Microcomputer-based image processing workstations for cytology

Image processing workstations coupled to automated microscopes will play an increasingly important role in computer-aided cytological and histopathological diagnosis. Off-the-shelf hardware and software tools are becoming more powerful and are available at a fraction of the cost of their predecessors. This paper describes the results of our efforts at configuring a microcomputer-based workstation suitable for automated microscopy and computer-aided diagnosis. Important concepts and trends in microcomputer workstations are additionally discussed.