News
Nikon launches the ECLIPSE Ui Ver. 1.3 digital imaging microscope for medical use
Sep 30, 2024
Equipped with three new functions that contribute to streamlining pathological observation and preventing lesion sites from being overlooked
Nikon Instruments Inc. (Nikon) is pleased to announce the launch of Version 1.3, an updated version of the ECLIPSE Ui Digital Imaging Microscope, which will be phased in from October 1, 2024.
The ECLIPSE Ui continues to improve pathological observation workflows with its unique, eyepiece-less design and remote control and viewing functions via network. The recent update adds digital functionality, such as a magnified overview image display and automatic image capturing. Such modes and functions assist pathologists in streamlining their work in pathological observation and contribute to advances in the digital transformation of medical facilities.
Development Background
There are rising concerns in regard to the shortage of pathologists in the US, whose numbers reportedly stand at roughly 11,000 as of May 2023*1. In addition to the shortage of pathologists, regional disparities and an aging population compound the issue. Fatigue accumulation from long hours at the microscope and the need for efficient and highly accurate observation of difficult cases create a demand for verification of results and remote conferencing for second opinions.
Leveraging Nikon’s microscopy expertise, the ECLIPSE Ui Ver. 1.3 meets these needs as a digital support tool for pathological observation. Nikon contributes to solving problems in the medical field by supporting quick and accurate observation for time- and resource-limited pathologists.
*1 Update – US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Release Overview
Product Name | ECLIPSE Ui Digital Imaging Microscope |
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Version | 1.3 |
Availability Start Date | Initial roll out beginning October 1, 2024 |
Release Date |
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Main Update Features
The current update was carried out to promptly incorporate user feedback and to meet the specific needs at medical facilities. Nikon is solving issues faced by medical professionals by constantly listening to user feedback and continually improving its products.
The ECLIPSE Ui Ver 1.3 enables image magnification and automation of observation workflows by bridging conventional optical microscope observation and digital technology. This product is a tool that reduces the observation workload of pathologists and medical laboratory technicians to support more efficient and accurate observations.
1. High-definition overview display and zoom functions contribute to shorter observation times by quickly accessing lesion sites
With the newly installed zoom function, a point of interest can be displayed in fine detail by using the mouse to quickly zoom in on a point of interest, while displaying the entire specimen image with image quality that is 3x higher than that of a conventional image. The observer is able to check the specimen position, cell distribution, with more with ease due to smooth operability and high-definition image display, all of which shortens the time and effort required to observe details.
2. Auto alignment and automatic image capture support comparative examinations of stained specimens and contribute to streamlining observations.
An automatic image capture function has been added to the Alignment Mode*2 to streamline comparative observations of specimens stained using multiple staining methods. In the Alignment Mode, two specimens can now be displayed and automatically aligned so the observer can move to the desired location with just one click.
Furthermore, since the observation conditions (lens magnification, focus, etc.) can be registered and saved using this new function, the same observation points between two specimens can be automatically visited and imaged. As a result, differences in orientation between specimens can be minimized, simplifying preparation for comparative observation and supporting a more streamlined observation workflow.
*2 A function that allows simultaneous comparison of a saved stained specimen image and a live image of a specimen actually being observed.
3. Faster autofocus and specimen image orientation adjustment support streamlined operations
Autofocus speeds have been increased by 1.5 times*3 over that of the conventional version, contributing to shorter operating time as the microscope can focus at high speed after the AF button is clicked. In addition, this new function allows the rotation of a micro-captured image in 90-degree increments. As with conventional microscopes, this enables the orientation of the specimen being observed to be changed and improves the visibility of specimens. This contributes to preventing focus points from being overlooked during pathological observation.
*3 Average value (based on Nikon research)