Accuracy of Hyperspectral Imaging Systems for Color and Lighting Research

ABSTRACT This study aims to compare different hyperspectral imaging devices and identify their suitability for in-situ color and lighting research. Three hyperspectral cameras were compared for radiometric, photometric, and colorimetric accuracy. The visual quality of the images obtained with each device was also evaluated to test their suitability for psychophysical experiments on color perception. The accuracies were evaluated for LED sources with correlated color temperatures ranging from 2351 K to 6922 K. The hyperspectral cameras tested were found to have acceptable radiometric accuracies for chromatic content and different photometric and colorimetric accuracies. It was also identified that a good radiometric/photometric accuracy does not necessarily indicate a good colorimetric accuracy for the same device and color. It depends on the light sources and color patches, thus highlighting the need to identify the reproduction accuracy of every test device methodically. This accuracy study thus describes a formal layout for the characterization of hyperspectral imaging devices using identifiable error metrics.