Abstract: The invention detects areas of interest at low magnification, locating possible abnormal cells or other cells of interest using image processing and statistical pattern recognition techniques. Next, at high magnification, the areas identified at low magnification are re-examined. The information from the low magnification and high magnification scans is collated and a determination is made about the slide--whether it is normal, abnormal, contains endocervical component, and so forth. The invention also provides a method and apparatus to train object feature and slide feature classifiers. The invention provides an automated cytology system that can process training slides for use in a feed back classifier development environment. The invention also can classify endocervical groups of cells.

Abstract: A test method and system for the testing of fiber optic connectors in a fiber optic system while the system is operational without external test equipment. An input signal is applied to one end of a fiber optic path comprising a plurality of connections, which results in an output signal. The input signal has known characteristics (e.g., a training pulse) over the fiber optic path. The output signal, which is generated in response to the input signal, is converted from a time domain expression to a frequency domain expression using, for example, Fourier transform analysis. Then, the frequency domain expression of the output signal is combined with a frequency domain expression of the input signal to provide a waveform from which the location of each connector and its relative level of performance can be determined. Advantageously, the method and system do not require disassembly of the fiber optic path.

Abstract: A computer aided biological specimen screener is responsive to a priori information about biological specimens. An automated slide classifier scans a slide specimen and generates a set of scores. The classification which results from this set of scores depends on a priori information concerning the patient, such as patient age and prior health history and diagnosis. Using the patient information and an appropriate score, the specimen is classified. A normal threshold used for classification is changed over a wide range depending on the specificity appropriate to a particular patient risk category. The sensitivity of the classification is automatically maximized for a predetermined normal specificity.

Abstract: N-alkyl polyhydroxy alkyl amines such as N-methyl glucamine having a Gardner Color of less than 1 are reacted with sources of fatty acyl groups such as methyl esters, anhydrides, and/or fatty acids that have greater than 98% transmittance at 460 nm in organic hydroxy solvents such as methanol to prepare N-alkyl polyhydroxy amine amides with good color. The N-alkyl polyhydroxyamines can be purified by crystallization, and/or subjected to reductive bleaching, to provide superior color. The reaction is preferably carried out at low temperature for short periods of time and with low catalyst levels to minimize formation of cyclic products. The resulting amide product can be further purified by treatment with anionic and cationic exchange resins to remove soap and amine impurities. The anionic ion exchange resin can be readily regenerated by acidifying it followed by washing with an organic solvent.

Abstract: A cryptographic method and system based on chaos theory is provided. Unique random 64-bit binary strings generated from an iterative chaotic equation are used as logic and arithmetic operands during encryption/decryption. The random 64-bit binary strings are generated based on 4 initializer values that produce thousands of iterated values from the chaotic equation z.sub.t+1 =Z.sub.t.sup.2 +c, where z and c are complex numbers. The 64-bit random numbers are translated into two 32-bit keys so that each 32 bits of message are encrypted/decrypted, using a bitwise logic operator such as an exclusive-or, with a unique 32-bit key for the length of the message file. For additional security, a combination of logic and arithmetic operators are used on the 32-bit keys and the 32-bit blocks of message text to produce 32N-bit blocks of ciphertext, where N=2.sub.r and r.ltoreq.2. For any set of 4 initializer values, the lifetime, n, is the number of iterations of the equation Z.sub.t+1 =z.sub.t.sup.

Abstract: N-alkyl polyhydroxy alkyl amines such as N-methyl glucamine having a Gardner Color of less than 1 are reacted with sources of fatty acyl groups such as methyl esters, anhydrides, and/or fatty acids that have greater than 98% transmittance at 460 nm in organic hydroxy solvents such as methanol to prepare N-alkyl polyhydroxy amine amides with good color. The N-alkyl polyhydroxyamines can be purified by crystallization, and/or subjected to reductive bleaching, to provide superior color. The reaction is preferably carried out at low temperature for short periods of time and with low catalyst levels to minimize formation of cyclic products. The resulting amide product can be further purified by treatment with anionic and cationic exchange resins to remove soap and amine impurities. The anionic ion exchange resin can be readily regenerated by acidifying it followed by washing with an organic solvent.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a color liquid crystal display backlight system for daytime and nighttime use. Night vision imaging system retirements are met so that light emissions from the 630 nm to 930 nm range are substantially reduced or eliminated. Separate daytime and nighttime light sources are utilized. The NVIS compatible nighttime source is positioned to be out of sight of a user and produces an appropriately filtered, substantially collimated beam which diffusively reflects from the inside walls and base of the display housing before it illuminates the display surface. Intensities of both daytime and nighttime light sources can be controlled.

Abstract: A cytological system dynamic normalization of a normal threshold. An analysis score from a slide is compared against a threshold to determine whether or not the slide is normal or requires microscopy review. The normal threshold is dynamically adjusted using a three step process. The process is implemented on an automatic cytology system. The first step is initial calibration of the system to determine an initial threshold. The second step is a running adjustment of the normal threshold in response to the presentation of new slides to the automatic cytology system. The third step is the batch certification of every slide. The threshold may be adjusted for an analysis score, a quality control score, or a screening score.

Abstract: A photographic facsimile of a line image at a predetermined orientation is illuminated by a collimated monochromatic light source to produce a diffraction pattern. The diffraction pattern is focussed by a converging lens to image the Fourier transform of the line image on a spatial frequency plane. The image in the spatial frequency plane is applied to a detector for measuring the spatial power distribution as a function of the spatial frequency. The line image is then reoriented in the image plane, and successive measurements made as the image is rotated in the image plane. Resolution is quantified in the spatial frequency plane as the magnitude of a selected signal as a function of displacement (i.e, spatial frequency). By simulating selected imaging components and generating a resultant line image, the resolution of any imaging system component may be measured.

