VistaVision0 pages
VistaVision (Windows XP) is a complete software package for instrument control, data
acquisition and data processing. VistaVision enables control of the automated devices on all
signal monitor displays the signal intensity from each channel in real time, and it is utilized
during instrument alignment.The software has been developed in modular components that can
be installed independently when constructing a custom-built instrument that uses ISS modular
components.
VistaVision Instrument Control module includes the routines for instrument control
(instrument alignment, shutter control, selection of the light detectors); control of the Imaging
Devices (galvo-mirrors, piezo-controlled stages; stepper-motor controlled stages); laser
launcher (laser intensity, laser modulation); and control of microscope automation features.
VistaVision Imaging module for image acquisition, image processing and image display
allows for the user to acquire single-point data (intensity, linetics, polarization, lifetime); line
data; and images. The user interface includes the acquisition parameters (pixel dwell time,
image size, and the image resolution) and the selection of image type (polarization, FLIM,
N&B, RICS). Images stacks are acquired in different direction (XYZ, XZY). An array of time series
is available (t, Xt, XYt, XZt) for both steady-state images and FLIM. FLIM images are acquired
using either the frequency-domain (DFD) technique or time-domain (TCSPC); the user selects
the modality although the instrument can be fitted with both acquisition techniques. FLIM data
are processed using the minimization technique (Marquardt-Levenberg algorithm) and the
phaser plots. Data are exposed as lifetime images, images of pre-exponential factors, images
of fractional contributions.The software includes operations between images, smoothing,
filtering, rotation, zooming, scaling and automatic threshold setting for image contrast
enhancement. Images can be exported to ImageJ and MetaMorph; plots are exported to
popular formats (png, jpeg, gif, tiff, bitmap, metafile). Movies are produced in avi format.
VistaVision FFS module includes routines for 4-channel data acquisition and data
processing of up to 3 components. Data are acquired in time mode or photon mode. VistaVision features a real-time display of the auto correlation function, G(τ) - apart from a nominal
delay (less than one second) required for the computation of the function. A sequence of
multiple data acquisition files can be acquired (for instance, when using a microwell plate on a
computer-controlled XY stage) and displayed and stored automatically.
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