Patent ID: 6804410
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: G06T,H01J,Y10T

Abstract:
A computer implemented method for processing images of samples deposited on a sample plate positioned within a mass spectrometer, comprising the steps of:generating an image of at least a portion of said sample plate from a camera having a field of view comprising at least part of said sample plate within the mass spectrometer; obtaining an output signal generated via the camera, wherein the output signal from the camera is provided to the computer; processing the image by the computer to identify features of the samples on said sample plate in said image; generating by the computer location data corresponding to said identified features of the sample in said image; and providing by the computer said location data to a controller for at least one of a laser and a positioning device for said sample plate, said controller being operable to perform at least one of a plurality of functions comprising directing said laser at said samples on said sample plate and moving said sample plate relative to said laser in accordance with said location data; wherein said image comprises pixels, said pixels being characterized by respective values corresponding to different levels of brightness, said locating step comprising the steps of: selecting a minimum brightness level such that said pixels having a value less than said minimum brightness level are determined to not belong to one of said samples; and analyzing groups of said pixels having values above said minimum brightness level to locate clusters of said pixels that correspond to one of said samples.