CONCLUSIONS
This paper has described the results of applying simple digital image processing techniques to confocal optical microscope images. It has been shown that the imaging properties of such a confocal system are particularly well suited for digital processing.
Confocal imaging in association with digital imaging processing techniques such as autofocussing and contrast and edge enhancement provide images of a superior quality to that ofa conventional microscope. Further, such a system allows the 3D structure of the object to be examined Finally it should be noted that the techniques applied in this paper are applicable to a wide range of objects and other types of confocal imaging systems.
