setiastrosuitepro 1.6.12__py3-none-any.whl → 1.7.3__py3-none-any.whl

setiastro/saspro/imageops/serloader.py

@@ -0,0 +1,1429 @@
+# src/setiastro/saspro/imageops/serloader.py
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import io
+import mmap
+import struct
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import Optional, Tuple, Dict, List, Sequence, Union, Callable
+from collections import OrderedDict
+import numpy as np
+import time
+from PyQt6 import sip
+
+import cv2
+
+
+from PIL import Image
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+# SER format notes (commonly used by FireCapture / SharpCap / etc.)
+# - Header is 178 bytes (SER v3 style) and begins with ASCII signature
+#   typically "LUCAM-RECORDER" padded to 14 bytes.
+# - Most fields are little-endian; header contains an "Endian" flag.
+# - Frame data follows immediately after header, then optional timestamps
+#   (8 bytes per frame) at end.
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+SER_HEADER_SIZE = 178
+SER_SIGNATURE_LEN = 14
+
+# Common SER color IDs (seen in the wild)
+# NOTE: Many SER writers use:
+#   0 = MONO
+#   8..11 = Bayer (RGGB/GRBG/GBRG/BGGR)
+#   24..27 = RGB/BGR/RGBA/BGRA
+SER_COLOR = {
+    # ---- Spec ----
+    0:   "MONO",
+    8:   "BAYER_RGGB",
+    9:   "BAYER_GRBG",
+    10:  "BAYER_GBRG",
+    11:  "BAYER_BGGR",
+    16:  "BAYER_CYYM",
+    17:  "BAYER_YCMY",
+    18:  "BAYER_YMCY",
+    19:  "BAYER_MYYC",
+    100: "RGB",
+    101: "BGR",
+
+    # ---- Non-standard, but keep for compatibility ----
+    24:  "RGB",
+    25:  "BGR",
+    26:  "RGBA",
+    27:  "BGRA",
+    102: "RGBA",
+    103: "BGRA",
+}
+
+BAYER_NAMES = {
+    "BAYER_RGGB","BAYER_GRBG","BAYER_GBRG","BAYER_BGGR",
+    "BAYER_CYYM","BAYER_YCMY","BAYER_YMCY","BAYER_MYYC",
+}
+BAYER_PATTERNS = tuple(sorted(BAYER_NAMES))
+
+def _is_rgb(color_name: str) -> bool:
+    return color_name in {"RGB", "BGR", "RGBA", "BGRA"}
+
+def _normalize_bayer_pattern(p: Optional[str]) -> Optional[str]:
+    if not p:
+        return None
+    p = str(p).strip().upper()
+    if p == "AUTO":
+        return None
+    if p.startswith("BAYER_"):
+        if p in BAYER_PATTERNS:
+            return p
+        return None
+    # allow short names like "RGGB"
+    p2 = "BAYER_" + p
+    if p2 in BAYER_PATTERNS:
+        return p2
+    return None
+
+@dataclass
+class SerMeta:
+    path: str
+    width: int
+    height: int
+    frames: int
+    pixel_depth: int            # bits per sample (8/16 typically)
+    color_id: int
+    color_name: str
+    little_endian: bool
+    data_offset: int
+    frame_bytes: int
+    has_timestamps: bool
+
+    observer: str = ""
+    instrument: str = ""
+    telescope: str = ""
+
+
+def _decode_cstr(b: bytes) -> str:
+    try:
+        return b.split(b"\x00", 1)[0].decode("utf-8", errors="ignore").strip()
+    except Exception:
+        return ""
+
+
+def _bytes_per_sample(pixel_depth_bits: int) -> int:
+    return 1 if int(pixel_depth_bits) <= 8 else 2
+
+
+def _is_bayer(color_name: str) -> bool:
+    return color_name in BAYER_NAMES
+
+def _roi_unrotate_180(roi: Tuple[int, int, int, int], W: int, H: int) -> Tuple[int, int, int, int]:
+    """
+    Convert an ROI specified in *post-rot180/display coords* into *raw/pre-rot coords*.
+    """
+    x, y, w, h = [int(v) for v in roi]
+    x2 = x + w
+    y2 = y + h
+
+    x_raw = int(W - x2)
+    y_raw = int(H - y2)
+
+    return (x_raw, y_raw, int(w), int(h))
+
+
+def _rot180(img: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray:
+    # Works for mono (H,W) and RGB(A) (H,W,C)
+    return img[::-1, ::-1].copy()
+
+
+def _roi_evenize_for_bayer(x: int, y: int) -> Tuple[int, int]:
+    """Ensure ROI origin is even-even so Bayer phase doesn't flip."""
+    if x & 1:
+        x -= 1
+    if y & 1:
+        y -= 1
+    return max(0, x), max(0, y)
+
+
+def _cv2_debayer(mosaic: np.ndarray, pattern: str) -> np.ndarray:
+    """
+    mosaic: uint8/uint16, shape (H,W)
+    returns: RGB uint8/uint16, shape (H,W,3)
+    """
+    if cv2 is None:
+        raise RuntimeError("OpenCV not available for debayer fallback.")
+
+    code_map = {
+        "BAYER_RGGB": cv2.COLOR_BayerRG2RGB,
+        "BAYER_BGGR": cv2.COLOR_BayerBG2RGB,
+        "BAYER_GBRG": cv2.COLOR_BayerGB2RGB,
+        "BAYER_GRBG": cv2.COLOR_BayerGR2RGB,
+    }
+    code = code_map.get(pattern)
+    if code is None:
+        raise ValueError(f"Unknown Bayer pattern: {pattern}")
+    return cv2.cvtColor(mosaic, code)
+
+def _maybe_swap_rb_to_match_cv2(mosaic: np.ndarray, pattern: str, out: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray:
+    """
+    Ensure debayer output channel order matches OpenCV's RGB output.
+    Some fast debayers return BGR. We detect by comparing against cv2 on a small crop.
