Euromex ImageFocus Plus

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Summary

Software Installation

System Configuration Recommendation

Details the minimum system requirements for installing the software.

Software Settings and Operation

Basic Settings

Adjusts resolution, exposure control, and gain for optimal image capture.

Image Adjustment

Modifies white balance, image enhancement, and dead pixel correction.

Image Capturing

Configures file save options, formats, and video recording parameters.

The Euromex ImageFocus Plus is a camera designed for use with microscopes, providing a digital imaging solution for various applications. This quick start guide outlines its installation, software setup, image capturing capabilities, and essential maintenance procedures.

Function Description

The ImageFocus Plus camera serves as a digital interface for microscopes, allowing users to capture and process images and videos of microscopic samples. It connects to a personal computer (PC) via a USB cable, enabling real-time viewing, adjustment, and saving of digital images. The camera is designed to enhance the capabilities of traditional microscopes by providing a digital output, which can be used for documentation, analysis, and presentation purposes. It supports various resolutions and offers advanced image adjustment features to optimize image quality.

Usage Features

The installation process for the ImageFocus Plus camera is straightforward. It can be mounted on a microscope using either an optional c-mount, a standard included 23.2mm c-mount, or a standard c-mount with an optional 30/30.5mm adapter for replacing an eyepiece. Once physically installed, the camera connects to a PC via a USB cable.

The software installation involves copying the "ImageFocus Plus V2 Setup.exe" file from a USB stick or CD to the computer and running the installer. The software is compatible with Windows 7/8/10 (64bit) and recommends an Intel Core i5 or better CPU, 8GB or more RAM, and USB3.0 ports for optimal performance. After installation, a shortcut is created on the desktop. Users should verify the driver installation through the Device Manager; a successful installation is indicated by the absence of a yellow flag next to the camera under "Imaging Devices." If a yellow flag is present, the driver needs to be reinstalled.

Upon launching the ImageFocus Plus V2 software, the camera automatically recognizes and enters a preview state if connected correctly. If a "No Camera" error occurs, it suggests that the camera is not detected by the PC or the driver is not installed properly, necessitating a check of the camera driver installation status in Device Manager.

The software offers several basic settings for image control. Users can select the working resolution from a drop-down box and view the live preview frame rate. Exposure settings can be adjusted automatically or manually to achieve the desired image intensity. A gain value can also be adjusted to enhance the image signal.

Image adjustment features are comprehensive. White balance can be set by moving a sample under the objective to an evenly illuminated, featureless position and then checking the "Lock White Balance" option. This prevents automatic white balance recalculation, which can lead to chromatic aberration. The preview screen can be switched to monochrome mode by selecting "Gray." For hazy previews, the "Permeability" setting can be adjusted to restore clarity. The "DPC" (dead pixel correction) function helps remove dead pixels and color points from the image. If the light source is not uniform or if there are dirty spots, the "Flat Field Calibration Wizard" can be used to correct the image background and achieve greater uniformity. The "Image enhance save" option allows for detail enhancement and noise reduction, though its effects are only visible upon image capture and saving, not in real-time preview. It's important to note that CMEX-f series cameras do not support color temperature, hue, light, permeability, and image enhancement.

For image capturing, the software provides flexible options. Users can choose to "Use Dialog" to set the picture save path, name, and format (JPG, TIF, PNG, DICOM) each time a picture is taken. Alternatively, "Use File Name" allows for a default file name ("TS") that can be customized, supporting "Customized name + time stamp" with up to 64 bytes. The default save path can be modified through the "Browse" option.

Video recording also offers various settings. Two encoding modes are available: "Compression" and "Full frame (No compression)," with the latter being the default. The "Auto Stop" feature allows users to set recording limits based on "Total Frame" or "Total Time." If "Auto Stop" is unselected, recording must be manually stopped. Captured data can be saved to "Hard Disk" for long-term shooting, or to "RAM" for faster capture, with data written to disk after capturing, though this mode is limited by memory size for long recordings.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the ImageFocus Plus camera. Users should avoid removing the lens cap in dusty environments. When removing or mounting a lens, the camera should be held face down to prevent dust from falling onto the sensor surface. The lens cap should always be replaced when the camera is not in use.

For dust removal, a professional dust removal tool is recommended. Light dust on the optical filter can be removed with low-pressure air. For stubborn oily dust, the surface can be gently wiped with a lint-free cotton swab dipped in ethanol. If cleaning is still ineffective, it is advised to contact after-sales personnel, as using non-professional equipment can scratch the filter surface.

The camera should only be used with its original power adapter, and both the adapter and associated cables should be checked for damage. If the power adapter is damaged, the supplier should be contacted for a replacement.

Several precautions are highlighted to prevent damage and ensure warranty validity. Users should not disassemble, repair, or modify the camera themselves, as this can damage the camera chip or circuit board. The camera should be kept away from water to prevent corrosion and burnout. Physical impacts, such as dropping or banging, should also be avoided. In case of issues requiring repair, users should unplug the data cable and contact an authorized Euromex Microscopes dealer or sales representative. Man-made damage, including self-disassembly, water ingress, and physical shock, voids the warranty.