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Cryo-EM data collection software solution for single particle analysis
Thermo Scientific Smart EPU Software is an AI-powered, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) software platform that automates data acquisition, optimizes grid screening, and seamlessly integrates with your hardware for accelerated single particle analysis data workflow.
Compatible with all Thermo Scientific TEMs, the integrated components like Thermo Scientific Smart EPU Plugins, EPU Multigrid Software, and Embedded CryoSPARC Live Software, work together to support autonomous screening and yield results with high throughput.
Software portfolio for SPA data collection
Whether you need end-to-end autonomous screening and real-time quality monitoring or standard automated image acquisition, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a breadth of solutions to accelerate your single particle analysis data collection.
| Feature | EPU Software | Smart EPU Software | Smart EPU Software with Embedded CryoSPARC Live |
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| Automated image acquisition |  |
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| Automated screening |
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| Image quality monitoring | |
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| Sample quality monitoring | |
Smart EPU Software features
- AI-based automation
- Sample evaluation
- Scheduling
- Data management
Smart technology optimizes decision-making in SPA data collection
Plug into AI-based algorithms, faster screening, and workflow automation with Smart EPU Plugins.
Decision-making can be made easier with:
- Smart Grid Square Selection for an AI-driven selection and categorization of grid squares
- Smart Hole Finder for input-free identification of foil holes, even on challenging grids
- Smart Filter for automatic selection of the best quality holes
- Smart Ice Thickness Prediction for automated classification of foil holes depending on predicted ice thickness 5.
- Smart Focus for auto-focus stabilization using a real-time CTF
- Smart Grid Skip for automated grid-square skipping with a real-time contrast transfer function (CTF)
- Smart Stage Time for stage waiting time optimization
Additionally, advanced users have the opportunity to develop and share their own plugins through an open application programming interface (API).
Enhanced data quality monitoring
Embedded CryoSPARC Live Software is fully compatible with Smart EPU Software and analyzes data in real-time for on-the-fly feedback about image and sample quality.
- Supports a growing set of automations
- Simplified parametrization including automatic configuration of settings
- Automated screening support
- Integration with EPU Multigrid and Cryoflow Software
Hardware installation, as well as on-site service updates and training, is provided by the Thermo Fisher Scientific service team.
Maximized scheduling efficiency
EPU Multigrid Software enables sample screening and data acquisition for multiple grids, increasing the number of datasets you can generate in each working day, including in overnight and weekend runs.
- Faster time to data and screening
- Less microscope idle time
- Intuitive interface facilitates new user training
Achieve a fully connected single particle analysis workflow
Compatible with all Thermo Scientific cryo-TEMs, Thermo Scientific CryoFlow Software is a platform that seamlessly integrates Smart EPU Software components, including EPU Multigrid, EPU Quality Monitor, and Embedded CryoSPARC Live Software, along with AI-powered Smart EPU Plugins. It allows paperless data exchange among collaborating users and enables filtering and export functions to further process the highest quality data.
CryoFlow Software enables a specialized viewer, the Discovery Viewer, to:
- Navigate between associated atlases, squares, and high-magnification images
- Access image quality data from trackable images
- Screen for high-quality data acquisitions quickly and easily
Benefits of screening with Smart EPU Software
Easy adoption
A user-friendly interface enable fast training and setup, requiring no expertise to identify and exclude bad foil holes.
Maximized efficiency
An autonomous sequence for grid screening uses AI-driven algorithms to reduces microscope time spent assessing sample quality samples.
Workflow optimization
The ability to screen two full cassettes per day accelerates time to results and increases cost savings.
High data quality
Automatically excludes sub-optimal areas for more reliable results.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What are the hardware requirements and installation steps for Smart EPU Software
A: Smart EPU Software runs on a dedicated acquisition server, called a DMP, connected to your cryo-TEM. The system must meet performance specifications for GPU, RAM, and storage to ensure smooth real-time optimization and automation capabilities. Installation and configuration are performed by a Thermo Fisher Scientific field service engineer (FSE) or digital solutions engineer (DSE), who ensures that Smart EPU Software is fully integrated with your microscope hardware and network environment.
Q: What training is provided with Smart EPU Software installation?
A: Operators can take advantage of optional personalized onboarding by a Thermo Fisher application specialist. Additional resources, such as tutorials and knowledge base articles, are available through the Thermo Fisher support portal.
Q: What level of user experience is required to operate Smart EPU Software?
A: Smart EPU Software is designed for ease of use. Its automated setup and guided workflows reduce the need for extensive training, allowing new users to start acquiring data with confidence. At the same time, it includes customizable features for experienced users who want to fine-tune acquisition strategies.
Q: How does Smart EPU Software differ from traditional EPU Software?
A: Smart EPU Software introduces a higher level of automation than EPU Software that is powered by AI algorithms for SPA data acquisition. It features adaptive decision-making during runs, which is particularly useful for fully automated screening sessions, and real-time parameter optimization to assure high-quality data.
Q: I’m currently using traditional EPU Software. Can I upgrade?
A: Yes, current EPU Software users are eligible to upgrade to Smart EPU Software through a standard transition process handled by Thermo Fisher field service engineers. The upgrade includes installation, system validation, and user training to ensure a smooth changeover.
Q. Is Smart EPU Software compatible with my current cryo- transmission electron microscope (cryo-TEM) system?
A: Please consult your account manager to see if your system is supported. Smart EPU Software is designed to integrate seamlessly with our various Thermo Scientific™ Cryo- TEM systems, including the Krios™, Glacios™, and Tundra™ Cryo-TEMs.
Q: Does Smart EPU Software support remote monitoring or control?
A: Smart EPU Software supports remote session access through CryoFlow Software, a secure data management platform. While active control should be performed on-site or via secured methods, you can monitor session progress and access log data remotely via CryoFlow Software’s secured interface.
Q: How many users can access Smart EPU Software on the microscope system?
A: For data acquisition setup, Smart EPU Software supports multiple user accounts set for the whole microscope system, though only one active user session can control a data collection run at a time. User-specific settings and templates help maintain consistent quality across sessions and users. For monitoring, the program supports access for up to 15 concurrent users.
Q: What kind of support is available for Smart EPU Software users?
A: Ongoing support is provided by Thermo Fisher’s global Digital Solutions and Service teams for systems under a service contract. Users receive regular software updates, performance enhancements, and access to support resources through their service agreement.
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For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.