Data acquisition of high multiplicity events in relativistic heavy ion streamer chamber experiments

The data processing of track chamber pictures with high multiplicity events is discussed in the context of relativistic heavy ion collisions. An operator assisted semi-automatic measuring system is described which processes streamer chamber pictures with approx.= 50 tracks each at a rate of 10 events in 12 h. The prospects and problems associated with the measurement of the total charged multiplicity in relativistic heavy ion collisions are addressed, in particular the total transverse energy as a measure of the impact parameter is introduced. (orig.)