Metafer conveniently automates a wide area of image analysis applications in microscopy for life sciences.
Due to Metafer's modularity and its flexible architecture it is applicable to a large variety of applications. More than 1,500 Metafer scanning platforms are worldwide in use as metaphase finders, FISH signal counters, toxicology workstations, sample digitizers, and more.
Metafer adds slide scanning functionality to a Neon system. It scans specimen of various sizes, uses many different contrasting methods and magnifications, and finds many different target objects. Due to Metafer's modularity and its flexible architecture, it is applicable to numerous applications, including cytogenetic diagnostics, hematology, pathology, toxicology, forensic sciences, and many more.
Of course, automated imaging saves time. But even more important is reproducibility, achieved by applying clearly defined standards to any analysis - slide by slide, experiment by experiment, and patient by patient. This way Metafer adds an unbiased degree of quality to your results. Complex analysis systems tend to be cumbersome and difficult to understand. Metafer is much different: unlimited access to all data, convenient display of results, and full control of all evaluation parameters guarantee that results are generated exactly the way you want. Slide scanning becomes extremely easy with Metafer.
Each microscopic sample is different: automation of analysis therefore demands flexibility. Metafer’s unique concept provides a powerful solution: user-trainable classifiers precisely define the analysis standards, and with the selection of the appropriate classifier the system is quickly switched to the next assay.
Metafer grows with demand. Software and hardware are modular, and with higher workloads the level of automation can be increased; optional features such as the SlideFeeder x80, the automated Bar Code Reader, and the automated Immersion Oil Dispenser are easily added upon demand.
Metafer is a highly flexible system with many options, and every application has certain hardware and software requirements. A number of different software modules and hardware options are available. Please contact MetaSystems to receive a detailed recommended system configuration for your applications. In general, Metafer comes with 1 of 4 different camera models and with a motorized stage. A full Metafer system requires a motorized microscope. MetaSystems typically delivers the microscope with the system, but Metafer can also integrate with existing, compatible microscopes.
| Camera Model | Hardware Included | Microscope Required | |
| Metafer4 Complete Metafer System (Monochrome Version) |
MetaSystems CoolCube 1m 1360 x 1024 pixels; 6.45 μm x 6.45 μm 2/3" CCD, monochrome |
PC for Scanning Systems Computer Peripherals Motorized Stage |
Carl Zeiss AxioImager.Z2 (ScopeLED LED lightsource for brightfield recommended) |
| Metafer4 Complete Metafer System (Color Version) |
MetaSystems CoolCube 1c 1360 x 1024 pixels; 6.45 μm x 6.45 μm 2/3" CCD, color |
PC for Scanning Systems Computer Peripherals Motorized Stage |
Carl Zeiss AxioImager.Z2 (Not recommended for fluorescence imaging) |
| Metafer5 Complete Metafer System (Monochrome Version) |
MetaSystems CoolCube 4m 4096 x 3000 pixels; 3.45 μm x 3.45 μm 1.1" CCD, monochrome |
PC for Scanning Systems Computer Peripherals Motorized Stage |
Carl Zeiss AxioImager.Z2 (ScopeLED LED lightsource for brightfield recommended) |
| Metafer5 Complete Metafer System (Color Version) |
MetaSystems CoolCube 4c 4096 x 3000 pixels; 3.45 μm x 3.45 μm 1.1" CCD, color |
PC for Scanning Systems Computer Peripherals Motorized Stage |
Carl Zeiss AxioImager.Z2 (Not recommended for fluorescence imaging) |
| Metafer Review Station (System for remote reviewing of Metafer data) |
None | PC for Scanning Systems Computer Peripherals |
No (Requires network connection to a full Metafer system) |
| Metafer Analysis Station (System for remote reviewing of Metafer data and for virtual scanning) |
None | PC for Scanning Systems Computer Peripherals |
No (Requires network connection to a full Metafer system) |
| Relocation System ReloSys4 (System for motorized remote relocation of Metafer objects; standard resolution version) |
Optional | PC for Scanning Systems Computer Peripherals Motorized Stage |
Yes (Any motorized or manual microscope with C-mount) |
| Relocation System ReloSys5 (System for motorized remote relocation of Metafer objects; high resolution version) |
Optional | PC for Scanning Systems Computer Peripherals Motorized Stage |
Yes (Any motorized or manual microscope with C-mount) |
The list above is not exhaustive, and technical data may change. Please contact your MetaSystems representative for further explanations and details.
