Specim IQ is a portable hyperspectral camera, where data capturing, data processing and result visualization are integrated into a one ready-to-use package. The camera is able to screen the imaging target and show the results on the camera display in just seconds. The weight of the camera, 1.3 kg containing a chargeable battery and a memory card for data storing, allows true portability for imaging in locations, where it has not been possible before.

Specim IQ is accompanied with the Specim IQ Studio PC software. With Specim IQ Studio, you can develop and deploy your own applications, which can be loaded to the camera. In addition, IQ Studio allows you to import, export and manage hyperspectral data, manage Specim IQ camera settings, create models and reference spectrums.

The use of Specim IQ is easy with the intuitive user interface. No previous experience or expertise in hyperspectral imaging is required. The user interface on the camera display guides you through the imaging steps, and helps you to validate the data quality. The camera can be operated in a data recording mode, which provides hyperspectral data (raw and reflectance data) or in an application mode that, in addition, also provides the processed result shown on the display.

Correspondingly, the use of Specim IQ Studio is easy with the graphical user interface necessitating no developer skills. The wizard-type of workflow assists you in each step, and informs you when the necessary steps are successfully done. With Specim IQ Studio, you can define an application with a dedicated data processing algorithm, and load the application to the Specim IQ camera. Now, the application is ready in the camera, and you can take the image in the desired location (for example, in the field) and immediately see the results on the display.

You can load several applications to Specim IQ, and each application can be for a different purpose. You can easily upgrade the camera software by storing the new SW package on the memory card, and by starting the upgrade procedure with a simple key press combination.

A hyperspectral camera, such as Specim IQ, is an imaging device that is used to collect an image with broad spectral information on each image pixel of the target. In comparison to a standard grayscale with single intensity information averaged over the whole wavelength band, or a colour camera with red, green and blue region averaged intensities, a hyperspectral camera can sample the wavelength region of the camera with hundreds of spectral samples. The spectrum saved from the target with continuous and high wavelength sampling, can be used to detect the imaged material, or determine its physical and chemical properties.

The Specim IQ wavelength range is 400-1000 nm, and it is based on Specim’s push-broom technology, that is, line scan cameras. The system consists of a front lens, an imaging spectrograph and an image sensor. The system images one single line from the target with one snapshot captured on the system image sensor. The light from the target line is dispersed into a spectrum with the imaging optics, keeping the spatial information. In this way, one axis of the sensor (horizontal direction) is used for spatial distribution and the other (vertical axis) for spectral information from each imaged position. In other words, each column of the image contains a separate spectrum from a dedicated position along the imaged line. Furthermore, as the single image contains only information along one line, the full area of interest has to be imaged, scanned, line-by-line. The resulting hyperspectral image is a 3D data structure, datacube, where two dimensions are used for spatial information and one for spectral information.

In Specim IQ, the number of imaged lines is standard and thus the camera always captures a 2D image, the resolution of which is 512x512 pixels. In the spectral dimension, the number of recorded spectral bands is 204, which can be binned by x2 or x3.

Specim IQ is suitable for various user groups, from beginners to researchers in hyperspectral imaging. It is an imaging solution that provides information in an instant, for critical decision making and response. The users can make measurements that used to be possible in the laboratory only, in the field or virtually at any desired spot.

The camera can be used indoors, outdoors, with a tripod, handheld or mounted on a vehicle. The recommended light source for Specim IQ is a halogen-based illumination that covers the full 400 to 1000 nm range. In outdoor conditions, direct sunlight can also be used.