+    """
+    if out is None or out.ndim != 3 or out.shape[2] < 3:
+        return out
+
+    # Compare on a small center crop for speed
+    H, W = mosaic.shape[:2]
+    cs = min(96, H, W)
+    y0 = max(0, (H - cs) // 2)
+    x0 = max(0, (W - cs) // 2)
+    m = mosaic[y0:y0+cs, x0:x0+cs]
+
+    ref = _cv2_debayer(m, pattern)  # RGB
+
+    o = out[y0:y0+cs, x0:x0+cs, :3]
+    if o.dtype != ref.dtype:
+        # compare in float to avoid overflow
+        o_f = o.astype(np.float32)
+        ref_f = ref.astype(np.float32)
+    else:
+        o_f = o.astype(np.float32)
+        ref_f = ref.astype(np.float32)
+
+    d_same = float(np.mean(np.abs(o_f - ref_f)))
+    d_swap = float(np.mean(np.abs(o_f[..., ::-1] - ref_f)))
+
+    return out[..., ::-1].copy() if d_swap < d_same else out
+
+
+def _try_numba_debayer(mosaic: np.ndarray, pattern: str) -> Optional[np.ndarray]:
+    """
+    Try to use SASpro's fast debayer if available.
+    Expected functions (from your memory):
+      - debayer_raw_fast / debayer_fits_fast (names may differ in your tree)
+    We keep this very defensive; if not found, return None.
+    """
+    # Try a few likely import locations without hard failing
+    candidates = [
+        ("setiastro.saspro.imageops.debayer", "debayer_raw_fast"),
+        ("setiastro.saspro.imageops.debayer", "debayer_fits_fast"),
+        ("setiastro.saspro.imageops.debayer_fast", "debayer_raw_fast"),
+        ("setiastro.saspro.imageops.debayer_fast", "debayer_fits_fast"),
+    ]
+    for mod_name, fn_name in candidates:
+        try:
+            mod = __import__(mod_name, fromlist=[fn_name])
+            fn = getattr(mod, fn_name, None)
+            if fn is None:
+                continue
+
+            # Many fast debayers accept a mosaic and a bayer string or enum.
+            # We'll try a couple calling conventions.
+            try:
+                out = fn(mosaic, pattern)  # type: ignore
+                if out is not None:
+                    return out
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+            try:
+                out = fn(mosaic)  # type: ignore
+                if out is not None:
+                    return out
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+        except Exception:
+            continue
+    return None
+
+def _ser_color_id_from_name(color_name: str) -> int:
+    cn = str(color_name).strip().upper()
+    rev = {
+        "MONO": 0,
+        "BAYER_RGGB": 8,
+        "BAYER_GRBG": 9,
+        "BAYER_GBRG": 10,
+        "BAYER_BGGR": 11,
+        "RGB": 24,
+        "BGR": 25,
+        "RGBA": 26,
+        "BGRA": 27,
+    }
+    return rev.get(cn, 0)
+
+
+ProgressCB = Callable[[int, int], None]  # (done, total)
+
+
+def _make_progress_updater(
+    total: int,
+    cb: Optional[ProgressCB],
+    *,
+    every: int = 10,
+    min_interval_s: float = 0.10,
+) -> Callable[[int], None]:
+    total_i = max(0, int(total))
+    every_i = max(1, int(every)) if every is not None else 10
+    last_emit_t = 0.0
+    last_emit_done = -1
+
+    def update(done: int) -> None:
+        nonlocal last_emit_t, last_emit_done
+        if cb is None:
+            return
+
+        d = int(done)
+        if total_i > 0:
+            d = max(0, min(total_i, d))
+        else:
+            d = max(0, d)
+
+        # always emit start/end
+        must_emit = (d == 0) or (d == total_i)
+
+        # emit strictly every N frames
+        if not must_emit and (d % every_i == 0):
+            must_emit = True
+
+        # optional time throttle: ONLY if we've advanced at least `every_i` frames since last emit
+        if not must_emit:
+            now = time.monotonic()
+            if (now - last_emit_t) >= float(min_interval_s) and (d - last_emit_done) >= every_i:
+                must_emit = True
+
+        if not must_emit:
+            return
+
+        # avoid duplicate emits (except start/end)
+        if d == last_emit_done and (d != 0 and d != total_i):
+            return
+
+        try:
+            cb(d, total_i)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        last_emit_t = time.monotonic()
+        last_emit_done = d
+
+    return update
+
+
+def export_trimmed_to_ser(
+    src: "PlanetaryFrameSource",
+    out_path: str,
+    start: int,
+    end: int,
+    *,
+    bayer_pattern: Optional[str] = None,
+    store_raw_mosaic_if_forced: bool = True,
+    progress_cb: Optional[ProgressCB] = None,
+    progress_every: int = 10,
+) -> None:
+    """
+    Export frames [start..end] (inclusive) to a NEW .ser file.
+
+    Rules:
+    - SER -> SER: raw byte copy + patch header frames (and timestamps).
+    - AVI/sequence -> SER:
+        - If bayer_pattern is provided (not AUTO) AND store_raw_mosaic_if_forced=True,
+          write SER as BAYER_* (color_id 8..11) with 1-channel mosaic frames so the
+          output SER can be debayered later.
+        - Otherwise write RGB24 SER (color_id 24) 8-bit.
+
+    NOTE: For raw-mosaic AVI that OpenCV decodes as 3-channel, we take channel 0 as mosaic.
+    """
+    start = int(start)
+    end = int(end)
+    if end < start:
+        end = start
+
+    meta = src.meta
+    n = int(meta.frames)
+    if n <= 0:
+        raise ValueError("Source has no frames.")
