Nikon launches new portable ShuttlePix
April 12, 2011
Handheld digital imaging mobile microscope
Nikon Instruments has launched the ShuttlePix digital mobile microscope for handheld imaging and inspection of samples. The portable and cordless ShuttlePix allows users to examine objects in places where it was once thought impossible to employ a microscope, whilst still featuring outstanding optical performance and camera functions. This includes viewing at 400x magnification without changing lenses and the ability to take EDF (Extended Depth of Focus) images.
With an easy-to-use GUI, the design of the ShuttlePix is totally different from that of current microscopes. The zoom camera head, motorised focusing stand and measurement software enable the ShuttlePix to be used in three unique modes, capturing images of objects of almost any size in nearly any location imaginable. The camera is easily removed from the stand and can be used to capture high resolution images just like a conventional point-and-shoot digital camera, with the same user-friendly interface as Nikon's popular Coolpix digital camera. When the zoom camera head is docked in the motorised focusing stand controller with built-in electric vertical motion, EDF images can be taken easily and simple measurements taken. Dedicated software also allows the display of 3D and cross section images and image processing, measurement and report creation. The ShuttlePix has a built-in 20x zooming range optical system, with a zoom range double that of competitors. Magnification is from 20x to 400x (with a dedicated 17” monitor), enabling it to seamlessly switch from macro to micro observation.
Developed in response to user feedback for a more ‘mobile’ microscope the ShuttlePix will prove invaluable in the field and laboratory, both in its handheld mode and once docked, with applications for imaging plant samples, in vivo imaging, molecular imaging, developmental biology, imaging of small grained biomaterials, such as gastric biopsy, and examination of biomechanical materials, e.g. stents, artificial bones etc. In addition, it can be utilised in the medical arena with applications in bedside needle biopsy, dentistry, dermatology and surgery and forensic science and pathology – allowing macro imaging, and prepared slides and cell sheet imaging.
