Polaroid Image Quality Methodology

Polaroid has developed a unified image quality methodology that has been used for over fifteen years to evaluate the image quality of both silver halide and digital imaging systems. The methodology includes: 1) Techniques to measure image quality; 2) Models for image quality based on objective metrics; 3) A system image quality calculator; 4) Device models for the hardware, media and image processing; 5) Data on the usage environment and customer habits. These methods are combined to measure or predict image quality distributions. Simulations of image quality have been useful in predicting the performance of new cameras and films and understanding the consequences of proposed changes in existing products. They help in risk assessment of forced manufacturing changes and in the design optimization of new systems. They have also been used in connection with digital systems to optimize image processing algorithms. The models have been verified by comparing predicted image quality distributions with those resulting from pictures taken by customers.