MicroTICAS. The design of an inexpensive video-based microphotometer/computer system for DNA ploidy studies

A description is presented of the microTICAS video-based microphotometer/computer system, which has been designed and implemented to provide an inexpensive means for the rapid assessment of DNA ploidy patterns. The design goal was to provide a low-cost, easily serviced unit capable of providing useful clinical results and that would be easy and convenient to use. The resulting system achieves those ends as well as providing a flexible research tool that can be extended with appropriate programming to perform a wide range of tasks. The major parts of the microTICAS system are the microscope/optical system, the video camera with its control unit, the video data digitizer, the frame buffer and display monitor and the small host computer. Commercially available components were chosen for these system components and have been assembled into a system with only a minimum of modifications. The resulting system can be configured to be compatible with both North American and European standards.