The EMVA1288 standard, now in version 3.1, has been introduced to fill a need for a more uniform and standardized way of specifying the performance of image sensors and cameras. Indeed until the EMVA1288 standard, there was no common method to characterize and specify image sensors and cameras except for those used in and photography and professional broadcasting. The EMVA1288 standard complements the ISO standard allowing for specification and comparison of image sensors and cameras for industrial, medical and scientific applications where ISO parameters like "lux" or "standard observer" are not meaningful. Instead, it uses metrics like watts or electrons which enable more direct estimation of system performance.

This course provides attendees with knowledge of high dynamic range image sensors and techniques for industrial and non-industrial applications, for example automotive, surveillance, homeland security, medical and drones. The course starts with an in-depth introduction to dynamic range and image sensor design and continues into various specific pixel designs and sensor architectures to achieve high dynamic range imaging. Then software approaches to make high dynamic range images out of lower dynamic range sensors or image sets are introduced. Some methods for automatic control of exposure and dynamic range of image sensors and other issues like color and glare will be introduced. The testing and validation of HDR systems is also discussed. The course has an intermediate to high technical level but does not require any prerequisites. It is also a very complete course on CMOS image sensor technology.

This course provides attendees with a basic knowledge of high dynamic range image sensors and techniques for industrial and non-industrial applications. HDR is increasingly being used in automotive on-board systems, road traffic monitoring, industrial, security, and military applications and offers advantages including a stronger robustness against direct sunlight or reflection of strong lights on metals and a better detection of objects located in shadows. The course is not about the artistic side of high dynamic range images, although some aspects of HDR photography will be mentioned. After an introduction, application examples, and a review of linear pixels, the course will describe the most common sensor and pixel architectures to achieve high dynamic range imaging as well as software approaches to make high dynamic range images out of lower dynamic range sensors or image sets. The course includes examples and short demonstrations. This course serves as an introduction to the subject and is complemented by SC967, which goes into greater depth and focuses on HDR sensors and architectures.