Include static image option

[CodyCBakerPhD]

We've seen a couple of occasions where people use a typical 1P or 2P setup to acquire a static image, particularly of anatomical structure

The usual recommendation has been to use the existing time-dependent data types with only a single frame and a rate of 0.0, possibly starting_time=NaN if the time it was acquired wasn't recorded or relevant

However, it would be better if there was a specific neurodata type that by definition was time-independent; essentially like the types found in the Images module of the NWB schema, but can allow for ophys metadata (imaging planes, optic channels, etc.) to be attached as they normally would be for the time-varying series

[h-mayorquin]

I have encountered this issue recently. I will write more details when I discuss the data with the experimentalist.

[h-mayorquin]

Here is a recent paper with this type of data:

Whitehead, Samuel C., et al. "Neuromuscular embodiment of feedback control elements in Drosophila flight." Science Advances 8.50 (2022): eabo7461.

[h-mayorquin]

We discussed this on the neuroconv meeting on 2025-02-18. We all agree that this is an important case to support but are concerned about the explosion of neuro data types (the following are not proposals of names but just to enumerate):

• MicroscopyImages (external)
• MicroscopyImages (internal)
• MicroscopyVolume (internal)
• MicroscopyVolume (external)

The important thing about it is that we can link to all important metadata.

Relevant change on the schema:

NeurodataWithoutBorders/nwb-schema#604