Camera

The basic elements of the camera configuration are a motorized stage, a part to hold the pipette tips, and a camera. This approach increases the dynamic range by increasing the resolvability of the smallest colonies as compared to using an smartphone or the naked eye. Additionally, the motorized stage increases throughput by imaging 12 tips at a time.

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Read our Manuscript

The best way to get the hang of GVA is to try it out for yourself. Browse some of our datasets to troubleshoot your code before applying GVA to your own experiments.

Sample Data

Quick Download Links

Download Build Files for Camera Imaging Set-up

Download the MatLab Code

How to count colonies using a camera

The assembly of this imaging rig can be fairly complex and expensive, but the investment is well worth it if you need to perform many cell viability counts frequently. With this approach, you can image a full box of 96 pipette tips in less than 5 minutes. Once you've collected your images, you can process them using the MATLAB code. The sections below detail how to assemble your imaging station, how to image samples, and a tutorial for using the MATLAB software to analyze your data.

Building your Imaging Set-up

Download the build instructions,
CAD files, circuit diagram,
and parts list for assembling the imaging box

Install the MATLAB Software

This video walks you through how to install the provided MATLAB software onto your computer. Though this tutorial is done on a computer running Windows. The approach is very similar on a Mac, but the imaging rig cannot be controlled from a Mac due to dependence on digiCamController software only available for Windows. The same MATLAB app is used for both image acquisition and cell counting, so you'll only need to install the software once when you set up the imaging rig.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhQZeQ4I8I8]

Download the Matlab Code

Configure the Software & Set Your Parameters

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoeSy7q8U6E]

Calibrate the Camera & Acquire Images

If it's your first time running the software with your camera set-up, take a few moments to calibrate your step size. Once you're ready, use the Acquire tab to capture images of your pipette tips.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRGlKjPXRTs]

How to Analyze your Data Using MATLAB

Once you’ve imaged your samples using either a DSLR or Smartphone camera, you’ll need to use the MATLAB software we provide to count your cells. The software approach improves both accuracy and speed with several built-in algorithms that aid in your counting and analysis. The video below discusses the software inputs and demonstrates how to use the software's features.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXF0D7aEo_0]