Apparatus and method for multi-modal imaging

An imaging system for imaging an object, comprising:

• a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state;
• an imaging unit:
• for imaging the immobilized object in a first imaging mode to capture a first image, the first imaging mode being selected from the group consisting of:
• x-ray imaging mode and isotope imaging mode;
• and
• for imaging the immobilized object in a second imaging mode that uses light from the object to capture a second image, the second imaging mode being selected from the group consisting of:
• bright-field imaging mode and dark-field imaging mode;
• a movable phosphor plate mounted to be disposed in a first position proximate the support member when capturing the first image;
• means for removing the phosphor plate from the first position proximate the support member, after capturing the first image and without moving the immobilized object and the support member, and for moving the phosphor plate to a second position not proximate the support member prior to capturing the second image;
• and
• a capture system for capturing either the first image or the second image of the object.

A method of imaging an object, comprising the steps of:

• providing a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state;
• providing a phosphor plate adapted to be disposed proximate the support member when capturing a first image;
• disposing the phosphor plate proximate the support member;
• imaging the immobilized object in a first imaging mode to capture the first image, the first imaging mode being selected from the group consisting of:
• x-ray mode and radio isotope mode;
• removing the phosphor plate from proximate the support member, after capturing the first image and without moving the immobilized object and the support member;
• and
• with the phosphor plate removed from proximate the support member, imaging the immobilized object in a second imaging mode that uses light from the object to capture a second image, the second imaging mode being selected from the group consisting of:
• bright-field mode and dark-field mode.

A method of imaging an object, comprising the steps of:

• providing a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state;
• providing a phosphor plate movable relative to the support member, without moving the immobilized object and the support member, between a first position wherein the phosphor plate is in optical registration with the support member and a second position wherein the phosphor plate is not in optical registration with the support member;
• disposing the phosphor plate in the first position;
• capturing a first, x-ray image or a first, radio isotopic image of the immobilized object when the phosphor plate is disposed in the first position;
• moving the phosphor plate to the second position;
• and
• using light from the object, capturing a second, dark-field image or a second, bright-field image of the immobilized object when the phosphor plate is disposed in the second position.