Predicting Real-World Ghosting Using Typical Camera Parameters in ImSym

Accurately predicting stray light remains a significant challenge in imaging system development. While optical simulation can identify potential ghost paths, translating these predictions into the artifacts that ultimately appear in captured images can be difficult. This challenge is particularly pronounced during early design, when detailed sensor characteristics, Image Signal Processing (ISP) parameters, and proprietary camera information may not yet be available.

This application note demonstrates a practical workflow for reproducing real-world ghosting in ImSym 2026 without requiring exhaustive characterization of the complete imaging system. Using information typically accessible to lens designers and optical engineers, the methodology combines patent-derived optical models, representative CMOS sensor characteristics, default ImSym ISP parameters, and standard atmospheric and solar data.

The workflow is applied to ghosting observed in a commercial camera photograph. Using these readily available inputs, ImSym accurately reproduces the position, color, and relative intensity of the observed ghost artifacts. The results demonstrate that engineers can perform meaningful stray light analysis and assess ghost visibility even when detailed proprietary information about the physical camera is unavailable.

The study also examines which modeling parameters have the greatest influence on simulation accuracy. Results indicate that accurate representation of the optical system—particularly lens coatings and their real manufacturing behavior—has a greater impact on ghost prediction than precise characterization of the detector or ISP.

This insight can help engineers prioritize modeling effort and focus on the parameters most critical to realistic stray light prediction. By combining practical optical modeling techniques with ImSym's end-to-end imaging simulation capabilities, engineers can evaluate how stray light propagates through an optical system and how resulting artifacts appear in the final image.

This enables ghosting and other imaging issues to be investigated earlier in development, supporting informed design decisions, reducing physical iteration, and improving confidence in imaging performance before hardware is built.