UPDATED
Camera Noise Sources and its Characterization using International Standards
Monday 27 January • 8:30 – 10:30
Course Length: 2 hours
Course Level: Intermediate
Instructors: Uwe Artmann, Image Engineering GmbH & Co. KG, and Kevin J. Matherson, Microsoft Corporation

Learning Outcomes
This course enables the attendee to:

• Become familiar with basic noise sources in electronic imaging devices.
• Learn how image processing impacts noise sources in electronic imaging devices.
• Make noise measurements based on international standards: EMVA 1288, ISO 14524, ISO 15739, IEEE P2020, and visual noise measurements.
• Learn how to make dynamic range measurements based on international standards.
• Describe the 3D noise method used for measuring near-IR and infrared sensors.
• Make noise measurements using the 3D noise method.
• Describe simple test setups for measuring noise based on international standards.
• Predict system level camera performance using international standards.
• Learn how to compare image sensor performance using the photon transfer curve.

This short course provides an overview of noise sources associated with “light in to byte out” in compact camera modules used in automotive (ADAS), AR/VR, consumer, and machine vision applications. The course discusses common noise sources in imaging devices, the influence of image processing on these noise sources, the use of international standards for noise characterization, and simple hardware test setups for characterizing noise.

Intended Audience
People involved in the design and image quality of digital cameras, mobile cameras, and scanners. Technical staff of manufacturers, managers of digital imaging projects, as well as journalists and students studying image technology.

Uwe Artmann studied photo technology at the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne following an apprenticeship as a photographer and finished with the German 'Diploma Engineer'. He is now the CTO at Image Engineering, an independent test lab for imaging devices and manufacturer of all kinds of test equipment for these devices. His special interest is the influence of noise reduction on image quality and MTF measurement in general.

Kevin Matherson is a director of optical engineering at Microsoft Corporation working on advanced optical technologies for AR/VR, machine vision, and consumer products. Prior to Microsoft, he participated in the design and development of compact cameras at HP and has more than 15 years of experience developing miniature cameras for consumer products. His primary research interests focus on sensor characterization, optical system design and analysis, and the optimization of camera image quality. Matherson holds a Masters and PhD in optical sciences from the University of Arizona.