Here is a five-step version of the optical imaging chain:

• Object Characteristics– A subject to be imaged is defined in terms of its observable characteristics (e.g. size, range, spatial detail, reflectance, emissivity, visible spectrum, or NIR). This will determine imaging system design requirements, such as illumination and resolution.
• Image Formation-In most cases the image formation is performed with classical Gaussian optics. There are special cases where the image formation is performed through the use of coded aperture masks or other mathematical image filtering methods. In the case of these other methods the image processing takes an image that is undecipherable through ordinary image processing and applies the reverse image filter to obtain an image that can then be displayed normally.
• Image Capture—Spectral characteristics of the subject and illumination generally dictate the appropriate image capture (sensor) technology, such as a CMOS or CCD camera, spectrometer, or microbolometer array, to record the signals originating from the subject. The choice of sensor, combined with the object characteristics and constraints of size, weight and cost, determine the image formation requirements to be met using appropriate lenses, mirrors and/or other components.
• Image Processing and Image Analysis— The information recorded by the capture device is not always in a form that can be immediately understood. Image processing and image analysis apply data manipulation and processing techniques to transform the recorded signals into a form that can be readily displayed.
• Visualization and Data Reporting—The final step in the optical imaging chain is to render the processed data into a meaningful form, such as a picture or a video on a monitor, to facilitate decision-making based upon the information obtained.

At ASE our approach to imaging system design is driven by the needs of our customer. Your needs may include:

• Illumination system design
• Assistance in selecting the correct technology or components
• Algorithm development for image processing and image analysis
• Code generation and/or software program development
• Modeling and simulation of part or all of the optical imaging chain
• Visualizing complex data sets
• Detecting, classifying, and identifying items based on imaging data

Our expertise covers all aspects of the optical imaging chain including illumination design, illumination analysis, image formation, image capture technology selection, image processing, image modeling, image analysis, data visualization, opto-electronics, and control-systems engineering.