Ansys, DXOMARK Partner on Breakthrough Solution to Validate Virtual Camera Systems

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Ansys and DXOMARK are entering a new partnership to provide an end-to-end camera solution that bridges the gap between physical measurements and simulation. DXOMARK’s industry-leading tool for image quality analysis, Analyzer, augments Ansys’ optics portfolio to provide a predictively accurate validation of camera systems. The robust workflow will optimize designs and deliver valuable insights earlier in the development process, speeding time-to-market for products in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to healthcare and consumer electronics.

Optical systems are used across industries in applications like autonomous vehicle sensors and advanced medical devices. As the number of critical applications continues to increase, so does the need for even more reliable validation. To design the most accurate virtual camera systems, large amounts of real-world data are needed to correctly define the models used for testing. This information can be challenging to obtain, making the validation process much longer and cost inefficient. 

Combining Ansys and DXOMARK’s technology enables a reliable solution for validating virtual camera systems. Users first run simulations in Ansys Zemax OpticStudio to develop an optimal lens design, and Ansys Lumerical, to simulate complex micro-components, like the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. These results are then integrated into Ansys Speos, where a full virtual model of the camera is built. Using the Speos Sensors System Exporter, a raw image of the model is produced and transferred to Analyzer for characterization. The DXOMARK software enables customers to evaluate various features of their virtual model — including noise, flare, dynamic range, and distortion — against Analyzer’s physical measurement standards. The process enables users to compare simulation results with real-world data and validate the design with extreme predictive accuracy.



Stray light effects from the lens, optomechanics, and the sensor with one ray tracing showing one source of stray light in lenses

“The collaboration with Ansys will provide unparalleled benefits for customers around the world,” said Frédéric Guichard, ceo of DXOMARK. “The question of validating any virtual model comes down to the real-world data used to back it up. We have been providing that service for over 20 years with Analyzer. Integrating it into their workflows will further empower customers to continue to produce top-of-the-line products with fewer obstacles.”

“We are invested in helping our customers overcome engineering challenges, and by partnering with DXOMARK, we can deliver reliable simulation solutions that are backed by the best of the best,” said Shane Emswiler, senior vice president of products at Ansys. “Customers across industries have diverse needs, and Analyzer has been at the forefront of standardizing and benchmarking camera system functionality for decades. The partnership will ensure our customers get the most out of their designs, presenting them with further opportunities for innovation and industry advancement.”