Features of the ProgRes CapturePro Software

Many possibilities easy to handle

All ProgRes cameras are controlled by the powerful ProgRes CapturePro image capture software. Besides fundamental adjustable parameters such as exposure time, white balance, RGB color correction and gamma, contrast, brightness and saturation this software offers a lot more. By means of just a few mouse clicks it is possible to program time-lapse experiments, coordinate multifluorescence image capture sessions and conduct various measurements in the live as well as in the captured image. Of course shading corrections can also be applied. The configuration of the software allows displaying or hiding individual functionalities, depending on the particular application. Included in the scope of delivery All ProgRes cameras are delivered with the ProgRes CapturePro software. Additionally the software is available for free download from our website for registered ProgRes users. That way it is possible to upgrade to the latest software version at any time and benefit from the new features which have been implemented. Easy to install The ProgRes CapturePro software is available as a Stand Alone application as well as a Twain PlugIn. It can be operated on Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and Vista. The minimum system requirements are 3 GHz CPU, 1 GB RAM, 64 MB graphics card, IEEE1394 FireWire (OHCI Standard).

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Register tab Settings This register tab offers the possibility to select the desired image resolution of the live and the captured image. This includes the full sensor resolution as well as numerous smaller image formats (e.g. Binning). By means of this feature it is possible to achieve higher frame rates necessary for instance in the live image as well as during timelapse experiments. Also the sensitivity of the camera can be increased (Binning). In addition it is feasible to rotate and mirror the live image (preview). The settings taken are applied to both the live as well as the captured image. Furthermore the target folder for direct storage of images on the hard drive can be appointed. There you can also find an entry box for the image root name and a drop down list for different file formats. The ProgRes CapturePro software supports .bmp, .tiff (8bit, 16bit) as well as three .jpg compression formats.

Register tab Exposure Register tab "Exposure" allows for individual adjustment of the appropriate exposure time. It can be set for the entire image or for a particular region of interest (ROI or spot exposure). Especially the continuous auto-exposure metering is an extremely useful feature. Of course this is possible while keeping the live frame rates at the very highest level. Depending on the application the image may be displayed slightly overor under-exposed respectively. This way ProgRes cameras always deliver the best image quality. The Gain control is eminently helpful when working in low-light situations. Depending on the camera model a gain factor of up to 60 can be applied. By means of this tool it is easily possible to obtain a fluent live preview image without sacrificing image quality. Up to factor 8 this gain is analogue with the big advantage of not increasing noise. Starting from value 9 the gain is digital. Making use of the overexposure warning helps you immediately discover overexposed areas.

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Register tab Measure In this register tab, all calibrations for the referencing of measurement units and distances in the image and the lens selection for the measurement can be set. All settings will be saved, and are available when the software is restarted. Also, the style of the form elements in the image can be adjusted. In course of a calibration the overall appearance in terms of line style, width, font and color can be configured. Measurements can already be conducted in the live image. Storage of measurements takes place either in a separate file (layer technology) or stamping the information into the image. The following form elements are available for performing measurements: line, circle, ellipse, angle, rectangle, polygon and free form. Measurement results may be displayed in a separate table enabling the export into various programs, e.g. MS Excel. If required the register tab "Measure" can be blanked out.

Register tab Fluorescence With the functions in the "Fluorescence" register tab, images of single or multi-color fluorescences can be captured. All the relevant entries and adjustments for your fluorescence captures can be carried out in this register tab. ProgRes CapturePro offers the possibility to capture up to five single monochrome images, color them automatically and merge to one final multi-color fluorescence micrograph. In order to do this it is necessary to fill in the name of the dye, followed by its emission wave length. Up to five fluorescence dyes may be preorganized. This fluorescence mode also allows for capturing and merging fluorescence images with conventional brightfield images (e.g. DIC contrast images). The image capture process is fully automated and conveniently guides the user through the single steps. You are able to minimize auto-fluorescences already in the live image. A pixel shift, which can appear between different filter cubes, can also be corrected. Both monochrome and color ProgRes cameras can be used for working in the fluorescence mode. Color cameras will automatically be changed to monochrome mode. If required the register tab "Fluorescence" can be blanked out.

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Register tab Timelapse Some applications require the time-controlled capturing of image sequences. Using the "Timelapse" register tab functions, it is possible to freely select time interval and number of images for time-controlled image capturing. All time settings on this register tab are defined in seconds. When you exit the software, the last settings are always saved and will be automatically reloaded when the software is started again. Time-controlled image sequences may be started immediately or with a freely definable delay. Furthermore it is selectable to capture as fast as possible or for a pre-defined period of time. Also intervals may easily be programmed. The software features the possibility to either capture single images or movie files. In the case of a movie the format is .avi If required the register tab "Timelapse" can be blanked out.

Register tab Color ProgRes cameras are designed to deliver the best image quality right from the start. However in some demanding applications it is necessary to influence some adjustments. For this case register tab Color includes all features. Here you can adjust each color channel individually. Additionally, you can find the adjustment for Gamma, Contrast, Brightness and Saturation. If required the register tab "Color" can be blanked out.

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Register tab Tools The register tab "Tools" comprises functions for optimising the image capture and options for changing the basic settings for both camera and software. With a background correction the sensor noise at exposure times of above one second can be reduced by subtracting a black reference image from the captured image. In this way, deviations in the behaviour of different pixels during long exposure times are compensated. In this section of the "Extras" register tab, the basic settings for your ProgRes camera can be changed. Depending on the camera model used here you have the option to activate or deactivate the camera cooling mechanism. It is possible to calibrate the piezo scanner of the ProgRes CFscan, ProgRes C14plus and ProgRes MFscan. The entire settings carried out in the other register tab can be stored in single user profile. Of course those can be re-loaded. Under Options you are able to activate or deactivate particular register tabs in order to arrange your graphical user interface according to your requirements. This includes the register tabs "Fluorescence", "Timelapse", "Measure" and "Color". As a camera manufacturer with international customers our software is available in different language versions such as 'German', 'English', 'French', 'Italian', 'Spanish', 'Chinese' and 'Japanese'.

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