Carl Zeiss MicroImaging has introduced Zen 2007, a new software for laser scanning microscopes
The combination of leading edge software programming and design tools with traditional Zeiss optical and mechanical precision creates a fusion between state of the art technology and intuitive user-guidance.
The Zen user interface is clearly structured and flexible, allowing it to be individually tailored to each experiment and user.
Additionally, the Professional-Basic concept of Zen reduces the complexity of the interface without decreasing the range of functions; users are able to decide at what point they require full functionality, allowing them to focus their full attention on their research work.
Any settings made can be saved and re-accessed at any time or sent to other users.
The colour and brightness of Zen's input fields and buttons are carefully adapted to the typical lighting conditions encountered in a laboratory environment.
The resulting improvement in contrast makes it possible to recognise details in fluorescence images that were not visible before.
The optimisation of the screen display for the 30inch widescreen format creates additional space that is particularly useful for complex experiments in which a large number of tool palettes and view windows are simultaneously open.
The easy to use Zen offers intuitive user guidance and a short learning curve.
All laser scanning microscopes in the LSM 5 Family from release 2.8 onwards can be upgraded with Zen 2007.
The user interface of Zen is organised into three zones, following the typical workflow of the experiments preformed: the tools for image acquisition and microscope control on the left, the workspace for image viewing in the centre, and file management on the right.
The layout of the left toolbar can be adapted to the personal requirements of the user and the clear structure allows reliable, easy operation of the microscope system.
If required, all tools can be decoupled and freely positioned on the screen.
The central area of Zen is optimised for the display of and interaction with the acquired image data.
The tools required for this purpose are clearly arranged below the image and can be activated and deactivated.
Navigation through the captured images and data is considerably easier with Zen and the Zen file browser allows convenient management of saved image data.
Options such as 'Expose' mode, allow for up to three opened images in the image containers to be displayed like slides next to each other for comparison.
The right column of Zen provides a quick overview of experiments and shows all opened images with brief information including size and image type.
The application friendly software is setting new standards for laser scanning microscopy.
For example, the setting of the scanning module is supported by clearly laid out, coloured displays.
The software joystick for the focus drive and motorised stages allow the settings on the microscope to be made quickly and conveniently from the software.
