Abstract: A system is disclosed for generating a maturity index for blood cells which may be used in a hematology profile to show the health of a patient. The system includes a scanning system for scanning a cell, pattern recognition means connected to the scanning means for generating a plurality of groups of signals, each group representative of a different characteristic of the cell scanned, and calculation means responsive to the signals for calculating an index of maturity for the cell scanned in accordance with its characteristics.

Abstract: A blood cell recognition system is provided which includes scanning means for generating signals representative of a pattern in a whole blood smear scanned by the scanning means. Means for examining the signals from the scanning means for generating parameters of the pattern scanned are provided with pattern recognition means responsive to the parameters for identifying the pattern scanned and an operator keyboard for entering data relating to the pattern scanned. An interface is provided between the means for examining and the pattern recognition means which includes first temporary storage means for receiving parameters relating to a cell being scanned, and second temporary storage means for receiving data from said keyboard and buffer storage means for entry of said parameters and said data into said pattern recognition means to enable the pattern recognition means to recognize the pattern in accordance with both the parameters and the data.

Abstract: A white blood cell classification system is provided for detecting and classifying white blood cells in a peripheral blood smear. The system includes optical scanning means for scanning the blood smear, a microscope for directing the optical scanning means on the blood smear and means responsive to the scanning means for generating a signal corresponding to the color of the blood smear at the positions scanned. Color processing means are provided which are responsive to the signal for providing a signal representative of the relative darkness of the areas scanned. Detection means are provided which are responsive to the signal. The detection means includes a mask which is normally enabled by the nucleus of of all the white cells but which is not enabled by either platelets, foreign material or red cells in the blood smear. Finally, focusing means responsive to the detection means are provided for moving the position of the focus of the microscope to the optimum position after each white cell is detected.

Abstract: A packet of microscope slides has a length of tape. Each of a plurality of microscope slides has one side of the slide removably adhered to a portion of the tape spaced from portions of the tape to which the other slides are secured to provide a separation between adjacent slides. The packet of slides is formed by tilting a plurality of slides which are in registration with the slides in contact and parallel to each other to place one edge of each slide substantially in a common plane outside of a substantially parallel plane containing the adjacent parallel edge of the slide while retaining adjacent slides in contact. A length of tape is secured to the edges of the slides in said common plane. The slides are then straightened to separate each slide from its adjacent slide. The carrying out of the method is facilitated by the use of a jig which has a bottom, a rear wall, and a pair of opposed side walls. One side wall supports the slides when tilted.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system is provided for a microscopic instrument having a lens assembly and a platform for supporting an object. The system includes a flying spot scanner, the light from which is directed through the lens assembly at the object. The system includes means responsive to the light directed at the object for generating a signal representative of the color density of the object. The system includes electronic circuitry responsive to the signals and connected to the microscopic instrument for changing the focus of the instrument. The electronic means which are responsive to the signal change the focus of the instrument a plurality of times and includes decision means responsive to the signal for determining the optimum focus and moving the instrument to the optimum focus. The circuitry includes quantization means responsive to the signal which effectively determines the focus position which provides the sharpest resolution of the object examined by the microscopic instrument.

Abstract: A stage for holding a slide under a microscope in a microscope system is disclosed. The stage includes a movable support member, a slide holder for engaging a slide secured to the movable member. The slide holder is movable with the support member so that a slide held thereby is movable with respect to the optical axis of the system. A condenser disposed in the optical axis of the system is provided. The slide is held and supported by the slide holder and is slidably supported by the condenser so that the plane of the slide in the optical axis of the microscope system remains substantially fixed longitudinally of the optical axis as the slide is moved transversely with respect thereto.