APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING AN IMAGE OF A FLUORESCENT PATTERN UNDER AMBIENT LIGHT

摘要

The invention provides an imaging apparatus (10) for obtaining an image (40) of a fluorescent pattern (32) under ambient light, such as a fluorescent barcode or a fingerprint dyed with a fluorescent marker. The apparatus includes a synchronous shutter imaging device (12) having an image recording sensor and a shutter, a first pulsed light source (18) which emits a pulse of light having an excitation wavelength of the fluorescent pattern, an optical filter (14) which prevents light having the excitation wavelength from reaching the image recording sensor of the synchronous shutter imaging device, and a synchronisation control (22) which synchronises the shutter and the pulsed light source. The synchronisation of the shutter and pulse, so that the shutter opens during the pulse, and the provision of the optical filter allow a low intensity light source to be used and an image to be obtained under ambient light conditions.