Multi-mode internal imaging

Abstract

The invention described herein provides systems and methods for multi-modal imaging with light and a second form of imaging. Light imaging involves the capture of low intensity light from a light-emitting object. A camera obtains a two-dimensional spatial distribution of the light emitted from the surface of the subject. Software operated by a computer in communication with the camera may then convert two-dimensional spatial distribution data from one or more images into a three-dimensional spatial representation. The second imaging mode may include any imaging technique that compliments light imaging. Examples include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer topography (CT). An object handling system moves the object to be imaged between the light imaging system and the second imaging system, and is configured to interface with each system.

Description

Technical field: [0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for acquiring multiple image representations of the interior of an object, particularly for research and imaging applications. More specifically, the invention relates to multimodal imaging and other types of imaging using light. Background technique [0002] Currently, researchers and imaging physicians use any of a variety of noninvasive imaging techniques to produce internal images. These techniques use X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CAT scans, and ultrasound. In other systems, optical imaging is used to generate an optical image of an object. For example, bioluminescent imaging is a non-invasive technique used in the fields of medical research, pathology, and drug discovery and development to perform in vivo diagnostic studies on animal test subjects. Bioluminescence is generally produced by cells transfected with a luminescent indicator such as luciferase, which can be used to dis...

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