Discovering the opportunities of multispectral imaging
Multispectral imaging (MSI) captures light from a range of wavelengths -visible and invisible to the human eye – across the electromagnetic spectrum using special camera technology, light sources, and filters. The Rainbow Multispectral Imaging Solution from Phase One is a fully automated and powerful tool for both multiband and narrowband multispectral imaging applications, delivering in-depth insights into materials, pigments and other traces in documents, paintings and artefacts, without physical contact with the object.
Rainbow MSI Solution Features
Fully automated workflow
Our mission with the Phase One Rainbow Multispectral Imaging Solution is to empower you to take full control of the capturing and analysis process. We have developed a fully automated workflow for capture and processing of image stacks for both multiband and narrowband multispectral imaging applications. Automation is achieved by an initial calibration for focus, alignment, exposure and even illumination across all the wavelengths being used. Calibration is handled via simple steps in the software using the provided calibration targets. Once calibrated, the system is ready for capture of image stacks, one after the other – simply position the subject matter and press ‘Capture’.
The Rainbow MSI software controls all elements of the capture process – camera, filters, and lights – ensuring accurate results every time. Having not to rely on third party services allows for significant time and cost-efficiencies in the analysis stage. Captured images are processed on the fly, producing a full set of images according to the CHARISMA guidelines for multiband, or a full set of greyscale images ready for further statistical analysis for narrowband. All images are meticulously focused, exposed and aligned to produce the ‘perfect stack’, removing any requirement to manually refocus, resize or align the images and the need to edit highlights and shadows.
Initial analysis of the image stack can be undertaken with the built-in analysis module, including principal component analysis, independent component analysis and clustering (K-means). Due to the degree of automation, you can now create your multispectral images with consistent high quality without expert photographic or scientific experience. With extremely high productivity, you can greatly expand the scope of your research.
Visible & luminescence imaging
The Phase One Rainbow Multispectral Imaging Solution supports both multiband and narrowband imaging applications, providing a single, simple workflow for both techniques.
With multiband, images are captured using UV, white and IR lights and pre-defined filters to capture reflectance and luminescence images. The images are processed on the fly according to the Charisma guidelines, producing a perfect stack of TIFF images ready for visual inspection.
With narrowband, images are captured under 16 distinct wavebands from UV, through the visible spectrum to near IR. Reflectance and luminescence images can be captured by combining lights and filters, resulting in a stack of images that are processed on the fly to greyscale for subsequent statistical analysis. Initial analysis can be undertaken immediately using the built-in analysis module offering principal component analysis, independent component analysis and clustering (K-means). Image stacks can be exported for advanced analysis using any of the available statistical analysis tools such as Paleo Corebox, ENVI, ImageJ, Matlab, etc.
A mobile & multi-purpose solution
With a long track record in the imaging industry, we have put an extensive effort into building our products and solutions with a flexible and modular design. The Rainbow Multispectral Imaging Solution is a fully modular, flexible system for multispectral imaging with both multiband and narrowband lights supported.
The solution can be used on any sturdy copy stand, a studio stand or heavy duty tripod. You can easily switch between a vertical or horizontal set-up, so subjects can be imaged while remaining wall-hanging for maximum flexibility. Furthermore, by allowing use on a heavy duty tripod, the solution can be fully portable, so multispectral imaging can take place of objects and artefacts in situ, as opposed to having to bring the subject matter into the MSI studio for placement on a baseboard.
This allows our customers to simply transport the system to wherever it is needed, which is oftentimes easier than having to move fragile artefacts and risk potential damage to the valuable items. With full automation and extreme ease of use, virtually everybody in an institution can produce perfectly sharp, exposed and aligned image stacks, ready for immediate analysis.
Capture more & better data
The Phase One Rainbow Multispectral Imaging Solution includes high resolution cameras with huge dynamic range, ensuring the smallest details and slightest traces are captured noise-free and ready for analysis. Phase One is renowned for producing the best quality images, and this same philosophy is brought to bear with the Phase One Rainbow Multispectral Imaging Solution, ensuring crisp, detailed images are captured at every wavelength, whether using multiband or narrowband lights.
With 100MP and 150MP medium format sensors, Phase One cameras employ high resolution CMOS sensors and advanced focusing to deliver sharp, color accurate, reliable and repeatable results through the entire sweep of lights and wavelengths selected. The Wide Spectrum RGB sensor is tailored for multispectral work, with the added benefit of being able to be used for standard visible-spectrum digitization work. Simply attach the included IR/UV-cut filter to the lens, and you are ready to capture in accordance with Metamorfoze, FADGI and ISO imaging guidelines. The camera also provides responsive live-view for efficient and safe positioning of subject matter, so you get to see directly what you are capturing on your tethered device.
