\u201cA photograph is more than just an image; it contains abundant hyperspectral information,\u201d Kim said. \u201cWe are one of the pioneering research groups to integrate computational spectrometry and spectroscopic analyses for biomedical and other applications.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A paper about the team\u2019s research<\/a> has been published in the peer-reviewed journal IEEE Transactions on Image Processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kim disclosed the innovation to the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization<\/a>, which has applied for a patent to protect the intellectual property. Industry partners interested in developing or commercializing the algorithm should contact Patrick Finnerty, assistant director of business development and licensing \u2014 life sciences, at pwfinnerty@prf.org<\/a> about track codes 70097, 70251, 70322 and 70335.<\/p>\n\n\n Kwon said the work emphasizes recovering the arbitrary spectrum of a sample rather than solely relying on specific data-driven learning or pretrained algorithms, which excel only in preset tasks and samples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The team\u2019s method uses an algorithmically designed color reference chart and device-informed computation to recover spectral information from RGB values acquired using conventional cameras, such as off-the-shelf smartphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cImportantly, the spectral resolution \u2014 around 1.5 nanometers \u2014 is highly comparable to that of scientific spectrometers and hyperspectral imagers,\u201d Kwon said. \u201cScientific-grade spectrometers have fine spectral resolution to distinguish narrow spectral features. This is critical in applications like biomedical optics, material analysis and color science, where even small wavelength shifts can lead to different interpretations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kim said one advantage the Purdue method has over traditional technology is its algorithmic generalizability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrom an algorithmic standpoint, to the best of our knowledge, our paper presents the first computational spectrometry method with 1.5-nm spectral resolution using a photograph of an arbitrary sample without relying on specific training data or predetermined algorithms,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kwon said another advantage of the Purdue method is its hardware simplicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMany mobile spectrometers require additional accessories and bulky components as mandatory attachments to smartphones,\u201d he said. \u201cIn contrast, our method leverages the built-in camera of the smartphone. We envision that our general computational photography spectrometry will change how industry uses smartphones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kim and Kwon are currently using the algorithm as a foundation for digital and mobile health applications in both domestic and resource-limited settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPhotography is central to these applications, but color distortion has posed a persistent challenge, which is why we are focusing on these settings,\u201d Kim said. \u201cThis algorithm provides a basis for quantifying and correcting colors, enhancing the reliability of medical diagnostics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization<\/a> operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university\u2019s academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. In fiscal year 2024, the office reported 145 deals finalized with 224 technologies signed, 466 invention disclosures received, and 290 U.S. and international patents received. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 107,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 58,000 at our main campus locations in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue\u2019s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap \u2014 including its integrated, comprehensive Indianapolis urban expansion; the Mitch Daniels School of Business; Purdue Computes; and the One Health initiative \u2014 at https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/president\/strategic-initiatives<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Semin](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/kwon-photoalgorithm.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Generalizability and simplicity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Validation and next steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
About Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
About Purdue University<\/h2>\n\n\n\n