+    if start < 0 or start >= n or end < 0 or end >= n:
+        raise ValueError(f"Trim range out of bounds: {start}..{end} (0..{n-1})")
+
+    out_frames = int(end - start + 1)
+
+    # progress helper (works for both fast and generic paths)
+    progress = _make_progress_updater(out_frames, progress_cb, every=progress_every)
+    progress(0)
+
+    # Normalize pattern
+    user_pat = _normalize_bayer_pattern(bayer_pattern)  # None means AUTO/invalid
+
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------
+    # FAST PATH: SER -> SER (raw copy)
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------
+    if isinstance(src, SERReader):
+        mm = src._mm
+        in_meta = src.meta
+
+        hdr = bytearray(mm[:SER_HEADER_SIZE])
+        struct.pack_into("<I", hdr, SER_SIGNATURE_LEN + 6 * 4, int(out_frames))  # frames field
+
+        with open(out_path, "wb") as f:
+            f.write(hdr)
+
+            fb = int(in_meta.frame_bytes)
+            done = 0
+
+            for i in range(start, end + 1):
+                off = in_meta.data_offset + i * fb
+                f.write(mm[off:off + fb])
+                done += 1
+                progress(done)
+
+            # timestamps are extra bytes; we keep progress tied to frame count (simple & stable)
+            if bool(in_meta.has_timestamps):
+                ts_base = in_meta.data_offset + in_meta.frames * fb
+                for i in range(start, end + 1):
+                    off = ts_base + i * 8
+                    f.write(mm[off:off + 8])
+
+        progress(out_frames)
+        return
+
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------
+    # GENERIC PATH: AVI/sequence -> SER (encode)
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------
+    w = int(meta.width)
+    h = int(meta.height)
+    if w <= 0 or h <= 0:
+        fr0 = src.get_frame(start, roi=None, debayer=False, to_float01=False, force_rgb=False, bayer_pattern=None)
+        h, w = fr0.shape[:2]
+
+    # Decide output mode
+    write_as_bayer = bool(user_pat is not None and store_raw_mosaic_if_forced)
+
+    # SER header basics
+    sig = b"LUCAM-RECORDER"
+    sig = sig[:SER_SIGNATURE_LEN].ljust(SER_SIGNATURE_LEN, b"\x00")
+
+    lu_id = 0
+    little_endian = 1
+
+    # For video sources, we write 8-bit output
+    pixel_depth = 8
+
+    if write_as_bayer:
+        color_name = user_pat  # e.g. "BAYER_RGGB"
+        color_id = _ser_color_id_from_name(color_name)  # 8..11
+    else:
+        color_id = 24  # RGB
+
+    hdr = bytearray(SER_HEADER_SIZE)
+    hdr[:SER_SIGNATURE_LEN] = sig
+    struct.pack_into(
+        "<7I",
+        hdr,
+        SER_SIGNATURE_LEN,
+        int(lu_id),
+        int(color_id),
+        int(little_endian),
+        int(w),
+        int(h),
+        int(pixel_depth),
+        int(out_frames),
+    )
+
+    with open(out_path, "wb") as f:
+        f.write(hdr)
+
+        done = 0
+        for i in range(start, end + 1):
+            if write_as_bayer:
+                # Get RAW mosaic (no debayer). If AVI frame is packed 3-channel, take channel 0.
+                frame = src.get_frame(i, roi=None, debayer=False, to_float01=False, force_rgb=False, bayer_pattern=None)
+
+                if frame.ndim == 3 and frame.shape[2] >= 3:
+                    mosaic = frame[..., 0]
+                elif frame.ndim == 3 and frame.shape[2] == 1:
+                    mosaic = frame[..., 0]
+                else:
+                    mosaic = frame  # already HxW
+
+                # Ensure uint8 mosaic
+                if mosaic.dtype != np.uint8:
+                    if mosaic.dtype in (np.float32, np.float64):
+                        mosaic = np.clip(mosaic, 0.0, 1.0)
+                        mosaic = (mosaic * 255.0).astype(np.uint8)
+                    else:
+                        mosaic_f = mosaic.astype(np.float32)
+                        if np.issubdtype(mosaic.dtype, np.integer):
+                            mx = float(np.iinfo(mosaic.dtype).max)
+                        else:
+                            mx = 255.0
+                        mosaic_f = np.clip(mosaic_f / max(1.0, mx), 0.0, 1.0)
+                        mosaic = (mosaic_f * 255.0).astype(np.uint8)
+
+                f.write(mosaic.tobytes(order="C"))
+
+            else:
+                # Write RGB SER (debayer/convert handled by source)
+                img = src.get_frame(i, roi=None, debayer=True, to_float01=False, force_rgb=True, bayer_pattern=user_pat)
+
+                if img.ndim == 2:
+                    img = np.stack([img, img, img], axis=-1)
+                if img.shape[2] > 3:
+                    img = img[..., :3]
+
+                if img.dtype != np.uint8:
+                    if img.dtype in (np.float32, np.float64):
+                        img = np.clip(img, 0.0, 1.0)
+                        img = (img * 255.0).astype(np.uint8)
+                    else:
+                        img_f = img.astype(np.float32)
+                        if np.issubdtype(img.dtype, np.integer):
+                            mx = float(np.iinfo(img.dtype).max)
+                        else:
+                            mx = 255.0
+                        img_f = np.clip(img_f / max(1.0, mx), 0.0, 1.0)
+                        img = (img_f * 255.0).astype(np.uint8)
+
+                f.write(img.tobytes(order="C"))
+
+            done += 1
+            progress(done)
+
+    progress(out_frames)
+
+class _LRUCache:
+    """Tiny LRU cache for decoded frames."""
+    def __init__(self, max_items: int = 8):
+        self.max_items = int(max_items)
+        self._d: "OrderedDict[Tuple, np.ndarray]" = OrderedDict()
+
+    def get(self, key):
+        if key not in self._d:
+            return None
+        self._d.move_to_end(key)
+        return self._d[key]
+
+    def put(self, key, value: np.ndarray):
+        self._d[key] = value
+        self._d.move_to_end(key)
+        while len(self._d) > self.max_items:
+            self._d.popitem(last=False)
+
+    def clear(self):
+        self._d.clear()
+
+SASPRO_SER_DEBUG=False
+
+def _env_flag(name: str, default: bool = False) -> bool:
+    v = os.environ.get(name)
+    if v is None:
+        return default
+    return str(v).strip().lower() in {"1", "true", "yes", "on"}
+
+class SERReader:
+    """
+    Memory-mapped SER reader with:
+    - header parsing (common v3 layout)
+    - random frame access
+    - optional ROI (with Bayer parity protection)
+    - optional debayer
+    - tiny LRU cache for smooth preview scrubbing
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, path: str, *, cache_items: int = 10):
+        self.path = os.fspath(path)
+        self._fh = open(self.path, "rb")
+        self._mm = mmap.mmap(self._fh.fileno(), 0, access=mmap.ACCESS_READ)
+
+        self.meta = self._parse_header(self._mm)
+        self.meta.path = self.path
+        self._debug = SASPRO_SER_DEBUG
+
+        self._printed_endian = False        
+        if self._debug:
+            try:
+                meta = self.meta
+                print(f"[SER] signature={self._mm[:14]!r}")
+                print(
+                    f"[SER] {os.path.basename(self.path)} "
+                    f"{meta.width}x{meta.height} frames={meta.frames} "
+                    f"depth={meta.pixel_depth} color_id={meta.color_id} "
+                    f"color={meta.color_name} little_endian_flag={meta.little_endian} "
+                    f"frame_bytes={meta.frame_bytes} ts={meta.has_timestamps}"
+                )
+            except Exception:
+                pass      
+        self._cache = _LRUCache(max_items=cache_items)
+        self._fast_debayer_is_bgr: Optional[bool] = None
+        self._endian_override: Optional[bool] = None  # None=unknown, else True/False for data little-endian
+
+
+    def close(self):
+        try:
+            self._cache.clear()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        try:
+            self._mm.close()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        try:
+            self._fh.close()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    def __enter__(self):
+        return self
+
+    def __exit__(self, exc_type, exc, tb):
+        self.close()
+
+    # ---------------- header parsing ----------------
+    @staticmethod
+    def _parse_header(mm: mmap.mmap) -> SerMeta:
+        if mm.size() < SER_HEADER_SIZE:
+            raise ValueError("File too small to be a SER file.")
