The drum scaaner is a device which digitizes the optical density of a negative in spots of 25, 50, and 100 mu . A 10 x 12-inch negative can be scawed in approximately 20 minutes. The enormous amount of data generated requires not only large storage capacity but fast response, as data are coming in at a rate of approximately 20,000 points per second. Programming of this system will provide a scheme for comparing points and printing out differences in optical density, location and size. This output will provide qualitative data from a lens radiograph. (auth)