ONE-PIX
ONE-PIX: frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we get most often about the ONE-PIX kit, from optical setup to build and software.
Frequently asked questions
What are the possible distances between the video projector and the scene or sample?
The recommended distances of use for macroscopic scenes are between 50 cm and 1 m. The optical flux reflected by the scene decreases in proportion to the square of this distance, so measurement distance should be optimised depending on scene reflectivity to guarantee data quality and limit acquisition times.
Are there more efficient wavelength ranges? What about infrared?
By design, the ONE-PIX kit is optimised for the visible spectral range, 400 to 700 nm. It is possible to adapt the instrument optics to extend the spectral range to 800 nm. These parameters also depend on the specifications of the spectrometer used.
How long does it take to acquire an image, and what parameters can be changed to optimise data quality?
Acquisition time is proportional to the spectrometer integration time, the number of repetitions per projection, and the number of structured pattern projections. In real field conditions, the PRO-PIX sensor achieves a compression ratio of 25 percent for professional scenes with no prior knowledge, and below 1 percent with a custom algorithm.
Is there a limitation in terms of spectral range? Can we measure up to 2400 or 2500 nm?
At present, the ONE-PIX kit measures in the visible and near infrared regions. The industrial version, PRO-PIX, measures over a wider spectral range covering UV, VIS and SWIR.
Given the cost of 400 to 1000 nm HSI cameras, is the price advantage of ONE-PIX worthwhile if we stay below 1000 nm?
ONE-PIX is a very good lab and teaching tool. It is affordable compared with other spectral cameras, reconfigurable in hardware and software to avoid significant additional costs for future adaptations, and it gives access to a growing community of users and researchers.
What type of spectrometer can be adapted as a hyperspectral imager using the ONE-PIX kit?
To adapt a spectrometer in the ONE-PIX kit, it must be controllable via Python. Depending on your needs, measurement speed or quality should guide which spectrometer to select. Photonics Open Projects is happy to help with these questions.
Is the ONE-PIX kit really open source?
Yes. The mechanical, electronic and optical build files for ONE-PIX are published in the hardware folder of the ONE-PIX GitHub repository, developed with a growing community of users, industrialists, researchers and academics. You are free to build your own kit, adapt it, or contribute improvements back to the project.
Can I buy a pre-assembled ONE-PIX kit instead of building one myself?
Yes. If you would rather not assemble the kit yourself, contact Photonics Open Projects directly. We can supply a pre-assembled kit or help you adapt ONE-PIX to your specific use case.