Our whole product range is designed to work hard and to last, offering industrial build quality, made with aircraft-grade aluminum and using the most durable mechanical and electronic components. The Reliance Shutter in the cameras is guaranteed for 1 million actuations, and the built-in electronic shutter offers an unlimited number of actuations with no moving parts.
Premium Phase One service & support
Phase One has worked with specialists in multispectral imaging projects for years. Based upon this experience, we have developed a flexible, easy to handle and robust MSI solution centered around a best practice workflow. The Rainbow solution ensures that consistent and efficient imaging, with minimal overhead, improves the process of multispectral analysis across a wide range of applications.
The Rainbow MSI solution can be tailored for a wide range of applications and projects. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with custom guidance in configuring the best solution for a given application. Advice is backed up with online demonstrations and sample imaging from the Phase One Rainbow MSI demo center in Cologne, Germany. We offer all of our customers Phase One’s world leading customer support. You will be assisted in all steps of getting the solution up and running, from selecting the right components to the installation and usage.
The 100MP and 150MP wide spectrum cameras are covered by our three-year Uptime Warranty, and all components are chosen for their durability to ensure continued operation in the busiest of environments. We are happy to arrange for on-site demonstrations for feasibility studies, and we offer workshops in which our specialists can take you through the basics of multispectral image capture, processing, and analysis.
Rainbow MSI Solution Components
Rainbow MSI Solution Cameras
The iXH 150MP and iXG 100MP cameras employ high resolution, color accurate CMOS sensors and advanced focusing to deliver sharp, reliable and repeatable results through the entire sweep of the light wavelengths involved. The Wide Spectrum RGB sensor, tailored for multispectral imaging, can also be used for normal digitization work. Just attach the included IR/UV cut filter using the stepping rings provided to the lens and you are good to go, following Metamorfoze, FADGI and ISO 19264 guideline
- CMOS sensor with responsive live view for quick and safe positioning of subject matter
- Custom lens shroud mounted on filter wheel
- Available with Schneider Kreuznach 72mm and 120mm lens suitable for MSI imaging tasks and flat copy digitization work
- RS leaf shutter (guaranteed 1 million actuations) provides for Auto PPI functionality
Rainbow MSI Solution Software
The software controls all the elements and enables the full automation of the solution, allowing its application without extensive preparation and training, hence allowing for cost and time efficiencies.
- Integrated analysis module to see results instantly
- Principal Component Analysis, Independent Component Analysis and Clustering (K-Means)
- Spectral Readout tool gives an instant overview of the spectral composition at a given point in the image for narrowband stacks
Rainbow MSI Solution LED Lights
Multiband lights, delivering narrowband UV, broadband visible light, broadband and narrowband IR
- Used for Art Conservation and Police Forensics
- Follows CHARISMA guidelines
Narrowband lights, delivering 16 narrowbands of light from UV, through visible IR
- Used for Analysis of inks, paints, residues and features in manuscripts, objects, and artwork.
Rainbow MSI Solution Filter Wheel
Holds up to five filters and is configured to support the filtering needs of accurate visible imaging and luminescence imaging.
- Follows CHARISMA guidelines
- Removable and can be configured with any 2″ filters for future scientific applications
Want a basic understanding of multispectral imaging?
Swipe and reveal the invisible yourself
Multispectral imaging can be utilized in a lot of ways, from uncovering hidden messages in scriptures, investigating invisible residues in organic material or analyze color compositions of renowned art work. Our solution is utilized by the largest art and preservation institutions and supports criminal investigators all around the globe to gain more information on their subject of interest.
Interested in seeing the results yourself? You can download sample image stacks via the button below, to explore the level of data captured by our Rainbow MSI Solution. It gives you an idea on how the data points contribute significantly to gaining further insights without having to damage or compromise the material.
Purpose-driven collaborations
Phase One collaborates with multispectral imaging experts to build a strong solution that targets precisely the needs and demands of our customers. Partnerships like that include our strategic alliance with artIMAGING. With more than 20 years of experience and development in the field of art documentation and material research, artIMAGING supports Phase One with in-depth technical know-how, further innovating our solution and products.
Get further information on the activities between Phase One and artIMAGING here.
Contact a Phase One expert
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