Snapshot Multispectral Camera | SIMTRUM Photonics Store

The 8-band NIR cameras is an ultra-compact and ultra-light multispectral camera with a high performance 4MP CMOS sensor modified with proprietary multispectral filter array technology.This miniature multispectral snapshot camera simultaneously captures images at 8 distinct bands (spaced between 700 nm and 1000 nm) at 89 frames per second in full frame mode. There is no requirement for additional filters, filter wheels, or tunable filters. Compared to our 4-band cameras, the 8-band NIR camera offers 3-fold higher sensitivity due the unique filter arrangement on the sensor. The camera is suitable for detailed spectral analysis of plants and biomedical research applications were a greater number of bands is needed.The camera is USB3 Vision-compliant with many pre-built software options such as 2nd look graphical camera software. Programmers can build camera applications in Windows and Linux using the included SDKs. Power is supplied through the USB3 interface.
Features Captures co-registered spectral images simultaneously 8 bands-720nm/760nm/795nm/830nm/870nm/905nm/940nm/980nm Anti-X-Talk" Technology-enhances contrast and spectral performance Sustained frame rates @ 89 FPS 4MP Global Shutter CMOS sensor USB3 Vision & GenlCam Compliant Accommodates c-mount lenses

Applications

Fig 1.A composition of leaves in different colors, including dry leaves.

Specifications

Spectral Characteristics

The camera has 8 distinct bands centered at 720, 760, 800, 840, 860, 900, 940, 980 nm (FWHM ~20 nm). The sensor of the camera is covered with a multispectral filter array providing each sensor element (pixel) its own spectral response.

Dimension

SIMTRUM’S 8-band visible cameras offer nearly equally spaced bands across the visible spectral range. The camera is an excellent choice when more spectral information is needed at the expense of spatial resolution. Compared to our 4-band cameras, the 8-band visible camera offers 3-fold higher sensitivity due the unique filter arrangement on the sensor. The camera is suitable for detailed color testing of paints and inks, spectral analysis of plants, and biomedical research applications were a greater number of bands is needed.
Features Captures co-registered spectral images simultaneously 8 bands-474nm/495nm/526nm/546nm/578nm/602nm/621nm/640nm Anti-X-Talk" Technology-enhances contrast and spectral performance Sustained frame rates @ 89 FPS 4MP Global Shutter CMOS sensor USB3 Vision & GenlCam Compliant Accommodates c-mount lenses

Applications

Specifications

Spectral Characteristics

The camera has 8 distinct bands centered at 474, 495, 526, 546, 578, 602, 621, 640 nm (FWHM 20-30 nm). The sensor of the camera is covered with a multispectral filter array providing each sensor element (pixel) its own spectral response. The spectral response curve and the quantum efficiency curve of the sensor are shown in the figure below.

Dimension

SIMTRUM’S Agriculture Camera is the perfect tool for measuring vegetation in agricultural applications. With multispectral imaging across four bands, our camera captures critical data that can be used to perform a variety of spectral analyses, including NDVI and SAVI.   The four bands of our camera include: (i) 580 nm, which is sensitive to live vegetation, (ii) 660 nm, which is sensitive to the NDVI red channel, (iii) 735 nm, which is sensitive to the "red edge" channel, and (iv) 820 nm, which is sensitive to the NDVI NIR channel. With these four images, you can gather the information you need to make informed decisions about your crops.
Features Captures co-registered spectral images simultaneously 4 bands-580nm/660nm/735nm/820 nm Anti-X-Talk" Technology-enhances contrast and spectral performance Sustained frame rates @ 178 FPS 4MP Global Shutter CMOS sensor USB3 Vision & GenlCam Compliant Accommodates c-mount lenses

Applications

Example NDVI Survey

Example Agriculture - Leaves

Specifications

Spectral Characteristics

The camera has 4 distinct bands centered at 580,660,735,820nm (FWHM~25nm).The sensor of the camera is covered with a multispectral filter array providing each sensor element (pixel) its own spectral response.

