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A low cost image and data acquisition system for use with the Vickers M85 scanning microdensitometer
Author(s) -
Glynn P. J.,
Larbalestier G.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2818.1985.tb02598.x
Subject(s) - microdensitometer , optics , histogram , microscope , computer science , transmittance , microcomputer , software , interface (matter) , pixel , data acquisition , sensitivity (control systems) , artificial intelligence , materials science , computer vision , image (mathematics) , physics , engineering , telecommunications , chip , bubble , maximum bubble pressure method , electronic engineering , parallel computing , programming language , operating system
SUMMARY A simple and inexpensive interface has been constructed between the Vickers M85 microdensitometer and a BBC model B microcomputer. The interface incorporates three sensitivity ranges and enables the production of pseudocolour images of the specimen using the two‐dimensional scanning mode of the M85. The operator can select a 160times256 pixel image with eight colours or a 320times256 display using only four colours. Each colour represents a defined range of transmittance which is software controlled. The image histogram can be displayed and the interval between colours redefined so as to enable contrast stretching. Intervals between colours can be either linear or logarithmic and the images thus obtained can be stored on disc or videotape, or a hard copy can be obtained using a screen dump routine. Two‐dimensional absorption images can thus be obtained at any single wavelength from 400 to 700 nm at normal magnifications of the light microscope. In addition, the system can be used to acquire, store and process data from one‐dimensional scans to obtain quantitative information about variations in optical density within the specimen, so considerably increasing the usefulness of the instrument. Although obviously limited in its capabilities, the system produces images of very high quality and one‐dimensional data of high sensitivity. The interface can be constructed for less than £40. A small modification to one of the M85 circuit boards is necessary to obtain maximum resolution.