Hyperspectral Imaging
Founded in 1995, Specim (Spectral Imaging Oy Ltd.) is the global leader in Hyperspectral Imaging with an in-house R&D design and a production space, including clean room facilities, maintenance, calibration, and repair services. Since 2020, Specim is part of KONICA MINOLTA Group, extending Konica Minolta's portfolio of measuring instruments into the invisible range (VNIR, NIR, MWIR).
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What is hyperspectral imaging?
All materials and compounds absorb, emit, and reflect differently when interacting with light, hyperspectral imaging is a non-destructive measurement method for identifying different materials and defining their properties by capturing data for this interaction.
Using hyperspectral imaging it is possible to measure the spectral pattern "spectral signature" of absorption and reflection particular to each substance. The spectrum is expressed in terms of light intensity and wavelength.
The following shows the output of each point in the measurement wavelength region and the two-dimensional value in the equipment using the imaging device.
Machine | Measurement wavelength range | Output |
|---|---|---|
RGB camera | Visible range | Number of RGB bits |
Imaging colour luminance meter | Visible range | Tristimulus value (each XYZ value) |
Near infrared camera | Near infrared range | Amount of energy |
Hyperspectral camera (using CMOS sensor) | Visible + near infrared range (~ 1000nm) | Spectrum data * Scanning required |
Hyperspectral camera (using InGaAs sensor) | Near infrared range (around 1000 to 1700 nm) | Spectrum data * Scanning required |
The "near-infrared camera" receives light in the near-infrared region of a certain wavelength range and outputs an image, or outputs the amount of near-infrared energy in that wavelength range.
The hyperspectral camera is designed to take this a step further by obtaining spectral data for each measurement point across the sensor, which facilitates:
- Advanced analysis
- Highly accurate detection
- Accurate identification
The hyperspectral camera can obtain 3D information (2D spectral data) of the object to be measured. Hyperspectral imaging data is called a "data cube" because the hyperspectral information is three-dimensional. data comprises the 2D position information and the spectral data obtained for each pixel of the image of the object that is measured.
Since hyperspectral cameras differ in the spectral wavelength range that can be measured by each model, it is necessary to select the appropriate camera depending on the object.
Learn more about hyperspectral imaging with Specim's tutorial videos