Dimension

The Biomedical Camera is a ultra-compact, ultra-light multispectral camera with a high performance 4MP CMOS sensor modified with proprietary Anti-X-TalkTM multispectral filter array technology and designed specifically for biomedical applications.   The multispectral camera for biomedical research has 4 bands of spectral discrimination. The first band (735 nm) is sensitive to deoxyhemoglobin (deoxygenated blood). The second band (800 nm) is sensitive to total hemoglobin (total blood). The third band (865 nm) is sensitive to oxyhemoglobin (oxygenated blood). The fourth band (930 nm) is sensitive to lipid. With these four images a number of analysis can be performed including oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin which are important for monitoring tissue health. Note: the multispectral camera for biomedical research is to be used for investigational purposes only.
Features Captures co-registered spectral images simultaneously 4 bands –735nm/800nm/865nm/930nm Anti-X-TalkTM Technology - enhances contrast and spectral performance Sustained frame rates @ 178 FPS 4MP Global Shutter CMOS sensor USB3 Vision & GenICam Compliant Accommodates c-mount lenses

Applications

Fig1. Example imaging of hemoglobin changes from oxy to deoxy state during a blood pressure measurement as pressure was applied and released from the cuff. (a) Multispectral images obtained with the Biomedical Camera during blood pressure measurement. (b) Ratio between 735 nm and 800 nmwith indication of the region of interest. (c) Ratio between 735 nm and 800 nm from the region of interest plotted over time.

Specifications

Spectral Characteristics

The camera has 4 distinct bands centered at 735, 800, 865, 930 nm (FWHM ~25 nm). The sensor of the camera is covered with a multispectral filter array providing each sensor element (pixel) its own spectral response.

Dimension

SIMTRUM’S UV-NIR Camera is a ultra-compact, ultra-light multispectral camera with a high performance 4MP CMOS sensor modified with proprietary Anti-X-TalkTM  multispectral filter array technology.   This UV-NIR multi-spectral camera has 2 bands of spectral discrimination. One band is centered in the UV region covering 350 to 450 nm and the other covers the near infrared region between 700 and 1000 nm. The camera is useful for horticultural applications such as visualizing hidden features in flowers. It is also useful for detecting hidden skin defects and measuring the coverage of lotions such as sun screen products.
Features Captures co-registered spectralimages simultaneously 2 bands-400nm/800 nm Anti-X-TalkTM Technology - enhances contrast and spectral performance Sustained frame rates @ 178 FPS 4MP Global Shutter CMOS sensor USB3 Vision & GenlCam Compliant Accommodates c-mount lenses

Applications

Example UV-NIR - Sunscreen

Example UV-NIR - Flower

Specifications

Spectral Characteristics

The camera has has 2 distinct bands centered at 400 and 800 nm (FWHM~25 nm). The sensor of the camera is covered with a multispectral filter array providing each sensor element (pixel) its own spectral response.

Dimension

SIMTRUM’S RGB-NIR Camera offers the conventional red, green, and blue spectral bands, as well as a sensitive NIR channel that can detect near-infrared light from 750 nm to 1000 nm. This camera is designed to provide high-performance imaging, making it a great alternative to standard color cameras.   Unlike conventional color cameras, our multispectral camera has a much lower amount of cross-talk between bands, especially between the NIR channel and the color channels. This makes it ideal for applications where simultaneous color and NIR imaging is necessary.It can be used in areas such as vegetation analysis, crop health monitoring, and has the required precision and accuracy.
Features Captures co-registered spectral images simultaneously 4 bands-450nm(Blue),550nm(Green),650nm(Red),800nm(NIR) Anti-X-TalkTM Technology enhances contrast and spectral performance Sustained frame rates @ 178 FPS 4MP Global Shutter CMOS sensor USB3 Vision & GenlCam Compliant Accommodates C-mount lenses

Applications

Fig 1. Example of images obtained with RGB-NIR Camera. (a) Red band image, (b) Green band image, (c) blue band image, (d) NIR band image,
(e) Images in (a-c) overlay, (f) Images in (a-d) overlay, (g) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
(NDVI) calculated as NDVI = (NIR- Red) / (NIR + Red).

