.NDPI File Extension
Hamamatsu TIFF-like Slide Image
| Developer | Hamamatsu |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Raster Image Files |
| Format | .NDPI |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an NDPI file?
Files with the .NDPI extension are primarily associated with digital pathology, serving as high-resolution slide images used in research, diagnostics, and education within the medical field.
Similar to TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), .NDPI files are used to store detailed images of tissue samples typically captured from slide scanners.
More Information.
The need for high-quality, digital representations of tissue samples arose from advancements in pathology and microscopy.
Traditional methods of examining tissue samples involved manual preparation and visual inspection under a microscope.
Digital pathology introduced automated slide scanning, enabling pathologists to view and analyze specimens digitally, enhancing accuracy, collaboration, and archival capabilities.
Hamamatsu’s development of the .NDPI format aimed to standardize the storage and sharing of high-resolution slide images.
These images not only facilitate detailed examination at various magnifications but also support advanced image analysis techniques crucial for modern pathology research and diagnostics.
Origin Of This File.
The .NDPI file format was developed by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., a leading manufacturer of optical devices and imaging products.
Hamamatsu is renowned for its advanced slide scanners used in digital pathology applications, which produce .NDPI files as their native output format.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.NDPI files are typically structured as multi-resolution pyramidal images. This means that the image data is organized into multiple layers or levels, each corresponding to a different resolution of the image.
This hierarchical structure allows for efficient zooming and viewing of the image at different magnifications without loss of detail.
Technical Specifications:
- Compression: .NDPI files often use JPEG or JPEG2000 compression to reduce file size while preserving image quality.
- Metadata: They may include metadata such as patient information, slide properties, and scanning parameters, crucial for maintaining context and traceability in medical research and diagnostics.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .NDPI files to other formats may be necessary for compatibility or specific application requirements. Here’s how you can convert .NDPI files:
- Using Hamamatsu Software: Hamamatsu provides proprietary software like NDP.view or NDP.scan that can export .NDPI files to formats like TIFF or JPEG.
- Third-party Tools: Various third-party image processing software such as ImageJ, Fiji, or OpenSlide libraries offer plugins or scripts for converting .NDPI files to other standard formats.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- High Resolution: .NDPI files can store extremely high-resolution images necessary for detailed examination of tissue structures.
- Multi-resolution Support: Pyramidal structure allows for efficient storage and retrieval of images at different magnifications.
- Compatibility: Widely supported by digital pathology software and viewers, ensuring interoperability across platforms.
Disadvantages:
- File Size: High-resolution images can result in large file sizes, requiring significant storage space and bandwidth for transmission.
- Complexity: Handling and processing .NDPI files may require specialized software and hardware due to their size and complexity.
How to Open NDPI?
Open In Windows
- NDP.view: Hamamatsu’s official viewer software for Windows allows users to open, view, and analyze .NDPI files.
- ImageJ/Fiji: These open-source tools support plugins for handling .NDPI files on Windows.
Open In Linux
- OpenSlide: A widely used open-source library that supports .NDPI files on Linux platforms, enabling viewing and conversion through compatible software.
- ImageJ/Fiji: Linux versions of these tools can also be configured with plugins for .NDPI file handling.
Open In MAC
- NDP.view: Available for MacOS, Hamamatsu’s NDP.view software provides native support for viewing .NDPI files.
- ImageJ/Fiji: MacOS versions of these tools can be used with appropriate plugins for .NDPI file support.
