Sensor-Realistic Image Simulation for Camera System Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The optimization of image processing systems is hindered by the complexity of selecting and parameterizing components, geometric degrees of freedom, and the variability of scenes, making it difficult to achieve optimal configurations and parameterizations, especially in real-world applications.

Innovation Solution

A sensor-realistic simulation framework is developed using computer graphics to model real-world objects, lighting systems, and camera systems, incorporating non-ideal properties such as contamination, aging, and external conditions to generate realistic images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If real-world test setups are used for optimizing image processing systems, then the results are more realistic and applicable, but the time and cost expenditure increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of optimization resultsVSAvoidtime for conducting experiments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of real-world test setups, objects, and scenes through 3D modeling and simulation environments. These virtual replicas preserve the geometric, optical, and physical properties of real objects while enabling rapid experimentation without the time and cost constraints of physical setups. The virtual scene includes modeled objects, lighting conditions, and camera systems that mirror real-world configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary optimization and testing in the virtual environment before implementing changes in the real world. By conducting exhaustive experiments, parameter sweeps, and system optimizations in the simulation first, the methodology identifies optimal configurations ahead of time, reducing the need for repeated real-world experimentation and accelerating the development cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If real-world test setups are used for optimizing image processing systems, then the results are more realistic and applicable, but the cost expenditure increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of optimization resultsVSAvoidcost of creating test setups

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables easy modification of system parameters, object properties, and environmental conditions in the virtual environment without physical reconfiguration. Researchers can change lighting intensity, object positions, material properties, and camera parameters through software controls, eliminating the cost of manufacturing multiple physical test setups and allowing exploration of diverse configurations at minimal marginal cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive investigation of all image processing components is conducted, then optimal configuration is achieved, but the complexity of the process becomes unmanageable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization qualityVSAvoidcomplexity of optimization process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex image processing system into separable components including acquisition system, processing pipeline, and evaluation metrics. Each component can be independently modeled, tested, and optimized in the virtual environment. This modular approach allows systematic investigation of individual elements and their interactions without being overwhelmed by the entire system's complexity at once.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automated feedback loops where the simulated image processing system evaluates its own performance against ground truth data and optimization criteria. The simulation provides immediate feedback on the effects of parameter changes, enabling automated optimization algorithms to systematically explore the configuration space and identify optimal settings without requiring manual analysis of every possible combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3746988B1Apparatus and method for producing sensor-realistic images

Publication Date: 2026.04.08 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

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AI summary

An apparatus for producing a result image is provided. The apparatus is configured to produce the result image in such a way that a recording of a scene by a camera system is simulated. The apparatus is configured to simulate a presence of one or more light sources of an illumination system, said cameras illuminating the scene. Moreover, the apparatus is configured to simulate one or more objects being situated in the scene. The apparatus is embodied to set one or more additional parameters. The image production unit (140) is embodied to produce the result image depending on the one or more additional parameters. At least one of the one or more additional parameters depends on the disturbance effect or on an effect caused by a non-ideal property of the camera system or of the illumination system.