Abstract: An improvement in methods of image analysis is described whereby the time required for analyzing certain types of images can be substantially reduced. The invention utilizes the light integration characteristic of a television camera to combine a succession of images applied thereto into a single composite image. A video signal of the composite image is then obtained by scanning in the usual way. Analysis of the video signal is performed in a known manner after threshold detection.The invention is of application to the analysis of microscopic specimens which are generally black or dark grey and which include a few widely spaced white or light grey features, on which the analysis is to be performed.One embodiment utilizes a single scanner and switching devices for alternately producing scanning and not scanning.