+
+        hdr = mm[:SER_HEADER_SIZE]
+
+        # Signature (informational only; we stay permissive)
+        sig = hdr[:SER_SIGNATURE_LEN]
+        _ = _decode_cstr(sig)
+
+        try:
+            (lu_id, color_id, little_endian_u32,
+             w, h, pixel_depth, frames) = struct.unpack_from("<7I", hdr, SER_SIGNATURE_LEN)
+        except Exception as e:
+            raise ValueError(f"Failed to parse SER header fields: {e}")
+
+        little_endian = bool(little_endian_u32)
+
+        observer = _decode_cstr(hdr[42:82])
+        instrument = _decode_cstr(hdr[82:122])
+        telescope = _decode_cstr(hdr[122:162])
+
+        color_name = SER_COLOR.get(int(color_id), f"UNKNOWN({color_id})")
+
+        data_offset = SER_HEADER_SIZE
+        file_size = mm.size()
+
+        def expected_size(frame_bytes: int, with_ts: bool) -> int:
+            base = data_offset + int(frames) * int(frame_bytes)
+            return base + (int(frames) * 8 if with_ts else 0)
+
+        # ------------------------------------------------------------
+        # Robust inference:
+        # Some writers lie about pixel_depth. So we infer:
+        #   - channels ∈ {1,3,4}
+        #   - bytes-per-sample (bps) ∈ {1,2}
+        #   - timestamps present?
+        # by matching file size to expected sizes.
+        # ------------------------------------------------------------
+        candidates: list[tuple[int, int, int, bool]] = []  # (channels, bps, frame_bytes, has_ts)
+
+        for ch in (1, 3, 4):
+            for bps in (1, 2):
+                fb = int(w) * int(h) * ch * bps
+                if fb <= 0:
+                    continue
+                if file_size == expected_size(fb, with_ts=False):
+                    candidates.append((ch, bps, fb, False))
+                if file_size == expected_size(fb, with_ts=True):
+                    candidates.append((ch, bps, fb, True))
+
+        picked: Optional[tuple[int, int, int, bool]] = None
+
+        if len(candidates) == 1:
+            picked = candidates[0]
+        elif len(candidates) > 1:
+            # Tie-break using header hints, but don't fully trust them.
+
+            # Channel hint from color_name
+            hinted_ch = 1
+            if color_name in {"RGB", "BGR"}:
+                hinted_ch = 3
+            elif color_name in {"RGBA", "BGRA"}:
+                hinted_ch = 4
+
+            pool = [c for c in candidates if c[0] == hinted_ch] or candidates
+
+            # bps hint from pixel_depth
+            hinted_bps = 1 if int(pixel_depth) <= 8 else 2
+            pool2 = [c for c in pool if c[1] == hinted_bps] or pool
+
+            # If still multiple, prefer:
+            # - 1ch if header says MONO/BAYER-ish
+            # - else 3ch if RGB-ish
+            if len(pool2) > 1:
+                if _is_bayer(color_name) or color_name == "MONO":
+                    pool3 = [c for c in pool2 if c[0] == 1] or pool2
+                elif color_name in {"RGB", "BGR"}:
+                    pool3 = [c for c in pool2 if c[0] == 3] or pool2
+                elif color_name in {"RGBA", "BGRA"}:
+                    pool3 = [c for c in pool2 if c[0] == 4] or pool2
+                else:
+                    pool3 = pool2
+            else:
+                pool3 = pool2
+
+            picked = pool3[0]
+
+        if picked is None:
+            # Fall back to header interpretation (best-effort)
+            bps = _bytes_per_sample(int(pixel_depth))
+            if color_name in {"RGB", "BGR"}:
+                channels = 3
+            elif color_name in {"RGBA", "BGRA"}:
+                channels = 4
+            else:
+                channels = 1
+
+            frame_bytes = int(w) * int(h) * channels * int(bps)
+            has_ts = (file_size == expected_size(frame_bytes, with_ts=True))
+        else:
+            channels, bps, frame_bytes, has_ts = picked
+
+            # If bps contradicts header pixel_depth, coerce pixel_depth to a sane value
+            # (If bps==2 but header said 8, we treat it as 16-bit container.)
+            if bps == 1:
+                # Keep header's pixel_depth if it is <=8, else clamp
+                pixel_depth = int(pixel_depth) if int(pixel_depth) <= 8 else 8
+            else:
+                # If header says 10/12/14/16, keep it; if header says <=8, promote to 16
+                if int(pixel_depth) <= 8:
+                    pixel_depth = 16
+                else:
+                    pixel_depth = int(pixel_depth)
+
+            # If inferred channels contradict header color_name, adjust color_name for sane downstream behavior
+            if channels == 1:
+                if color_name in {"RGB", "BGR", "RGBA", "BGRA"}:
+                    # If header claimed RGB but file is 1ch, safest is treat as Bayer RGGB by default
+                    color_name = "BAYER_RGGB"
+                # If it was UNKNOWN(...) keep it as-is, unless you want to force MONO.
