Going straight: Preprocessing hyperspectral core log images

Hyperspectral imaging and subsequent analysis of drill cores is becoming a valuable tool in the mining and mineral exploration industries. Data can be rapidly obtained and spectral analysis avoids subjectivity in mineral identification. However, the core is presented in multiple core trays and separating it from the rock material has proved problematic unless the trays are perfectly aligned. This paper presents a new image processing method for handling this problem. It is robust and insensitive to rotation and contamination of the tray material by dust.