Patent Publication Number: US-2022224844-A1

Title: Multi-Spectral Imaging System for Mobile Devices

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to imaging systems and more particularly to systems and methods for capturing multispectral images of an object with a mobile device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Current imaging systems that capture multiple images of an object utilize large cameras and light panels operated through computers. A multispectral image is one that captures image data within specific wavelength ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelengths may be separated by filters or detected via the use of instruments that are sensitive to particular wavelengths, including light from frequencies beyond the visible light range, i.e. infrared and ultra-violet. Multispectral imaging can allow for the extraction of additional information that the human eye fails to capture with its visible receptors for red, green and blue. These images can be used for photogrammetry, medical, forensics, health and safety, cultural heritage and other applications to capture sequences of registered or overlapping images for analysis, including to detect faint residues of substances. 
     Smartphones and other lightweight electronic digitization systems include portable cameras with integrated processors and operating systems to capture digital images. Small, lightweight light panels and other illumination sources are available to provide illumination for the camera. Conventional imaging systems, however, are not designed for controlling, powering and connecting both the smartphone and the multiple lights required to capture multispectral images. 
     It would therefore be desirable to provide systems and methods for capturing multispectral images with mobile devices, such as smartphones and the like. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting multispectral images with a mobile device having a camera with an image sensor, such as a mobile phone, camera phone, smartphone, phablet, smartwatch, tablet, netbook, handheld computer, single board (e.g. Raspberry Pi) or multiple board computer, laptop, personal digital assistant, or the like. The systems and methods of the present disclosure control and power one or more light sources to emit single or multiple wavelengths of light onto an object. The system further controls the camera within the mobile device to capture a series of images in the different light wavelengths. The resulting series of images may be used individually or collectively to detect and compare features in an object. This system may be used for the capture of multispectral images that could individually or collectively reveal features in the object that may not be visible in a single image. It also may be used for illumination in standard photography, video, photogrammetry and digitization operations. 
     The systems and methods of the present disclosure increase the portability and efficiency of the transportation, setup, connection and imaging by overcoming inherent problems of collecting multiple registered or correlated images with both a mobile device and light sources with independent controls, power supplies and connections, or single images or video. The systems and methods discloses herein reduce the cost and complexity of operating a mobile device with a camera and lights, with ease of use, common power source and connections. These systems and methods accelerate and improve the capture of a series of images of an object with both a mobile device and lights, or a single image or video. This offers advantage to practitioners in the fields of photography, photogrammetry, medicine, forensics, health and safety, and other professions in which practitioners need to quickly capture sets of images or video to advance their research and analysis. 
     In one aspect, a system for collecting multispectral images with a mobile device having a camera comprises one or more light modules configured to emit light onto an object in at least first and second wavelength or the same wavelengths. A controller is operatively coupled to the light modules and the mobile device. The controller is configured to control the mobile device and the light modules to capture at least a first image of the object in the first wavelength and a second image of the object in the second wavelength, or both in the same wavelength. A processor is configured to store, align, edit, calibrate, refine and/or integrate the first and second images to form a combined image in the first and second wavelengths or the same wavelengths. The processor may be disposed within the controller, or suitably coupled to the controller through wired or wireless connections. 
     In another aspect, a system for collecting multispectral images with a mobile device having a camera comprises one or more light modules configured to emit light onto an object in at least first and second geometries (i.e., orientations, angles and/or distances between the light module and/or the camera and the object). A controller is operatively coupled to the light modules and the mobile device. The controller is configured to control the mobile device and the light modules to capture at least a first image of the object in the first geometry and a second image of the object in the second geometry. A processor is configured to store, align, edit, calibrate, refine and/or integrate the first and second images to form a combined image in the first and second geometries. The processor may be disposed within the controller, or suitably coupled to the controller through wired or wireless connections. 
     In certain embodiments, the light sources are light modules configured to emit light in different orientations, layouts, including linear or circular, bands of wavelengths or combinations of wavelengths, such as the visible spectrum, UV, IR, Near-IR, Far-IR or the like. The light modules may comprise a plurality of light emitting devices, such as LEDs or the like, that are each configured to emit light in a single wavelength or multiple wavelengths. In certain embodiments, the system includes at least two light modules configured to be positioned relative to the mobile device camera such that the entire image is captured in the selected light wavelengths. Other methods of generating electromagnetic energy may also be mounted as light sources, including coherent light sources like lasers. 
