Selection of optimal external filter for colorimetric camera

Abstract

A database of realizable filters is created and searched to obtain the best filter that, when placed in front of an existing camera, results in improved colorimetric capabilities for the system. The image data with the external filter is combined with image data without the filter to provide a six-band system. The colorimetric accuracy of the system is quantified using simulations that include a realistic signal-dependent noise model. Using a training data set, we selected the optimal filter based on four criteria: Vora Value, Figure of Merit, training average ΔE, and training maximum ΔE. Each selected filter was used on testing data. The filters chosen using the training ΔE criteria consistently outperformed the theoretical criteria.