Multi-modal Imaging System Object Handling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies face challenges in combining multiple imaging modes due to high costs and practical complications, such as spatial accuracy issues when transferring objects between different systems, and the need for specialized environments like MRI systems that restrict the use of ferrous metals and require proximity to particle accelerators.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates light imaging with other imaging modalities like MRI, CT, or PET, using an object handling system to transfer objects between imaging chambers while maintaining spatial accuracy, and software to combine spatial and functional data from different imaging modes, including light imaging that captures low-intensity light from bioluminescent sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple traditional imaging systems (MRI, CT, PET) are combined to achieve multi-modal imaging, then imaging functionality and data quality are improved, but system cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (optical imaging, MRI, CT, PET) into a single integrated system where different imaging components share common infrastructure including the object handling mechanism, data processing unit, and control system. This merging approach enables multi-functional imaging capabilities while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate standalone systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The object handling system can position specimens for different imaging modalities, the data processing unit can handle various data types from different imaging sources, and the integrated architecture allows a single system to replace multiple specialized systems, thereby reducing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If objects are transferred between separate imaging systems to achieve multi-modal imaging, then imaging versatility is improved, but spatial accuracy deteriorates due to transfer errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple imaging modalities into a single physical system with a common object handling platform. The specimen remains on the same stage and is imaged by different modalities in sequence without physical transfer between systems, thereby maintaining spatial coordinates and eliminating transfer-induced positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated data processing unit acts as an intermediary that receives and correlates data from different imaging modalities while maintaining spatial relationships. The system uses coordinate transformation algorithms and fiducial markers to ensure precise spatial alignment between images from different modalities, eliminating the need for physical object transfer.
3Reliability
If specialized imaging environments (e.g., MRI rooms with ferrous metal restrictions, PET centers near particle accelerators) are used, then imaging quality is improved, but operational flexibility and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities that traditionally require separate specialized facilities into a single integrated system. By sharing common infrastructure and control systems, the invention enables multi-modal imaging in a single location, eliminating the need for separate MRI rooms, PET centers, and particle accelerator facilities, thereby improving operational flexibility and accessibility.
4Reliability
If separate imaging systems are used for different modalities, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but overall system cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system employs universal components that can be configured for different imaging modalities. The object handling system, data processing unit, and control architecture are designed to be modality-agnostic, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to support optical imaging, MRI, CT, and PET functions, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining functional optimization for each modality.
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 cost-effective multi-modal imaging by combining spatial and functional information from various imaging systems, maintaining spatial accuracy, and accommodating the requirements of different imaging technologies within a single setup.
Implementation Method 1
Bioluminescence is typically produced by cells that have been transfected with a luminescent reporter such as luciferase
Implementation Method 2
Light imaging involves the capture of low intensity light from a light-emitting object
Implementation Method 3
Fluorescence is another optical imaging technology that can be used to track cells or molecules in vivo. This technology has been demonstrated recently using genetically expressed reporters such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) and near infrared (NIR) dyes such as Cy5. Briefly, fluorescence is a molecular phenomenon in which a substance absorbs light of a particular wavelength and emits light of a longer wavelength.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein provides systems and methods for handling objects within an imaging system, such as a multi-modal imaging system. An object handling system operates to position an object to be imaged in an interior cavity of a light imaging system, and also moves the object to be imaged between the light imaging system and a second imaging system. The object handling system can include components such as a stage that supports the object, a manipulator configured to move the stage between the interior and exterior of the light imaging system and a light seal configured to interface with a light seal on an exterior wall of the light imaging system.