Beyond Human Vision: Unlocking the Potential of Augmented Reality for Spectral Imaging
Rafael Cavaco, Tomás J. Moreira Lopes, Diana Capela, Diana Guimarães, Pedro A. S. Jorge, Nuno A. Silva · Applied Sciences · 2025
Spectral imaging is a broad term that refers to the use of a spectroscopy technique to analyze sample surfaces, collecting and representing spatially referenced signals. Depending on the technique utilized, it allows the user to reveal features and properties of objects that are invisible to the human eye, such as chemical or molecular composition. However, the interpretability and interaction with the results are often limited to screen visualization of two-dimensional representations. To surpass such limitations, augmented reality emerges as a promising technology, assisted by recent developments in the integration of spectral imaging datasets onto three-dimensional models. Building on this context, this work explores the integration of spectral imaging with augmented reality, aiming to create an immersive toolset to increase the interpretability and interactivity of the results of spectral imaging analysis. The procedure follows a two-step approach, starting from the integration of spectral maps onto a three-dimensional models, and proceeding with the development of an interactive interface to allow immersive visualization and interaction with the results. The approach and tool developed present the opportunity for a user-centric extension of reality, enabling more intuitive and comprehensive analyses with the potential to drive advancements in various research domains.