3D Optode Localisation for fNIRS Probe Registration

NIRSite 2.0 is NIRx's optode localisation software, designed to give researchers accurate spatial information about their fNIRS probe placement. Unlike most 2D approaches, NIRSite works directly on a 3D MNI atlas, removing the need to map a flat layout onto a curved head surface.

Key Features

Manual point-and-click registration — Users can manually input optode locations directly onto the 3D atlas surface, guided by the atlas's 10-20 labels to pinpoint positions accurately. Source, detector, and reference or EEG electrode positions can all be designated.

Digitised coordinate import — NIRSite accepts files containing digitised optode positions from third-party digitisation instruments, enabling viewing of exact optode locations and easy export to nirsLAB or other analysis software.

Automatic channel creation — NIRSite automatically calculates distances between all possible source-detector pairs and creates channels for all pairs below a user-defined inter-optode distance threshold, eliminating the need for manual source-detector connection.

FAQ

What is NIRSite 2.0 used for?

NIRSite 2.0 is used for optode localisation — placing fNIRS optode positions onto a standard 3D MNI head atlas. This spatial information is used in offline analysis to associate channels with brain regions.

What is the advantage of NIRSite's 3D approach?

By working directly on a 3D atlas surface, NIRSite avoids the inaccuracies that arise from projecting a 2D layout onto a 3D head surface. Users input points directly onto the atlas, guided by 10-20 electrode labels.

Can NIRSite import data from external digitisers?

Yes. NIRSite accepts files containing digitised optode coordinates from third-party instruments, which can then be exported to nirsLAB or other analysis platforms.

What is the automatic channel creation feature?

NIRSite calculates distances between all possible source-detector pairs and automatically creates channels for pairs whose inter-optode distance falls below a user-defined threshold, removing the need for manual pairing.

Which analysis software is NIRSite compatible with?

Coordinate files from NIRSite can be exported for use in nirsLAB and other third-party fNIRS analysis software.