Most potential users of two and three dimensional dynamic image analysis systems do not have the resources or expertise to set up sophisticated and complex computer-assisted systems, and usually only need one or the other system for a limited portion of their research effort. For this reason, most potential users either wish to collaborate with the facility, or visit the facility to perform their analysis. Even though the number of users in the past has been substantial, most interactions have involved collaborations, in which the analysis was performed by Dr. Soll's staff since visits to the facility for extended periods of time were costly. Use of the facility by many scientists had been delayed because of the lack of staff and resources.
Visitors follow two user tracks.
First, some users generate videos in their home laboratories and carry them to the Facility to be analyzed. This occurs only in the case of 2D-DIAS analysis. Second, some users bring their biological systems to Iowa to perform experiments and videoanalyze cellular behavior in the facility. This is especially true in cases in which proper videorecording equipment is not available in their home laboratories. The laboratories of the major participants in the Motility Program at the University of Iowa cover most aspects of cell and tissue culture for lower and higher eucaryotes, and are at the disposal of visiting scientists.