System and method for high precision snapshot multi-spectral imaging based on multiplexed illumination

A multispectral image system comprising:

• a light source configured to illuminate an object by selectively emitting light comprising one or more wavebands of a set of four or more predetermined wavebands;
• an image sensor configured to receive a reflected portion of the emitted light that is reflected by the object;
• an aperture positioned to allow the reflected portion of the emitted light to pass to the image sensor;
• a multi-bandpass filter positioned over the aperture, wherein the multi-bandpass filter is configured to allow simultaneous passage of light in the four or more predetermined wavebands;
• a memory storing instructions for generating and unmixing multispectral images;
• and
• at least one processor configured by the instructions to at least:
• cause the light source to emit light of a first subset of two or more of the predetermined wavebands at a first time;
• receive, from the image sensor, first image data generated based on reflected light of the first subset;
• cause the light source to emit light of a second subset of two or more of the predetermined wavebands at a second time different from the first time, wherein the second subset of two or more predetermined wavebands differs at least in part from the first subset of two or more predetermined wavebands;
• receive, from the image sensor, second image data generated based on reflected light of the second subset;
• process the first image data and the second image data to generate at least a first multispectral image and a second multispectral image;
• and
• perform spectral unmixing to generate a plurality of single-waveband images of the object, each single-waveband image corresponding to one of the four or more predetermined wavebands.