Integrated microtomography and optical imaging systems
Inventors
Stearns, Daniel G. • Nilson, David G. • Rice, Bradley W.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9314218-B2
Publication Date
2016-04-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system includes a rotating table that supports an imaging object, an optical stage, and separate optical and microtomography imaging systems. The table rotates the imaging object about a vertical axis running therethrough to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process. The optical stage can be a trans-illumination, epi-illumination or bioluminescent stage. The optical imaging system includes a camera positioned vertically above the imaging object. The microtomography system includes an x-ray source positioned horizontally with respect to the imaging object. Optical and x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains in place on the rotating table. The stage and table are included within an imaging chamber, and all components are included within a portable cabinet. Multiple imaging objects can be imaged simultaneously, and side mirrors can provide side views of the object to the overhead camera.
Core Innovation
An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system includes an imaging chamber configured to contain a separate imaging object and a rotating table located within the imaging chamber. The rotating table directly supports the imaging object so that a length of a body of the object extends in a plane defined by the surface, and the rotating table rotates the object about an axis extending through the object in a direction orthogonal to that plane to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process. Optical and microtomography imaging are both obtained while the imaging object remains within the imaging chamber.
The optical imaging system includes a camera positioned substantially vertically above the imaging object in a direction parallel to the axis to obtain optical images with respect to the axis while the imaging object is on the rotating table. A radiation source oriented to perform transillumination is arranged along a direction parallel to the axis and on a side of the object vertically below the imaging object so that the optical images correspond to light emitted from the imaging object along the direction parallel to the axis.
The microtomography imaging system obtains x-ray images of the imaging object while the imaging object remains in direct contact with the rotating table surface, and includes an x-ray source and one or more x-ray sensors. The x-ray source is oriented so that x-rays propagate in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the rotating table surface.
Processing for combining optical and x-ray data maps optical image data onto an x-ray surface mesh and performs optical diffuse tomography, including determining a three-dimensional distribution of light-emitting sources and generating anatomical tissue maps and heterogeneous tissue property maps.
Claims Coverage
This document includes three independent claims. Across these claims, there are core inventive features centered on a rotating-table stage with direct object support during multi-modal imaging, optical transillumination along an axis parallel to the rotation axis, microtomography with x-ray propagation oriented parallel to the rotating-table plane, and processing that combines optical and x-ray data using surface mapping and diffuse tomography.
Integrated chambered rotating-table multi-modal imaging
An integrated microtomography and optical imaging system comprising an imaging chamber adapted to contain a separate imaging object; a rotating table located within the imaging chamber and configured to directly contact and support the object so that a body length extends in a plane defined by the rotating table surface, and to rotate the object about an axis extending through the object in a direction orthogonal to the plane to a plurality of different rotational positions during a combined microtomography and optical imaging process; and optical and microtomography imaging obtained while the imaging object remains within the imaging chamber.
Optical camera and below-object transillumination aligned to the rotation axis
An optical imaging system comprising a camera positioned substantially vertically above the imaging object in a direction parallel to the axis and adapted to obtain optical images of the imaging object with respect to the axis while the imaging object is on the rotating table; and a radiation source oriented to perform transillumination along a direction parallel to the axis and on a side of the object vertically below the imaging object, so that the optical images correspond to light emitted from the imaging object along the direction parallel to the axis.
Parallel-plane x-ray propagation microtomography while object remains in direct contact with the rotating table
A microtomography imaging system configured to obtain x-ray images of the imaging object while the imaging object remains in direct contact with the surface of the rotating table, comprising an x-ray source and one or more x-ray sensors adapted to receive x-rays from the x-ray source; wherein the x-ray source is oriented so that x-rays propagate in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the surface; and wherein the optical images and the x-ray images are both obtained while the imaging object remains within the imaging chamber.
Rotating-table multi-modal imaging method with orthogonal activation and transillumination detection
A method of imaging an imaging object by multiple different imaging systems comprising placing the imaging object in direct contact with a surface of a rotating table so that the surface supports the object at a single location during a multi-modal imaging process, where the object extends in a plane defined by the rotating table surface; obtaining one or more optical images while the imaging object is in direct contact with the surface; activating a secondary imaging system aligned along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; obtaining one or more secondary images while the imaging object remains in direct contact with the surface and the secondary imaging system is activated; and rotating the rotating table about an axis extending through the rotating table and the object to a plurality of different rotational positions during the imaging process, where the optical images are obtained by transilluminating along a direction parallel to the axis on a first side of the object and detecting radiation emitted from the object propagating along the direction parallel to the axis on a second side opposite the first side.
Separate secondary imaging system with orthogonal optical and secondary axes supported at a single location
A multi-modal imaging system comprising a stage comprising a rotating table configured to directly contact and support an imaging object so the body length extends in a plane defined by the rotating table surface and rotate the imaging object during a multi-modal imaging process so an axis of rotation extends through the object orthogonal to the plane; an optical imaging system configured to obtain optical imaging data while the imaging object is on the stage, obtained by transilluminating a first side along a first axis parallel to the axis of rotation and detecting radiation emitted from a second side propagating along the first axis; and a secondary imaging system separate from the optical imaging system configured to obtain secondary imaging data while the imaging object is in direct contact with the rotating table surface, with the secondary imaging data obtained by measuring radiation along a second axis orthogonal with respect to the first axis; wherein the stage further adapted to support the imaging object at a single location relative to the optical and secondary imaging systems during the multi-modal imaging process.
The independent claims collectively cover a chambered rotating-table architecture for combined optical and microtomography imaging with fixed direct object support, optical transillumination and detection aligned to an axis parallel to the rotation axis, and x-ray microtomography with x-ray propagation oriented parallel to the rotating-table plane. A method claim further defines the operational sequence of optical image acquisition, orthogonal secondary imaging activation, and rotation to multiple rotational positions while maintaining direct contact. The multi-modal system claim additionally emphasizes a separate secondary imaging system measuring radiation along an axis orthogonal to the optical axis while maintaining single-location support.
Stated Advantages
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