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 Microsoft's COM 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.

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.

Most customized solutions are available for download on our website: Create your own XTensions and profit from modules developed by others.

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.

• COM Interface - ImarisXT provides a COM 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 COM interface and can be used with ImarisXT

• Application Programs - As a Microsoft® technology, COM allows well-defined communication between different application programs.

• 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 COM 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

XTensions

Welcome to the Open Source XTension Archive

Documentation

• Open the Online HTML Interface Documentation,

• or download ImarisComInterface.zip (HTML Interface Documentation)

XTensions for Matlab

Link ...

XTensions for ImageJ

Link ...

XTensions in C++, C#, J#, VB.NET (Microsoft)

The following examples demonstrate the usage of Imaris' COM interface in another development environment than Matlab. Click on the links below to download the appropriate Visual Studio .NET (v7.1) project (zip-file). Make sure that .Net Framework v1.1 is installed. All the demos do similar things: Start Imaris, load a Dataset, perform some action with the image, and terminate Imaris.

• C++ (MFC) HelloImarisDataSetMfc.zip

• C++ (MFC using smart pointers) HelloImarisSmartPointer.zip

• C# HelloImarisDataSetCS.zip

• J# HelloImarisJS.zip

• VB.NET HelloImarisVBNet.zip

XTensions in Java (Sun)

In order to run the JACOB demo, the Java COM Bridge needs to be installed (put the jacob.dll into /bin and the jacob.jar into /lib/ext). The demo does similar things like the demos above: Start Imaris, load a Dataset, perform some action with the image, and terminate Imaris. Many thanks for providing the source code to Volker Bäcker, Monpellier RIO Imaging.

• Java (JACOB) HelloImarisDataSetJACOB.zip