Mercator is a comprehensive software package for quantification of histological sections. Using X and Y positional sensors or motorized stages, Mercator enables exhaustive exploration of large histological preparations. After having defined the outlines of regions of interest at low magnification, the user can quantify the cells at high magnification by using the previously drawn marks. Each cell is then measured to assess morphologic, colorimetric and densitometry criteria, depending on the regional context. In addition to real-time localization of the field of view, Mercator also eliminates the risk of double counting, and can generate high-resolution maps.

 

Mercator's principal functions are as follows:

- Permanent storage of microscope characteristics and configurations. 
- Continuous color (or B/W) image acquisition.  - Management and analysis of regions of interest (anatomical region named by user) at low magnification (regardless of the preset magnification). - Management and analysis of defined objects at high magnification, classified by region. - Drawing of various objects i.e. pointers, closed objects (e.g. polygons, rectangles, and circles), lines, and so forth. - Statistical analysis by sampling zone. - Stereological tools (Number, up tp 3D, Volume, One Stop Stereology) with a Z sensor.
- Automated exploration with a motorized stage (field-by-field detection and segmentation). - Saving, recall and registration of a histological preparation map and parameters. - Result editing in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.Color map printing. - Cavalieri representation of maps of serial sections. - 3D visualization. 

 

- Mercator was developed by a scientific team with over 20 years experience in the field of neurosciences as well as in other disciplines.
- Efficient Technical Support.
- Recognized training courses in Image analysis and Stereology.
- Mercator is compatible with a huge range of hardware.

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