iVision

Microscopy on a Mac!

iVision‐Mac is the world's most powerful microscopy imaging software available for Apple computers. iVision-Mac includes image acquisition, processing, measurement, and analysis software. iVision‐Mac directly supports the acquisition of images and time-lapse series through automated and scriptable control of optical hardware.

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Complete Imaging Package

iVision‐Mac is image acquisition, processing, measurement, and analysis software. iVision‐Mac directly supports the acquisition of images and time-lapse series. Sophisticated imaging processes or even simple routines can be automated down to the push of a single button through the use of the intuitive scripting tool. There is no need to learn Visual Basic or other programming languages when you want to automate your imaging routines. Also, fully integrated extensions easily automate microscope control by driving motorized microscope hardware. Our team of scientists and engineers designed iVision‐Mac to include the full set of tools needed to build imaging, analysis, and automated solutions for the laboratory. Free camera controls let you acquire images from any camera we support. Extensions (such as Deconvolution and Motion Control) smoothly integrate new processing, analysis, and hardware control commands into iVision‐Mac. iVision‐Mac is a proven solution worldwide, and can be found in hundreds of citations in the most prestigious journals every year. Since its creation, thousands of scientists have incorporated iVision‐Mac into their research.

Image Processing

iVision‐Mac includes a full suite of image processing features and tools. Not only do these tools allow you to enhance image quality when necessary, but they also make it easy to analyze the image by separating objects or areas of interest from the background. With iVision‐Mac, you can easily combine multiple image sequences and readily blend grayscale (e.g. DIC) images with fluorescence image sequences. iVision‐Mac also gives you the ability to process and visualize 3D images with the included 3D extension. The 3D visualization tool renders sequences of images in the X or Y plane, or in a tumble mode. You can pseudocolor the rendered image for enhanced image visualization.

Analysis

Using spatially calibrated images with the automated measurement tools, scientists can quickly and easily perform dozens of image processing tasks. The resulting data can be saved in iVision‐Mac, or opened in a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft® Excel® for further analysis. User definable plots and histograms are also included to present the data as desired. iVision‐Mac also includes densitometry measurements that can be used to plot an analysis such as mean intensity over time. iVision‐Mac supports the measurement of individual objects, regions of interest, and entire images. iVision‐Mac performs batch analysis of images and sequences using file lists and indexed files.

Automation

Using iVision‐Mac's highly integrated user interface, you can move seamlessly between controlling hardware, acquiring images, and processing and analyzing data. With the appropriate automated hardware and extensions, iVision‐Mac fully automates many imaging routines. This includes the acquisition of time-lapse images, Z-stacks, and multi-dimensional images.

iVision‐Mac is a trademark of BioVision Technologies, Inc, Exton, PA.

Tools

Main Tools

main

The Main Tools provide easy access to the most common image operations in Life Science imaging: creation of new images; opening and saving image files; normalization; pseudocoloring; and creation of new color images from multiple images representing data in multiple colors, representing fluorescent signals and brightfield background, or representing fluorescent labels that may be colocalized.

Image Tools

image

The Image Tools allow one to scroll across an image that does not fit within its window, to adjust the magnification of the pixels in the image window, to measure lengths or angles, to rotate the color tables on indexed color images, and to set registration marks used for image registration.

Function Key Palette

function

Operations not available on other toolbars can be bound to keyboard function keys and listed in the Function Key Palette, providing easy access to facilities used every day. iVision‐Mac binds function keys to individual functions that it provides or to scripts recorded within iVision‐Mac. This provides easy access to the operations that one uses frequently.

Here is an example of a typical function key palette. The function keys run scripts for display of the camera's view of the specimen, capture of images using fluorescence microscopy or brightfield microscopy, enhancement of the image, cropping unneeded data, and saving the results to disk.

Device Toolbar

device

iVision‐Mac provides a point‐and‐click interface for control of imaging‐related hardware. The position of devices such as filter wheels, X-Y stages and Z-axis focus drives can be displayed and may be altered.

Region of Interest Tools

roi

The Region of Interest tools allow the selection of the area within an image for processing, filtering or quantifying. The defined region of interest may be a rectangle, an oval, a polygon, a shape drawn freehand or a shape defined by the segments as defined by automated segmentation or by manual use of iVision‐Mac Segment Tools.

Segment Tools

segment

The Segment tools define areas to be measured. iVision‐Mac allows the creation of as many as nine segments in each image window, and can measure the segments individually.

These tools define segments as rectangles, ovals, polygons, lines, or areas defined with a paintbrush. A Cut tool allows the separation of objects that are clumped together, allowing iVision‐Mac to count the objects as individuals.

Drawing Tools

segment

The drawing tools add annotations, highlighting, and outlines to an image. Drawings exist within the drawing overlay, which is a layer independent of the image data. Drawings do not affect the image data.

