IMAGE ANALYSIS.

This article describes the Leitz A. S. M. Semi-Automatic Image Analyzer. The instrument basically consists of: 1. A power supply unit with built-in microprocessor, a punched tape reader (to insert programs) and terminals for direct print-out connection, respectively interfaced with teletype connection for tele-printer and later programmable calculators or computer systems. 2. An electronic tracing board with instruction field, data display and control lamps for the different functions including warning lights and buzzer for wrong instructions or mistakes by the operator. An electronic pen with interchangeable color pens is used to trace image features placed on the tracing board. The board has an area of 28cm multiplied by 25cm and therefore allows relatively large images to be analyzed. Due to the overall concept of the Leitz A. S. M. it caters without any modification or additional accessories for a number of different forms of images to be analyzed: light microscopy; photographic prints; large transparencies. By selecting one of the three programs all parameters required will be calculated accordingly and stored. The stored data can be recalled either one after the other or automatically in cases where peripheral equipment is connected. Altogether the A. S. M. carries out the calculation for 18 different parameters and provides 99 different functions.