Abstract: A hybrid camera includes a sensor array, a rolling shutter configured to expose groups of pixels of the sensor array sequentially, an IR illuminator configured to illuminate a scene alternately in synchrony with the rolling shutter and the sensor array, and a control system configured to operate the sensor array, the rolling shutter and the IR illuminator. The hybrid camera control system is configured further to receive raw pixel data from the sensor array that include alternating visible data and visible plus IR data and to create from the raw pixel data a visible image of a scene and a separate monochrome IR image of the scene. An image acquisition method includes illuminating a scene with an IR illuminator alternately in synchrony with a rolling shutter and a sensor array, capturing visible data and visible plus IR data alternately, and creating visible and separate IR images using the captured data.

Abstract: There is provided a light-sensitive system responsive to light supplied by the system and less responsive to other light. The system includes a light source operable to supply time-modulated illumination, and a light sensor having greater response to the time-modulated illumination than to light from sources not so modulated. The invention may be embodied as a camera sensitive to supplied light and relatively insensitive to ambient light, and is useful in providing images for automated image interpretation. A method for photographing an object is also provided.