Micro-dispersion electronic camera

A method of producing spectrally correct image data comprising the steps of:

• generating a plurality of micro-spectra from scene light;
• imaging the microspectra onto an electronic imaging sensor unit including an array of pixel groups, each pixel group including a plurality of pixel elements, wherein each micro-spectra exposes a corresponding pixel group and each pixel element within the corresponding pixel group generates an image signal representative of a portion of the microspectra;
• generating image data based on signals produced by the pixel elements in response to the imaging of the micro-spectra thereon;
• and correlating the image data to a plurality of wavelengths;
• wherein the step of correlating the image data includes the steps of sequentially illuminating a surface with light of specific wavelengths of a desired spectrum using a variable monochromator, activating the electronic image sensor to capture image correlation data of the surface for each wavelength of light;
• storing the image correlation data in a framestore;
• polling the image correlation data stored in the framestore to determine which of the pixel elements of the electronic image sensor produce a signal response for a given wavelength of light;
• storing a data table which identifies the wavelength of light to which each pixel is responsive;
• and using the data table to match the image data to a specific wavelength of light.