Abstract: A photographic facsimile of a line image at a predetermined orientation is illuminated by a collimated monochromatic light source to produce a diffraction pattern. The Fourier distribution of the diffraction pattern is focussed by a converging lens to image on a spatial frequency plane of spatial signal and spatial noise components. The image in the spatial frequency plane is applied to a detector for selectively measuring the spatial power contribution of the signal and noise components, thereby to provide a measure of image quality relating to imaging system signal-to-noise ratio. A spatial filter (18) may be introduced into the optical path to block the spatial signal components, while allowing the noise components to impinge on the detector. The line image is then reoriented in the image plane, and successive measurements of spatial signal and noise contributions repeated. The ratio of signal-to-noise power is then computed for each orientation of the line image.

Abstract: A video interface apparatus for converting an incoming interlaced video signal to an outgoing non-interlaced video signal for an LCD flat panel with an arbitrary number of rows and columns. The incoming video signal is digitized and stored in a memory. An address generator creates addresses for reading and writing data from and into the memory, and the resulting read data is used to reconstruct the digital signal into an image for display on the LCD flat panel.

Abstract: A cross-channel data link for interconnecting a plurality of computers together in a ring configuration using a single optical fiber between adjacent communication nodes includes wavelength division multiplexing circuitry in a way that improves the fault diagnostic capabilities of the system. By using a particular transmission protocol in which optical data representing signals of two discrete wavelengths are fed through a single optical fiber with one progressing in the clockwise direction and the other in a counterclockwise direction in two recurring time frames, at the conclusion each of the computers is guaranteed to have identical data irrespective of any single point failure in the data link.

Abstract: An electronic interface for converting an interlaced video signal to a non-interlaced video signal suitable for an LCD flat panel. An analog interpolator scheme is used in which the information available in an incoming video scan line is delayed and sampled, and output signals are created by interpolation between the sampled input and actual and interpolated scan line signals. The output signals are then converted into an integrated, sequential non-interlaced output signal having a frequency corresponding to the horizontal resolution of a scan line of the flat panel.

Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method are described for testing liquid crystal matrix displays that can be performed prior to the assembly of the display. This display procedure involves applying of square wave signal to the control elements and a sine wave signal to the input terminal of an active element associated with the pixel under test. By selection of the sine wave signal frequency, the modulation products resulting from the combination of the square wave signals and the sine wave signal fall between the components resulting from the application of the square wave signal alone. As a result of the symmetry of the modulation components, a comb filter can be used to select the modulation components. The power of the transmitted modulation products provides a figure of merit for the active element associated with the pixel.

Abstract: An analysis system of the concurrent type has a multicuvette unit supply station, a loading station, an analysis station, and transport mechanism for transporting cuvette units in correlated orientation between the several stations. Each cuvette unit includes mechanical interlock structure that cooperates with orientation structure at each of the several stations and with orientation structure carried by the transport mechanism so that continuity of cuvette orientation information is maintained throughout loading and concurrent analysis of the several samples in the cuvette unit.

Abstract: A saturating column driver for an LCD substrate. Digital data is entered into a register in a serial fashion to produce a series of single-column addresses. The single-column addresses are latched and apparatus is provided for translating video binary words into grey scale codes. Also provided are switches responsive to the translated video binary words which switch a voltage input corresponding to the video binary word through to the LCD substrate to generate the desired grey scale.

Abstract: Apparatus for optimizing system performance for use in a transmission and signal distribution system which includes at least one fiber optic link having transmission and receiving means. The apparatus includes apparatus for measuring noise signals in each fiber optic link and apparatus for generating system performance data corresponding to the noise signals measured by the noise measurement apparatus.

Abstract: A memory mapped deflection correction system for use in correcting misconvergence in color CRTs. The invention utilizes predetermined convergence values by storing these values in an onboard memory. Apparatus for spatial domain interpolation interpolates the stored values into intermediate convergence correction values. The intermediate values are reconstructed into analog convergence signals using a reconstruction means, including an analog to digital converter and an amplifier inherently including a time domain filter. The amplifier then drives the convergence yoke of the CRT.

Abstract: An analysis system has a first region in which sample materials are stored at an appropriate storage temperature and an analysis region which is maintained at a controlled and stabilized temperature higher than the temperature of the first region. Transfer mechanism for transferring a quantity of sample material from the first region for loading into an analysis cuvette in the analysis region includes a liquid handling probe that is mounted on a probe transport carriage, and a drive for moving the transport carriage between the first and second regions. The transport carriage includes a storage chamber connected to the liquid handling probe, thermal energy supplying means in heat exchange relation with the storage chamber, and thermal sensor means carried by the transport carriage. Means responsive to the thermal sensor supplies thermal energy to the transport carriage to maintain the storage chamber at substantially the same temperature as the analysis region.

Abstract: An analysis system of the concurrent type has a multicuvette unit supply station, a loading station, an analysis station, and transport mechanism for transporting cuvette units in correlated orientation between the several stations. Each cuvette unit includes mechanical interlock structure that cooperates with orientation structure at each of the several stations and with orientation structure carried by the transport mechanism so that continuity of cuvette orientation information is maintained throughout loading and concurrent analysis of the several samples in the cuvette unit.