The Blackbird Imaging Robot
Ultra High-Resolution
45.7 MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor camera combined with a 3x magnification ultra-macro optics.
Smart Sample Detection
Built-in auto-centering and auto-focusing algorithms adapting the imaging process to the unique sample physiology.
Blackbird Sample Trays
Built-in auto-centering and auto-focusing algorithms adapting the imaging process to the unique sample physiology.
Detachable Lighting Holders
Different lightning systems can be attached to the Blackbird Imaging robot in form of LED holders in order to better fit the specific lighting demands of the imaging experiments.
Blackbird Sample Trays
We are very aware of the laborious tasks involved in preparing and executing experiments; so, we take special consideration on simplifying the system usability.
Volumetric Sample Estimation
Automatically estimates sample depth and takes multiple Z-stack images per each sample to ensure all areas in the resulting image are in-focus.
Touch Screen Interface
An intuitive embedded graphical interface used to start new imaging experiments, retrieve processed images, and show device status.
High-intensity backlight LED panel
An integrated white LED backplate that can be optionally turned on for imaging experiments with samples that require background light such as stained leaf samples.
Blackbird Sample Trays
The Blackbird Imaging robot operation is paired with specifically made sample trays. The Blackbird trays are composed of two parts: the base and the grid. The base part works as both the base surface and the lid; therefore, multiple trays can be easily stacked. The grid is the part that defines the sample layout and keeps them at the same position to ensure correct imaging consistency.
The Blackbird tray dimensions (excl. lid) are: 320(w) x 260(h) x 20(d) mm. At this moment, the only available sample grid pattern has 351 wells of 120 mm diameter each. The Blackbird tray base is made of transparent polycarbonate plastic and the layout grid is made of methyl methacrylate.
LED holders
The Blackbird Imaging robot is currently shipped with a LED holder composed of four high-intensity and high-fidelity LEDs positioned in a close angle from the sample surface. This configuration has been developed with Cornell University for imaging translucent Powdery Mildew hyphae on leaf samples and has been working very well on other applications.
If a customer has other requirements on lighting configurations, please contact and we will happily consider developing an adapted LED holder.
NOTE: These sample images have been downscaled from 45.7MP to 2MP for website usability.
Specifications
| Model | BB-02 |
|---|---|
| Camera resolution | 8424 x 6032 |
| Camera spectrum | RGB |
| Control interface | 5″ LCD touch screen |
| Internal Storage | 2 TBytes |
| Lighting module interface | interchangeable |
| Comms Interface | 1Gbps Ethernet |
| Dimensions | 560 (w) x 540 (h) x 625 (d) mm |
| Weight | ~40 kg (~88 lb) |
| Color | Black |
| Input Power | 100-240V AC 50/60Hz |
Capture every detail
Blackbird sample trays are prepared as if they were “big” petri dishes with samples arrayed following a zig-zag order.
