Objective Flare Measurement for Modern Camera Systems
Stray light can significantly affect camera performance, particularly in demanding lighting conditions. To reliably compare and evaluate cameras under such circumstances, reproducible measurement methods are essential. The FLARE System combines controlled illumination, precise positioning, and automated analysis into a standardized workflow for flare characterization.
Camera systems are often evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. In real-world applications, however, they frequently encounter challenging lighting situations. Strong light sources outside the field of view or reflections from glossy surfaces can create stray light artifacts that reduce contrast and obscure important image details.
Lens flare occurs when light is reflected or scattered within an optical system, resulting in image artifacts. These effects range from reduced contrast to visible overlays that can impair critical image information.
Such conditions occur regularly in automotive applications. Low sun angles, reflective surfaces, and intense light sources outside the camera's field of view place significant demands on both camera and lens systems. To evaluate camera robustness under these conditions, visual inspection alone is often insufficient.
The challenge lies in generating lens flare under controlled conditions and evaluating it objectively. This is precisely the purpose of the FLARE System. It combines a high-intensity fiber-coupled light source with a highly accurate, dual-axis gimbal capable of positioning with an angular resolution of 0.1°. This enables illumination angles to be adjusted precisely while maintaining repeatable test conditions.
Image analysis is performed automatically in the iQ-Analyzer X software. The workflow follows IEEE 2020:2024 and supports the objective characterization and comparison of different camera systems using reproducible measurement data. In addition, the integrated Python interface enables seamless integration into existing development and testing environments.
The FLARE System was developed jointly by Image Engineering, Sofica, and lightsource.tech. The combination of image quality analysis, high-precision positioning technology, and powerful illumination creates an integrated workflow for the reproducible characterization of lens flare.
The goal is not simply to capture stray light artifacts. Rather, it is to make camera systems comparable under realistic backlight conditions and to evaluate the impact of lens flare objectively and consistently. As camera systems become more complex, the objective characterization of effects that have long been evaluated subjectively becomes increasingly important.
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The FLARE System is currently being prepared for market launch. Additional information will be available soon.
