ImSym 2026: Advancing End-to-End Imaging System Simulation
Modern imaging system design requires accurate modeling across the full pipeline—from scene and optics to stray light, detector behavior, and image signal processing. With the ImSym 2026 release, several new capabilities extend modeling realism, improve usability, and accelerate simulation workflows.
Figure 1. ImSym models the complete imaging pipeline, from scene definition through image signal processing.
This update focuses on three key areas:
- Higher physical realism in optical and spectral modeling
- Improved workflow efficiency and reuse
- Faster, more flexible simulation execution
Below is an overview of the most impactful enhancements.
Modeling Real-World Illumination with User-Defined Spectra
Accurately representing illumination is critical for predicting imaging system performance. In earlier workflows, scene objects were typically modeled using simplified spectral assumptions.
Figure 2. Custom spectral power distributions (.spd files) enable realistic modeling of LED and filtered light sources.
ImSym 2026 introduces user-defined scene spectra, enabling custom spectral distributions to better reflect real-world conditions.
Engineers can now:
- Define illumination profiles beyond blackbody sources
- Model structured spectra such as LEDs and filtered light sources
- Import spectral power distributions via .spd files
This allows more realistic simulation of applications where illumination strongly impacts system performance, including automotive sensing, machine vision, and consumer imaging.
Decoupling Calibration and Scene Spectra
ImSym 2026 also introduces independent calibration spectra, separating calibration conditions from scene illumination.
This provides the ability to:
- Model realistic calibration hardware and workflows
- Evaluate how calibration choices influence downstream results
- Analyze effects on tasks such as color conversion
Figure 3. Different calibration spectra can significantly impact color rendering, even with identical scene conditions.
For example, engineers can simulate how a sensor calibrated under one spectrum behaves under different scene lighting conditions—improving confidence in color accuracy and robustness.
Reusable Detector Modeling and Libraries
Detector configuration is now more efficient with the ability to save and restore detector models.
Users can:
- Build custom detector models with physical properties, angular response, and noise characteristics
- Save and reuse configurations across projects
- Create and maintain internal detector libraries
To accelerate setup, ImSym 2026 also includes:
- 12 sample detector models spanning resolution, pixel pitch, and color types
- Sample spectrum libraries with common illumination sources (e.g., daylight, LED, IR)
These additions reduce setup time and improve consistency across simulations.
Figure 4. 12 representative sample detector models
Lens Performance Data (LPD): Enabling Stand-Alone Simulation
A major enhancement in ImSym 2026 is support for Lens Performance Data (LPD) files.
Previously, principal image simulation required a live connection to CODE V. With LPD files:
- Lens performance data (e.g., PSF and distortion) is packaged into a portable format
- Simulations can run independently without a live CODE V session
- Processing speed is improved while maintaining CODE V fidelity
Additional benefits include:
- LPD files can be generated directly from CODE V or via ImSym
- Lens vendors can share performance data without exposing proprietary design details
This enables more flexible collaboration and faster iteration across teams.
Figure 5. An LPD file can be generated either natively from CODE V or by commanding CODE V from ImSym.
Improved Modeling of Asymmetric Optical Systems
Many real-world systems are not rotationally symmetric, particularly in applications involving wide fields, packaging constraints, or tilted components.
Figure 6. New interpolation methods improve stray light accuracy for non-rotationally symmetric systems.
ImSym 2026 introduces expanded support for asymmetric systems, including:
- Improved stray light interpolation methods
- Explicit control over symmetric vs. asymmetric processing modes
This allows engineers to:
- Increase simulation accuracy for complex optical geometries
- Balance fidelity and performance depending on the use case
New Example Models for Workflow and Application Learning
To help users adopt new capabilities, ImSym 2026 includes eight new example models.
These examples cover both:
Key workflows
- Asymmetric system simulation
- Custom image signal processing (ISP)
- Lens Performance Data file usage
- Detector library creation and reuse
Application-focused scenarios
- Endoscope imaging systems
- Photographic camera ghost artifacts
- Influence of surface optical properties on stray light
- Detector angular response effects
Each example is designed to provide a starting point for real-world problems and accelerate onboarding.
Figure 7. Endoscope and photographic camera example models in ImSym. Eight new example models cover both workflow setup and application-specific scenarios.
Performance and Usability Improvements
In addition to new features, ImSym 2026 delivers measurable improvements in simulation performance.
Key updates include:
- GPU acceleration for:
- Principal image generation
- Scene stray light simulation
- Detector noise modeling
- Faster stray light file generation
- Reduced file size with an updated file format
These improvements reduce turnaround time for complex simulations and enable more iterative design exploration.
Conclusion
ImSym 2026 strengthens its role as an end-to-end imaging system simulation platform by improving both modeling depth and workflow efficiency.
Key advancements include the following capabilities:
- User-defined and independent spectra
- Reusable detector models and libraries
- Stand-alone simulation via Lens Performance Data files
- Enhanced asymmetric system modeling
- Performance acceleration through GPU computing
Together, these capabilities enable engineers to simulate more realistic systems, iterate faster, and collaborate more effectively.