STEVE-6D

The Stabilization Evaluation Equipment (STEVE) has been developed to analyze the optical image stabilizers (OIS) of a camera system. These stabilizers provide better image quality by compensating for the human hand’s natural tremor. If stabilization is working well, it can prevent image blur.

To begin a measurement with STEVE, a digital camera or mobile phone must first be mounted securely on the hardware. The software solution allows users to define arbitrary six-degree-of-freedom motion, thereby controlling STEVE-6D's vibration. The software also controls iQ-Trigger, a remote-controlled, mechanical “finger " that presses the camera’s shutter button. The software’s analysis module evaluates the resulting images. The results provide insight into the image stabilizer’s performance.

Six degrees of freedom

The previous model, STEVE-2D, had two degrees of freedom; STEVE-6D has six. The intricate movements are performed by a hexapod. An efficient control software individually controls the frequency and amplitude of each movement direction. The software’s analysis function automatically evaluates recordings from the test chart TE261 and presents the image stabilizer’s performance numerically and graphically.

STEVE can generate different vibrations: a CIPA-compliant vibration, sine waves, or individual waveforms. With STEVE, all movements can be reproduced accurately and consistently.

The delivery for STEVE-6D includes the hardware (hexapod)*, the control and analysis software, the automated shutter-triggering device iQ-Trigger, and the iQ-Mobilemount. Ideally, STEVE-6D should be combined with the TE261 test chart. The iQ-Anchor is an accessory that securely attaches STEVE. Another option is to mount STEVE on the Honeycomb Breadboard, a stable board compatible with an existing table.

We offer an API (iQ-Drive API) for use with a motorized mounting setup. API is sold separately.

*The hexapod is a 3rd party product.

Use STEVE to accurately measure the performance of a camera's optical image stabilizer.

STEVE has six degrees of freedom and can move along the horizontal, vertical, and optical axes.

STEVE is CIPA certified and can generate a CIPA-compliant vibration to simulate movement.

With STEVE, you can generate vibrations that can be reproduced and repeated for multiple tests.

STEVE comes with a vibration-control software module to control its movement.

The Analyze Data Module calculates the image stabilization performance using a metadata tool.

The vibration control module controls STEVE's motion.

Interface to STEVE-6D

• Choose Pivot-point as required

Interface to iQ-Trigger

• Triggering of the camera

Set up waveform data

• With the sine wave generator for every axis

• Choose one of the three CIPA handshakes

• Or upload a custom waveform with Cartesian coordinates

The analyze data module calculates the camera's image stabilization performance.

Metadata tool

• Set camera metadata if not available

• Pixel pitch and shutter time are necessary for calculation

• Image batch processing for IS performance calculation

• Comparison IS ON and IS OFF

Displays the results

• Stabilization performance in f-stops

• The edge spread function (ESF)

• Spatial frequency response (SFR)

As the automotive industry continues to push the boundaries of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), developers face more testing challenges. One such challenge is testing the performance of image stabilizers in ADAS applications. Traditionally, stabilization is evaluated through handshaking performance for handheld camera systems, but with the rise of ADAS, stabilization must be evaluated for automotive camera systems to ensure high performance across various driving conditions, such as on uneven or bumpy roads. We have optimized STEVE for generating vibrations that ADAS applications would encounter. Contact our sales team for more details.

Modern smartphone cameras are expected to deliver outstanding image quality in every situation—from capturing everyday moments to recording videos while on the move. Achieving consistent performance requires testing under realistic motion conditions that reflect how users actually handle their devices. STEVE enables precise and repeatable vibration simulation, allowing developers to evaluate camera performance under controlled dynamic scenarios such as walking, commuting, or other everyday movements. By recreating real-world vibration profiles, STEVE supports reliable and objective VCX camera testing for the next generation of smartphone imaging. Contact our sales team to learn more.