     The controller may include control circuits for controlling the light modules to emit light only in certain bands, or single, wavelengths of light. The control circuits may include hardware, software, computer executable algorithms and/or other suitable control circuits. The controller may further comprise a user interface that allows the operator to select the light settings or wavelengths emitted by the light modules. 
     The controller may further include control circuits for operating the camera in the mobile device in synchronization with the light modules. This allows an operator to capture images of the object in each of the different bands, or single, wavelengths. The controller and/or the processor may further include one or more control circuits for integrating, registering, enhancing, editing, calibrating and/or manipulating the series of images to create a combined image with different or the same wavelengths. This allows an operator to view a single combined image or video that may reveal features of the object that would otherwise not be visible. 
     The controller and/or the processor may be further configured to electronically record the first and second images and the combined image, or a single image or video. The controller and/or the processor may be configured to transmit the electronically recordings of the images to a remote source, such as another processor, computer, cloud-based server or the like. 
     In certain embodiments, the system further includes a support structure for mounting and supporting the controller, the mobile device and/or the light modules. The support structure may comprise a central support for coupling to the controller, and one or more extension arms for mounting the light modules. The extension arms have proximal and distal ends and are coupled to the central support at the proximal ends. The extension arms further comprise mounts on their distal ends for receiving and supporting the light sources. The extension arms are preferably movable between extended and retracted configurations to move the light modules towards or away from the controller. The extension arms may also be rotatably coupled to the central support. In this manner, the light modules may be positioned at a desired angle and distance from the controller and mobile phone in order to optimize the light transmitted to the object and/or captured by the camera. 
     In certain embodiments, the system may further include a coupling device for coupling the mobile device to the controller and/or the support structure. The coupling device may be rotatably and slidably coupled to the controller or the support structure. This allows the operator to rotate the mobile device relative to the object to capture the desired orientation. In addition, the mobile device may be moved horizontally relative to the object to, for example, position the camera lens facing the center of the object and/or at the centerline of the imaging system. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. Additional features of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. 
     The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon consideration of the following description of exemplary embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a representative multi-spectral imaging system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a multi-spectral imaging system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the multi-spectral imaging system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are front and rear views, respectively, of a controller for the imaging system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the controller of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  being mounted to the imaging system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the controller of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  being mounted to a separate stand; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views of a support for a mobile device for the imaging system of  FIG. 2 , illustrating rotation of the mobile device; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective views of the support of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , illustrating horizontal displacement of the mobile device; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are front and rear views, respectively, of a light module for the imaging system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a close-up view of one portion of the light module of  FIGS. 9A and 9B ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a light stand for the light module of  FIGS. 9A and 9B ; 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a support structure for use with the imaging system of  FIG. 2  in an extended configuration; 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates the support structure of  FIG. 12A  in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 12C  illustrates the support structure of  FIG. 12A  in a partially-extended and locked position; 
         FIG. 12D  illustrates the imaging system of  FIG. 2  in a collapsed configuration; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the imaging system of  FIG. 2  in use with a representative object for imaging; and 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a representative multispectral image captured with the imaging system of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides various provides systems and methods for collecting multispectral images of an object in various wavelengths of light. The systems and methods of the present invention may be used to capture registered or overlapping images for analysis and detection of substances or features in a variety of applications, such as photogrammetry, cultural heritage, medicine, forensics, health and safety, and other applications in which practitioners need to quickly capture and transfer sets of multispectral and/or multiple image data to advance their work, research and analyses. 
     The systems of the present disclosure may be used for the capture of single or multiple images, video or multispectral images with a camera on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, to individually or collectively reveal features in the object that may not be visible in a single image. The systems may control a mobile computing device, a mobile phone and light sources to optimize the capture of images in single or multiple wavelengths of light with the camera image sensor. The systems may control the communications with the mobile device to transfer multiple digital images of the object to an external processor or cloud-based server. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a multi-spectral imaging system  100  according to the present disclosure will now be described. Imaging system  100  comprises a controller  110 , one or more light sources  120  and a support structure  130  for supporting controller  110  and controlling the positions of light sources  120  relative to a subject or object to capture images of the object. System  100  may further include a mobile device  140 , a processor  150  coupled to controller  110  and a power source  160  for providing power to system  100 . 