Specifications

Spectral Characteristics

The camera has 4 distinct bands centered at 450, 550, 650, 800 nm (FWHM ~70 nm). The sensor of the camera is covered with a multispectral filter array providing each sensor element (pixel) its own spectral response.

Dimension

1. What is a hyperspectral camera and how does it work?

The main principle behind a hyperspectral camera is spectroscopy, which involves the measurement and analysis of light intensity at different wavelengths. By capturing a series of images at numerous narrow and contiguous spectral bands, hyperspectral cameras can gather detailed information about the spectral properties of the scene or object being observed.

The data collected by a hyperspectral camera is known as a hyperspectral image or data cube. Each pixel in the image contains a complete spectrum of the reflected or emitted light from the corresponding point in the scene. 

Applications of hyperspectral cameras are diverse and span various fields, including remote sensing, agriculture, environmental monitoring, mineralogy, geology, defense and security, medicine, and industrial inspection. 

2. What is the difference between snapshot and lines can hyperspectral camera?

The main difference between a snapshot hyperspectral camera and a line scan hyperspectral camera lies in their methods of capturing hyperspectral data. Here's a comparison of the two:

Snapshot Hyperspectral Camera:

● Capture Method: Snapshot hyperspectral cameras capture the entire hyperspectral image in a single exposure or snapshot. They capture both spatial and spectral information simultaneously.

● Sensor Array: Snapshot hyperspectral cameras use a two-dimensional sensor array with rows and columns of pixels. And most common sensor used is high resolution CMOS camera that cover the wavelength range from 200-1100nm. 

● Spectral Sampling: These cameras typically use an array of spectral filters to sample multiple wavelengths simultaneously. Each pixel in the sensor array captures light at a different wavelength, allowing for parallel acquisition of spectral information.

● Spatial Resolution: Snapshot hyperspectral cameras provide high spatial resolution, as they capture the entire scene at once.

● Advantages: Small and Portable, Faster capture speed, no moving mechanism is needed.

● Disadvantage:  Most Snapshot hyperspectral cameras can only cover 200-1000nm wavelength range, higher cost in compare to line scan Camera at same wavelength range.

Line scan Hyperspectral Camera:

● Capture Method: Lines can hyperspectral cameras capture hyperspectral data in a sequential manner, one line at a time, as the scene moves past the camera's field of view. 

● Sensor Array: Line scan hyperspectral cameras use a two-dimensional sensor array with rows and columns of pixels. The columns will be used to capture the spectral information and the rows will be used to capture the spatial information.   

● Scanning Mechanism: These cameras require relative motion between the scene and the camera to capture the complete hyperspectral image. This can be achieved by moving the camera platform or using a moving conveyor belt.

● Spectral Dispersion:  line scan cameras use a dispersive element to disperse the incoming light into its constituent wavelengths before it reaches the sensor array.

● Advantages:  able to cover wavelength range from UV to LWIR, Lower Cost, 

● Disadvantages: Moving mechanism is needed

3. What are the differences between hyperspectral and multi-spectral camera cameras?

The main difference between hyperspectral cameras and multispectral cameras lies in the number and width of the spectral bands they capture, as well as the level of spectral detail they provide. Here's a comparison of the two:

Spectral Bands:

Hyperspectral cameras capture a large number of narrow and contiguous spectral bands across a large spectrum range UV to LWIR. They typically capture tens to hundreds of spectral bands, 

Multispectral cameras capture a smaller portion of spectral bands compared to hyperspectral cameras. They typically capture a few to several spectral bands across the visible and/or near-infrared spectrum. 

Spectral Detail:

Hyperspectral cameras offer fine spectral detail, allowing for precise identification and analysis of specific materials or spectral signatures.  multispectral cameras provide less spectral detail compared to hyperspectral cameras,

Cost:

Usually, hyperspectral cameras are more expensive than multi-spectral cameras.  If you are only interested in certain wavelength bands in VIS to NIR range multi-spectral camera is a better choice. 

