Motorized Subject Holder for Rotational Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies face challenges in achieving unobstructed 360-degree imaging of animals or specimens due to tissue scattering and the need for manual repositioning, which is time-consuming and subjective, and existing solutions are costly and incompatible with standard optical imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a multi-positional actuator motor driver and a subject holder that allows for precise 360-degree rotation of the animal or specimen, enabling automated orientation changes and compatibility with standard optical imaging devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual manipulation of the subject is used to acquire images from multiple orientations, then the signal intensity and localization accuracy are improved, but the time required for imaging increases and the process becomes subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The subject holder automatically rotates the subject through multiple orientations without requiring manual intervention. The motorized rotation system enables the subject to be repositioned independently, eliminating the need for researchers to manually flip and reposition the animal for each image acquisition, thereby reducing imaging time while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static manual positioning to dynamic automated rotation. The motorized subject holder can rotate the subject to multiple predetermined orientations (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) automatically, enabling rapid acquisition of images from multiple angles without subjective manual manipulation, thus improving both efficiency and reproducibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual repositioning of the animal is performed for each image acquisition, then multiple orientations can be captured, but the animal's exposure to anesthesia increases threatening its health
Solution Approach 1:
The automated motorized rotation system performs the repositioning function independently without requiring repeated anesthesia events. The subject is anesthetized once and then automatically rotated through multiple orientations during a single imaging session, minimizing anesthesia exposure while maintaining the ability to capture images from multiple angles
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized subject holder enables continuous automated rotation through multiple orientations within a single anesthesia event. Instead of repeatedly anesthetizing and repositioning the animal manually, the system continuously rotates the subject through predetermined angles, maintaining imaging capability across multiple orientations while minimizing harmful anesthesia exposure
3Reliability
If specialized instrumentation is used to construct 3D representation of signal, then scattering problems are addressed, but the cost increases exponentially making the system unaffordable
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized subject holder is designed as a universal adapter that can be integrated with standard optical imaging devices already present in most laboratories. Rather than requiring expensive specialized 3D imaging systems, this multi-functional rotation device enables scattering correction through multiple orientation imaging using existing equipment, dramatically reducing system cost while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple 2D image copies from different orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) that can be computationally reconstructed into a 3D representation. This approach replicates the functionality of expensive dedicated 3D imaging systems by capturing multiple views and processing them, providing scattering correction capability at a fraction of the cost of specialized instrumentation
4Device complexity
If standard optical imaging devices are used, then the system is affordable, but they lack rotational capability for 360-degree imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized subject holder merges the rotational capability with standard optical imaging devices through a unified integrated system. The motorized rotation mechanism is combined with the existing imaging chamber and detector, enabling 360-degree imaging capability in affordable standard devices without requiring separate expensive specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized subject holder serves multiple functions: it provides rotational positioning, maintains subject stability during rotation, and interfaces with various standard optical imaging devices. This universal adapter enables affordable standard devices to gain rotational imaging capability, making multi-orientation imaging accessible without requiring expensive specialized instrumentation
Data Source
AI summary
An animal, specimen, or imaging phantom is imaged in precise increments over at least 360 degrees. The animal, specimen, or imaging phantom is supported within a subject holder. The subject holder has an elongated portion or tube for holding securely the animal, specimen or imaging phantom. The subject holder is connected to an actuator motor driver. The actuator motor driver causes the subject holder to rotate at the precise increments, and an image of the animal, specimen, or imaging phantom is captured at each increment. The subject holder limits movement of the subject being imaged at each increment.