These tools define drawing objects as rectangles, ovals, polygons, lines, shapes drawn freehand, or text annotations. Each drawing on the drawing overlay is an individual object, and may be treated without affecting other drawing objects present.

3D Tools

segment

The 3D Tools provide easy access to common operations on sequences of two‐dimensional data sets that are loaded into image windows:

Viewing a multi‐frame stack as a volume in 3‐D space, rotating it in any direction by grabbing it with the mouse;

Viewing one of the frames of the stack as an image;

Constructing a single‐image in-focus view of a stack of frames that were acquired at different positions along the Z‐axis;

Synthesis of a two‐dimensional image of the data in the entire stack;

Creation of a sequence of 3‐D projections through the data set, representing views from positions at regular intervals around the stack’s X‐axis or its Y‐axis;

Creation of a QuickTime™ movie from the frames in an an image window;

No Neighbor Deconvolution (“single‐image deconvolution”) and Nearest Neighbor Deconvolution (“three‐image deconvolution”);

No Neighbor deconvolution that is based on a theoretical point spread function;

Deconvolution, each resulting frame using information from data set planes as dictated by a theoretical point spread function or one sampled from the microscope that acquired the original data.



QuickTime is a trademark of Apple, Inc., Cupertino, CA.

iVision‐Mac is a trademark of BioVision Technologies, Inc, Exton, PA.

System Requirements

iVision‐Mac 4.5 for Macintosh OS X

  • Operating System: Mac OS X version 10.5, 10.6, 10.7; OS X 10.8, 10.9, 10.10;
  • Any Power Mac;
    • Supported camera with an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface, a Conventional PCI interface or a PCI Express (PCIe) interface;
  • Any Intel-based Macintosh;
    • iVision‐Mac 4.5 is a ‘Universal’ application: it runs native Intel code on Intel-based Macs;
    • Devices must have Intel-native drivers;
    • Supported camera with an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface or a PCI Express (PCIe) interface;
  • At least 512 MB RAM, 1 GB recommended;
  • A CD-ROM drive or Internet access, for installation;
  • A hard disk or solid state drive for the application and data;
  • A display card and monitor set to ‘Millions of Colors’ (24-bit or greater) is best.

PCI boards, PCI Express boards, Power Mac G5s and Mac Pros

The Mac Pro (Late 2013)
This Mac has no expansion slots built in. Any interface board must be plugged into an external card cage that attaches to one of the Mac’s Thunderbolt ports, and the manufacturer must provide drivers tested for use when connected via Thunderbolt.

Apple sells a Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter through which one can attach a FireWire-based (IEEE 1394) camera.

Contact BioVision regarding use of this computer for image acquisition.

Other models of Mac Pro
Mac Pros are equipped with ‘PCI Express’ expansion slots which are not compatible with ‘PCI’ interface boards. They include FireWire ports and can control FireWire-based (IEEE 1394) cameras and PCI Express interface cards;.

Hamamatsu Photonics offers PCI Express interface cards.

Contact BioVision Technologies regarding use of a Mac Pro computer for image acquisition.

The Power Mac G5 (Late 2005)
This Mac is equipped with ‘PCI Express’ expansion slots which are not compatible with ‘PCI’ interface boards. It includes FireWire ports and can control FireWire-based (IEEE 1394) cameras.

Hamamatsu Photonics offers PCI Express interface cards.

Contact BioVision Technologies regarding use of this computer for image acquisition.

Other models of Power Mac G5
These Macs require PCI cards that operate at 3.3 Volts. Most camera cards made prior to 2004 operate at 5 Volts and can not be plugged into a Power Mac G5. ‘Universal PCI’ cards that work with both 3.3 and 5 volt slots are available from the following manufacturers for use in these G5 Macs and older machines:
  • Diagnostic Instruments
  • Hamamatsu Photonics
  • Photometrics

Further information
For more information on specific Apple computers visit Apple's website.
Contact us for help determining if your computer can run iVision-Mac

