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 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: 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 dual illumination system is disclosed for use with an imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus defines a light-tight imaging compartment with an interior wall having a view port extending into the imaging compartment. This view port enables data acquisition of a biological specimen contained in the imaging compartment. The dual illumination system includes a first illumination assembly configured to direct structured light onto a first side of the specimen to enable structured light and surface topography measurements thereof. A second illumination assembly then directs light at the specimen wherein diffused fluorescent light emanates from a surface thereof for receipt through the view port to acquire fluorescence data of the specimen. The combination of structured light imaging and fluorescence imaging enables 3D diffuse tomographic reconstructions of fluorescent probe location and concentration.

Abstract: A fluorescence illumination system is provided for use with an imaging apparatus that defines a light-tight imaging compartment. The fluorescence illumination system includes a trans-illumination component configured to direct excitation light into a first surface of the specimen wherein diffused light emanates from a second surface thereof for receipt through the view port to acquire fluorescence data of the specimen. Further, the fluorescence illumination system includes an epi-illumination component configured to direct excitation light onto a third surface of the specimen wherein the diffused light exits the third surface thereof for receipt through the view port to acquire fluorescence data of the specimen.

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: An imaging box assembly is provided for capturing an image of a sample. The imaging box assembly includes a body having an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front portion defining an opening into the cavity. A door is mounted to the body that is movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning a door rear portion substantially adjacent the body front portion to prevent access through the cavity opening. The box assembly further includes a compressible light-tight seal material disposed on one of the rear portion and the front portion, and a securing device disposed between the body front portion and the door rear portion. In the closed condition, the securing device generates a securing force between the door and the body sufficient to substantially uniformly compress at least a portion of the compressible material to form a light-tight seal about the opening into the interior cavity.

Abstract: A macroscopic fluorescence illumination assembly is provided for use with an imaging apparatus with a light-tight imaging compartment. The imaging apparatus includes an interior wall defining a view port extending into the imaging compartment to enable viewing of a specimen contained therein. The illumination assembly includes a specimen support surface sized and dimensioned for receipt in the imaging compartment, and oriented to face toward the view port of the imaging apparatus. The support surface is substantially opaque and defines a window portion that enables the passage of light there through. The window portion is selectively sized and dimensioned such that the specimen, when supported atop the support surface, can be positioned and seated over the window portion in a manner forming a light-tight seal substantially there between.

Abstract: An imaging box assembly is provided for capturing an image of a sample. The imaging box assembly includes a body having an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front portion defining an opening into the cavity. The body further includes a view hole enabling viewing of the sample contained in the interior cavity. A door is mounted to the body that is movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning a door rear portion substantially adjacent the body front portion to prevent access through the cavity opening. The box assembly further includes an optical filter select device to selectively position one of a plurality of optical filters between the sample and the view hole to intersect light from the sample.

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: A macroscopic fluorescence illumination assembly is provided for use with an imaging apparatus with a light-tight imaging compartment. The imaging apparatus includes an interior wall defining a view port extending into the imaging compartment to enable viewing of a specimen contained therein. The illumination assembly includes a specimen support surface sized and dimensioned for receipt in the imaging compartment, and oriented to face toward the view port of the imaging apparatus. The support surface is substantially opaque and defines a window portion that enables the passage of light there through. The window portion is selectively sized and dimensioned such that the specimen, when supported atop the support surface, can be positioned and seated over the window portion in a manner forming a light-tight seal substantially there between.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phantom device that simplifies usage and testing of a low intensity light imaging system. The phantom device includes a body and a light source internal to the body. The body comprises an optically selective material designed to at least partially resemble the optical behavior of mammalian tissue. Imaging the light source or phantom device may incorporate known properties of the optically selective material. Testing methods described herein assess the performance of a low-level light imaging system (such as the software) by processing light output by the phantom device and comparing the output against known results. The assessment builds a digital representation of the light source or test device and compares one or more components of the digital representation against one or more known properties for the light source or the test device.

Abstract: A fluorescence imaging assembly including an imaging apparatus having an enclosure wall defining a view port into a light-tight imaging compartment thereof. A specimen platform is positioned in the imaging compartment having a support surface facing toward the view port. An illumination assembly includes a light source and a frame disposed in the imaging compartment. The illumination assembly is positioned proximate to and substantially peripherally encircling the view port. A bundle of fiber optic strands extends into the imaging compartment wherein proximal ends of the strands are in optical communication with the light source and distal ends thereof terminate at the frame to emit a conical directional beam of light onto the specimen platform. The distal ends of the fiber optic strands are sufficiently spaced peripherally about the view port such that the plurality of directional beams collectively illuminate the specimen platform in a substantially uniform manner.

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: 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: A fluorescence imaging assembly including an imaging apparatus having an enclosure wall defining a view port into a light-tight imaging compartment thereof. A specimen platform is positioned in the imaging compartment having a support surface facing toward the view port. An illumination assembly includes a light source and a frame disposed in the imaging compartment. The illumination assembly is positioned proximate to and substantially peripherally encircling the view port. A bundle of fiber optic strands extends into the imaging compartment wherein proximal ends of the strands are in optical communication with the light source and distal ends thereof terminate at the frame to emit a conical directional beam of light onto the specimen platform. The distal ends of the fiber optic strands are sufficiently spaced peripherally about the view port such that the plurality of directional beams collectively illuminate the specimen platform in a substantially uniform manner.

Abstract: A macroscopic fluorescence illumination assembly is provided for use with an imaging apparatus with a light-tight imaging compartment. The imaging apparatus includes an interior wall defining a view port extending into the imaging compartment to enable viewing of a specimen contained therein. The illumination assembly includes a specimen support surface sized and dimensioned for receipt in the imaging compartment, and oriented to face toward the view port of the imaging apparatus. The support surface is substantially opaque and defines a window portion that enables the passage of light there through. The window portion is selectively sized and dimensioned such that the specimen, when supported atop the support surface, can be positioned and seated over the window portion in a manner forming a light-tight seal substantially there between.

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.