Cutting edge research in biology, chemistry, or medicine requires advanced technology and in-depth understanding of specific processes. Model-based data analysis lies at the heart of today’s challenging research problems. Modern imaging products must be able to incorporate problem-specific know-how to automatically extract complex or subtle morphological or dynamic information.

Using Java technology it is possible to exchange image data (e.g voxel intensities) and derived image data (e.g. spot coordinates) from Imaris with another application. ImarisXT also offers a Plug-In for ImageJ and many useful XTensions (open source samples written in Matlab).

With ImarisXT you can easily integrate your own algorithms for image processing, segmentation, classification, and reporting into Imaris by creating custom XTensions or Imaris can be turned into a dedicated visualization and interaction engine within a researchers host application. ImarisXT offers the most flexible solution for your cutting edge biological research.

Customize your analyses with ImarisXT now available on Windows and Mac OS systems.

The features of ImarisXT have been designed to facilitate the co-operation between biologists and computer scientists by providing each party with a specialized interface. Computer scientists will be able to work on the development platform of their choice, while the biologist will continue to work in Imaris. Biological labs will be able to cooperate with in-house computer scientists to develop task-oriented analysis modules. This ensures maximal efficiency and enables co-operation time to be utilized to discuss the specific aims and tasks of a joint project rather than the interface.

Features Include:

(1) Custom Programming Interface

Imaris XT is a two-way communication between Imaris and various programming languages, to allow programming of image processing, segmentation, classification, or any other algorithm.

• Java Interface - ImarisXT provides a Java interface to exchange image data and derived image data from Imaris with another application.

• Programming Languages – Programming languages like Matlab®, Java®, C#, C++, and VisualBasic® support easy integration of Java interface and can be used with ImarisXT

• Application Programs - Increasingly popular and widespread, Java technology allows well-defined communication between different application programs.
• COM Interface - ImarisXT's COM interface can still be used to exchange image data and derived image data from Imaris with another application, however it will not be further developed. Old, COM-based XTensions will continue to work but should you want to benefit from new ImarisXT functions, code migration to Java is required.

• ImageJ Plug-In - Use readily available functions in the ImageJ software with the advanced visualization features of Imaris via an ImageJ plug-in that uses the ImarisXT interface

(2) Data Exchange

ImarisXT allows the image data exchange as well as derived image data exchange via Java interface.

• Image Data Exchange - Image data like voxel intensities, voxel size, channel description (name, color), time calibration, and image metadata can be exchanged between ImarisXT and external applications

• Derived Image Data Exchange – Derived Image data like spot coordinates and diameters, surface objects (triangle coordinates), tracks (connections of spots and surfaces), filament graphs (coordinates, diameters), and new statistical values can be exchanged between ImarisXT and external applications

(3) Customizable User Interface

ImarisXT provides a customizable user interface for seamless integration of new imaging modules (XTensions) into Imaris.

• Image Processing Menu – ImarisXT offers custom written image-processing XTensions, which can be inserted into the image-processing menu of Imaris.

• Surpass Tool Bar - Algorithms that create custom objects can be inserted as a custom surpass tool bar button.

• Surpass Tool Tab - For algorithms that are directly related to or require existing Surpass components (spots, surfaces, filaments) the algorithm can be inserted in the “tools” tab of that component.

(4) XTensions

Program your own image processing and segmentation algorithms and share them with others if you wish.

• Program – XTensions offer you the flexibility to answer challenging imaging questions with targeted and customizable tools while still working in the familiar Imaris environment.

• Pre-Existing Library – ImarisXT users receive free access to pre-existing library of XTensions for commonly used data specific applications. These XTensions can be immediately used or can be used as a basis for custom code.

• Exchange - XTensions can be exchanged peer-to-peer or can be made publicly available in Biplane’s XTension library

• Xtension Lists  - Lists are available for all Xtensions for MATLAB and ImageJ.

(5) Integrated Fiji/ImageJ plugins

Imaris provides  Fiji/ImageJ compatible plug-ins aimed at performing additional image processing. Fiji/ImageJ offers a solution for specific problems with image analysis and boosts the analytical capability of Imaris.

Split Spots XTension

This tutorial will introduce the Split Spots XTension. This XTension splits one Spots object in multiple Spots objects if the minimal distance between their spot elements is greater than the user-defined threshold. .

Watch the Split Spots XTension movie (4:02)