Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for taking images of a sample. The sample is placed in an imaging box comprising a moveable stage that allows images of the sample to be taken from various positions and angles within the imaging box. The images are taken by a camera and sent to a processor. Structured light images obtained from one or more views within the imaging box may be used to build a structured light representations of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer system and user interface that allows a user to readily view and analyze two-dimensional and three-dimensional in vivo images and imaging data. The user interface is well-suited for one or more of the following actions pertinent to in vivo light imaging: investigation and control of three-dimensional imaging data and reconstruction algorithms; control of topographic reconstruction algorithms; tomographic spectral imaging and analysis; and comparison of two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging data obtained at different times.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for collecting light emitted from an animal, where a luminescent reporter has been injected into the animal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving the animal, wherein the chamber is light tight preventing a substantial portion of light emitted from the animal from escaping the chamber when the chamber is closed and the animal is inside the chamber and a light monitoring device for collecting light from different portions of the animal when the animal is inside the closed chamber. The light monitoring device is arranged to collect light over substantially the entire surface area of the body and head of the animal, and the light monitoring device generates a quantified value based on the light collected from the animal. The animal does not have to be under anesthesia.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the distribution of fluorescent probes inside a sample, such as a mammal. Using a) fluorescent light emission data from one or more images, b) a surface representation of the mammal, and c) computer-implemented photon propagation models, the systems and methods produce a 3D representation of the fluorescent probe distribution in the mammal. The distribution may indicate—in 3D—the location, size, and/or brightness or concentration of one or more fluorescent probes in the mammal.

Abstract: A method of investigating the location and size of a light-emitting source in a subject is disclosed. In practicing the method, one first obtains a light intensity profile by measuring, from a first perspective with a photodetector device, photons which (i) originate from the light-emitting source, (ii) travel through turbid biological tissue of the subject, and (iii) are emitted from a first surface region of interest of the subject. The light-intensity profile is matched against with a parameter-based biophotonic function, to estimate function parameters such as depth and size. The parameters so determined are refined using data other than the first measured light intensity profile, to obtain an approximate depth and size of the source in the subject. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention integrates a structured light source into an imaging system for reconstructing surface topography of an object being imaged. The structured light source includes a mechanism for transmitting a set of lines onto the object from an angle. The lines are displaced, or phase shifted relative to a stage, when they encounter an object with finite height, such as a mouse. This phase shift provides structured light information for the object. A camera captures the structured light information. Using software that employs a structured light analysis, surface topography data for the object is determined from the phase shift of the lines.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for taking images of a sample. The sample is placed in an imaging box comprising a moveable stage that allows images of the sample to be taken from various positions and angles within the imaging box. The images are taken by a camera and sent to a processor. Structured light images obtained from one or more views within the imaging box may be used to build a structured light representations of the sample.

Abstract: An improved imaging apparatus is disclosed that allows a user to perform numerous imaging operations. The imaging apparatus may include one or more improvements to imaging box design to improve illumination control within the imaging box, such as improved door seal arrangements, improved door closing mechanisms, and improved light seals. The present invention may also include one or more improvements to imaging apparatus design to facilitate image capture, such as: an automated filter select device, a moveable stage, automated focus control, f-stop adjustment and stage height, and improved internal illumination for capturing photographic images.

Abstract: An improved imaging apparatus is disclosed that allows a user to perform numerous imaging operations. The imaging apparatus may include one or more improvements to imaging box design to improve illumination control within the imaging box, such as improved door seal arrangements, improved door closing mechanisms, and improved light seals. The present invention may also include one or more improvements to imaging apparatus design to facilitate image capture, such as: an automated filter select device, a moveable stage, automated focus control, f-stop adjustment and stage height, and improved internal illumination for capturing photographic images.

Abstract: An improved imaging apparatus is disclosed that allows a user to perform numerous imaging operations. The imaging apparatus may include one or more improvements to imaging box design to improve illumination control within the imaging box, such as improved door seal arrangements, improved door closing mechanisms, and improved light seals. The present invention may also include one or more improvements to imaging apparatus design to facilitate image capture, such as: an automated filter select device, a moveable stage, automated focus control, f-stop adjustment and stage height, and improved internal illumination for capturing photographic images.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved lens system for low light applications. This improved low light lens system is designed for any suitable low light application, such as the above described biological imaging application. In one embodiment, a finite conjugate lens system is disclosed. The lens system includes, in order from a camera side to an object side, a first lens group and a second lens group. The first and second lens groups are adapted so that when light is passed from the object side to the image side, a substantially sized region of collimated light is formed between the first and second lens group. Preferably, the first and second lens groups are adapted to demagnify an object at the object side.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) representation of one or more light sources inside a sample, such as a mammal. Mammalian tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that photons are both absorbed and scattered as they propagate through tissue. In the case where scattering is large compared with absorption, such as red to near-infrared light passing through tissue, the transport of light within the sample is described by diffusion theory. Using imaging data and computer-implemented photon diffusion models, embodiments of the present invention produce a 3D representation of the light sources inside a sample, such as a 3D location, size, and brightness of such light sources.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for taking images of a sample. The sample is placed in an imaging box comprising a moveable stage that allows images of the sample to be taken from various positions and angles within the imaging box. The images are taken by a camera and sent to a processor. Structured light images obtained from one or more views within the imaging box may be used to build a structured light representations of the sample.

Abstract: A method of investigating the location and size of a light-emitting source in a subject is disclosed. In practicing the method, one first obtains a light intensity profile by measuring, from a first perspective with a photodetector device, photons which (i) originate from the light-emitting source, (ii) travel through turbid biological tissue of the subject, and (iii) are emitted from a first surface region of interest of the subject. The light-intensity profile is matched against with a parameter-based biophotonic function, to estimate function parameters such as depth and size. The parameters so determined are refined using data other than the first measured light intensity profile, to obtain an approximate depth and size of the source in the subject. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.