Animal Imaging Device with Segmented Darkroom and Movable Supporter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices for animal test subjects fail to accurately capture changes and influences on the test subject when applying external stimuli, lacking the capability to obtain precise measurements and real-time imaging.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a movable test subject supporter, fastening device, and integrated image capturing technologies like optical, X-ray, or MRI, along with an excitation energy source and image processing system, allowing for real-time imaging of changes in animal subjects during external stimulus application, with features such as a sliding supporter, fastening device, and external light shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the animal is completely enclosed in the darkroom box for imaging, then external light interference is blocked, but the ability to apply external stimulus and observe real-time changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The darkroom box is divided into two functional zones: a stimulus application zone with an opening for external access, and an imaging zone that remains enclosed. This segmentation allows simultaneous external stimulus application and internal imaging without light interference
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the darkroom box extracts the stimulus application function from the enclosed imaging environment, allowing external stimuli to be applied while maintaining the light-blocking capability for imaging
2Manufacturing precision
If the animal is restrained completely to prevent motion, then imaging clarity is improved, but the animal's natural behavior and response to stimulus are suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint mechanism applies localized restraint only to the body region being imaged, while leaving other body parts free to move and respond naturally to stimuli. This selective restraint maintains both imaging clarity and behavioral accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing controlled movement in non-imaged regions while maintaining stability in the imaged region, enabling natural behavioral responses without compromising image quality
3Loss of information
If multiple imaging devices are used to capture different aspects of the animal, then comprehensive data is obtained, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging devices are merged into a single integrated imaging chamber, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of different imaging modalities (e.g., MRI, CT, optical imaging) within the same confined space, reducing overall system complexity and space requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate real-time imaging and statistical analysis of changes in animal subjects, improving measurement accuracy by allowing images before and after stimulus application, and facilitating precise data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The image capturing device includes at least one of an optical image capturing device, X-rays, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Implementation Method 2
The image capturing device includes at least one of an optical image capturing device, X-rays, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Implementation Method 3
The image capturing device includes at least one of an optical image capturing device, X-rays, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Implementation Method 4
After injecting a fluorescence conjugated antibody or a vascular-contrast-medium with respect to a research protein, a fluorescent substance (5-ALA) responding to a cancer tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging device for animals of the present invention comprises: a darkroom box having an opening part through which a portion of a subject to be examined protrudes to the outside or an external stimulator can be inputted or outputted in order to apply stimulation; a subject-to-be-examined supporter for mounting the subject to be examined thereon so as to facilitate the protruding of the portion of the subject to be examined to the outside or the application of an external stimulus; an image capturing device for photographing the subject to be examined before, after or during the application of the external stimulus while applying the external stimulus_to the portion of the subject to be examined mounted on the subject-to-be-examined supporter; and an image processing system for processing the image captured through the image capturing device.