     Mobile device  140  may be any mobile communications device that includes an integrated and/or external camera(s)  142  and an internal or external data processor (not shown), such as a mobile phone, camera phone, smartphone, phablet, smartwatch, tablet, netbook, handheld computer, single board (e.g. Raspberry Pi) or multiple board computer, laptop, personal digital assistant, or the like. Mobile device  140  preferably includes a digital image sensor that detects and conveys information used to make an image of an object. The digital image sensor converts the variable attenuation of light waves as they reflect off or fluoresce from the object into signals, such as small bursts or energy that convey the information. Additional external components may be mounted with or on the mobile device, including filters, lenses, diffraction gratings, polarizers, lasers, etc. 
     Processor  150  may be any device having a central processing unit, such as a computer, workstation, server, mainframe, cloud-based processors or the like. Processor  150  may be coupled to controller  110  via wired connections or wirelessly, such as with cell phone networks, wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless sensor networks, satellite communication networks radio waves (e.g., Bluetooth) and the like. Processor  150  may be wirelessly coupled to a separate cloud-based server  152 , mainframe or other server. In some embodiments, processor  150  is integrated within controller  110 . 
     Controller  110  is configured to direct the capture of images or video from different illuminations and/or wavelengths by the digital image sensor in mobile device  140 . In certain embodiments, controller  110  includes software, executable computing functions and/or control circuits for controlling mobile device  140  to capture multispectral or other digital images with the camera  142  of mobile device  140 . 
     Processor  150  and/or controller  110  comprises a user interface, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, voice control or other suitable man-machine interface for allowing the operator to control imaging system  100 . Processor  150  and/or controller  110  comprises suitable hardware, software, computer executable algorithms and/or control circuits (collectively referred to hereafter as a generic term “control circuits”) to operate light sources  120  and mobile device  140 . These control circuits may be coupled to light sources  120  and mobile device  140  directly by wires or other connections, wirelessly via radio transmission, or other suitable means known to those of skill in the art. Processor  150  and/or controller  110  may also include an internal database that includes various folders or libraries of folders, metadata, images, documentation files and/or associated “read me” files that contain information about other files in a directory or archive of computer software. 
     Controller  110  and/or processor  150  includes control circuits and/or software for capturing a series of multispectral or other images and digitally combining, editing, enhancing, calibrating, “registering” and/or manipulating these images. This may include the ability to crop, rotate, zoom, filter, enhance and/or perform other image viewing and/or editing of images or video from the camera  142 . In this instance, the data includes multiple images of the object  200  taken by the camera  142  with different wavelengths and/or geometries. The control circuits in controller  110  and/or processor  150  are capable of combining, registering or aligning all of these images into one single image and/or video that can be viewed by the operator. It may also include producing grey scale, black and white, false color and/or other images and/or histograms from the image(s) or video captured by the camera  142  and mobile device  140 , and/or digitally combining the captured image(s) or video to reveal and/or highlight features of interest. 
     Controller  110  and/or processor  150  further includes one or more control circuits for adjusting the light settings in light sources  120 . Light settings refers to a particular band of wavelengths (or a single wavelength) that will be emitted onto the object from light sources  120 . These control circuits will accept input from a user (i.e., a desired wavelength or band of wavelengths) and adjust light sources  120  such that they emit light onto the object  200  in the selected wavelengths. Alternatively, the control circuits may be configured to automatically select certain predetermined light settings for a certain application. The controller  110  and/or processor includes one or more control circuits for controlling the camera  142  on mobile device  140  to capture images or video in the selected wavelengths. This allows for simultaneous control of mobile device  140  and light sources  120  to capture a series of images of object  200  with sequential lighting in different or the same wavelengths. 
     The controller  110  and/or processor includes additional control circuits for manually or automatically controlling the image capture by mobile device  140 . The controller  110  and/or processor  150  may also include control circuits or software for creating previews of the images that can be viewed by the operator on a screen, such as a computer screen or the like. These previews allow the operator to determine if a particular image in a single wavelength or band of wavelengths is desired, and to frame and orient the image. 
