Imaging Software NIS-Elements
Never before has a software package achieved such recognition for comprehensive device control with a suite of image analysis, visualization and archiving tools.
Nikon's NIS-Elements revolutionizes imaging software for the microscopy market by combining automated intelligence to microscopes, cameras, components and peripherals with powerful archiving, analysis and visualization tools. Its intuitive interface simplifies workflow and speeds up image acquisition times while providing powerful features such as image stitching, object counting and volume views.
Overview
The NIS-Elements software suite is composed of three distinct packages scaled to address specific application requirements. Each version delivers an intuitive interface to simplify workflow and provides powerful imaging tools. The software supports numerous image analysis and processing routines in conjunction with useful tools for storing and retrieving image data.
NIS-Elements Documentation (D)
NIS-Elements Documentation is tailored to facilitate image capture, object measurement and counting, databasing and report generation. Ease of use and simplification of menu options has been emphasized in the design of the package while NIS-Elements Advanced Research (AR) and Basic Research (BR) packages also display a similar look and feel.
The combination of integrated automated intelligence, streamlined workflow, attention to detail and creative design makes NIS-Elements Documentation the perfect package for clinical and industrial applications such as tissue comparison, image archiving and reporting, particle analysis, defect analysis and fiber & textile material analysis.
Core documentation functionality includes manual length and area measurements as well as large imaging stitching. Optional modules are available: database for streamlined image filing; retrieval and report generation for PDF based reports; Extended Depth of Focus (EDF), which creates an all-in-focus image from a series of Z-axis images; live compare for comparing a live image with a static image or overlay; Automatic Measurement for automated object counting using thresholding, feature restrictions and data export; and advanced macro builder for more complex custom programming.
NIS-Elements Basic Research (BR)
NIS-Elements BR is suited for standard research applications such as analysis and photodocumentation of fluorescent imaging. It features up to four dimensional acquisition capabilities and advanced device control capabilities.
While not as full featured as the AR package, BR offers access to advanced image capture, archiving and analysis solutions that are easy to use and provide maximum workflow.
BR handles multi-dimensional imaging with ease, with support for capture, display, peripheral device control, and data management and analysis of up to four dimensions (for example: X, Y, Z, Lambda (wavelength)). It also provides advanced image processing features, such as automated image count, intensity over time, database capabilities and report generation, and Extended Depth of Focus functions.
The system contributes to experiment efficiency with a database building feature developed to handle archiving, searching, and analysis of large numbers of multi-dimensional image files. Unified control of the entire imaging system offers significant benefits to users for cutting-edge research, such as live cell imaging.
NIS-Elements Advanced Research (AR)
NIS-Elements AR is optimized for advanced research applications. It features fully automated acquisition and device control through full six-dimensional image acquisition and analysis.
The software is designed to deliver power and maximize workflow. It handles multi-dimensional imaging flawlessly, with support for capture, display, peripheral device control and data management and analysis of up to six dimensions (X, Y, Z, Lambda (wavelength), T, multi stage points). It also offers sophisticated image processing and visualization features, such as a 5D viewer, automated object counting, intensity measurements over time, image stitching, deconvolution, databasing and Extended Depth of Focus functions.
The system contributes to experiment efficiency with a database building feature developed to handle archiving and searching of large numbers of multi-dimensional image files.
Unified control of the entire imaging system offers significant benefits to users for cutting-edge research, such as live cell imaging.
Multidimensional Capturing
NIS-Elements can combine X, Y, Z, Lambda (wavelength), Time, and Multi Stage Points within one integrated platform for multi-dimensional imaging (depends on the capability of the software). All combinations of multidimensional images can be linked together in one ND2 file sequence using an efficient workflow and intuitive GUI. (AR package: up to 6D, BR package: up to 4D)
2D Real-time Deconvolution
The real-time 2D deconvolution module (from AutoQuant®) enables the user to observe live specimens with less blur. It allows faint biological processes to be observed that may otherwise be missed and increases observed signal-to-noise ratio. (AR package)
3D AutoQuant® Blind Deconvolution
The haze and blur of the image that can occur when capturing a thick specimen or a fluorescence image can be eliminated from the captured 3D image. (AR package)
Before deconvolution
After deconvolution
Calcium & FRET
This plug-in allows calcium measurement and FRET analysis. FRET analysis uses the three-filter method and allows calibration of Ca2+ concentration. The Gordon method that uses three filter sets allows calculation of FRET efficiency. (AR package)
Object Tracking
By tracking an object captured by 2D acquisition, speed and distance of its movement can be measured. Exporting acquired data is also possible. (AR package)
Object Classifier
Extracted measurement objects can be classified according to shape, brightness, size and specified characteristics. Measuring and counting by each class can be conducted easily. (AR package)
Extended Depth of Focus
With the Extended Depth of Focus (EDF) module, images that have been captured in a different Z-axis can be used to create an all-in focus image. Also, it is possible to create stereovision images & 3D surface images to achieve virtual 3D imaging.
Database Capabilities
NIS-Elements has a powerful image database module that supports image and meta data. Various databases and tables can easily be created and images can be saved to the database via one simple mouse-click. Filtering, sorting and multiple grouping are also available according to the database field given for each image.