Getting Started With Image Quality Testing

Overview Why Imatest?     |     Test Charts     |     Lighting     |     Image Capture Technique     |     Setting up Your Lab     |     Using Imatest Software Why Imatest? Introduction Imatest charts and software allow you to measure the characteristics and quality of cameras and imaging systems. To begin measuring the resolution or color of your camera, you’ll need an image of a test chart. Imatest offers all-in-one test charts that can test a wide variety of image quality factors with one image. We also offer specialized test charts for measuring system properties like dynamic range, […]

Megapixel suitability for test charts

Megapixel suitability is based on the analysis of the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) that is obtained from slanted-edge chart images captured at magnifications of around 0.5× (for inkjet charts) or 1× (for photographic charts) using a high quality DSLR or mirrorless camera and macro lens. The calculations are described in the following links: Compensating camera MTF measurements for chart and sensor MTF (Imatest 5.1+); i.e.,  Introduction, Calculation, MTF compensation files, Applying the compensation, and Lens MTF measurements sections. Chart Quality Calculator (Imatest 5.1+)—determine the suitability of a chart (based on MTF measurements for specific media and print methods) for a specific application. Test […]

Nonuniformity Correction in grayscale and color chart modules

Imatest can correct for nonuniform illumination and lens response (vignetting) in Imatest modules that analyze grayscale and/or color charts, including Color/Tone Setup (formerly Color/Tone Interactive), Color/Tone Auto (formerly Color/Tone Auto), Colorcheck, and Stepchart. Nonuniformity correction involves reading and specifying a second image, taken from a flat-field target (plain gray or white) under identical conditions to the test image.  Note that the correction described in this page is not the same as nonuniformity correction for slanted-edge MTF measurements. Not also that Color/Tone Interactive (a highly interactive module) and Color/Tone Auto (a batch-capable fixed version of Color/Tone Interactive) are recommended for new […]

Lightbox Uniformity Comparison

Summary table – Detailed uniformity measurements – How we made the measurements Lightbox summary table. Many are no longer available from Imatest Lightbox Brightness Uniformity* CRI (spec.) Viewing Area Dimensions Controls Imatest LED Lightbox 1 to 100,000 lux ** 90 to 95% Over 97 260 x 220 mm to 1440 x 1100 mm (9 Sizes) 400 (W) x 380 (H) x 200mm (D) to 1655 x 1296 x 200 mm (9 Sizes) WiFi, USB, Manual Imatest LED Light Panel 30 to 1,000 lux 90 to 95%   229 x 152mm to 907 x 680mm (5 Sizes) 289 x 212 x 40mm […]

Chart Quality Calculator

Imatest 5.2 has several new features that let you use measured chart modulation transfer function (MTF) to do the following: Determine the suitability of a test chart characterized by size (height), print media, and printing technology for camera MTF measurements where the camera is characterized by pixel size, which is typically the number of vertical pixels. This can help determine the appropriate test chart for a specific application. This capability has been enhanced in Imatest 5.2  with the addition of the Chart suitability display. Increase the accuracy of MTF measurements by dividing the measured camera MTF by the appropriately scaled chart […]

Change Log

To obtain the latest version of Imatest (for updates, new installations, and trial as well as and full versions) go to Imatest Download. Imatest perpetual license holders are entitled to free updates for one year from the date of purchase. After that you need to renew. If your license is not current, you can download and install the version that was current one year after the purchase date. Join Imatest’s Pilot Program and gain early access to new Imatest features and bug fixes. Your feedback is incorporated into each official release to ensure you receive a seamless transition to new versions. […]

Legacy Change Log

The main change log is availabe for newer releases. Date Release Description Oct. 1, 2013 3.10 The new Multitest module (known briefly as ColorTest in 3.10) can analyze all the color and grayscale test charts supported by Multicharts in a fixed (i.e., non-interactive) module that can analyze chart image files in batches. It also includes most Stepchart and Colorcheck function. Five new fixed modules that can also operate in batch mode have been created from Rescharts modules: Random/Dead Leaves, Star chart, Log F-Contrast, Wedge, and Any Image Sharpness. These modules can be accessed by clicking the Modules dropdown menu in […]

Arbitrary Charts Analyses and Output

Analyses & Output – INI settings – Chart Definition Files – Chart Definition Utility   Data outputs from the Arbitrary Charts Module are different from other modules in Imatest: Only JSON files are output, not CSV or XML. The structure of JSON is substantially different than other modules.  If several images are run in a batch, results from all images may be contained in a single JSON. Since the Arbitrary Charts Module is based on the concept of a custom layout of features, there is no fixed structure to the measurement results that the Module produces. Instead, the module simply produces […]

Infrared

  Imaging systems designed to capture infrared light vary greatly depending on application. Some examples include the automotive and security industries as well as remote sensing and facial recognition. Imatest offers an array of targets that can be analyzed with Imatest Master and Imatest IT to provide statistics and metrics for accurate system benchmarking. Targets         Near Infrared (720nm – 1100nm) Near Infrared (NIR) charts can be produced on reflective and transmissive substrates. Inkjet targets work well in the NIR with some tonal adjustments made to compensate for contrast change in the longer wavelengths. Many of Imatest’s […]

Set of ISO-16505 Test Charts (6 charts)

The ISO-16505 bundle is made up six charts that are mentioned in various parts of the ISO-16505, Road vehicles — Ergonomic and performance aspects of Camera Monitor Systems standard.

This set of charts is available in three standard sizes: 2x, 4x and 5.5x. Select the ISO size you need based on the table below. Click on the ISO size for pricing and to order.

