Computer-enhanced video microscopy: digitally processed microscope images can be produced in real time.

Digital processing techniques can be used to greatly enhance the available information in an optical image. Although this technology has been routinely used in many fields for a number of years, little application of digital image-processing techniques have been made toward analysis and enhancement of the types of images seen most often by the research biologist. We describe here a computer-based video microscope system that is capable of performing extensive manipulation and enhancement of microscope images in real time. The types of manipulations possible with these techniques greatly surpass the enhancement capabilities of photographic or video techniques alone. The speed and flexibility of this system enables experimental manipulation of the microscopic specimen based on its live processed image. These features greatly extend the power and versatility of the light microscope.