An image processing equipment for the inventory of micrometer sized shapes

We describe an image‐processing equipment designed and built to meet the specific requirements of an astrophysical experiment, but having probably useful applications in other fields of science and technology. It locates and makes the inventory of specified micrometer‐sized holes in thin metallic films. The data acquisition is made by a CCD camera looking at the film through an optical microscope. The information goes to a microcomputer through a special interface. The program and the electronics were designed for optimum acquisition speed, automatic operation, and minimum need for human intervention.