The 2x size replicates the charts as closely as possible to what is described in the standard. The .5x is the maximum size Inkjet possible. Custom sizing is available upon request.

Find more information, visit our ISO 16505 Road Vehicle Camera Monitor Systems Solution page and our Automotive Solutions page.

Arbitrary Charts Module Settings

Analyses & Output – INI settings – Chart Definition Files – Chart Definition Utility   INI file fields relevant to Arbitrary Charts The following INI fields are currently exposed to the user to control the behavior of the Arbitrary Charts module and its output. They have been organized here by topic, but do not need to be in any particular order or grouping in your INI file itself.    [arbcharts] section Slanted-edge Analysis     Texture Analysis   Star Analysis   Wedge Analysis   Uniformity Grid Analysis   Color/Tone/Noise   Perceptual metrics   Module operation and misc.   [api] section   […]

Skype for Business Video Specification Support

Instructions and comments Under development We are updating this page for the latest Skype for Business Video Capture Specification, December 2016. An index of of the Skype/Lync specifications can be found on https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/office/dn788953 This document contains instructions for using Imatest with the Skype for Business Video Capture Specification, which has two versions: personal solutions (Document Number: H100693) and conferencing devices (Document Number: M1023160), published December 2016. “Skype for Business V3.0” appears on a watermark, and 3.0 is indicated in the Revision History (Section 1). It also contains comments and suggestions for running Imatest. The Skype spec uses only a tiny […]

Arbitrary Charts

Analyses & Output – INI settings – Chart Definition Files – Chart Definition Utility   Combine all the features you need to analyze into a single chart Introduction The Imatest™ Arbitrary Charts module analyzes images of custom test charts. A chart-definition file (typically user defined) is needed to describe the chart layout to Imatest software. The Arbitrary Charts module will automatically locate and analyze target features when an observed image of a chart is loaded along with the corresponding definition file.    This module allows users to get a number of measurements out of custom, legacy, or competitors’ charts which are unsupported […]

Challenges in Automotive Image Quality Testing

Imatest’s Norman Koren presents his vision for challenges in automotive image quality testing including resolving low-contrast scenarios.

Camera Monitor Systems

A Camera Monitor System (CMS) consists of a camera, an image processing pipeline, and a monitor for viewing the camera image. Examples include automotive side and rear view mirror replacement systems and medical endoscopes (where the doctor views the endoscope image on the monitor). Although there are good reasons to test the components separately (this lets you find out where degradations occur), sometimes the complete system needs to be tested. for example, camera 1 output (shown below) may not be available. Testing the complete system requires a high-quality camera whose resolution is considerably better than that of the CMS camera […]

Imatest IT Instructions

Introduction Watch on YouTube. Imatest IT (Industrial Testing) is a set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow developers to access Imatest’s powerful image quality analysis tools in their own custom applications. Imatest IT is available for 64-bit Windows and Linux, and includes libraries for use with C, C++, Python, .NET (including C# and Visual Basic), and LabVIEW, and also contains standalone executables that can be called from a command line or script. The API libraries perform the exact same calculations as the corresponding GUI-based Imatest Master modules. Imatest IT is a complete package that includes the module libraries, support […]

SFRplus Photographic Multi-Size Target

The SFRplus Photographic Multi-Size target is ideal for a variety of specialized testing applications. This chart is of particular interest for endoscope and medical device manufacturers, as the always-on, embedded light sources of these instruments often prevents the use of a high-resolution transmissive target.

Imatest 36-Patch Dynamic Range Test Charts

These targets have 36 low-noise density patches and density ranges exceeding 50dB, 100dB and 150dB. The three options fulfill needs for Low, Wide, and Ultra-High Dynamic Range systems. A nearly circular patch arrangement ensures that vignetting has minimal effect on results. For the Wide and Ultra-High variants, there are regions on the left and right sides of the chart for detecting flare light that can interfere with HDR performance. The charts have an active area of 197x235mm (7.75×9.25 inches) on 203x254mm (8×10 inch) high precision LVT film.

Options include an acrylic frame for ease of placement and removal, and the Imatest DarkWorld Mask (see details below). The default frame size fits our size B Lightbox and Light Panel.
Custom pre-distorted versions are available for fisheye lenses. Contact charts@imatest.com.

CSV reference file with actual densities provided with purchase.

Download PDF Info Sheet

Rez Checker Target

This is a professional grade miniaturized target for assessing color, tone, and white balance in addition to measuring resolution and Spatial Frequency Response (SFR) or Modulation Transfer Function ( MTF) for digital cameras/scanners using edge gradient analysis of ISO 12233 and ISO 16067. All target patches are made in cooperation with Munsell Color Services from the same pigmented color paints as the GretagMacbeth™ ColorChecker®. At center are 12 spectrally neutral gray patches for assessing correct exposure and white balance. (These are NOT ink-jet, photographic, or electro-photographic generated colorants). The slanted edges can be used to reliably measure SFR or MTF out to 3000 dot-per-inch or 60 cy/mm with the appropriate software. Five line visual hyperbolic wedges are also included to aid in visual assessment of limiting resolution to 850 dpi.

Display (Monitor) sharpness

Although Imatest is primarily orientated toward testing cameras, it includes several tests for monitors (displays). It can measure the sharpness of all sorts of displays, including flat panels, projectors, heads up displays (HUDs), virtual & augmented reality head-mounted displays (HMDs) . It can also measure display defects, as described in Testing display defects with Imatest Blemish Detect, as well as the sharpness of Camera Monitor Systems (CMS).    This post describes how to measure monitor sharpness. It applies to a large variety of displays and monitors. The technique is similar to CMS measurements, but there are a few differences. Please note […]