Software Features

Image Capture
Camera ControlCapture images using popular scientific grade CCD cameras.
Time LapseCapture images at specified time intervals. Measure and plot intensities over time.
Control MicroscopesControl motorized microscope stands and confocal imagers from popular manufacturers.
Control DevicesControl third-party devices: shutters, filter wheels, stages, light sources.
Z-StacksCapture through-focus series using Z-axis focus drives.
Multi-FluorescenceCapture images from multiple wavelengths, overlay colors, and quantify intensities.
Image Processing
Batch File ProcessingCreate a list of files to process all at once. Indexed files provide automatic file naming and numbering.
Split Color ChannelsSplit any 24- or 48-bit color image into the separate components. View the separated images in their corresponding colors. Operate on the color component images as you would any grayscale image.
Merge Color ChannelsBuild a 24- or 48-bit color image out of three separate image files or sequences. Blend a fluorescent image or sequence with a DIC or other grayscale image.
Image ArithmeticCombine and compare two images on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Perform background subtraction and image averaging to reduce noise. Mask certain frequencies in the Fourier domain.
Point FunctionsChoose from an extensive list of built-in mathematical operations to apply to each pixel for analysis and enhancement.
Geometric TransformsArbitrary rotation, scale and translation with sub-pixel accuracy. Choose nearest neighbor or bilinear interpolation methods. Also transpose and flip images to view them differently.
Complex ArithmeticComplex multiplication of Fourier spectrum real and imaginary components. Convert between real-imaginary and magnitude-phase.
FFT and Cosine TransformationsForward and inverse 1-D and 2-D Fast Fourier transform with results in either real-imaginary or magnitude-phase. Forward and inverse cosine transform. All transformations are done with floating-point values for best accuracy.
Cut, Copy, PasteExchange image data with other programs through cut-and-paste.
Image Adjustment and Enhancement
NormalizationEnhance brightness and contrast, and apply a gamma curve to the displayed image data.
Background/Shading CorrectionEasily perform flat-fielding to correct for lighting and sensor non-uniformities.
EnhanceChoose from built-in sharpening, smoothing, and median filters; pseudocolor tables, contrast enhancements and tools for geometric re-sizing.
Custom FiltersDefine your own linear filter kernels.
Image RegistrationAdd registration marks to several images and let iVision‒Mac automatically rotate, scale and shift the images to bring them into alignment.
Image Size and OrientationRotate, Scale, Flip.
Transfer AttributesEasily transfer information from one image to another, including the ROI and object definitions, color table, overlays and units.
Edit Color TableComplete control over the color lookup table to pseudo-color images, equalize histograms and stretch the image contrast.
Image Analysis
MeasurementsiVision‒Mac has a long list of measurements you can perform, for measuring density, shape, position and intensity moments. Limit measurements to specific regions and/or value ranges.
QuantifyCount objects and measure density, shape, position, and intensity moments for individual objects and for groups. Limit measurements to specific regions and/or value ranges. Automatically label measured items. Export results to spreadsheets.
DensitometryIntegrated and mean densities, RMS and standard deviation, max and min values.
HistogramPlot image data using color histograms. Customizable or automatic binning.
Scripts and MacrosRecord your own macros to automate your experiments. Run reproducible protocols as if they were a single command. Assign your most common scripts to keyboard function keys. Turn complex procedures into a sequence of labeled key-presses. There is no scripting language to learn; just point and click.
Image RatiosCompute optical density, perform accurate ratios of images taken at different wavelengths.
Graphs and PlotsOur integrated graphing functions produce publication-quality graphs of your data and analysis results.
Calibrate UnitsCalibrate measurements in units of your choice – microns, mm, cm, inches, etc.
Slices and Object BoundariesPlot data values along a slice through the image, or list the (x,y) coordinates and data values at each point along the boundary of an object.
Interactive MeasurementClick the mouse to quickly measure lengths and angles. Automatically creates table of measurements and marks the measured lines and angles on the image within a nondestructive overlay.
Segmentation / ThresholdingInteractively select thresholds to separate objects from their background.
Segment MorphologyErosion, dilation, opening and closing filter operations, with user-definable kernels.
Row/Column AveragesPlot the average value or the sum of all the pixels along a row or column of a rectangular or polygonal region.
Custom ExtensionsCustomize iVision‒Mac further by programming your own algorithms. The manual gives complete instructions and examples for including your own code and dialogs written using CodeWarrior for Macintosh and Microsoft Visual C++TM.
Set PatternAdd or replace values to the region of interest: horizontal and vertical ramps, Gaussian and uniform random noise.
Data Display and Export
Image AnnotationNon-destructive overlays let you draw text and graphics on top of your images without altering the underlying data values. iVision‒Mac saves both the overlay and image data.
Opening and Saving ImagesRead and write files in a number of formats: TIFF, Text, and our own iVision‒Mac format. iVision‒Mac also handles IPLab/Windows IPLs, PICTs, FITS, and EPR (*.raw and *.psf) formats. iVision‒Mac’s powerful Open As command imports foreign files in almost any file format.
AnimationCreate a movie loop from your time lapse and 3D images. Play it in iVision‒Mac or export it as a QuickTime movie files.
View As TextSwitch easily between a text view and a standard image view of your data.
Export to ExcelEasily export results to Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. Save your data as text and easily open it in Excel® or any other spreadsheet program.
MosaicCapture multiple images and place them together in one large montage.
PrintPrint images as halftones to any PostScript printer or QuickDraw compatible printer. Make a PostScript file of your image data.

