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Introducing ImSym: Revolutionizing Optical Imaging System Design

We are proud to introduce ImSym Imaging System Simulator, an industry-first imaging system simulator that is set to transform the way optical engineers design and validate imaging systems. ImSym provides an end-to-end, physically accurate, virtual prototype of your imaging system, making it easier and faster to bring innovative products to market. Read on to discover how ImSym addresses the complexities of optical imaging system design and why it should be an essential tool in your engineering toolkit.

The challenge of developing advanced optical imaging systems

Developing advanced optical imaging systems, such as cameras, is no small feat. The process involves intricate design, development, and characterization of numerous components.

Furthermore, it demands seamless collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams, both internal and external, to ensure optimal functionality. Validating image performance typically entails lengthy and costly fabrication, assembly, and testing cycles. And if something doesn't work as expected, you may have to iterate, or worse, start over.

Diagram showing steps in the traditional development process, highlighting its reliance on physical prototypes, barriers to collaboration, and the difficulty of managing complexity

Figure 1. Traditional development is highly complex and relies on physical prototypes.

The complexity of optical system design

Designing an optical imaging system is inherently complex due to the myriad components involved. Each component—be it lenses, sensors, or the image signal processing pipeline—requires precise design and alignment.

The process is further complicated by the necessity for extensive collaboration across various teams and the iterative nature of design validation. Traditional methods of hardware prototyping are not only time-consuming but also expensive, making it difficult to innovate quickly and confidently.

“About ten years ago, we started getting requests from mobile camera makers wanting to know how they could design the lens and sensor together. Our engineers recognized the need and opportunity to design the lens to accommodate the performance the sensor and ISP could provide. This allowed us to avoid over-engineering the lens and end up with a more expensive lens when the sensor and ISP could do the job. As we explored more, we realized there was a bigger opportunity for system-level tools. That's one example that led to our development of ImSym. We wanted to help optical system design teams evaluate image quality early on and provide a platform that opens up a whole new market." —Blake Crowther, Senior Director, ImSym Technical Product Management

Meet the ImSym workflow

To address these challenges, we’re introducing ImSym, an industry-first imaging system simulator that transforms the way optical engineers design and validate imaging systems. ImSym allows you to build an end-to-end, physically accurate, virtual prototype of your imaging system.

Screenshots showing steps in the ImSym workflow, from choosing a scene to automatically tuning sensors and ISP

Figure 2. ImSym workflow

Key features of ImSym

ImSym offers a comprehensive simulation environment that allows you to model the entire optical system, including the optics, sensor, and image processing pipeline. This system-level approach provides an integrated view of the system's performance, enabling you to make informed decisions early in the design process.

One of the standout capabilities of ImSym is its predictive analysis feature. By simulating the complete camera system performance before moving to the manufacturing stage, you can avoid costly and time-consuming hardware iterations. This predictive power helps streamline the development process and ensures that the final product meets your performance expectations.

Quality assurance is another critical aspect that ImSym addresses effectively. The software helps you identify crucial steps in the image-forming process that impact quality, allowing you to meet even the most exacting requirements. This focus on quality ensures that your optical solutions are reliable and of the highest standard.

ImSym also excels in rapid prototyping, enabling you to test components and validate new concepts quickly. This feature eliminates the need for physical hardware, reducing associated risks and accelerating the development timeline.

Lastly, ImSym facilitates scenario testing, allowing you to run various scenarios to pinpoint and resolve potential issues early in the design phase. This proactive approach ensures that you can address challenges before they become significant problems, enhancing the robustness and reliability of your optical systems.

A suburban street scene and its corresponding simulated image

Figure 3. Scene vs. simulated image

Why optical engineers should be interested

Optical engineers stand to gain substantially from ImSym’s capabilities. By providing a virtual environment for complete system simulation, ImSym removes the guesswork from design decisions. Engineers can focus on innovation, knowing they have a reliable tool to predict and validate performance without the traditional difficulties of rapid iteration and the common constraints of multiple physical prototypes.

ImSym’s capabilities can be used to elevate projects for a wide spectrum of imaging applications, such as photography, mobile devices, AR/VR, automotive, or machine vision applications.

Here’s how ImSym can revolutionize your workflow:

Get started with ImSym today

Ready to revolutionize your optical imaging system design? Contact us today for a free demo or trial. Discover how ImSym can help you deliver imaging solutions that meet your exacting requirements with unprecedented efficiency and accuracy.

Visit the ImSym product page to learn more and get in touch with us.

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