The DN100 camera control unit (CCU) is the heart of the DN100 camera system and enables the instrument to operate over a local area network or the Internet. The control unit digitally processes an input video signal transmitted by the CCD camera or an external input line, and produces an output video signal with a maximum pixel resolution of 1280 x 960.

One of the most outstanding features of the DN100 is its advanced control program, which affords the microscopist a great deal of latitude in collecting, organizing, modifying, correcting, and customizing digital images. Many of the controls provided by the DN100 camera control unit have a complex set of functions that display a significant level of interdependency. Detailed reviews of the control features are presented in the links below (refer to Figure 1 for the location of hardware controls discussed in these sections).

Exposure Control and Camera Sensitivity - Digital cameras require some level of exposure time adjustment in order to control the levels of brightness, color saturation, and contrast in the final image. Three factors defining correct exposure in a charged coupled device (CCD) camera are the visible light spectrum wavelength-dependent sensitivity, the intensity of illumination, and the length of time the CCD is exposed to light.

White Balance Calibration - The color of a digital image produced by an optical microscope is dependent not only upon the spectrum of wavelengths transmitted through or emitted by the specimen, but also on the spectral content of the light source. In color digital cameras that utilize charged coupled device (CCD) imaging detectors, a range of balance adjustments is often necessary in order to produce acceptable color quality in digital images.

Image Display Features - The DN100 camera control unit is equipped with an easy-to-use zooming and panning utility that enables that microscopist to magnify and examine fine details of both captured and live digital images. A double window feature is also included that allows a operator to perform a side-by-side comparison of a live specimen image with a captured image.

Image Correction Features - The DN100 camera control unit is equipped with a series of image processing functions that the microscopist can employ to quickly and easily correct imaging problems that arise from poor focus, insufficient or uneven illumination, specimen shading or discoloration, and noise.

Saving Digital Images - Another feature of the DN100 camera control unit is an advanced file saving feature that enables the operator to rapidly record and save digital images in an efficient and organized manner. By allowing the specification of a set of storage conditions prior to conducting photomicrography sessions, the software automatically records, names, and stores image files as they are captured by the camera system.

Time-Lapse Cinemicrography - A time-lapse feature, built into the DN100 software package, affords the microscopist the capability to capture sequential images of dynamic events that occur under the microscope. The REC submenu is utilized to configure variables included in time-lapse experiments, and to start and stop recording of image sequences.

Annotation Tools - The DN100 software package is equipped with a set of annotation tools that enable the operator to superimpose a hand-drawn diagram on a captured image. This feature allows users of the DN100 to highlight details of interest in captured digital images. Additionally, a remote operator may also annotate an image through the DN100's Internet browser interface, allowing for simultaneous interaction between multiple users of the DN100.

Main Menu Features - The main menu window contains a button toolbar that provides convenient access to a number of the most commonly used camera control functions.

CAM Submenu Features - The Nikon DN100 digital camera system has a number of camera control functions that include focus rating, white balance, exposure time, and camera sensitivity. Each of these settings should be carefully scrutinized before selecting areas in the live window for photomicrography.

PLAY Submenu Features - The PLAY submenu of the DN100 camera control unit provides PC card access features that enable the operator to browse the PC card, view captured images or an image slideshow, and delete captured images.

OPTN Submenu Features - The OPTN submenu contains a number of miscellaneous features. Two features of note are the crosshair feature and the scale lines feature.

Power ON Setting Panel Features - The Power ON Setting panel permits the microsopist to configure three initial environments for the camera control unit. Once an environment has been configured and saved in the Power ON Setting panel, the operator may easily select it for use from the MAIN menu.

Network Setting Panel Features - The Network Setting panel enables the instrument operator to configure the DN100 camera control unit's networking features, which include HTTP and FTP access. These settings must be finalized before the DN100's networking features can be accessed. The DN100's networking capabilities are discussed thoroughly in the DN100 Networking Features section.

Timer Setting Panel Features - The DN100 Timer Setting panel can be utilized to configure date and time functions of the camera control unit.