Supported Cameras

Manufacturers of Supported Cameras

Cooke-PCO

Interface

PowerPC

Intel

Sensicam PCI Yes No
Sensicam EM PCI Yes No
Sensicam QE PCI Yes No
Diagnostic Instruments

Interface

PowerPC

Intel

SPOT Flex IEEE 1394 Contact BioVision5 Contact BioVision5
SPOT Insight Firewire (Color and Monochrome) IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
SPOT Insight and Insight QE (Color and Monochrome) PCI Yes No
SPOT Pursuit PCI or PCI Express Contact BioVision5 No
SPOT RT series PCI Yes No
SPOT RT3 series IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
SPOT RT-KE series PCI Yes No
SPOT RT-SE series PCI Yes No
SPOT Xpress PCI or PCI Express Contact BioVision5 No
Hamamatsu

Interface

PowerPC

Intel

Orca-Flash 4.0 LT (C11440-42U) USB 3.0 No No
Orca-Flash 4.0 V2 (C11440-22CU) USB 3.0 or Phoenix ‘CamLink’ PCI Express No No
Orca-Flash 4.0(C11440-22C) Phoenix ‘CamLink’ PCI Express No No
Orca-Flash 2.8 (C11440-10C) Phoenix ‘CamLink’ PCI Express No No
C8484-03G, C8484-05G, C8484-xxG01, C8484-xxG02 IEEE 13942 Yes2 Yes1, 2, 10
Orca-285G (C4742-95-12G04), (C4742-96-12G04) IEEE 1394 Yes Yes1, 10
Orca-AG (C4742-80-12AG) IEEE 1394 Yes Yes1, 10
Orca-ERG (C4742-95-12ERG) IEEE 1394 Yes Yes1, 10
Orca-NRG (C4742-95-12NRG) IEEE 1394 Yes Yes1, 10
Orca-II ERG (C4742-98-24ERG) IEEE 1394 Yes Yes1, 10
Orca-R2 (C10600-10B) IEEE 1394b (800 Mbps) Yes Yes10
C9100-01, C9100-02, C9100-11, C9100-12 Phoenix ‘CamLink’ PCI or Phoenix ‘CamLink’ PCI Express Yes Yes6, 10
ImageEM X2 (C9100-23B) IEEE 1394b (800 Mbps) Yes Yes9, 10
ImageEM (C9100-13) Phoenix ‘CamLink’ PCI or Phoenix ‘CamLink’ PCI Express Yes Yes6, 10
ImageEM-1K (C9100-14) Phoenix ‘CamLink’ PCI or Phoenix ‘CamLink’ PCI Express Yes Yes6, 10
C4880-40 Phoenix DIG36 PCI Yes No
C4880-40 Snapper DIG16 PCI With interface replaced3 With interface replaced3, 10
Orca 100 (C4742-95) Phoenix ‘LVDS/RS‐422’, PCI or PCI Express Yes Yes10
Orca 100 (C4742-95) Snapper DIG16 PCI With interface replaced3 With interface replaced3, 10
Orca II (C4742-98) Phoenix ‘LVDS/RS‐422’, PCI or PCI Express Yes Yes10
Orca II (C4742-98) Snapper DIG16 PCI With interface replaced3 With interface replaced3, 10
Orca-ER (C4742-95-12ER) Phoenix ‘LVDS/RS‐422’, PCI or PCI Express Yes Yes10
Orca-ER (C4742-95-12ER) Snapper DIG16 PCI With interface replaced3 With interface replaced3, 10
Orca-NR (C4742-95-12NR) Phoenix ‘LVDS/RS‐422’, PCI or PCI Express Yes Yes10
Orca-NRB (C4742-95-12NRB) Phoenix ‘LVDS/RS‐422’, PCI or PCI Express Yes Yes10
JenOPTIK AG

Interface

PowerPC

Intel

ProgRes MFscan IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
ProgRes MFcool IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
ProgRes MF IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
Photometrics

Interface

PowerPC

Intel

CoolSNAP CF2, ES2, EZ, HQ2 IEEE 1394 Yes Yes1
Cascade PCI 3.3/5-volt Yes No
Cascade 128, 128+, 1K, 512B, 512F, 650, II:512 PCI 3.3/5-volt Yes No
CoolSNAP CF Color, CF Mono, CF2, EZ, FX, HQ, HQ2, K4 PCI 3.3/5-volt Yes No
QuantEM:512SC IEEE 1394 Contact BioVision5 Contact BioVision5
Sensys, Quantix, PXL, and Series 300 PCI 3.3/5-volt Yes No
Sensys, Quantix, PXL, and Series 300 Snapper DIG16 PCI With interface replaced4 No
QImaging

Interface

PowerPC

Intel

MicroImager IEEE 1394 Yes No
MicroPublisher, all models IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
QICam, all models IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
Retiga, all models IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
Rolera-XR IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
Scion

Interface

PowerPC

Intel

CFW-1310C (Color) IEEE 1394 Yes Yes
CFW-1310M (Monochrome) IEEE 1394 Yes Yes

Supported Microscopes

Manufacturers of Supported Microscopes

iVision‐Mac, with the optional Motion Control software module, provides computer control of automated microscopes.