     Controller  110  and/or processor  150  may further include suitable hardware, software, computer executable algorithms and/or control circuits to analyze and digitally process the images captured by mobile device  140 . This may include control circuits or software to normalize the series of images from the camera  142  to the minimum and maximum values, and perform statistical techniques on the series of images to provide supervised classification and/or transform the image data into a new data set. This includes performing linear or nonlinear regression techniques to transform and analyze image sets, as well as measuring distances and geometries and angles between the camera  142  and the object. It may label images from the camera  142  with filenames and store metadata in and/or with the images, convert the images to different output formats, and/or provide an interface to other automatic or manual imaging software. 
     Controller  110  and/or processor  150  may further include a user interface, such as a check box or the like, to label the function of adding a particular wavelength image to the list of images to be captured as part of the sequence. The label may appear on every wavelength image and can be used as a standard placement of the function for each image. Thus, when the operator scrolls through the wavelengths, the check box can be selected if a particular image looks valuable. It may also allow the operator to select, tag and/or catalog images. 
     Controller  110  and/or processor  150  further includes control circuits for the camera  142  to electronically record images or video with both optimal lighting and camera settings, and control circuits for electronically controlling the lighting to optimize the lighting in conjunction with the camera settings. Controller  110  may further include control circuits for varying light spectral composition, intensity, exposure time, and/or spatial lighting variance in light sources  120  and/or mobile device  140  and control circuits for communications through mobile device  140  to transfer multispectral image data. Controller  140  may further include software and control circuits for electronically transferring data from mobile device  140  to processor  150  or to cloud-based servers  152 . 
     Controller  110  may further comprise one or more rechargeable batteries and/or a charging interface for providing power to the mobile device  140  and/or light modules  120  via suitable connectors or wirelessly. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , support structure  130  includes a central support portion  132  for receiving and supporting controller  110  and mobile device  140 . Support structure  130  further includes first and second extension arms  134 ,  136  extending outward from central support  132 . Extension arms  134 ,  136  each include a support  138  for mounting light modules  120  thereon and are configured to allow the operator to position and measure light modules  120  at a desired angle and distance from mobile device  140  in order to provide sufficient light onto the object to capture images therefrom, as discussed in more detail below. 
     Imaging system  100  may further include a mobile device support  170  for mounting mobile device  140  to controller  110 . Alternatively, mobile device  140  may be mounted to a separate support structure, or directly to support structure  130 . Imaging system  100  may further including a stand  180 , such as a tripod or similar device, for supporting support structure  130  and allowing for vertical positioning of imaging system  100  relative to an object  200  (see  FIG. 13 ). Support structure  130  includes a mount  139  for mounting support structure  130  to stand or tripod  180 . Support structure  130  may also provide a stable platform for mounted mobile device  140  so images captured with the camera  142  are registered, wherein two or more images of the same scene or object are aligned. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , controller  110  preferably comprises a housing or enclosure  112 , a power connector  114 , light module connectors  116 , a mobile device connector  117  and a power switch  118 . Controller  110  may further include a wired connector  119  for an external processor  150 , such as a computer, server, cloud-based system or the like. Alternatively, controller  110  may be wirelessly coupled to any or all of the external processor  150 , light modules  120 , mobile device  140  or power source  160 . Controller  110  may include fault detection software and hardware, with indicator lights that demonstrate power and data connectivity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , controller  110  further includes a mount  141  for coupling controller  110  to central support  132  of extension system  130 . Mount  141  and central support  132  serve to support controller  110  and mobile device  140  and to fix the position of mobile device  140  relative to the object  200 . In an alternative embodiment, mount  141  may be configured to couple controller  110  directly to a stand  180 , such as a tripod or the like (see  FIG. 6 ). In this latter embodiment, light modules  120  and controller  110  are mounted to separate, stand-alone tripods or stands  180  that can be moved to adjust the distance and or angle therebetween. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate one embodiment of mobile device support  170 . As shown, support  170  rotatably couples mobile device  140  to controller  110  and central support such that mobile device  140  may be rotated between a substantially horizontal position ( FIG. 7A ) and a substantially vertical position ( FIG. 7B ), or any position therebetween In one such embodiment, support  170  includes a main body  172  configured for coupling to controller  110  and a coupling arm  174  rotatably coupled to main body  172 . This allows the operator to select a horizontal, vertical or other position of the camera  142  within mobile device  140 , depending on the desired view of the object. