DLR successfully completes HySpex acceptance test
Norsk Elektro Optikk AS was recently awarded the contract to supply a HySpex hyperspectral imaging system to the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR). The system will be used to acquire reference data for the EnMAP hyperspectral imaging satellite.
Acceptance test
As a part of the acceptance testing and training, six experts from DLR visited NEO’s facilities for two days to get first-hand knowledge to the
manufacturing process, calibration and operation of the system.
DLRs hyperspectral system consists of HySpex VNIR-1600 and HySpex SWIR-320m-e with the accessories to enable both ground based lab and field
applications as well as airborne applications.
Lab setup
For close range laboratory measurements, NEO can supply their HySpex customers with a laboratory rack, easily adjustable for variable sample sizes and working distances. Combined with the custom made HySpex close-up lenses [link], which allows the user to change the working distance of the cameras with no loss in optical performance, the HySpex lab rack enables the user to acquire high quality, extremely detailed data of samples of various sizes. The sample table can also be configured for transmission measurements.
The lab rack includes the new camera adjustment platform, specifically designed to facilitate easy focus adjustment for the cameras when using different close-up lenses and objects of variable size.
By combining a fine tunable translation stage with the movable platform, the cameras are easily and precisely positioned in the position yielding the best focus for the inserted lens.
To provide the best possible illumination conditions for all sample sizes, DLR’s rack will be delivered with the adjustable lamp system. The two lamps can be adjusted in height, position along the scan direction and rotated to the angle of preference for the user. The adjustment features makes it easy to obtain even illumination for the spectral region 400 – 2500 nm, and helps avoid shadow effects during acquisition on rugged samples.
The sample table is smoothly moved by a translation stage with a 104cm travel range. The scanning speed and camera frame rate is synchronized and controlled through the HySpex Ground acquisition software, which is included in all HySpex deliveries.
Field setup
For field acquisitions, DLR will also be supplied with a convenient and robust tripod with a rotation stage mounted on it. The tripod and rotation stage can accommodate both cameras at the same time, and the setup is ideal for imaging static scenes in the field or indoors. The scan speed is synchronized to the camera frame rate and allows for insertion of close up lenses, similar to the translations stage setup for the laboratory setup.
Airborne
For the airborne installation, DLR intends to use the cameras in a variety of aircrafts made possible by acquiring a series of accessories. For aircrafts where no gyro-stabilized mount is available, DLR will use the passively damped vibration platform, designed to fit two HySpex cameras and an IMU/GPS.
In addition a customized base plate was made, allowing the cameras to be mounted on DLR’s PAV 30 gyro-stabilized mount. NEO performed a complete system integration and test on DLR’s Applanix IMU/GPS and PAV30.
Acceptance test results
NEO documents all important parameters in detailed cameras-specific test reports, delivered together with all cameras. DLR was provided insight in these testing procedures and also provided test results to additional test parameters associated with the instruments ordered.
The results and demonstrations proved that the cameras perform at least as well as expected, and the acceptance test was perceived by NEO as a great success. This impression is further supported by DLR’s Team Leader for Sensor Characterisation and Concepts, Dr. Peter Gege, who stated that they “returned to DLR with the impression that we will receive a very good instrument and that NEO is a really competent and cooperative partner”.
NEO look forward to collaborating further with DLR during the final installation. DLR’s HySpex system will be operational after the first test flights are conducted, which are scheduled for the second half of January 2012.
Head office
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| Phone: | +47 67974700 |
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