Automated Microscopes

Spinning Disc Confocal Systems

Leica Microsystems Automated Microscopes

Microscope Model Supported by iVision‐Mac
DM‐4000, DM‐5000, DM‐6000 Yes
DM‐RXA2, DM‐RA2, DM‐IRE2 Yes
DM‐RXA, DM‐RA, DM‐IRBE, DM‐IRBE Yes
DM‐RXE, DM‐RME, DM‐RBE Yes, excluding Z–Axis Focus

 

Microscope Model Microscope Component Supported by iVision‐Mac
DM‐4000, DM‐5000, DM‐6000 Analyzer Yes
  Aperture Diaphragm Yes
  CCIC: Constant Color Intensity Control Yes
  Condenser Disk Yes
  Condenser Head Yes
  Condenser Polarizer Yes
  Contrast Manager Yes
  Field Diaphragm Yes
  Filter Wheel Fluorescence Axis Yes
  Filter Wheel RL Axis Yes
  FIM: Fluorescence Intensity Manager Yes
  Light Intensity Yes
  Objective Nosepiece (DM‐6000 B, DM‐6000 M) Yes
  SmartMove Programmable Function Keys Yes
  X–Y Stage (DM‐6000 B, DM‐6000 M) Yes
  Z–Axis Focus (DM‐6000 B, DM‐6000 M) Yes
DM‐RA2, DM‐RXA2 Aperture Diaphragm Yes
  Condenser Yes
  Field Diaphragm Yes
  Filter Cube Turret Yes
  Lamp Yes
  Magnification Changer Yes
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  Prisms (Ports) Yes
  Shutter, Fluorescence Yes
  X–Y Stage Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes
DM‐IRE2 Filter Cube Turret Yes
  Lamp Yes
  Magnification Changer Yes
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  Prisms (Ports) Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes
DM‐RXA, DM‐RA, DM‐IRBE, DM‐IRBE Aperture Diaphragm Yes
  Condenser Yes
  Field Diaphragm Yes
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  Turret, Reflector Yes
  Shutter, Reflector Yes
  X–Y Stage Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes
DM‐RXE, DM‐RME, DM‐RBE Aperture Diaphragm Yes
  Condenser Yes
  Field Diaphragm Yes
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  Turret, Reflector Yes
  Shutter, Reflector Yes
  X–Y Stage Yes
  Z–Axis Focus No

Nikon Automated Microscopes

Microscope Model Supported by iVision‐Mac
E1000 Yes
TE2000‒E, TE2000-E2 Yes

 

Microscope Model Microscope Component Supported by iVision‐Mac
E1000 Aperture Diaphragm No
  Condenser No
  Cube Epi‐Fluor Filter Slider Yes
  Field Diaphragm No
  Lamp No
  Macro Slider No
  Neutral Density Filter No
  Objective Nosepiece No
  Shutter 1, Epi Fluor Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes
TE2000‒E, TE2000-E2 Analyzer Yes
  Auxiliary Filter Yes
  Barrier Emission Filter Wheel Yes
  Condenser Turret Yes
  Excitation Filter Wheel Yes
  Filter Cube Turret Yes
  Lamp No
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  Optical Path Beamsplitter Yes
  Shutter, Fluorescence Excitation Path Yes
  Shutter, UniBlitz #1 Yes
  Shutter, UniBlitz #2 Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes

Olympus Automated Microscopes

Microscope Model Supported by iVision‐Mac
BX51, BX61 Yes
IX81 Yes

 

Microscope Model Microscope Component Supported by iVision‐Mac
BX51, BX61 Aperture Diaphragm Stop (EPI Aperture) No
  Auto Focus (AF) No
  Condenser Aperture (DIAA Stop) Yes
  Condenser Top Lens Yes
  Condenser Turret Yes
  Filter Cube Turret Yes
  Filter Wheel (1–2 Linked) Yes
  Filter Wheel 1 Yes
  Filter Wheel 2 Yes
  Filter Wheel 3 Yes
  Focus Knob Sensitivity Yes
  Lamp Selection Yes
  Lamp Switch Yes
  Lower Lamp Brightness Yes
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  OlympusBX–DSU Confocal Unit Yes
  OlympusBX–Log No
  Prism (Optical Path Switching) Yes
  Shutter, Fluorescence Yes
  Upper Lamp Brightness Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes, for BX61 only
IX81 Bottom Port Yes
  Condenser Turret Yes
  Filter Cube Turret (Mirror Unit) Yes
  Filter Wheel Yes
  Filter Wheel (1–2 Linked) Yes
  Focus Knob Sensitivity Yes
  Lamp 1 Brightness Yes
  Lamp 1 Switch Yes
  Lamp 2 Brightness Yes
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  OlympusIX–DSU Confocal Unit Yes
  OlympusIX–Log No
  Prism (Optical Path Switching) Yes
  Shutter 1 (Fluorescence) Yes
  Shutter 2 (Lamp) Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes

