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Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a technique that analyses a broad spectrum of light instead of designating primary colors (blue, red, and green) for every pixel. HSI detects the unique color signature of each object. As opposed to other optical technologies that only detect one color, HSI can distinguish the full color spectrum in every pixel and therefore, gives spectral information as well as 2D spatial images. HSI is used in satellite technology, medical imaging, agriculture, biotechnology, and remote sensing.
According to the leading market research company Technavio, the global hyperspectral imaging market is projected to increase by USD 758.38 million from 2022 to 2027. To understand which technology areas HSI is making the most impact in, we used the built-in technology subdomains within PatSeer to split all the patent filings being done in this space.
Note: In the graph above, line charts have been used for the domains of Computer Technology (Red line) and Measurement (Green line). Column charts in other colors represent the remaining domains.
Based on the analysis done, we concluded that:
- The highest number of patent filings for HSI are in the Computer Technology and Measurement areas.
- There is a gradual increase in patenting activity for HSI in Medical Technology, and Audio-Visual Technology.
- Since 2018, there has been a consistent rise in patent filings for HSI in Other Special Machines which includes applications in agricultural techniques for precision farming technology, amongst others.
- The technology domain of Analysis of Biological Materials covers methods for detection of viruses & diseases, as well as food contamination and analysis of tissues for tumor subtyping. The number of patent filings fluctuated from 2015 to 2018 but from 2019 onwards, there has been a consistent uptick in patents.
To sum up, HSI is more advanced in color detection than other optical technologies. Data indicates that the military surveillance and remote sensing (to assess crops for invasive diseases) segments are expected to record the highest revenue in the global HSI market during the forecast period (2022-2030). Researchers are also exploring medical uses of HSI for dental restoration and non-invasive burn injury assessment, among other applications, so patenting activity in the Medical Technology domain is likely to continue increasing.
