8/28/98

pc-based images can be collected? Two questions: !) What issues are

important? 2) Any recommendations on companies that sell the conversions?

Thanks,

Robin Griffin

rgriffin@eng.uab.edu

set up for digital control back in 1981. It was relatively straightforward

to find the connections for scan control and to have the scanning hardware

set up to work the same voltage range. Unfortunately the computers were not

so friendly then, nor were the electronics all that fast. Present D/A cards

should be able to do much of that all from within the PC box.

The biggest issues would probably be software, speed and allowance for

hysteresis in the scan coils. Taking those in reverse order, I know even our

JEOL 840 can be significantly off at high scan speeds, but normal active

digital scanning systems will probably not be near that fast. There can be a

significant amount of overhead in stepping from point to point so that scans

can be slow for 1024 pixels across the image. We find 100 us of dwell per

point is plenty from a signal standpoint. I don't know how fast the scanning

can reasonably be performed in conjuction with image digitization.

Software is a non-trivial issue. Being a tinkerer, I could probably come up

with a hardware solution in a reasonable amount of time. However, the

software will probably determine the overall satisfaction with such a

system. It is probably the greater investment of energy.

Therefore, IMO, you should probably evaluate commercially available systems

to find one with software that meet your criteria (usability, database

functions, etc.), and then pursue the question of matching the hardware up

to your microscope.

FWIW, we are happily using the Quartz PCI passive imaging system. Rather

than taking over control of the beam, the system passively monitors the scan

and records the image. I would suppose there is enough latitude in their

hardware adjustments to match the raster of virtually any microscope with

minimal bother. (Y'all can insert the standard disclaimer here.)

Warren Straszheim

wesaia@iastate.edu

We converted an 1981 ISI DS-130 to a digital acquisition system that we are

very pleased with. It has been in use for about 5-6 years. The system

(Quartz PCI passive acquisition system) was developed in Canada and is

available from:

Nissei Sangyo Canada Ltd.

Rexdale, Ontario phone 1-416-675-5860

http://www.nsctoronto.com/products.html

Ross Davidson

davidson@surf.ssw.uwo.ca

Software will archive your image, paste the image to a report, and use keyword

searches for future image retrieval. Depending on your network (internet or

intranet) system, SEMICAPS can send the image as a TIF or JPEG file.

SEMICAPS consists of three systems:

The passive system will tap into the video signal of the SEM monitor.

The active system controls the electron beam and is most useful for background

noise removal.

The color-capture system will connect up to four light microscopes and

includes a "snap feature" that allows each user independent control of the

image capture process.

If your image system requires: archival, noise reduction, image processing,

measurement, annotation, and printout, SEMICAPS is the system most used.

Give Bruce, Eric or Elie a call if you would like a no-cost demo. 408-986-0121

SEMICAPS@aol.com

I have been using the Printerface program, purchased from GW

Electronics,6981 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross, GA 30092-3601.

Phone is (800)325-5556, Fax is (770)449-0284.

This is a passive system (i.e., it does not take control of

microscope operation), and the image can be stored or sent in several file

formats. The price was reasonable, and my customers have been pleased with

the system.

Leslie

Leslie Eibest

Zoology Dept., Box 90325

Duke University

Durham, NC 27708 USA

(919) 684-2547

leibest@duke.edu