[Histological morphometric methods. II. Automatic analysers (author's transl)]

Histological morphometric methods can be divided into three groups depending on their automation degree: manual methods, semi-automatic methods, fully automatic methods. Among fully automated image analysers, one can separate devices into three main subgroups: 1 - general purpose systems controlled by software can be programmed to undertake an infinite variety of tasks. 2 - general purpose systems with limited repertoire of analysis, controlled by hardware programs. 3 - simple task instruments controlled by hardware programs (e.g. Hematrak, Leitz). Whichever instrument is used, three steps take place in an automated image analysis procedure: 1 - image numeration. 2 - parameters extraction. 3 - parameters interpretation. The NS 2000 image analyser belonged to the 2nd subgroup of the above mentioned systems. Its built-in hardware algorithm works just like successive erosions on images. An example (breast carcinoma tissue section) is given in order to illustrate performances of this peculiar image analyser.