Stray Light Standards and Recommendations

Page Contents

This page enumerates the settings required to obtain metrics named in standards and Imatest's recommendations.

Overview

StandardDescriptionNormalizationNote(s)References
Imatest Recommended: New UserThese settings are intended to help a new user get some results quickly.NoneResults may not be comparable from sensor to sensor due to the lack of normalization. 
Imatest Recommended: Advanced UserThese settings are what Imatest recommends for camera-to-camera comparable stray light flare measurement.Direct Reference ImageIn some literature, this is referred to as "Point Source Rejection Ratio (PSRR)". 
IEEE Std 2020-2024: Flare Intensity Lambertian Reference ImageThis has heritage to the Flare Attenuation metric from the IEEE P2020 Pre-Release [2].[1] §2.8.1
IEEE Std 2020-2024: Normalized Flare Direct Reference ImageThis is inspired by "Imatest Recommended Advanced User".[1] §2.8.3

Syntax

Items in fixed-width font indicate settings that are determined from the test setup.

Calculation Settings

Core Calculation

SettingStandard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Calculation TypeTransmissionTransmission TransmissionNote: the prerelease version of IEEE-2020 [2] used Attenuation for the flare attenuation metric.
Data TransformLinear (None)Linear (None)dB (Voltage)Linear (None) 
Dark Level0Set based on camera noise00IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify subtracting off a dark level.
Clip To OneDisableDisableEnableDisableClip To One performs IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] eq 2-6.

Saturation

Manually setting the saturation level is the most reliable way to get saturation values.

SettingStandard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Measurement Type    IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify saturation calculations.
ValueN/AIf needed, set based on camera propertiesN/AN/A 
Bit DepthN/AIf needed, set based on camera propertiesN/AN/A 

Analysis Channel

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Analysis Channel(s)AutomaticEach ChannelLuminanceLuminance 
Luminance TypeN/AN/ASet per [1] §1.7.6Set per [1] §1.7.6IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] §2.7.1 does not specify which luminance weights to use. [1] §1.7.6 recommends using the weights of the color space, if given, otherwise to use ITU-R BT.709-6 (sRGB) weights.
Custom RGB WeightsN/AN/ASet if needed per [1] §1.7.6Set if needed per [1] §1.7.6 
RGB OrderN/AN/A

Set based on data type

Set based on data type

StatisticsN/AN/A

N/A

N/A

Normalization

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Normalization TypeNoneDirect Reference ImageLambertian Reference ImageDirect Reference ImageNormalization types other than none require other settings.

Normalization: Direct Image

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Reference Image FIle(s)N/ASelect the reference image(s)N/ASelect the reference imageIEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify that more than one image can be combined
Normalization AggregationN/AMedianN/AMeanIEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] §2.8.3.1 specifies the use of "the average linearized per-pixel gray level signal".

Normalization: Direct Image: Source Compensation

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Light Level RatioN/ASet based on the test setupN/ASet based on the test setup 

Normalization: Direct Image: Source Compensation: Neutral Density

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

ND Measurement TypeN/ASet based on the test setup

N/A

Set based on the test setup

 
ND Density ValueN/ASet based on the test setupN/ASet based on the test setup 
ND Transmission ValueN/ASet based on the test setupN/ASet based on the test setup 

Normalization: Direct Image: Camera Compensation

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Integration Time RatioN/ASet based on the test setup

N/A

Set based on the test setup

 
Gain RatioN/ASet based on the test setupN/ASet based on the test setup 

Normalization: Lambertian Image

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Refrence Image FIle(s)N/AN/ASelect the reference imageN/AIEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify that more than one image can be combined
Normalization AggregationN/AN/AMeanN/AIEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] Eq. 2-5 specifies the use of the average in the symbols

Normalization: Lambertian Image: Light Source Measurements

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Light Measurement TypeN/AN/ASet based on the test setupN/A 
Radiance From Lambertian DiffuserN/AN/ASet based on the test setupN/A 
Irradiance at the Camera LocationN/AN/ASet based on the test setupN/A 
Luminance From Lambertian DiffuserN/A N/A Set based on the test setupN/A  
Illuminance at the Camera LocationN/AN/ASet based on the test setupN/A 

Normalization: Lambertian Image: Camera Compensation

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Integration Time RatioN/AN/A

Set based on the test setup

N/A 
Gain RatioN/AN/ASet based on the test setupN/A 

Normalization: Reference Image Source Detection

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Reference Image Mask OptionsN/AImage Processing  IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify separate settings for reference and test images. Use the test image masking settings.

Normalization: Reference Image Source Detection: Image Processing

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Reference Image Level Threshold TypeN/APercent of Max  IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify separate settings for reference and test images. Use the test image masking settings.
Level Threshold (Value)N/AN/A  IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify separate settings for reference and test images. Use the test image masking settings.
Level Threshold (Percent)N/A50%  IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify separate settings for reference and test images. Use the test image masking settings.
Image Close RadiusN/A5  IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify separate settings for reference and test images. Use the test image masking settings.
Multiple Connected Component StrategyN/APick Biggest  IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify separate settings for reference and test images. Use the test image masking settings.
Reference Image Mask Area ThresholdN/A1  IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not specify separate settings for reference and test images. Use the test image masking settings.

