MELVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 15, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nikon Instruments Inc. is pleased to announce the newest release of NIS-Elements, Version 4.0. With more than 100 new functions, the new version of the company's popular software features an improved interface designed for ease of use. Additionally, multiple user accounts with customized settings are easier to manage, and image analysis functions are expanded with more flexibility and advanced computation. NIS Elements 4.0 also allows for powerful 3D volume rendering measurement and tracking.
An enhanced interface makes NIS-Elements easier to use than ever before. Switching between microscope applications is effortless and a configurable quick context option is available through an easy-to-access menu. Image processing has been taken to a new level with support for 32 bit floating point image calculation and viewing. Custom equation building and custom feature creation is now available, which allows for endless options for analysis and processing. The new version is compatible with the existing and the latest Nikon systems, ensuring familiarity on all Nikon imaging platforms as well as third party cameras and hardware.
"Our goal for the latest iteration of NIS-Elements was to make a simpler user experience while maintaining the powerful image acquisition and management functions for which the software is known," says Rich Gruskin, General Manager of Software Systems, Nikon Instruments Inc. "Version 4.0 meets that challenge and provides the support core facilities and individual researchers need to manage sophisticated projects."
Simplified account and data management
Core equipment sharing is easy with an improved user rights management function that allows the same Windows account to be used for multiple NIS-Elements user accounts. There is also a usage time logging function for imaging facility managers. In addition, data recording is now available for incubators, heated stages, and gas control, facilitating the entry of project details and time specific information into experimental datasets. New developments in DAQ Control in NIS-Elements allow for an increase in the frequency of recorded data, precise acquisition times and calibrated inputs and outputs. These datasets can also be easily managed and viewed with the new ND History interface, which allows for thumbnail viewing and easy retrieval of ND datasets by date, acquisition parameters, or other experimental details.
Continual development of acquisition tools
NIS-Elements software continuously offers new options for acquisition controls to match the constant evolution and improvement in detection methods and imaging speed. In Version 4.0, there are new autofocus options using triggered piezo Z and focusing using surface information are available to address a sample with a non-uniform surface. New updates to XYZ Overview and Scan Large Image create new options for navigating and managing multiple stage positions.
Easier to use image analysis functions
Version 4.0 also now offers a tracking functionality previously only available with dedicated tracking software products. Improved 2D tracking algorithms in Version 4.0 enable interactive tracking of numbers of objects (more than 2000), object splitting, as well as objects entering, leaving and disappearing from the field of view. Along with these enhancements, the module also supports lineage tracking for cells over time. In addition, the software can now also track objects live during acquisition, moving the X,Y coordinate according to the object's location.
Analysis of 3D images has also become essential with the increasing use of confocal and multiphoton microscopy. Tile View, Slice View and Volume View have all been enhanced with extra features for improved viewing and manipulation. 3D tracking and measurement and have also been added to the software's expanding functionality. Viewing timelapse datasets in the Volume Viewer is a new function which can show changes in a dataset over time as a single volume view.
Commonly used and popular analysis dialogs have also been enhanced and updated such as Object Count, Pixel Classifier, Object Classifier, Objet Catalog, Region of Interest Tools, Binary Layers, Automated Measurement Results, Morphology Functions and Spectrum Profile. In addition, Version 4.0 offers useful functions such as a brightfield channel opacity control to enable fluorescence and bright field images to be viewed together without obscuring detail. NIS-Elements now also supports additional file format options – including the medical imaging standard, digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) and the Nikon BioStation *.nex format.
NIS-Elements Version 4.0 is available with a current Nikon Software Update Agreement (SUA), allowing access to software updates, as well as the ability to download the latest full retail releases of NIS- Elements at no additional charge during the first year, with further year options available. For more information, please visit www.nikoninstruments.com or https://www.facebook.com/nikoninstrumentsinc.
ABOUT NIKON INSTRUMENTS INC.
Nikon Instruments Inc. is a world leader in the development and manufacture of optical and digital imaging technology for biomedical applications. Now in its 93rd year, Nikon provides complete optical systems that offer optimal versatility, performance and productivity. Cutting-edge instruments include microscopes, digital imaging products and software. Nikon Instruments is one of the microscopy and digital imaging arms of Nikon Inc., the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology. For more information, visit www.nikoninstruments.com. Product-related inquiries may be directed to Nikon Instruments at 800-52-NIKON.
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