Azure Imaging System User Manual
Page 10
3.2 Key definitions that apply to all imaging types:
1.
Auto vs Manual
•
Auto Scan – determine your optimal exposure time automatically.
•
Manual – enables you to set each parameter to your preferred specifications.
2.
Sensitivity – refers to the pixel binning setting (i.e. how the pixels are grouped). The higher the
sensitivity value, the lower the spatial resolution. 1x1 uses the full resolution of the camera, and other
possible settings are 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8. Therefore, choose 1x1 for the highest resolution.
40 seconds, unbinned
40 seconds, 2X2 bin
Pixel binning improves image sensitivity.
Pixel binning is a powerful technique for digital imaging that increases
sensitivity by combining pixels to make a larger “super-pixel.” The super-pixel has a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
than the unbinned pixel.
1X1 Binning
2X2 Binning
5.4 µ
5.4 µ
10.8 µ
10.8 µ
3.
Exposure – choose the exposure time manually or use autoexposure which will allow the software to
capture image for you using the full dynamic range of the camera. There are four possible modes:
•
Underexpose – software will optimize a short exposure time to the brightest signal on the blot.
Weaker signals may not be visualized in an underexposed image. This is the fastest method.
•
Overexpose – software will calculate an exposure time that saturates the brightest bands in the
blot to potentially capture weaker signals. This is useful for blots where the brightest bands may
not be the bands of interest. This will oversaturate part of the image.
•
Wide Dynamic Range – software will calculate an exposure time that is long enough to capture
the widest range of signal while avoiding saturation. This autoexposure method is well suited to
most blots. Uses the full dynamic range of the camera.
•
Manual – select a custom amount of time. The maximum is 60 minutes.
4.
Live Mode – click to enable live mode. Click
again to close. Turns on a light and let’s you see a
live image.
•
Auto-exposure to region – set area that you
want the autoexpose to focus on.
• Capture selected region can crop image before
you capture it.
Emission
Excitation
Exposure Type
Image Capture –
Single or Cumulative