Optical characterization of frame grabbers

Today, video cameras connected to frame grabbers are used in many applications such as traffic control, surveillance, medical systems or machine vision. In this work, we present an optical characterization of frame grabbers in terms of their spatial-frequency responses. This characterization is based on the modulation transfer function (MTF) determination from speckle patterns using a low-cost experimental setup. We have characterized and compared three different frame grabbers. The three frame grabbers produce an amplification (boost) in the horizontal MTF in different spatial-frequency ranges and having different maximum amplification values.

► We present an optical characterization of frame grabbers from speckle patterns.
► The characterization is based on the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF).
► The MTF of the frame grabbers characterized and presented different performance characteristics.
► The characterized frame grabbers produce an amplification in the horizontal MTF.
► The method can be useful in the implementation of electro-optical imaging systems.