UltraPlus is a comprehensive, high performance, low light level image acquisition and analysis interface for the PixCellent range of advanced precision and high speed cooled digital CCD cameras. Fluorescence and brightfield images can be acquired individually or in sequences at 12 to 16 bit depth at up to 500 full frame images per second depending on the camera. UltraPlus also integrates with Image ProTM and OptimasTM for additional analysis of images.
UltraPlus has two user selectable modules - Camera Control and Spatial. The Camera Control Module is used specifically for high speed applications and automated time lapse experiments. The Spatial Module is selected for grabbing multiple wavelength images or groups of images. In addition, morphometric measurements and quantitative densitometric analysis can be performed on selected regions of interest within an image. Images are transferable between modules providing a fully flexible working environment.
Image display and analysis techniques include autoscaling, auto image correction, generation of histograms, view raw pixel data, brightness and contrast adjustment, colour tables and many other features. For further statistical analysis this information can be exported to popular spreadsheet packages.
In order to present the best results possible, images are processed using background subtraction, flatfield correction and thresholding. This provides enhanced brightness, contrast and sharpness of images for true quantitative applications.
Interface showing the Thumbnail View gallery and selected image
for analysis.RGB Image Overlay Capability
UltraPlus can automatically control an
RGB filter and overlay the images to display a full colour image.
Alternatively images can be captured at three different wavelengths
on a microscope system and then overlaid in RGB to show co-localisation
of up to three intracellular proteins or ligands (shown above).
RGB Image Overlay Capability
UltraPlus can automatically control an
RGB filter and overlay the images to display a full colour image.
Alternatively images can be captured at three different wavelengths
on a microscope system and then overlaid in RGB to show co-localisation
of up to three intracellular proteins or ligands (shown above).
o Captures sequences and time lapse images at up to 500 fps
(full frame), 1600 fps (with binning)
o Precision image acquisition at low speed for the highest quality
images
o Asymmetric binning and programmable sub array selection optomises
data collection
o Allows easy interface to Image ProTM from Media Cybernetics
and OptimasTM
o Full support of TWAIN scanner devices
o Images can be read at 12-16 bit precision
o Autoscaling for optimum viewing of the image
o Display histograms, pixel line profiles
o View images, gray scale or pseudocolour for greater detail
o Look up individual pixel and user values
o Export measurements to statistical and spreadsheet
packages for further analysis
o Individual pixel values exported in ASCII format
o Combine image with background correction for precise optical
density measurement
o Camera controller status
o Computer Interface Card status
o Playback feature allows review of camera functionality
o Instant CCD temperature readout
o Combine 3 images captured at different wavelengths
to RGB full colour image
o Split RGB image into monochrome
o Black level correction
o Background subtraction to compensate for
autofluorescence
o Flatfield correction to eliminate shading effects
o Thresholding
o Brightness and contrast adjustment
o Invert, flip, sharpen and smooth image
o Equalise histogram
o Optional image deblurring and photon reassignment with DeconWIZARD
o Analyse whole field or choose single or multiple areas
of interest (up to 100)
o Count number of objects
o Object area, height, length, perimeter and width
o Absolute optical density measurements
o Images exported as TIFF or BMP
o JPEG and LZW compression supported
o DIB, FITS, GRAMS, TIM, RAW, SPECTACLE
o Transfer images, data graphs and files via clipboard