Hardware Nuance Exploration Through High-Fidelity Imaging Simulation

Abstract

Virtual prototyping, using simulation and emulation of potential hardware prior to development, is quickly proving critical to the design and test procedures of novel imaging devices. This concept can also be applied to evaluate inverse problems, such as camera measurement and hardware in the loop testing. In this work, we introduce and discuss a simulation tool capable of capturing with high fidelity the nuances of scene and camera hardware. A variety of potential measurements of the camera system are simulated to replicate laboratory use, taking care to identify the influence of the scene generator on the accuracy of the measurement. This workflow provides valuable feedback for both hardware development as well as new measurement analysis development. Finally, we also describe uses of the tool for new measurements development, system studies and camera component development.