Validation of image systems simulation technology using a Cornell Box

TL;DR

This paper presents a validated end-to-end simulation of a digital camera using a Cornell Box test scene, demonstrating high accuracy in modeling spectral radiance, optics, and sensor conversion to aid in camera design and evaluation.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive simulation framework validated against real images, enabling faster and cheaper development of digital camera systems.

Findings

Simulation accurately matches real images of the Cornell Box

Validated model captures spectral and optical properties effectively

End-to-end simulation reduces development time and costs

Abstract

We describe and experimentally validate an end-to-end simulation of a digital camera. The simulation models the spectral radiance of 3D-scenes, formation of the spectral irradiance by multi-element optics, and conversion of the irradiance to digital values by the image sensor. We quantify the accuracy of the simulation by comparing real and simulated images of a precisely constructed, three-dimensional high dynamic range test scene. Validated end-to-end software simulation of a digital camera can accelerate innovation by reducing many of the time-consuming and expensive steps in designing, building and evaluating image systems.