Abstract: A computer controlled diagnostic densitometer for analyzing optical density patterns of blood samples or the like scans a sample and generates an analog waveform signal representative of the scanned optical density pattern. The analog signal is amplified, digitized, stored in a memory and is later read from memory to reconstruct a visual display of the waveform for analysis. Several types of optical density pattens may be scanned which result in analog signals of different amplitudes and signal-to-background noise ratios. An improved amplification system automatically preadjusts the gain and reference value of the analog signal prior to digitization in order to substantially eliminate background noise in the signal and produce substantially full scale analog signal values. The gain and reference value preadjustments are performed by a pair of corresponding multipliers which multiply the analog signal by memory-stored digital data which is unique to the type of optical density pattern being scanned.

Abstract: A method of optically scanning a plurality of optical density patterns, such as blood samples or the like is provided wherein the samples are arranged in rows and each include a plurality of optical density segments extending along a first axis, and wherein the segments generally form columns of like segments along a second axis. The optical densities of a row of segments are first scanned along the first axis, following which the centerlines of each segment in the scanned row is determined along the first axis. Then, the segments of each column are scanned along the corresponding, previously determined centerline. The centerline of each segment is determined by displacing a scanning head relative to the sample along the first axis, measuring the optical density of each segment and correlating the magnitude of the measured optical density with the relative displacement between the head and the samples.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed for a densitometer which scans an electrophoretically separated sample and provides an output signal for graphical display indicative of the optical density of the scanned sample. The optical system provides storage for a plurality of filter assemblies selectively used depending on the mode of densitometry scanning. It includes a turret assembly, a detector housing, and a lamp support to permit an operator convenient selection capability of a desired filter when scanning in either visible or fluorescent modes of operation. A plurality of optical density and blocking filters are sandwiched between turret plates at spaced radial positions. The plates have aligned openings adjacent to the filter areas to permit light to pass through the filters for detection.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled densitometer system for optically scanning a blood sample or the like and generating an electric analog signal which is a function of the optical density of the scanned sample. The electrical analog signal is processed and converted into digital data for storage in a memory as raw sample data to be retained until the next given sample is scanned. Under microprocessor control, a CRT device displays a re-constructed optical density analog waveform pattern representative of the generated electrical analog signal and may be normalized for full-scale readings.

Abstract: An improved method for graphically displaying optical density patterns generated by a densitometer which scans a sample to generate analog signals indicative of the optical density of the sample. The maximum amplitude and cumulative amplitude of the analog signals are computed and stored simultaneously as normalizing signals. The sample is again scanned to recreate the analog signals which are directed in two paths toward two graphic display units. The recreated analog signals directed toward the first display unit are modified by the normalizing amplitude signal to create a visual display curve of the normalized density. The recreated analog signals directed toward the second display unit are modified by the normalizing cumulative amplitude signal to create a visual display of the normalized area under the density curve.The apparatus includes a scanning system having circuitry to provide analog signals indicative of the optical density of the sample and a pair of conventional graphic display devices.