Zeiss Automated Microscopes

Microscope Model Supported by iVision‐Mac
Axio Imager.M1, Axio Imager.Z1 Yes
Axiophot 2 Yes
Axioplan Yes
Axioplan 2 Yes
Axioplan 2 imaging E Yes
Axioplan 2 imaging MOT Yes
Axiovert Yes
Axiovert 100M, 135M, 200M Yes

 

Microscope Model Microscope Component Supported by iVision‐Mac
Axio Imager.M1, Axio Imager.Z1
(installed Axio Imager.M1 automated components are the same as those of the Axio Imager.Z1)
Aperture Stop, Reflected Light Yes
  Aperture Stop, Transmitted Light Yes
  Condenser Lens Yes
  Condenser Turret Yes
  Definite Focus Contact BioVision Technologies
  Dual Camera Tube Yes
  Field Stop, Reflected Light Yes
  Field Stop, Transmitted Light Yes
  Filter Cube, Reflector Turret Yes
  Filter Wheel 1, Reflected Light Yes
  Filter Wheel 1, Transmitted Light Yes
  Filter Wheel 2, Reflected Light Yes
  Filter Wheel 2, Transmitted Light Yes
  Lamp, Reflected Light Yes
  Lamp, Transmitted Light Yes
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  Optovar Yes
  Port Changer Yes
  Shutter, Photo Yes
  Shutter, Reflected Light Yes
  Shutter, Transmitted Light Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes
Axioplan 2 imaging E, Axioplan 2 imaging MOT Arc Lamp No
  Camera Ports Yes
  Condensers (Turret) Yes
  External 8-pos Filter Wheel No
  Field Diaphragm Yes
  Filter Turret 1 (Neutral Density Filters) Yes
  Filter Turret 2 (Neutral Density Filters) Yes
  Filter Wheel 3 Yes
  Halogen Lamp Yes
  Light Path Yes
  Luminous Field Diaphragm Yes
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  Optovar Yes
  Reflector Turret (Filter Cube Turret) Yes
  Shutter, Brightfield Yes
  Shutter, Fluorescence, Fast 2ie Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes
Axiophot 2, Axioplan, Axioplan 2
(installed Axioplan automated components are the same as those of the Axioplan 2)
Aperture Diaphragm, Reflected-Fluor Yes
  Arc Lamp No
  Camera Choice Yes
  Camera/Oculars Yes
  Condenser Diaphragm Yes
  Condenser Lens Yes
  Condenser Shutter Yes
  Condenser Turret Yes
  Filter Cube Reflector Turret Yes
  Filter Turret 1 (Neutral Density Filters) Yes
  Filter Turret 2 (Neutral Density Filters) Yes
  Halogen Lamp Yes
  Luminous Field Diaphragm BF Yes
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  Optovar Turret Yes
  Optovar Zoom Yes
  Photo Shutter Yes
  Shutter, Fluorescence Yes
  Z–Axis Focus Yes
Axiovert 100M, 135M, 200M Filter Cube Reflector Turret Yes
  Fluorescence Shutter Yes
  Halogen Lamp Shutter No
  Light Manager Diaphragms No
  Objective Nosepiece Yes
  Optovar No
  Ports No
  Z–Axis Focus Yes
Axiovert Z–Axis Focus Yes

Crisel Electrooptical Systems & Technology Spinning Disc Confocal Systems

Model Supported by iVision‐Mac
CARV II Yes
X‐LIGHT Yes

 

Model Microscope Component Supported by iVision‐Mac
CARV II Confocal Disk Slider Yes
  Emission Filter Wheel Yes
  Epi Dichroic Wheel Yes
  Excitation Filter Wheel Yes
  FRAP Iris Yes
  Linked Wheels Yes
  Prism Slider Yes
  Shutter Yes
  Variable Int. Iris Yes
X‐LIGHT Confocal Disk Slider Yes
  Epi Dichroic Wheel Yes
  Speckle Reducer Yes

Olympus Spinning Disc Confocal Systems

Model Supported by iVision‐Mac
DSU Yes

 