Analysis Image Mask

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Test Image Mask TypeNoneImage Processing + Circle

Image Processing or

Geometric Camera Model + Circle

Image Processing or

Geometric Camera Model + Circle

IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] provides three methods for creating the mask: 

  • Image Processing (§2.7.2.1)
  • Geometric Calibration Model (§2.7.2.2) Note, it is this sub-clause that describes the radius portion of Image Processing + Circle)
  • Image Processing on a well-exposed image (§2.7.2.3)

Test Image Masking requires additional settings for types other than None.

Analysis Image Mask: Image Processing

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare

Level Threshold TypeN/APercent Of MaxPercent Of MaxPercent Of Max 
Level Threshold (Value)N/AN/AN/AN/A 
Level Threshold (Percent)N/A959595See IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] §2.7.2.1. The 95% threshold is allowed to be tuned.
Minimum Source LevelN/ASet to a value slightly less than the level of the direct image of the source in the image.Set to a value slightly less than the level of the direct image of the source in the image.Set to a value slightly less than the level of the direct image of the source in the image.Although not explicitly part of IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] §2.7.2.1, the first paragraph of that clause assumes the source's image is in the FOV. Setting this value helps validate that assumption.
Image Close Radius
N/A5Set as needed to fill in holes in the mask.Set as needed to fill in holes in the mask.In IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] §2.7.2.1, it says to perform a closing, but does not specify a radius.
Multiple Connected Component StrategyN/APick Biggest   
Mask Area ThresholdN/ASet to a value slightly larger than the pixel area of the well-exposed source.00

This helps filter out saturated ghost images or hot pixels/noise smaller than the direct image.

IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] §2.7.2.1 does not specify a mask area threshold. 

Analysis Image Mask: Geometric Camera Model + Circle

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare

Negate Field AngleN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 
Negate Azimuth AngleN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 

Analysis Image Mask: Geometric Camera Model + Circle: Camera Model

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare

Model TypeN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 

Analysis Image Mask: Geometric Camera Model + Circle: Camera Model: Image Coordinate System

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare

TypeN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 

Analysis Image Mask: Geometric Camera Model + Circle: Camera Model: Geometric Camera Model Intrinsics

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare

Focal LengthN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 
Principal Point TypeN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 
Principal PointN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 
AlphaN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 
SkewN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 

Analysis Image Mask: Geometric Camera Model + Circle: Camera Model: Geometric Camera Model OpenCV Distortion

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare

Radial CoefficientsN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 
Tangential CoefficientsN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 
Thin-Prism CoefficientsN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 
Tilt CoefficientsN/AN/ASet as needed.Set as needed. 

Analysis Image Mask: Radius

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare

Radius TypeN/A

User-Specified

Focal Length Ratio

Focal Length Ratio 
Mask RadiusN/ASet via measurement of the on-axis image.

N/A

N/A 
Camera Pixel Pitch
N/AN/ASet to the pixel pitch in μm of the device under test.Set to the pixel pitch in μm of the device under test.This is part of IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] eq 2-4.
Camera Focal LengthN/AN/ASet to the focal length in mm of the device under test.Set to the focal length in mm of the device under test.This is part of IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] eq 2-4.
Source Focal LengthN/AN/ASet to the focal length in mm of the light source.Set to the focal length in mm of the light source.This is part of IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] eq 2-4.
Source DiameterN/AN/ASet to the diameter of the light source in mm.Set to the diameter of the light source in mm.This is part of IEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] eq 2-4.

Crop

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Crop LRTB0, 0, 0, 0Set to exclude any non-imaging rows/columnsSet to exclude any non-imaging rows/columnsSet to exclude any non-imaging rows/columnsIEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not mention the cropping of non-imaging pixels; however, this is recommended.

Downsample

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Size MeasurementFull ResolutionFull ResolutionFull ResolutionFull ResolutionIEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not mention the downsampling of analysis images.
FactorN/AN/AN/AN/A 
Output Image SizeN/AN/AN/AN/A 
Row CountN/AN/AN/AN/A 
Column CountN/AN/AN/AN/A 

Metadata

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Filename Regular Expression MethodNoneSet if needed to correlate images to capture information.Set if needed to correlate images to capture information.Set if needed to correlate images to capture information. 
Filename Regular ExpressionN/ASet if needed to correlate images to capture information.Set if needed to correlate images to capture information.Set if needed to correlate images to capture information. 
Decimal PointN/ASet if needed to correlate images to capture information.Set if needed to correlate images to capture information.Set if needed to correlate images to capture information. 

Extra Calculation

 Standard/RecommendationNotes

Imatest Recommended

New User

Imatest Recommended

Advanced User

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Flare Intensity ([1] §2.8.1)

IEEE Std 2020-2024

Normalized Flare ([1] §2.8.3)

Percentile Ranksuse defaultSet values as desiredSet values as desiredSet values as desiredIEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not mention percentiles as summary metrics.
Level Count Thresholdsuse defaultSet values as desiredSet values as desiredSet values as desiredIEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not mention count-based summary metrics.
Level Count Calculation% Of Pixels% Of Pixels% Of Pixels% Of PixelsIEEE Std 2020-2024 [1] does not mention count-based summary metrics.

Unsupported Parts of Standards

IEEE Std 2020-2024  [1]

The analysis software does not support:

References

[1] IEEE Std 2020:2024 "IEEE Standard for Automotive System Image Quality" https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/2020/6765/

[2] IEEE P2020/D3 - "IEEE Draft Standard for Automotive System Image Quality" https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9969530