GeneSnap is an advanced image acquisition software, specifically developed to simplify the process of capturing electrophoretic gel images. Fully automated, with camera integration, auto-exposure and series capture options, plus versatile image archiving and manipulation features, with GeneSnap the user has full control of the whole system from a single on-screen panel. GeneSnap makes any Syngene gel imaging system easy to learn and efficient to use, minimising potential for human error.
One particular advantageous feature of GeneSnap is Neutral Fielding. Neutral field correction normalises the images by correcting for any non-uniformity in either the lens optics or the lighting whilst maintaining GLP compliance.
This software is standard on most Syngene systems. Giving the user full control of the whole system from a single on-screen panel, GeneSnap makes our gel imaging systems easy to learn, and quick and efficient to use, minimising potential for human error.
GeneSnap is used on most Syngene systems. Once installed it 'self configures' itself to the system taking into account any options or accessories that are being used.
GeneSnap puts Syngene systems far ahead of competitors for functionality, efficiency, and reliability.
Features
| Feature |
Benefit |
| Real-time image viewing for both focusing and acquisition |
Fast set-up |
| Full computer control of every aspect of image capture - camera, lens, darkroom, exposure, lighting, filter, sensitivity settings |
Minimal user intervention |
| Syngene unique lens feedback system |
Optical control for reproducibility |
| Patented Extended Dynamic Range technology |
65,536 grey levels for true 16 bit image acquisition |
| 'One Click' auto-exposure feature for instant results |
Rapid process |
| Series capture feature for chemiluminescence applications |
Removes the 'guesswork' from chemiluminescence work |
| On-screen display of system status |
Complete user information at all times |
| Ability to save images in a range of file formats |
Versatile |
| Variety of image manipulation functions, including brightness and contrast, image annotation and colour filters |
Multiple functions for all applications |
GeneSnap Functions
Multi-User
GeneSnap is used on all Syngene systems. It has the ability to configure itself to any of the gel documentation (gel doc) models in the Syngene range. The user interface adapts to the system being used and provides only the necessary functions for the particular model.
GeneSnap also has multi-user log-in, allowing each user to set their own individual preferences. Once a name has been added, during future log-ins you only need to select your name from the drop down list, and the system adapts itself immediately to your preferred settings.
Associated with this log-in facility is an administration feature which can keep track of the users and the number of times they have used the system together with a total number of prints taken.
Intuitive interface
Image capture is controlled from a single dialog box, displayed as soon as the application is opened. This leads the user through an intuitive set of functions, making image acquisition fast and easy to use.
Image capture
There are three image capture modes, ensuring you will always obtain the best results possible for every sample.
Manual mode
...with real-time image viewing (standard video rate) for both focusing and acquisition, and full computer control of camera, lens and darkroom, using the on-screen dialog box.
Enabling the software to directly control the darkroom allows the user to focus on just one intuitively designed interface, improving results, increasing productivity and reducing user fatigue. The on-screen darkroom 'door-open' warning avoids dangerous accidents and wasted time. The UV and/or white light is automatically switched on before acquiring an image and automatically switched off after. This not only saves on tube life but dramatically reduces the opportunity for 'photonicking' of the DNA when using UV illumination.
With real-time image viewing, exposure of the camera can be monitored and adjusted before capture. Red coloured shading indicates over-exposure. Blue coloured shading indicates under-exposure. The optimum exposure is one showing no red or blue shading. Using this control is essential when working in any quantitative mode.
On systems with a low light level cooled CCD camera, the 'on chip' integration feature can be selected for longer exposure times. This is especially useful for capturing bands that have only faint fluorescence, and essential for chemiluminescence.
Auto-exposure with one-click technology
...a unique system leaving the computer to decide the optimum settings for image acquisition. The user simply clicks a single button to obtain a perfect image every time. Effective, fast image acquisition with minimal user involvement. Version 6 of the software now includes Syngene’s unique Total Recall lens feedback system.
Image series capture
This unique mode helps eliminate the guesswork normally associated with setting exposure times for chemiluminescence methods. A series of images is captured automatically at regular intervals over a given time period. All the images are displayed on-screen, showing progressively how the sample is changing. Once the capture process is complete the user can then simply select the best image for analysis. This innovative function can cut the need for time-consuming experiments using expensive chemicals, particularly when trying a new labelling agent or protocol.
GLP compliant
Images can be saved in the Syngene secure SGD format for true GLP compliance.
Image manipulation and enhancement
GeneSnap also has the facility to add informative annotation to the image, including text, lines, rectangles, circles, style and colour. You may also alter the brightness and contrast and modify Gamma settings to obtain optimum image quality for every usage. A new feature is the ability to add colour tints to images to simulate the use of various dyes such as SYBR Green, Sybr Gold, Texas Red and Coomassie Blue. Other special features include image filters: pseudo colours, emboss, sharpen; image manipulation: cut, crop, rotate, zoom; as well as a 3-D view with pan, scroll and zoom capability.
Once altered, images can no longer be stored as an SGD file. A range of standard formats are also available, including TIFF, BMP, GIF, PCX, TGA, WPG, and JPEG, ensuring you will always have the appropriate format for any future viewing or printing needs.
With these essential functions included as standard, GeneSnap eliminates the need for additional expensive image manipulation software.
Neutral fielding
Neutral fielding is standard. Neutral field correction normalises the images by correcting for any non uniformities in either the lens optics or the lighting whilst maintaining GLP compliance.
