About This Webinar
Atkinson begins the session with a brief overview of hyperspectral and multispectral analysis. Hyperspectral imaging is a powerful tool, enabling differentiation of multiple targets in highly dynamic environments. In some cases, it is the only solution. However, many machine vision applications can be addressed with multispectral techniques that are generally less expensive than more complex hyperspectral systems.
There are various approaches to multispectral imaging, including the use of multiple cameras, a single camera in conjunction with a filter wheel, and multiband filters with multiple lights. The specifics of the application, including the environment in which the imaging must be accomplished, determine which approach is most appropriate.
Many challenging machine vision applications — from food inspection and assessing crop health to semiconductor inspection and waste sorting — require clear, accurate object or feature detection. High-quality optical filters can control image contrast, which is what enables an imaging system to differentiate between objects.
Multispectral techniques using optical filters are the most cost-effective for applications where a spectral signature provides the basis for contrast enhancement. For the most challenging applications, a high degree of spectral precision is required to highlight the otherwise imperceptible color differences. Multiband SWIR filters that can be customized in both their edge placement and their bandwidth allow for optimal solutions at a fraction of the cost of a hyperspectral imaging system. Atkinson discusses optical filter technology in the SWIR wavelength range, practical applications for multispectral techniques, and appropriate filter specification.
***This presentation premiered during the 2022
Vision Spectra Conference. For more information on Photonics Media conferences, visit
events.photonics.com.
About the presenter:
John Atkinson is the principal product engineer at Chroma Technology. He has a bachelor’s degree in physics, and he received his Master’s of Science in Photonics degree from Boston University. As an engineer for over 20 years, Atkinson has developed a wide variety of skills and experience, including in optics, imaging systems, electronic displays, astrophysics, and optoelectronic devices. He started his career as a thin-films scientist, developing thin-film designs and manufacturing processes. Atkinson then worked as an R&D coating engineer for Corning during the telecom boom. Later, he worked for over 10 years as a device performance engineer for Boston-area based E Ink Corp. and was instrumental in E Ink becoming a leading supplier of paper-like electronic displays. Atkinson has worked at Chroma for the past 10 years doing product design and development.