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 8B , coupling arm  174  preferably includes first and second projections or flanges  175 ,  176  extending laterally outward from arm  174  and configured for positioning on either side of mobile device  140 . Coupling arm  174  further includes a telescoping central section  177  configured for longitudinal displacement relative to the remainder of arm  174  to move coupling arm  174  between an extended position and a contracted position. The extended position allows flanges  175 ,  176  to be placed on either side of mobile device  140 . Telescoping central section  177  is preferably biased towards the contracted position by a suitable mechanism, such as a compression spring, coil spring or the like, or it may be contracted with a jack screw. In use, the operator extends second projection  175  outward such that mobile device  140  may be positioned within projections  175 ,  176  and then allows the projection to be pulled into the contracted position around mobile device  140 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , mobile device support  170  may also be slidably coupled to controller  110  such that mobile device  140  may be displaced horizontally relative to controller  110 . In one such embodiment, controller  110  includes first and second ribs  190 ,  192  on either side of a central groove  194 . Main body  172  of mobile support device  170  includes a projection  196  configured to slide through central groove  194  of controller  110 . Ribs  190 ,  192  preferably have ledges that overhang groove  194  such that main body  172  may be slid horizontally through groove  194  without being decoupled from controller  110 . This allows the operator to position the camera lens(es) and/or sensor within mobile device  140  at any desired position, e.g., to align the sensor and/or camera lens(es) centerline with the centerline of the system  199  and/or the center of the object  200 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate one embodiment of a light module  120  according to the present invention. Imaging system  100  may include one or more light modules  120 . In one embodiment, imaging system  100  includes two light modules  120  that can be positioned to emit light from either side of object  200  and/or mobile device  140 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . Providing two light modules  120  to emit light from a selected angle and distance on either side of object  200  ensures that the entire object  200  (or selected areas) is illuminated with the selected wavelengths of light emitted from modules  120 . Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited this configuration and the number, positions and geometry of the light modules may vary depending on the size or shape of the object(s) to be imaged. The term “geometry” is herein defined as the orientation, angle and/or distance between an individual light module and/or the camera and the object. For example, imaging system  200  may include three or more light modules, or the light modules may, for example, be positioned above and below object  200  and/or mobile device  140 . In another alternative embodiment, imaging system  100  includes four light modules positioned diagonally from each of the corners of object  200 . 
     As shown, light module  120  comprises an array, panel, screen or other suitable radiating device  122  having one or more light sources for transmitting a plurality of specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to the object  200 . The light sources may comprise any suitable type of narrow or broad band of light emitters. In one embodiment, the light sources comprise, but is not limited to, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) designed to emit light in a variety of different wavelengths, including the visible, UV, IR, near-IR or far-IR light spectrums. These may include all LEDs in integrated unitary modules, or separate modules mounted together to provide illumination in different wavelengths, e.g., a module with visible wavelengths and others with UV and/or IR wavelengths. The light modules may include LEDs mounted in linear or circular geometry. LEDs may emit light in broad or narrow wavelengths of light. For example, LEDs may emit a single wavelength of light or any combination of multiple wavelengths. The LEDs may also be configured to simultaneously emit all of the wavelengths of the UV spectrum, the IR spectrum and/or the visible spectrum at equal intensity (i.e., white light). Light modules  120  may comprise other sources and methods of generating electromagnetic energy. 
     Light module  120  may further comprise one or more rechargeable batteries and/or a wireless charging interface (not shown) for providing power to the LEDs. Alternatively, light module  120  may be connected to controller  110  via suitable connectors or wirelessly to provide power to LEDs from one or more batteries and/or a charging interface in the controller as noted below. 
     Light module  120  further comprises a mount  124  for attaching module  120  to support  138  of extension arms  134 . Mount  124  further comprises a rotatable knob or other control  126  for rotating module  120  relative to support structure  130 . This allows the operator to control the angle in which the LEDS project light from light modules  120  onto the object  200 , as discussed in further detail below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , light module  120  may further include a charging and communications port  126  for coupling light module  120  to controller  110 . In addition, light module  120  may include a variety of other user inputs and/or indicators, such as an ON/OFF switch, power and battery indicator, and a wireless communication indicator. 