+            elif channels == 3:
+                if color_name not in {"RGB", "BGR"}:
+                    color_name = "RGB"
+            elif channels == 4:
+                if color_name not in {"RGBA", "BGRA"}:
+                    color_name = "RGBA"
+
+        return SerMeta(
+            path="",
+            width=int(w),
+            height=int(h),
+            frames=int(frames),
+            pixel_depth=int(pixel_depth),
+            color_id=int(color_id),
+            color_name=color_name,
+            little_endian=bool(little_endian),
+            data_offset=int(data_offset),
+            frame_bytes=int(frame_bytes),
+            has_timestamps=bool(has_ts),
+            observer=observer,
+            instrument=instrument,
+            telescope=telescope,
+        )
+
+    # ---------------- core access ----------------
+
+    def frame_offset(self, i: int) -> int:
+        i = int(i)
+        if i < 0 or i >= self.meta.frames:
+            raise IndexError(f"Frame index {i} out of range (0..{self.meta.frames-1})")
+        return self.meta.data_offset + i * self.meta.frame_bytes
+
+    def get_frame(
+        self,
+        i: int,
+        *,
+        roi: Optional[Tuple[int, int, int, int]] = None,
+        debayer: bool = True,
+        to_float01: bool = False,
+        force_rgb: bool = False,
+        bayer_pattern: Optional[str] = None,
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        meta = self.meta
+      
+        color_name = meta.color_name
+        user_pat = _normalize_bayer_pattern(bayer_pattern)
+        active_bayer = user_pat if user_pat is not None else (color_name if _is_bayer(color_name) else None)
+
+        roi_key = None if roi is None else tuple(int(v) for v in roi)
+        key = (int(i), roi_key, bool(debayer), active_bayer, bool(to_float01), bool(force_rgb))
+        cached = self._cache.get(key)
+        if cached is not None:
+            return cached
+
+        off = self.frame_offset(i)
+        buf = self._mm[off:off + meta.frame_bytes]
+
+        # dtype from inferred/parsed pixel_depth
+        bps = _bytes_per_sample(meta.pixel_depth)
+        dtype = np.uint8 if bps == 1 else np.uint16
+
+        # Determine channels stored (from color_name; frame_bytes inference already fixed bps)
+        if color_name in {"RGB", "BGR"}:
+            ch = 3
+        elif color_name in {"RGBA", "BGRA"}:
+            ch = 4
+        else:
+            ch = 1
+
+        arr = np.frombuffer(buf, dtype=dtype)
+        # byteswap if endianness is wrong (SER header endian flag is often unreliable)
+        if dtype == np.uint16:
+            # Decide once per reader instance; cache in self._endian_override
+            if self._endian_override is None:
+                # Compare "as-read" vs "byteswapped" on a sample.
+                sample = arr[:min(arr.size, 200000)]
+                if sample.size >= 2048:
+                    a = sample
+                    b = sample.byteswap()
+
+                    # Heuristic #1: low-byte richness (correct endian tends to have richer low byte)
+                    lo_a = (a & 0x00FF).astype(np.uint8)
+                    lo_b = (b & 0x00FF).astype(np.uint8)
+                    ua = int(np.unique(lo_a).size)
+                    ub = int(np.unique(lo_b).size)
+
+                    # Heuristic #2: "plausible dynamic range" vs declared pixel_depth (if 10/12/14)
+                    pd = int(getattr(meta, "pixel_depth", 16) or 16)
+                    # only meaningful if pd is 9..15 (packed in uint16)
+                    if 8 < pd < 16:
+                        maxv = (1 << pd) - 1
+                        # take a high percentile, not max (avoid hot pixels)
+                        p_a = float(np.percentile(a, 99.9))
+                        p_b = float(np.percentile(b, 99.9))
+                        # prefer the interpretation whose 99.9% sits closer to the expected range
+                        da = abs(p_a - maxv)
+                        db = abs(p_b - maxv)
+                    else:
+                        da = db = 0.0
+
+                    # Decide:
+                    # - if low-byte richness strongly prefers one, trust it
+                    # - else if pixel_depth is 10/12/14, use the percentile distance
+                    # - else fall back to header flag
+                    if ua >= ub + 32:
+                        self._endian_override = True   # data is little-endian (as-read)
+                    elif ub >= ua + 32:
+                        self._endian_override = False  # data is big-endian (need swap)
+                    elif (8 < pd < 16) and (da != db):
+                        self._endian_override = (da <= db)  # True = keep, False = swap
+                    else:
+                        self._endian_override = bool(meta.little_endian)
+
+                else:
+                    # too small to be confident
+                    self._endian_override = bool(meta.little_endian)
+
+            # Apply decision
+            if self._endian_override is False:
+                arr = arr.byteswap()
+
+            if self._debug and (not self._printed_endian):
+                self._printed_endian = True
+                try:
+                    print(f"[SER] endian_decision: override={self._endian_override} (True=keep, False=swap)")
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+
+        # byteswap if big-endian storage (rare, but spec supports it)
+        if dtype == np.uint16:
+            data_is_little = meta.little_endian
+
+            if self._endian_override is None and (not meta.little_endian):
+                sample = arr[:min(arr.size, 200000)]
+                if sample.size >= 1024:
+                    lo_u = np.bitwise_and(sample, 0xFF).astype(np.uint8)
+                    lo_s = np.bitwise_and(sample.byteswap(), 0xFF).astype(np.uint8)
+
+                    u_unique = int(np.unique(lo_u).size)
+                    s_unique = int(np.unique(lo_s).size)
+
+                    if u_unique >= s_unique + 32:
+                        self._endian_override = True
+                    elif s_unique >= u_unique + 32:
+                        self._endian_override = False
+                    else:
+                        self._endian_override = data_is_little
+                else:
+                    self._endian_override = data_is_little
+
+            if self._endian_override is not None:
+                data_is_little = bool(self._endian_override)
+
+            if not data_is_little:
+                arr = arr.byteswap()
+
+        if ch == 1:
+            img = arr.reshape(meta.height, meta.width)
+        else:
+            img = arr.reshape(meta.height, meta.width, ch)
+
+        # ROI (apply before debayer; for Bayer enforce even-even origin)
+        if roi is not None:
+            # ✅ roi is specified in DISPLAY coords (post-rot180)
+            x, y, w, h = _roi_unrotate_180(roi, meta.width, meta.height)
+
+            x = max(0, min(meta.width - 1, x))
+            y = max(0, min(meta.height - 1, y))
+            w = max(1, min(meta.width - x, w))
+            h = max(1, min(meta.height - y, h))
+
+            if (active_bayer is not None) and debayer:
+                x, y = _roi_evenize_for_bayer(x, y)
+                w = max(1, min(meta.width - x, w))
+                h = max(1, min(meta.height - y, h))
+
+            img = img[y:y + h, x:x + w]
+
+        # --- SER global orientation fix (rotate 180) ---
+        img = _rot180(img)
+        # Convert BGR->RGB if needed
+        if color_name == "BGR" and img.ndim == 3 and img.shape[2] >= 3:
+            img = img[..., ::-1].copy()
+
+        # Debayer if needed
+        user_forced_bayer = (user_pat is not None)
+        stored_is_bayer = _is_bayer(color_name)
+
+        if debayer and (stored_is_bayer or user_forced_bayer):
+            pat = active_bayer or user_pat or (color_name if stored_is_bayer else None) or "BAYER_RGGB"
+
+            if img.ndim == 3 and img.shape[2] >= 3:
+                mosaic = img[..., 0] if user_forced_bayer else None
+            else:
+                mosaic = img if img.ndim == 2 else img[..., 0]
+
+            if mosaic is not None:
+                out = _try_numba_debayer(mosaic, pat)
+                if out is None:
+                    out = _cv2_debayer(mosaic, pat)  # RGB
+                else:
+                    out = _maybe_swap_rb_to_match_cv2(mosaic, pat, out)
+                img = out
+
+        elif stored_is_bayer and (not debayer):
+            img = img if img.ndim == 2 else img[..., 0]
+
+        # Force RGB for mono
+        if force_rgb and img.ndim == 2:
+            img = np.stack([img, img, img], axis=-1)
+
+        # ----------------------------
+        # Normalize to float01 (BONUS)
+        # ----------------------------
+        if to_float01:
+            if img.dtype == np.uint8:
+                img = img.astype(np.float32) / 255.0
+            elif img.dtype == np.uint16:
+                pd = int(getattr(meta, "pixel_depth", 16) or 16)
+                # Many cameras are 10/12/14-bit stored in uint16.
