Patent ID: 8177430

Claim:
A method of mobile image acquisition of a subject, the method comprising the steps of: providing an imaging system supported on a mobile device so as to steer movement of the imaging system across a floor; releasing restraint of movement of the mobile device; instructing movement of the mobile device in support of the imaging system to a first position for image acquisition of the subject; receiving feedback that the mobile device is located at the first position; and applying a brake force to restrain movement of the mobile device, wherein the step of applying the brake force includes creating a vacuum in restraint of movement of the mobile device relative to the floor; wherein the step of applying the brake force further includes communicating electrical power to a vacuum pump so as to generate the vacuum between a vacuum clamp attached at the mobile device and the floor in restraint of movement of the mobile device with respect to the floor; wherein a tank and a valve are located between communication of the vacuum pump to the vacuum clamp, the method further including the step of moving a position of the valve to a first valve position to communicate the vacuum from the tank to the vacuum clamp; and wherein upon release of the vacuum by the valve to atmosphere, a spring bias moves the vacuum clamp away from the floor.