     A light module  120  is preferably mounted to each of the extension arms  134 ,  136  of support structure  130 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In an alternative embodiment, light modules  120  may each be mounted to a separate light stand  210 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, light modules  120  are not coupled to controller through a support structure  130 , but can be stand-alone components of imaging system  100 . The lights may further be alternately positioned behind the object for transmission of light through the object. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A-12C , one embodiment of a support structure  130  according to the present disclosure will now be described. As shown in  FIG. 12A , extension arms  134 ,  136  are rotatably coupled to a central support  132  for rotating between an open configuration ( FIG. 12A ) and a closed or folded position ( FIG. 12B ). Central support  132  includes a controller mount  212  for mounting controller  110  to extension system  130 . Support  212  preferably includes a pair of projections  214  on either side of a recessed portion  216  for receiving a projection  142  on a bottom surface of controller  110  (see  FIG. 4A ). In use, an operator slides projection  139  into recessed portion  216  to mount controller  110  to central support  132 . Projections  214  preferably each include ledges for ensuring that controller  110  remains securely in place. 
     Extension arms  134 ,  136  each include a telescoping portion  220  that allows for the extension and retraction of the arms  134 ,  136  relative to central support  132  to select a suitable position for mounts  138  and light modules  120 . An extension lock  222  may be used to lock telescoping portions  220  relative to central support  132 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 12C , extension system  130  further includes rotational locks  226  for locking extension arms  134 ,  136  so that they can no longer rotate relative to central support  132 . This allows the operator to select and secure light modules in a specific position (both distance and angle) from controller  110  and mobile device  140 . Extension system  130  may further include a mount  139  for mounting system  130  to a suitable stand  180 , such as a tripod or the like. 
       FIG. 12D  illustrates imaging system  100  in a collapsed configuration that may be useful, for example, for storage or during transportation of imaging system  100  from one location to another. As shown, extension arms  134 ,  136  of support structure  130  are in the fully retracted position with telescoping portions  220  fully retracted into the arms  134 ,  136 . Arms  134 ,  136  have been rotated together to minimize the overall footprint of the system. Light modules  120  are mounted to extension arms  134 ,  136  and rotated together to reduce the volume taken up by this portion of the system. Controller  110  and mobile device support  170  are mounted to central support  134  of support structure  130  and ready for coupling a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, thereon. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a representative imaging system  100  for use in capturing images of an object  200  according to the present invention. As shown, light modules  120  are positioned on either side of object  200  and rotated such that light is transmitted from light modules  120  onto object  200 . Mobile device  140  is positioned in a generally central location such that the camera lens can be directed at and focused directly onto object  200 . Mobile device  140  may be rotated and/or displaced relative to controller  110  to properly position the camera and/or lens. 
     In use, an operator mounts support structure  130  to a suitable stand, such as a tripod or the like, such that central support  132 [is positioned in the center of object  200 . Light modules  120  are mounted to extension arms  134 ,  136  and controller  110  is mounted to central support  132  as described above. A mobile device  140  with a camera, such as a mobile phone, is then mounted to controller  120  and positioned and/or rotated as described above to provide a view of the object  200 . 
     Once imaging system  100  is in position as shown in  FIG. 13 , the operator can choose one or more lighting settings for the image. Controller  110  and/or processor  150  directs light modules  120  to emit light only in the wavelengths selected by the operator. As discussed above, controller  110  has control circuits that can allow the operator to preview the image in the selected light setting and/or orientation on a visual display, such as a computer display on processor or other visual display. 
     Once the operator has selected one or more light settings, controller  110  includes control software or other control circuits for directing mobile device  140  to capture one or more images in each of the selected light settings or angles to the object. The operator may separately view each of the images that have been captured on processor  150  or another suitable visual display. Controller  110  includes additional control circuits or software to view, edit, calibrate, enhance, integrate, register and/or align all of these images such that a single image and/or video can be viewed that combines some or all of the images captured by mobile device  140 . These images will provide the operator with a view in different wavelengths or orientations that may allow for the detection of features that would not otherwise be detected with an image in visible light or single geometry. 
     The individual or combined and registered images may be selected and saved on controller  110  and transferred to processor  150  and or the cloud-based server  152  with metadata. Alternatively, the images may be directly transferred to processor and/or cloud-based server  152  without saving them on controller  110 .  FIG. 14  illustrates a representative multispectral image captured with the system of the present disclosure. 
     Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure provided herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.