Imaging standard apparatus and method

Abstract

A standard used to test imaging systems is imaged by a digital camera which expresses the image of the standard as a plurality of pixels having associated intensities. A computer automatically finds the image of the standard in the image and quantitatively compares intensities of pixels of a subsequent image of the standard to the first image to discern changes indicative of malfunction. A set of images of the standard may be collected and compiled to develop standard data, such as average of median values, that can be used to test imaging apparatus. The standard may be provided with a plurality of types of imaging standards occupying sub-areas that produce a different photoresponse to a plurality of different light sources. A fluorescent standard may be included that has a plurality of different fluorescence levels. Multiple sub-areas of the same type may be distributed over the surface area of the standard to measure the photoresponse in several areas and also to facilitate locating all sub-areas of the standard, e.g., multiple white squares may be distributed over the standard that may be identified by thresholding. The results of testing via the standard may be graphically displayed.