Modular architecture and customisable interface allows users to build functionality to their exact requirements, automate routine tasks and ensure reproducible results
One of the major problems facing live cell imaging is the number of different software packages usually required.
Integrating these software components and learning their individual interfaces to control the microscope, drive external accessories, manage the digital acquisition process, and store the resulting images can be a substantial barrier to beginners and advanced users alike.
The answer, according to Carl Zeiss, is an integrated suite of digital imaging software designed for life science laboratories.
AxioVision 4.1 uses a customisable user interface and modular architecture to allow users to manage every aspect of the imaging process, build functionality to their exact requirements, easily automate routine tasks and ensure reproducible results.
AxioVision 4.1's starting point is a software platform for microscope control, imaging, processing, annotating, archiving, and reporting.
Its customisable user interface also allows users to create bespoke applications to suit their individual requirements.
Additional modules simply overlay the basic programme to allow more advanced image acquisition, processing and analysis while retaining the simple user interface.
Of special interest for live cell researchers is the collection of multidimensional image acquisition modules. These include mark and find for automatic re-location of positions on a sample, time lapse to document dynamic processes, and Z-stack for the automatic generation of 3D views.
The multichannel fluorescence module offers up to eight channels for fluorescence and transmitted light images that may be displayed individually or as a merged pseudo colour image.
Life scientists will also benefit from the capability of the Imaging Plus modules to visualise normally unseen information.
3D deconvolution offers high-contrast, blur-free fluorescent images while Inside4D generates 3-dimensional views of samples from Z-stacks.
This allows objects to be animated in space and time and exported as a movie, making Inside4D ideal for presentations.
Imaging Plus boasts special contrast and colour adjustment functions to enhance image quality.
Other modules include MosaiX for analysing large surface areas, auto measure and auto measure plus for automating complex sample measurement and iteractive measurement for demanding samples.
A group of control modules is also available to control external accessories, such as fast filter wheels and shutters.
Other versions of AxioVision 4.1 specially suited to the needs of materials scientists will follow later this year.
