Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging topic in machine vision and image processing. The topic is often discussed here on MVPro Media, with many of our clients reaping the rewards of the versatile technology.
HSI combines spectroscopy with imaging capability, allowing users to collect detailed information on objects that they wouldn’t be able to gather using conventional systems. HSI offers a high spectral resolution, allowing for highly detailed analysis of specific materials based on their unique signatures, such as fingerprints.
The HSI market has seen significant growth in recent years. It was valued at around $16 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach over $47 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 11.8%.
Machine Vision Applications of HSI
In an article on MVPro Media, e-con Systems outlined some applications of HSI’. This includes smart agriculture, where hyperspectral cameras are mounted on drones or satellites to capture data across various ranges.
It can also be used in environmental monitoring to assess vegetation health, identify water pollutants, track oil spills, analyse deforestation patterns and assess forest health. Those in the medical industry may also benefit from HSI; the technology can be used to differentiate between different types of tissue in real time.
Meanwhile, HSI technology also greatly benefits the recycling industry, with its ability to improve the efficiency of plastic sorting, increase polymer purity, and reduce waste, while also providing economic advantages.
A view from the experts
In our exclusive interview with Specim’s CEO Tapio Kallonen, he revealed more about his company’s work with HSI technology.
He said:
“We offer the broadest range of hyperspectral cameras, from VNIR, NIR, SWIR, MWIR and to the LWIR spectral range, for different applications and operating environments. Compared to the main competitors in the market, Specim has established the strongest position in terms of global reach and industrial scalability.
“We believe that hyperspectral imaging will be one of the dominant optical measurement technologies to be used in various industrial applications in the future.”
“Hyperspectral imaging is a complementary solution to traditional machine vision technologies. With hyperspectral imaging, we can solve inspection challenges that traditional machine vision technology cannot solve and detect materials that have previously remained undetectable. Our SpecimONE platform offers seamless integration to machine vision systems and provides them with the ability to see beyond the visible range.”
“Hyperspectral imaging is inevitably establishing its presence in many new machine vision applications in the coming years. The technology has proven its usefulness for years in applications such as recycling and food processing but there are constantly new use cases popping up, and more and more industrial players can leverage the power of hyperspectral imaging.”
This article was featured in ‘Progress’, the latest issue of MVPro Magazine.
