Abstract: An image restoration device restores images which are viewed through an optical member and stored in a data processor. Processing means associated with the data processor iteratively determine, for each point in a viewed image, a factor which minimizes noise and distortion at that point. The factor is iteratively determined through a division operation of a transform of a first function of a response function of the optical member and a transform of a second function of the response function. Preferably, the transform is a Fourier transform and the response function is the point spread function of the optical member. The processing means displays the restored image on a suitable display unit (e.g. a CRT).

Abstract: A microscope is modified to allow for precise imaging of samples using different filters at different focal planes under computer control. A filter accessory includes a filter disc having bandpass filters. The filter disc may be rotated to move a selected filter into the optical path between a light source and the microscope sample. Adjustment of the image plane of the microscope is controlled by the computer using feedback from a lens position sensor.

Abstract: A microscope is modified to allow for precise imaging of samples using different filters at different focal planes under computer control. A filter accessory includes a filter disc having bandpass filters. The filter disc may be rotated to move a selected filter into the optical path between a light source and the microscope sample. Adjustment of the image plane of the microscope is controlled by the computer using feedback from a lens position sensor.

Abstract: Improved methodologies for in-situ hybridization and detection of hybridized nucleic acid sequences in cell cultures and tissue sections are provided which offer an increase of speed, sensitivity, and simplicity unavailable in previously known techniques. The invention detects specific nucleic acids of interest, particularly RNA sequences, within cells and tissues utilizing DNA of a particular size as a probe to find those sequences which are held substantially in common between the cell or tissue and the probe. The cells are fixed preferably in paraformaldehyde and then hybridized using a hybridization fluid for not less than 10 minutes but not substantially more than 24 hours. A variety of identifying labels are attached to the probe which permit quick and rapid detection via measurement of radioactive isotope decay or by colorimetric detection of enzymatic reaction products.

Abstract: A series of spacial filters are used in a convolution process to determine location, size and orientation of bodies in an image. One series of spacial filters of different sizes is used to determine location and size. A second series is used to determine orientation and is a series of varying density, overlapping spacial filters. In particular, the series of spacial filters determines the spherical coordinants (r, .theta., .phi.) of bodies in an image of a muscle cell. The series of overlapping filters in one design have vector responses such that a resultant vector is defined. .phi. equals the angle of the resultant vector and .theta. is proportional to the length of the resultant vector. A series of one and two dimensional differential gaussian filters determine the cell boundaries.

Abstract: A microscope is modified to allow for precise imaging of samples using different filters at different focal planes under computer control. A filter accessory includes a filter disc having bandpass filters. The filter disc may be rotated to move a selected filter into the optical path between a light source and the microscope sample. Adjustment of the image plane of the microscope is controlled by the computer using feedback from a lens position sensor.