For special applications, a variety of software upgrades are available. Software upgrades require a functional Metafer system and a defined main module, which provides the basic tools required for the scan.
Our partner in Japan, Carl Zeiss Microscopy Co., Ltd (カールツァイスマイクロスコピー株式会社), has published a new Metafer brochure for the Japanese market. Please download the brochure here.
Neon, a tool for flexible and consistent image and case data management, represents the backbone of MetaSystems workstations. Neon was designed to collect data from different sources and integrate them into an efficient and well structured workflow. Neon reliably manages cases, images, and results of Metafer systems, individual Ikaros and Isis workstations, as well as large multiuser installations. It guarantees that all relevant information is visible whenever and wherever it is needed. Neon's powerful and flexible workflow settings integrates seamlessly with existing routines and can be applied to the complete range of MetaSystems imaging applications.
With the new camera model CoolCube 4, MetaSystems introduces the first ultra-high resolution camera supported by the Metafer slide scanning platform. Using a 1.1" CMOS chip with a pixel size of only 3.45 μm x 3.45 μm, all CoolCube 4 cameras acquire images with the size of 4,096 x 3,000 pixels.
Deep learning techniques can potentially support interpretation of digital Gram images. To match the growing demand for workload reduction and efficiency increase in the review process of Gram stained slides we have integrated deep learning-based object classification using convolutional neural networks (CNN) with our automated scanning platform Metafer to create a unique Gram slide screening environment.
MetaSystems introduces CoolCube 1, a digital high resolution progressive scan CCD camera combining superior technical features
with an attractive price. CoolCube 1 is available as a monochrome version (CoolCube 1m) or as a Bayer-mask color version (CoolCube
1c).
Metafer, MetaSystems' slide scanning platform, offers a unique combination of selected scanning hardware and outstanding imaging software, resulting in the most versatile and robust system available for microscope imaging automation.
In 1986, MetaSystems developed a device named Metafer, which made it possible to automatically detect metaphases in microscopic specimens. In its current form, this metaphase finder is based on the fully motorized ZEISS Axio Imager.Z2 light microscope. It is equipped with a motorized stage, a high-resolution CCD camera, and a state-of-the-art automatic feeder with a capacity of up to 800 slides (SlideFeeder ×80).
Based on more than 30 years of expertise in the development of automated solutions for microscopy and image analysis, MetaSystems has now developed an automated imaging system for unattended scanning of geological samples. The new system is based on the renowned slide scanning platform Metafer which offers a unique combination of outstanding scanning hardware with high performance imaging software.
MetaSystems, a worldwide leader in microscopic imaging innovation, presented proof of concept results for Deep Learning - based pathogen classification on Gram stain slides.
MetaSystems proudly announces the opening of our first subsidiary in the Southern hemisphere. The new office is located in Buenos Aires, Argentina and bears the name MetaSystems Latinoamérica SAS (MetaSystems LatAm). The foundation has been the response to the growing demand on technical knowledge and 'know how' experienced in the last years all over the Latin American territories. MetaSystems LatAm takes care for the organization of sales, support, and customer relation activities in all countries in Latin America. It will manage distributor companies and contacts in the region, and it will facilitate communication between end-users, distributors and headquarters in Germany.
Carl Zeiss Microscopy, longtime partner of MetaSystems, recently published a technical note entitled "Light Microscopy in Clinical Routine Activities. An Overview of ZEISS Axio Imager and Metafer from MetaSystems". The brochure summarizes the history of Metafer and the fruitful partnership with Carl Zeiss and combines both with background knowledge on the many applications Metafer is used for.
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