Evaluating image sensor sensitivity by measuring camera signal-to-noise ratio

Bradley S. Carlson

doi:10.1117/12.451813

Abstract

Image sensor sensitivity is critical for machine vision applications where illumination is limited and large depth of field is required. In this paper a method is presented for evaluating image sensor sensitivity by measuring camera signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The method is simple to implement and produces accurate results. The method measures SNR as a function of target illumination, and relates this to image sensor sensitivity by normalizing with respect to image sensor pixel size. The method can be used to compare cameras with different types and sizes of image sensors, and is particularly useful in comparing the sensitivities of different CMOS sensors, and for comparing CMOS and CCD sensors. We present a new measure of sensitivity: SNR per unit luminous flux-time. The new measure enables the direct comparison of sensor performance.

Citation Download Citation

Bradley S. Carlson, Bradley S. Carlson, } "Evaluating image sensor sensitivity by measuring camera signal-to-noise ratio", Proc. SPIE 4772, Electro-Optical System Design, Simulation, Testing, and Training, (25 October 2002); doi: 10.1117/12.451813; https://doi.org/10.1117/12.451813

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

PERSONAL SIGN IN
Full access may be available with your subscription

Email or Username Forgot your username?

Password Forgot your password?

Show

Remember Email/Username on this computer

Remember Password

No SPIE account? Create an account
or Institutional Sign In via Shibboleth

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $14.40

Non-members: $18.00 ADD TO CART

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years