+                if 8 < pd < 16:
+                    denom = float((1 << pd) - 1)
+                else:
+                    denom = 65535.0
+                img = img.astype(np.float32) / max(1.0, denom)
+            else:
+                img = img.astype(np.float32)
+                img = np.clip(img, 0.0, 1.0)
+
+        self._cache.put(key, img)
+        return img
+
+    def get_timestamp_ns(self, i: int) -> Optional[int]:
+        """
+        If timestamps exist, returns the 64-bit timestamp value for frame i.
+        (Interpretation depends on writer; often 100ns ticks or nanoseconds.)
+        """
+        meta = self.meta
+        if not meta.has_timestamps:
+            return None
+        i = int(i)
+        if i < 0 or i >= meta.frames:
+            return None
+        ts_base = meta.data_offset + meta.frames * meta.frame_bytes
+        off = ts_base + i * 8
+        b = self._mm[off:off + 8]
+        if len(b) != 8:
+            return None
+        (v,) = struct.unpack("<Q", b)
+        return int(v)
+
+
+
+# -----------------------------
+# Common reader interface/meta
+# -----------------------------
+
+@dataclass
+class PlanetaryMeta:
+    """
+    Common metadata shape used by SERViewer / stacker.
+    """
+    path: str
+    width: int
+    height: int
+    frames: int
+    pixel_depth: int              # 8/16 typical (AVI usually 8)
+    color_name: str               # "MONO", "RGB", "BGR", "BAYER_*", etc
+    has_timestamps: bool = False
+    source_kind: str = "unknown"  # "ser" / "avi" / "sequence"
+    file_list: Optional[List[str]] = None
+
+
+class PlanetaryFrameSource:
+    """
+    Minimal protocol-like base. (Duck-typed by viewer/stacker)
+    """
+    meta: PlanetaryMeta
+    path: str
+
+    def close(self) -> None:
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+    def get_frame(
+        self,
+        i: int,
+        *,
+        roi: Optional[Tuple[int, int, int, int]] = None,
+        debayer: bool = True,
+        to_float01: bool = False,
+        force_rgb: bool = False,
+        bayer_pattern: Optional[str] = None,   # ✅ NEW
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+
+# -----------------------------
+# AVI reader (OpenCV)
+# -----------------------------
+
+class AVIReader(PlanetaryFrameSource):
+    """
+    Frame-accurate random access using cv2.VideoCapture.
+    Notes:
+      - Many codecs only support approximate seeking; good enough for preview/scrub.
+      - Frames come out as BGR uint8 by default.
+    """
+    def __init__(self, path: str, *, cache_items: int = 10):
+        if cv2 is None:
+            raise RuntimeError("OpenCV (cv2) is required to read AVI files.")
+        self.path = os.fspath(path)
+        self._cap = cv2.VideoCapture(self.path)
+        if not self._cap.isOpened():
+            raise ValueError(f"Failed to open video: {self.path}")
+
+        w = int(self._cap.get(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_WIDTH) or 0)
+        h = int(self._cap.get(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_HEIGHT) or 0)
+        n = int(self._cap.get(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_COUNT) or 0)
+
+        # AVI decoded frames are almost always 8-bit
+        self.meta = PlanetaryMeta(
+            path=self.path,
+            width=w,
+            height=h,
+            frames=max(0, n),
+            pixel_depth=8,
+            color_name="BGR",
+            has_timestamps=False,
+            source_kind="avi",
+        )
+
+        self._cache = _LRUCache(max_items=cache_items)
+
+    def close(self):
+        try:
+            self._cache.clear()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        try:
+            if self._cap is not None:
+                self._cap.release()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    def __enter__(self):
+        return self
+
+    def __exit__(self, exc_type, exc, tb):
+        self.close()
+
+    def _read_raw_frame_bgr(self, i: int) -> np.ndarray:
+        i = int(i)
+        if i < 0 or (self.meta.frames > 0 and i >= self.meta.frames):
+            raise IndexError(f"Frame index {i} out of range")
+
+        # Seek
+        self._cap.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_POS_FRAMES, float(i))
+        ok, frame = self._cap.read()
+        if not ok or frame is None:
+            raise ValueError(f"Failed to read frame {i}")
+
+        # frame is BGR uint8, shape (H,W,3)
+        return frame
+
+    def get_frame(
+        self,
+        i: int,
+        *,
+        roi: Optional[Tuple[int, int, int, int]] = None,
+        debayer: bool = True,
+        to_float01: bool = False,
+        force_rgb: bool = False,
+        bayer_pattern: Optional[str] = None,
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+
+        roi_key = None if roi is None else tuple(int(v) for v in roi)
+
+        # User pattern:
+        # - None means AUTO (do not force debayer on 3-channel video)
+        # - A real value means: user explicitly wants debayering
+        user_pat = _normalize_bayer_pattern(bayer_pattern)  # None == AUTO
+        pat_for_key = user_pat or "AUTO"
+
+        key = ("avi", int(i), roi_key, bool(debayer), pat_for_key, bool(to_float01), bool(force_rgb))
+        cached = self._cache.get(key)
+        if cached is not None:
+            return cached
+
+        frame = self._read_raw_frame_bgr(i)  # usually (H,W,3) uint8 BGR
+
+        # ROI first (but if we are going to debayer mosaic, ROI origin must be even-even)
+        if roi is not None:
+            H, W = frame.shape[:2]
+
+            # ✅ roi is specified in DISPLAY coords (post-rot180)
+            x, y, w, h = _roi_unrotate_180(roi, W, H)
+
+            x = max(0, min(W - 1, x))
+            y = max(0, min(H - 1, y))
+            w = max(1, min(W - x, w))
+            h = max(1, min(H - y, h))
+
+            if debayer and user_pat is not None:
+                x, y = _roi_evenize_for_bayer(x, y)
+                w = max(1, min(W - x, w))
+                h = max(1, min(H - y, h))
+
+            frame = frame[y:y + h, x:x + w]
+
+        frame = _rot180(frame)
+
+        img: np.ndarray
+
+
+        # ---------------------------------------------------------
+        # RAW MOSAIC AVI SUPPORT
+        #
+        # OpenCV often returns 3-channel frames even when the AVI is
+        # conceptually "raw mosaic". In that case, ONLY debayer when
+        # the user explicitly selected a Bayer pattern (not AUTO).