4. What is spectral resolution?

Spectral resolution refers to the ability of a spectroscopic or imaging system to distinguish or resolve fine details in the spectral domain. It indicates the smallest wavelength interval or difference that the system can detect or distinguish as separate spectral features.

Spectral resolution is typically measured in units of wavelength, such as nanometers (nm) or wavenumbers (cm^-1), and is determined by various factors, including the optical design, detector characteristics, and the method of spectral dispersion employed by the system.

In spectroscopy, spectral resolution is often characterized by the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the spectral peaks or lines. It represents the width of the spectral feature at half of its maximum intensity and is a common metric for quantifying spectral resolution. Smaller FWHM values indicate higher spectral resolution, as they correspond to narrower spectral features that can be resolved and distinguished.

In the context of hyperspectral imaging, spectral resolution refers to the size or width of the individual spectral bands or channels captured by the imaging system. Higher spectral resolution in a hyperspectral camera means narrower spectral bands, allowing for finer discrimination between different wavelengths or spectral features. Conversely, lower spectral resolution corresponds to wider spectral bands, resulting in reduced ability to distinguish between closely spaced spectral information.

It is worth noting that spectral resolution is distinct from spatial resolution, which refers to the level of detail in capturing spatial information or resolving fine details in the physical structure or features within an image or scene. Spectral resolution relates specifically to the precision and capability of a system in the spectral domain.

5. What is spatial resolution? 

Spatial resolution refers to the level of detail or granularity in capturing the spatial features or structure of an image or scene. It quantifies the ability of an imaging system to distinguish and resolve fine details or closely spaced objects within the image.

Spatial resolution is typically measured in terms of spatial sampling or the size of the smallest discernible feature in the image. It is influenced by factors such as the optics, sensor size, pixel density, and imaging technique used by the system.

In imaging systems, spatial resolution is often characterized by the number of pixels per unit area or the size of the individual pixels. Higher spatial resolution means smaller pixel size or greater pixel density, enabling the system to capture fine details and smaller objects in the image. Conversely, lower spatial resolution corresponds to larger pixel size or lower pixel density, resulting in reduced ability to resolve fine details and distinguish smaller objects.

6. What does smile means in hyperspectral camera? 

"Smile" refers to an optical distortion that can occur in the captured spectral data. SMILE is an acronym for Spectral Misregistration and Smile, where "smile" specifically refers to the spatial misalignment of spectral bands.

When a hyperspectral camera captures an image, it does so by splitting the incoming light into different spectral bands, each spectral band is then captured by a specific area on the camera sensor. However, due to various factors such as optical imperfections, mechanical misalignments, or temperature variations, the different spectral bands may not align perfectly with each other in the spatial dimension.

As a result of this misalignment, the spectral bands may exhibit a slight spatial shift or curvature, resembling a smile-shaped distortion across the image. This spatial misregistration can cause inaccurate spectral information when analyzing the data, as the spectral content may not be correctly aligned with the spatial features.

The smile effect can lead to issues in hyperspectral data analysis, including reduced spectral accuracy, misinterpretation of spectral features, and difficulties in hyperspectral image fusion or registration with other data sources.

7. What does keystone mean in hyperspectral?

Keystone refers to an optical distortion that can occur in the captured spectral data. Keystone distortion is a geometric aberration that causes a trapezoidal or keystone-shaped distortion in the image, where the top and bottom of the image are not parallel to each other.

Keystone distortion can be caused by various factors, including misalignment of optical components, mechanical stress, or misplacement of the camera or scene during image capture. This distortion affects the spatial relationship between different parts of the image, leading to inaccurate spatial representation.

In hyperspectral imaging, keystone distortion can be problematic as it can introduce errors in subsequent analysis and interpretation of the data. Distorted geometry can affect the accurate identification and characterization of objects, as their spatial features are not faithfully represented.

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