Model Microscope Component Supported by iVision‐Mac
DSU Disc In/Out Yes
  Motorized Filter Changer Yes

Yokogawa Electric Spinning Disc Confocal Systems

Model Supported by iVision‐Mac
CSU22 Yes

 

Model Microscope Component Supported by iVision‐Mac
CSU22 BA Filter Yes
  Control Mode Yes
  DM Filter Yes
  EX Filter Yes
  Filter Combo (Linked) Yes
  Neutral Density Yes
  Shutter Yes
  Spinning Disc Yes

Supported Automation Hardware

iVision‐Mac, with the optional Motion Control software module, provides computer control of XY stages, Z-axis focus drives, shutters, filter wheels, serial port (RS-232) hardware, and other devices. The Shutters & Filters module controls shutters, filter wheels, and serial port (RS-232) hardware.

Recommendations for adding RS-232 serial ports to a Mac are available.

Device Make and Model Supported in Motion Control Supported in Shutters & Filters
89 North, Chroma Technology Corporation
PhotoFluor II Yes Yes
ASI, Applied Scientific Instrumentation
ASI FW-1000 Filter Wheels
6-Position Yes Yes
8-Position Yes Yes
ASI Motorized Stages
MS-2000 XY Stage with Z-Axis Focus Drive Yes No
PZ-2000 XY Stage with Piezo Z-axis Top Plate Yes No
BioVision Technologies
iVision Serial Port Control, RS-232 Yes Yes
CoolLED
pe-300wht Contact BioVision Technologies Contact BioVision Technologies
pe-4000 Contact BioVision Technologies Contact BioVision Technologies
CRI, Cambridge Research & Instrumentation
CRI Filters
Micro*Color Liquid Crystal RGB Filter Yes Yes
VariSpec Liquid Crystal Tunable Imaging Filter Yes Yes
CrestOptics
X‐LIGHT Confocal Imager Yes Yes
Optional Emission Wheel Yes Yes
Excelitas, Lumen Dynamics Group, EXFO, EFOS
X-Cite 120LED Yes Yes
X-Cite 120PC Yes Yes
X-Cite exacte Yes Yes
Ludl Electronic Products
Ludl Controllers
MAC 2000, MAC 2002, MAC 5000, MAC 6000 Yes Yes
Ludl Filter Wheels
10-Position Filter Wheel, Excitation Yes Yes
6-Position Filter Wheel, Emission Yes Yes
6-Position Filter Wheel, Excitation Yes Yes
Ludl Motorized Stages
Piezo Focus Z-Stage Yes No
XY Stage, BioPoint, BioPoint2 Yes No
XY Stage, BioPrecision Yes No
Z-Axis Focus Drive Yes No
Ludl Shutters Yes Yes
Lumencor, Inc.
Aura Light Engine Yes Yes
Sola Light Engine Yes Yes
Spectra Light Engine Yes Yes
Spectra-X Light Engine Yes Yes
Nikon
Nikon Z-Axis Focus Accessory 99644 Yes No
PI, Physik Instrumente
PI Piezo Z-Axis Focus Drives
PIFOC P-721 Z-Axis, E662 Controller Yes No
PIFOC P-721 Z-Axis, E665 Controller Yes No
Prior Scientific
Prior Controllers
Advanced, ProScan, OptiScan Yes Yes
H126, H127 Yes Yes
H128 Yes Yes
Prior Filter Wheels
10-Position Yes Yes
8-Position Yes Yes
Prior Motorized Stages
XY Stage, OptiScan Yes No
XY Stage, ProScan, ProScan II Yes No
Prior Z-Axis Focus Controls
Z-Axis Focus Drive, OptiScan Yes No
Z-Axis Focus Motor, ProScan, ProScan II Yes No
Prior Shutter Yes Yes
Spectral Applied Research
Laser Merge Module, model LMM5 Yes Yes
Sutter Instrument
Sutter Filter Wheels
Lambda 10-2, 10-B, 10-C Yes Yes
Lambda 10-3 Yes, 3rd filter wheel controlled by iVision‐Mac 'Serial Port Control.' Yes, 3rd filter wheel controlled by iVision‐Mac 'Serial Port Control.'
Sutter Lambda DG-4 Wavelength Switcher Yes Yes
Sutter Shutters
UniBlitz Yes Yes
TILL Photonics
Polychrome IV monochromator Yes, controlled by iVision‐Mac ‘Serial Port Control.’ Yes, controlled by iVision‐Mac ‘Serial Port Control.’
Vincent Associates
UNIBLITZ Shutters
VS-series Shutter Yes Yes
UNIBLITZ Controllers    
D122 Yes Yes
VCM‐D1 Yes, up to three daisy‐chained Yes, up to three daisy‐chained
VMM‐D1 Yes, up to three daisy‐chained Yes, up to three daisy‐chained
VMM‐D3 Yes Yes

Adding RS-232 Serial Ports to a Macintosh

Most Macs lack a built-in serial port, so you will need a USB–to–RS‐232 adapter to add a port with a DB‐9 or DE‐9 connector. We recommend adapters based on chips manufactured by Future Technology Devices International (also known as “FTDI”). Such adapters are widely used and are available from multiple manufacturers; please contact BioVision Technologies for specifics.