+        # ---------------------------------------------------------
+
+        # True mosaic frame decoded as single-channel
+        is_true_mosaic = (frame.ndim == 2) or (frame.ndim == 3 and frame.shape[2] == 1)
+
+        if debayer and (is_true_mosaic or (user_pat is not None)):
+            # If it's 3-channel but user requested debayer, treat as packed mosaic:
+            # take one channel (they should be identical if it's really mosaic-packed).
+            if frame.ndim == 3 and frame.shape[2] >= 3:
+                mosaic = frame[..., 0]  # any channel is fine for packed mosaic
+            else:
+                mosaic = frame if frame.ndim == 2 else frame[..., 0]
+
+            # Choose pattern:
+            # - user_pat is guaranteed not None here if it's forced on 3ch
+            # - if it’s true mosaic and user left AUTO, default RGGB
+            pat = user_pat or "BAYER_RGGB"
+
+            out = _try_numba_debayer(mosaic, pat)
+            if out is None:
+                out = _cv2_debayer(mosaic, pat)          # RGB
+            else:
+                out = _maybe_swap_rb_to_match_cv2(mosaic, pat, out)
+
+            img = out  # RGB
+
+        else:
+            # Normal video path: decoded BGR -> RGB
+            if frame.ndim == 3 and frame.shape[2] >= 3:
+                img = frame[..., ::-1].copy()
+            else:
+                # Rare: frame came out mono but debayer is off
+                img = frame if frame.ndim == 2 else frame[..., 0]
+                if force_rgb:
+                    img = np.stack([img, img, img], axis=-1)
+
+        # Normalize
+        if to_float01:
+            if img.dtype == np.uint8:
+                img = img.astype(np.float32) / 255.0
+            elif img.dtype == np.uint16:
+                img = img.astype(np.float32) / 65535.0
+            else:
+                img = np.clip(img.astype(np.float32), 0.0, 1.0)
+
+        # Optional force_rgb (mostly relevant if debayer=False and frame is mono)
+        if force_rgb and img.ndim == 2:
+            img = np.stack([img, img, img], axis=-1)
+
+        self._cache.put(key, img)
+        return img
+
+# -----------------------------
+# Image-sequence reader
+# -----------------------------
+
+def _imread_any(path: str) -> np.ndarray:
+    """
+    Read PNG/JPG/TIF/FITS/etc into numpy.
+    Returns:
+      - grayscale: (H,W)
+      - color:     (H,W,3) in RGB when applicable
+    """
+    p = os.fspath(path)
+    ext = os.path.splitext(p)[1].lower()
+
+    # ---- FITS / FIT ----
+    if ext in (".fit", ".fits"):
+        try:
+            from astropy.io import fits
+
+            data = fits.getdata(p, memmap=False)
+            if data is None:
+                raise ValueError("Empty FITS data.")
+
+            arr = np.asarray(data)
+
+            # Common shapes:
+            # (H,W) -> mono
+            # (C,H,W) -> convert to (H,W,C)
+            # (H,W,C) -> already fine
+            if arr.ndim == 3:
+                # If first axis is small (1/3/4), assume CHW
+                if arr.shape[0] in (1, 3, 4) and arr.shape[1] > 8 and arr.shape[2] > 8:
+                    arr = np.moveaxis(arr, 0, -1)  # CHW -> HWC
+
+                # If now HWC and has alpha, drop it
+                if arr.shape[-1] >= 4:
+                    arr = arr[..., :3]
+
+                # If single channel, squeeze
+                if arr.shape[-1] == 1:
+                    arr = arr[..., 0]
+
+            return arr
+        except Exception as e:
+            raise RuntimeError(f"Failed to read FITS: {p}\n{e}")
+
+    # Prefer cv2 if available
+    if cv2 is not None:
+        img = cv2.imdecode(np.fromfile(p, dtype=np.uint8), cv2.IMREAD_UNCHANGED)
+        if img is not None:
+            # cv2 gives:
+            # - gray: HxW
+            # - color: HxWx3 (BGR)
+            # - sometimes HxWx4 (BGRA)
+            if img.ndim == 3 and img.shape[2] >= 3:
+                img = img[..., :3]  # drop alpha if present
+                img = img[..., ::-1].copy()  # BGR -> RGB
+            return img
+
+    # PIL fallback
+    if Image is None:
+        raise RuntimeError("Neither OpenCV nor PIL are available to read images.")
+    im = Image.open(p)
+    # Preserve 16-bit if possible; PIL handles many TIFFs.
