Agile Spectrum Imaging: Programmable Wavelength Modulation for Cameras and Projectors

We advocate the use of quickly-adjustable, computer-controlled color spectra in photography, lighting and displays. We present an optical relay system that allows mechanical or electronic color spectrum control and use it to modify a conventional camera and projector. We use a diffraction grating to disperse the rays into different colors, and introduce a mask (or LCD/DMD) in the optical path to modulate the spectrum. We analyze the tradeoffs and limitations of this design, and demonstrate its use in a camera, projector and light source. We propose applications such as adaptive color primaries, metamer detection, scene contrast enhancement, photographing fluorescent objects, and high dynamic range photography using spectrum modulation. Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS): I.3.1 [Computer Graphics]: Hardware Architecture I.4.1 [Image Processing and Computer Vision]: Digitization and Image Capture.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: CGF
• Authors: Ankit Mohan, Ramesh Raskar, Jack Tumblin
• Keywords: Adaptive Color Primaries, CGF 2008, Computer-controlled Color Spectra, Electronic Color Spectrum