Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Advancements In Hyperspectral Imaging Systems

By Patricia Parker


The human eye can distinguish only three primary colors of visible light. This is in contradistinction to computer vision systems, which are capable of distinguishing a greater lineup of color channels. Hyperspectral imaging systems are capable of differentiating spectral domains from infrared to ultraviolet, which enable machine visions to display the reflectance differences that humans cannot see.

Hyperspectral imaging is a photography technique that collects particular information from the whole band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Compared to traditional color cameras, this imaging provides a digital image with more analytics and data. With this spelling out of the whole spectrum of each pixel in the image, observers may be able to better find objects, identify materials, and detect certain processes.

This imaging has assorted applications and uses in everyday life. Its proper utilization, though, requires proper understanding and a certain expertise. There are many processes and strategies used in interpreting resultant images, and they also have limitations. Certain knowledge includes recognizing the different fingerprints or spectral signature of different substances and materials.

Multispectral imaging has sundry uses in astronomy, molecular biology, pharmaceuticals, forensics, geosciences, remote sensing, medical diagnosis, food and agriculture, and ecological and geological studies, among others. Astrophotography uses this technique to highlight the colors of certain nebulae and galaxies. In microscopy, it is used to emphasize the contrast already provided by stains and dyes.

In forensic science, HSI has been used in detecting incriminating evidence such as fingerprints and DNA samples. Military operations utilize this technique as well because it is crucial in target identification and logistics. In medicinal sciences, HSI is being used in the detection of irregularities in the human body, like tumors and other such aberrations. In geology or petrology, it has similar applications to remote sensing, with detecting and tracking undiscovered oil fields.

In agriculture, this is used in researching seed viability or mapping the patterns of invasive weed. In food research and industry, this system is used to identify deficiencies, determine the quality, and pinpoint certain contaminants, such as the detection of spoilage in certain meats and fruits, characterizing the freshness of fish and other meats, or sorting fruits and vegetables. In environmental studies, HSI tracks changes and developments in the ecosystem, such as pollution levels and deforestation.

For imaging systems and products, there are hyperspectral cameras, which can cover three hundred up to one thousand and seven hundred nanometers in spectral range. If youre after automated sorting and quality control applications, theres the hyperspectral machine vision systems. There are benchtop, outdoor, and airborne systems. Benchtop is for laboratory and industrial use, the outdoor is mounted on a tripod for field use, and the airborne is designed for UAVs and manned aircraft.Accessories like objective lenses, lighting fixtures, analysis software, and scanning stage options are already provided for.

It's not just about the color. After all, hyperspectral imaging has progressed from unreliable research prototypes to accurate analytical instruments whose applications have ranged from detecting the bruise in your fruit to uncovering the secrets of the universe. It is a powerful tool that remarkably illustrates the potential of science and the importance of its development and application.




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