Olympus launches the new and improved modular cell* family of imaging systems for life science

Olympus has launched the new and improved cell* family range of imaging systems. cell*3.0 introduces more innovative functions for every member of the cell* family, making them even easier to use. All modules offer enhanced functionality and technology, and are designed to ensure seamless and precisely-coordinated operation of microscope, camera and peripheral devices, taking imaging to the next level.

The ground-breaking Olympus cell* family is a perfectly integrated collection of powerful software tools and hardware systems that provides a fully flexible and modular range of imaging products. All seven members have been developed to meet the specific requirements of different applications, and are comprised of cameras, microscopes and illumination systems from Olympus, controlled by advanced and easy-to-use Windows-based software that ensures all parts work as one system. cell^A, cell^B and cell^D are complete solutions for simple image acquisition and documentation, with a respectively increasing range of functions and features. cell^F and cell^P are more comprehensive systems, designed for more specific research and fluorescent application areas. The final members of the cell* family - cell^M and cell^R - are high-end, multi-module, fluorescence imaging stations offering complete solutions for live-cell microscopy.

The new cell*3.0 family features additional innovative functions and is even easier to use than before, providing users with superior functionality, usability and performance. The Olympus Camera Control (OCC) tool offers effortless and flexible control of the latest generation of high-resolution colour and monochrome cameras within each cell* family member. It provides the user with simple, clear and precise controls necessary to operate and control all aspects of acquisition in one tool window situated next to the image. Furthermore, application-specific camera settings can be stored and retrieved through the extendable function feature, making even the most complex of imaging tasks simpler to achieve.

cell*3.0 also features Workflow Assistant that enables routine documentation and imaging tasks to be accomplished with just a few logical mouse clicks. This intuitive user control allows even inexperienced users to immediately produce the perfect image results they require in just a few steps with minimal training. cell^D, for example, contains a wealth of predefined workflows, such as assistants for obtaining panoramas, capturing images with infinite depth of field, as well as acquiring fluorescence images. User-specific workflows can also be created and stored. The total number of workflows available varies depending on the configuration level of the cell*software, such that whatever the workflow requirements, the cell*3.0 software family will help users to work more smoothly.

All cell* family members can be fully upgradeable, enabling researchers to expand their imaging systems according to evolving research requirements, whilst maintaining the same interface as their needs develop.