+    if im.mode in ("I;16", "I;16B", "I"):
+        arr = np.array(im)
+        return arr
+    if im.mode in ("L",):
+        return np.array(im)
+    im = im.convert("RGB")
+    return np.array(im)
+
+def _to_float01_robust(img: np.ndarray) -> np.ndarray:
+    """
+    Robust float01 conversion for preview:
+    - uint8/uint16/int types scale by dtype max
+    - float types:
+        * if already ~[0,1], keep
+        * else percentile-scale (0.1..99.9) to [0,1]
+    Works for mono or RGB arrays.
+    """
+    a = np.asarray(img)
+
+    if a.dtype == np.uint8:
+        return a.astype(np.float32) / 255.0
+    if a.dtype == np.uint16:
+        return a.astype(np.float32) / 65535.0
+    if np.issubdtype(a.dtype, np.integer):
+        info = np.iinfo(a.dtype)
+        denom = float(info.max) if info.max > 0 else 1.0
+        return (a.astype(np.float32) / denom).clip(0.0, 1.0)
+
+    # float path
+    f = a.astype(np.float32, copy=False)
+
+    # If it already looks like [0,1], don’t mess with it
+    mn = float(np.nanmin(f))
+    mx = float(np.nanmax(f))
+    if (mn >= -1e-3) and (mx <= 1.0 + 1e-3):
+        return np.clip(f, 0.0, 1.0)
+
+    # Percentile scale (planetary-friendly)
+    lo = float(np.nanpercentile(f, 0.1))
+    hi = float(np.nanpercentile(f, 99.9))
+    if not np.isfinite(lo) or not np.isfinite(hi) or hi <= lo + 1e-12:
+        # fallback to min/max
+        lo, hi = mn, mx
+        if not np.isfinite(lo) or not np.isfinite(hi) or hi <= lo + 1e-12:
+            return np.zeros_like(f, dtype=np.float32)
+
+    out = (f - lo) / (hi - lo)
+    return np.clip(out, 0.0, 1.0)
+
+
+def _infer_bit_depth(arr: np.ndarray) -> int:
+    if arr.dtype == np.uint16:
+        return 16
+    if arr.dtype == np.uint8:
+        return 8
+    # if float, assume 32 for “depth”
+    if arr.dtype in (np.float32, np.float64):
+        return 32
+    return 8
+
+
+class ImageSequenceReader(PlanetaryFrameSource):
+    """
+    Reads a list of image files as frames.
+    Supports random access; caches decoded frames for smooth scrubbing.
+    """
+    def __init__(self, files: Sequence[str], *, cache_items: int = 10):
+        flist = [os.fspath(f) for f in files]
+        if not flist:
+            raise ValueError("Empty image sequence.")
+        self.files = flist
+        self.path = flist[0]
+
+        # Probe first frame
+        first = _imread_any(flist[0])
+        h, w = first.shape[:2]
+        depth = _infer_bit_depth(first)
+        if first.ndim == 2:
+            cname = "MONO"
+        else:
+            cname = "RGB"
+
+        self.meta = PlanetaryMeta(
+            path=self.path,
+            width=int(w),
+            height=int(h),
+            frames=len(flist),
+            pixel_depth=int(depth),
+            color_name=cname,
+            has_timestamps=False,
+            source_kind="sequence",
+            file_list=list(flist),
+        )
+
+        self._cache = _LRUCache(max_items=cache_items)
+
+    def close(self):
+        try:
+            self._cache.clear()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    def __enter__(self):
+        return self
+
+    def __exit__(self, exc_type, exc, tb):
+        self.close()
+
+    def get_frame(
+        self,
+        i: int,
+        *,
+        roi: Optional[Tuple[int, int, int, int]] = None,
+        debayer: bool = True,
+        to_float01: bool = False,
+        force_rgb: bool = False,
+        bayer_pattern: Optional[str] = None,
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        _ = debayer, bayer_pattern  # unused for sequences (for now)
+        i = int(i)
+        if i < 0 or i >= self.meta.frames:
+            raise IndexError(f"Frame index {i} out of range (0..{self.meta.frames-1})")
+
+        roi_key = None if roi is None else tuple(int(v) for v in roi)
+        key = ("seq", i, roi_key, bool(to_float01), bool(force_rgb))
+        cached = self._cache.get(key)
+        if cached is not None:
+            return cached
+
+        img = _imread_any(self.files[i])
+
+        # Basic consistency checks (don’t hard fail; some sequences have slight differences)
+        # If sizes differ, we’ll just use whatever comes back for that frame.
+        H, W = img.shape[:2]
+
+        # ROI
+        if roi is not None:
+            x, y, w, h = [int(v) for v in roi]
+            x = max(0, min(W - 1, x))
+            y = max(0, min(H - 1, y))
+            w = max(1, min(W - x, w))
+            h = max(1, min(H - y, h))
+            img = img[y:y + h, x:x + w]
+
+        # Force RGB for mono
+        if force_rgb and img.ndim == 2:
+            img = np.stack([img, img, img], axis=-1)
+
+        # Normalize to float01
+        if to_float01:
+            img = _to_float01_robust(img)
+
+        self._cache.put(key, img)
+        return img
+
+
+# -----------------------------
+# Factory
+# -----------------------------
+
+def open_planetary_source(
+    path_or_files: Union[str, Sequence[str]],
+    *,
+    cache_items: int = 10,
+) -> PlanetaryFrameSource:
+    """
+    Open SER / AVI / image sequence under one API.
+    """
+    # Sequence
+    if not isinstance(path_or_files, (str, os.PathLike)):
+        return ImageSequenceReader(path_or_files, cache_items=cache_items)
+
+    path = os.fspath(path_or_files)
+    ext = os.path.splitext(path)[1].lower()
+
+    if ext == ".ser":
+        r = SERReader(path, cache_items=cache_items)
+        # ---- SER tweak: ensure meta.path is set ----
+        try:
+            r.meta.path = path  # type: ignore
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        return r
+
+    if ext in (".avi", ".mp4", ".mov", ".mkv"):
+        return AVIReader(path, cache_items=cache_items)
+
+    # If user passes a single image, treat it as a 1-frame sequence
+    if ext in (".png", ".tif", ".tiff", ".jpg", ".jpeg", ".bmp", ".webp", ".fit", ".fits"):
+        return ImageSequenceReader([path], cache_items=cache_items)
+
+    raise ValueError(f"Unsupported input: {path}")