Abstract: A method for providing centralized anatomic pathology services. A plurality of regional pathology laboratories is provided, each laboratory servicing a defined geographic region. A master storage (e.g., database) of pathology information is maintained, the storage being accessible by pathologists associated with any regional laboratory via a communications link. Tissue samples requiring pathology processing are collected from a medical entity located in a first geographic region by a regional pathology laboratory. The tissue is processed, and a tissue slide is created. A digital, diagnostic quality image of the tissue slide is created and stored in the master storage. A pathologist, who may be remotely located with respect to the first geographic region, is provided with access to the stored diagnostic image via the communications link, to enable diagnosis by the pathologist without physical possession of the slide.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing amplitude distortion in data signals transmitted via cellular analog communication systems are embodied in several forms. In one embodiment, pre-emphasis and de-emphasis functions of the cellular system are offset by complementary de-emphasis and post-emphasis circuits to preclude clipping of high frequency components of the data signal by the limiter. Alternatively, the limiter circuit is selectively bypassed when a data signal is transmitted. Alternatively, a pilot tone is combined with the incoming data signal. The amplitude of the pilot tone is constant and always sets the gain of the limiter, thereby keeping the gain of the limiter circuit constant. Alternatively, a pair of signals at different frequencies are transmitted on a telephone line, and the relative amplitudes of the return echoes are measured to determine the frequency roll-off of the line and adjust the spectral shaping accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing amplitude distortion in a data signal transmitted through a cellular analog communication system is embodied in several forms. Each specific embodiment of the invention eliminates distortion caused by clipping or sluggish recovery time induced by a limiter circuit which exists in conventional cellular communication systems. In one embodiment, pre-emphasis and de-emphasis functions of the cellular system are offset by complementary de-emphasis and post-emphasis circuits so that the high frequency components of the data signal are not clipped by the limiter. In another embodiment, the limiter circuit is bypassed selectively when a data signal is transmitted. In an alternative embodiment, a pilot tone is combined with the incoming data signal. The characteristics of the pilot tone are such that amplitude of the pilot tone is constant and always sets the gain of the limiter, thereby keeping the gain of the limiter circuit constant.