Researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel are developing a compact hyperspectral imaging camera -- dubbed the Unispectral -- that will be able to detect the chemical composition of objects through its camera lens. The system uses hyperspectral imaging, which consists of scanning spectra of light not visible to the human eye in order to determine the electromagnetic markers of different substances.
The researchers have already demonstrated a basic version of the system at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last month, and are currently working on a prototype which should be ready in the coming months.
Being able to point a device at something and instantly finding out its chemical composition sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the future clearly is here. This device could have huge implications for the consumer electronics, biotechnology and military industries.
Object-Detecting Smartphone Cameras
The Unispectral Camera Uses Hyperspectral Imaging
Trend Themes
1. Compact Hyperspectral Imaging - The development of a compact hyperspectral imaging camera could disrupt various industries by enabling the detection of the chemical composition of objects through smartphone cameras.
2. Real-time Molecular Identification - The Unispectral camera's ability to instantly identify the chemical composition of objects could be a disruptive innovation in the fields of biotechnology, consumer electronics, and military.
3. Spectral Scanning Technology - The use of hyperspectral imaging for spectral scanning could create innovative applications in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, environmental science, and mining.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics companies could leverage the Unispectral camera's capabilities to create new applications and products that enable real-time molecular identification.
2. Biotechnology - The Unispectral camera's molecular identification capabilities could help biotechnology companies identify and develop new drugs and vaccines.
3. Military - The Unispectral camera's advanced capabilities could be used in military surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations.