UVP ChemiDoc-It Imaging System - Manual (Page 12)

ChemiDoc-It Imaging System 12
Capturing Images and Using Templates
Focusing the Lens Using VisionWorksLS Preview
1. Place the sample or focus target on the surface where the sample will be imaged.
2. Turn on the darkroom Epi White Light switch (see page 13 for more information).
3. Open VisionWorksLS. Start the image preview by clicking on the Preview button on the main
VisionWorksLS screen. With the darkroom door open, move the sample around as necessary.
4. Set the aperture to the lowest setting and adjust the exposure time to see the target clearly.
5. Zoom to the desired region of interest move the platform tray up and down by rotating the Platform
Tray Height Control Knob.
6. Adjust the focus to attain as sharp an image as possible.
Note: Decrease the aperture (increase the f-stop number) after focusing the lens if possible. This will
sharpen the focus and increase the depth of field at the expense of some of the brightness of the
image.
Capturing Images
1. Place the sample to be imaged on the chemi plate.
2. Turn off the epi white light for a chemi sample.
3. Under the Acquisition Action Tab, adjust the capture settings in the Camera and Lighting menus.
4. Click the Capture button.
Recommended Settings for Short Exposure Times and Focusing
Increasing the binning will increase both sensitivity and the camera’s refresh rate, providing “real-time”
image previewing.
1. 4x4 binning is recommended for general focusing and the fastest possible frame refresh rates.
2. Decrease the preview exposure time to 15-100 ms.
3. Always focus at a lower (faster) f-number (aperture setting on the lens) than the capture
setting. Increasing the f-number will increase the “depth of field” creating a better focus on the
target.
Recommended Settings for Longer Exposure Times and Final Image Capture
Binning is ideal for very dim images where high sensitivity is needed. Binning of at least 2x2 is
recommended for exposures over 1-2 minutes.
1. Ensure that the camera has had an adequate
amount of time to cool before taking long
exposure images. This can be verified by
referencing the “CCD Temperature” status in
the lower-left corner of VisionWorksLS.
2. Take a test image with a short exposure (less than one minute) to ensure ideal focus before
starting longer (greater than one minute) exposures.