The iVision‐Mac 4.5 Upgrade from BD™ IPLab on MacOS 9

A Path to Current Macs

iVision‐Mac 4.5 offers a path to current Macs running OS X for users running Version 3.6 of BD IPLab imaging software under MacOS 9. It is a Carbon application that can control all supported cameras that have OS X drivers. It can also control supported motorized microscopes and microscopy hardware.

It requires Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion), or OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) operating system software. More information on the requirements is available.

New Facilities

Upgrading to iVision‐Mac 4.5 will provide access to a number of improvements and additions made since the release of IPLab 3.6.
Multi-D Acquire Command
This command makes it easy to capture multi-mode images in 3‐D. You may select from multiple filter positions and two shutters to grab fluorescence and brightfield sequences.

Within the live preview window, you can now change camera settings such as offset, gain, and electronic gain. You can also set the normalization (display contrast) parameters during the preview to match your preferences.
Camera Preview Dialog with Improved Controls
Within the live preview window, you can now change camera settings such as offset, gain, and electronic gain. You can also set the normalization (display contrast) parameters during the preview to match your preferences.
“File Sets” for Automated File Input/Output
iVision‐Mac can now store multiple file sets for “indexed files” and “file lists” used in more demanding automated applications. There are two kinds of file sets:
  • Folder Sets, which let you work with every image in a folder;
  • Indexed Sets, which let you open numbered files in order or according to their index.
File Set commands have been significantly updated to provide more functionality. Dialogs with File Set menus in them also have a “Show” button that will open the current File Set’s folder in the OS X Finder.
Data Logging Enhancements
iVision‐Mac logs to text files in “CSV” format for easy import into Microsoft® Excel® and Apple® Numbers®.

The Export Measurements to File command writes a text file and opens it in the application specified via the iVision‐Mac Preferences command.

Microsoft Excel reopens an open text file when iVision‐Mac updates it via Export Measurements to File.
Scripting
To complement the new file handling commands, new loop control commands have been added to the script window. These allow you to loop (and exit from the loop) on conditions other than just a count.

Almost all commands that reference image windows now include a window name field. Fields for image window names can select “relative” image window names (“Front Window,” “Second Window,” “Back Window.”)

Variables can now contain string values.
  • The Set Variables command accepts string values typed at the keyboard as the script runs. From an image window it can retrieve non-numeric acquisition parameters such as the filter name or a date. It can retrieve the name of an image window.
  • The iVision‐Mac 4.5 Enter Variable command can produce string values:
    • it accepts string values typed at the keyboard as the script runs;
    • the user can select a filter by name from a pop‐up list;
    • the user can select an image window by name from a pop‐up list of image windows that is generated as the script runs.
Variables may appear in window name fields of commands, in the Draw Text command’s text, and in fields within the dialogs Enter Variables, Script Query, and Script Alert.
Animation Player
A movie player control dialog appears when you play back sequences of data. Multiple sequences can be animated at once. Animations now run continuously once started (even while you go on to do other things).
Multiple Users
The iVision‐Mac 4.5 User Folder stores scripts, images, and preferences. Each OS X user on the machine has such a folder, which is located within the user's Home folder. No longer will you have to worry about other users changing your preferences, macros (scripts), or settings. Your data and your setup are now your own.
Cameras
Supported cameras include models from QImaging, Hamamatsu Photonics, JenOPTIK AG, Cooke Corporation/PCO AG, Diagnostic Instruments, Photometrics, and Scion. More information is available under Requirements and Supported Cameras, and from BioVision Technologies.

Access to Existing Data

Your Images
iVision–Mac 4.5 reads image files from IPLab/Mac and from IPLab/Windows.
Your Scripts
iVision–Mac 4.0 opens and converts scripts from versions 3.5 and 3.6 of IPLab/Mac, but some editing may be necessary: a number of old file-related commands cannot be converted.
Other Stored Information
iVision–Mac 4.0 imports stored information from your existing IPLab/Mac 3.6 application, such as your X‐Y calibrations, linear filters and pseudocolor tables. Place a copy of your Command Data file from IPLab/Mac 3.6 in the iVision Preferences folder (within your iVision 4.0 User Folder), and launch iVision‐Mac to convert it.

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