We present a methodology to compare image sensors with traditional Bayer RGB layouts to sensors with alternative layouts containing white pixels. We focused on the sensors’ resolving powers, which we measured in the form of a modulation transfer function for variations in both luma and chroma channels. We present the design of the test chart, the acquisition of images, the image analysis, and an interpretation of results. We demonstrate the approach at the example of two sensors that only differ in their color filter arrays. We confirmed that the sensor with white pixels and the corresponding demosaicing result in a higher resolving power in the luma channel, but a lower resolving power in the chroma channels when compared to the traditional Bayer sensor.

Date Published: 8 February 2015
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 9396, Image Quality and System Performance XII, 939608 (8 February 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2080193

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9396:
Image Quality and System Performance XII
Mohamed-Chaker Larabi; Sophie Triantaphillidou, Editor(s)