how many channels, experiment name, etc.

I'm rather new to programming, and so I'm looking for information as how to get started. Like ways to read and write binary data, change an existing file, handling c structures. I know I learn best by doing, but I know picking up a few rather dense books on C wont help.

If you know more about how the formats are laid out, I am sure one of us would be happy to just write out some quick code for you if its not to much work (which is my subtle way of saying I am trying to avoid my psych homework).

These sound like a form of FITS files, only used to hold information in a binary table form. Does that ring any bells? If so, I can provide some help; I work with them a lot.

Originally Posted by master5001

If you know more about how the formats are laid out, I am sure one of us would be happy to just write out some quick code for you if its not to much work (which is my subtle way of saying I am trying to avoid my psych homework).

I know the feeling, except insert Cisco, Physics or Calculus.

See now math and science stuff I use as an excuse to procrastinate at work. I have a system worked out.

if school = b + n; where b is boring subjects, and n is non-boring subjects
if work = s + f; where s represents stupid assignments, and f fun ones

then my_day = school + work

= school + work
= (b + n) + (s + f)

BUT I have found that sometimes its better if I sub in n for s and f for b

= (f + n) + (n + f)
= 2(f + n)

Which means twice the fun/interesting stuff, and no bordem and stupidty. At least according to my rules of math, anyway.

Well here are the header files and documents. They are labeled A and B, since I want to convert from A to B.

If I'm reading your documents correctly, they both use the same header format as well (ERP format, whatever that actually turns out to be).

Originally Posted by master5001

See now math and science stuff I use as an excuse to procrastinate at work. I have a system worked out.

if school = b + n; where b is boring subjects, and n is non-boring subjects
if work = s + f; where s represents stupid assignments, and f fun ones

then my_day = school + work

= school + work
= (b + n) + (s + f)

BUT I have found that sometimes its better if I sub in n for s and f for b

= (f + n) + (n + f)
= 2(f + n)

Which means twice the fun/interesting stuff, and no bordem and stupidty. At least according to my rules of math, anyway.

Lol, I like that equation.