Re: Lab scripting language?

On 20/08/2006, madiba wrote in message
<1hkdgwu.6akl7ukn6b9cN%down@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>:
 
> Rob Shaw <rob@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> 
> > We are going to look through a microscope, do image processing,
> > and depending on what we see, move the stage, or adjust other
> > parameters, in real time. 

What you want is probably MatLab.  It can do all the image-processing you
want, and it can be used to control an IO card which could make the
adjustments to the microscope you need.  You will need at least one
electronics guy to hook up the microscope and one programmer to program
MatLab.

> Sounds like you want to do automated cytology, as in PAP smears. 
> Good luck!  Been there, got the T-****rt. Technology can't keep up with
> falling market barriers and influx of cheap labor (or does your PPC +
> software + peripherals cover its costs for little more than the
> equivalent of a bowl of rice/day?)

I think madiba is probably right for a large-scale project with many
performances of the same task.  You'd need a real microscope+computer
setup to do this.  It's cheaper to offshore it.  However, if you can
develop your idea to the point where the hardware becomes cheaper, it
might be a player.

Simon.
-- 
http://www.hearsay.demon.co.uk