an electronic imaging system is disclosed , for assessing the intensity of colorimetric , fluorescent or luminescent signal in a matrix consisting of wells , microwells , hybridization dot blots on membranes , gels , or other specimens . the system includes a very sensitive area ccd detector , a fast , telecentric lens with epi - illumination , a reflective / transmissive illumination system , an illumination wavelength selection device , and a light - tight chamber . a computer and image analysis software are used to control the hardware , correct and calibrate the images , and detect and quantify targets within the images .