The image-combining computer microscope — an interactive instrument for morphometry of the nervous system

The image-combining computer microscope is a new configuration of light microscope and computer graphics instrumentation which provides remarkable morphometric capabilities over a wide range of applications. The key component is the well known camera lucida, an image-combining device that is used to superimpose the computer graphics image upon the microscope's image of the object under study. Illumination need not be limited to the bright-field variety. The image superposition permits the investigator to study the object and acquire data from it while always looking through the microscope oculars. A computer controlled stepping motor driven stage is integrated with translations of the graphics image to permit image superposition and data acquisition at maximum visual magnification over the full expanse of a 25 × 25 mm tissue section. The investigator controls the system by means of a graphics tablet and a “Menu” area visible to him in the microscope's field of view. Spatial data in all 3 dimensions can be acquired easily since the z-axis is also stepping motor controlled. EM micrograph transparencies can be studied similarly. Stereological applications are possible by superimposing test grids upon the image. The system is self-contained and carries out data analysis programs written in C or Basic. Simplicity of operation has been emphasized throughout.