The field of image engineering covers multiple aspects of the backend applications of video and images, including codec technology, color processing, data compression, and image quality evaluation. It is a complex field, rich in depth and diversity. Understanding the various techniques and challenges in image engineering is key to ensuring optimal image quality across various practical applications.
What Makes the Client Troubling? The Objective Evaluation Wasn’t Done
Client A, a domestic STB ODM (set-top box original design manufacturer), faced customer complaints in the market. Their downstream client, Carrier B, reported that users were dissatisfied with the poor image quality of the STB products they provided!
Visual perception is highly subjective, so objective tools and methods are needed to validate the true image quality of the product through data. Client A had been collaborating with Allion for many years but had only entrusted Allion to assist them with obtaining HDMI, Wi-Fi, BT, USB, and other related certifications. However, after the customer complaints for their STB product, Client A contacted Allion, explaining the case background.
Through interviews, Allion’s audio-visual consulting team learned that Client A lacked objective evaluation tools to generate data. As a result, they could not use experimental data to demonstrate the product’s image quality and, in turn, persuade their downstream client, Carrier B.
How to Evaluate Quality? Allion’s Comprehensive Solution
Many factors affect image quality. Understanding the technical details and challenges of image engineering is crucial to ensuring the best image quality across all application scenarios. Allion’s consulting team proposed the following solution to Client A: generate objective data through image tools and use this data during the image quality evaluation process to identify the optimal solution. Commonly used image quality evaluation metrics include:
- PSNR (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio): Measures the difference between the original and compressed images. A higher value indicates better quality.
- VMAF (Video Multimethod Assessment Fusion): Developed by Netflix, this metric combines multiple methods to evaluate image quality, more accurately reflecting human visual perception.
- SSIM (Structural Similarity Index): Focuses on the structural information of the image, better reflecting visual quality compared to PSNR.
By combining the data from these metrics, clients can choose the most suitable solution for specific application needs in image tuning
Time to Market with Quality! High-Quality Services Create Value for You
Allion captured output images before and after Client A adjusted the STB parameters. Using the above evaluation metrics, Allion measured the data and provided the following objective analysis results:
The image is before and after tuning
From the PSNR measurement data, we can observe the following:
- Before calibration, the PSNR of the product was 24.56dB, which is below the baseline of 30.0dB, indicating poor image quality.
- After calibration, the PSNR of the product increased to 32.28dB, surpassing the baseline of 30.0dB, indicating good image quality that meets consumer expectations.
- Image quality improved by 31%
Faster, Easier, Better! Allion Consulting Services
Allion understands your needs and offers customized consulting services tailored to different downstream and upstream partners, including distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers. Through our validation and consulting services, you can obtain more efficient test data analysis and recommendations, accelerating your product design, development, and production timelines. Allion’s consulting service team offers you:
Faster
With Allion’s professional testing techniques and expertise, we can significantly shorten the testing time within the application ecosystem. Regardless of the stage of your product development, we provide fast and accurate validation services.
Easier
Using AI technology and automated testing solutions, we ensure that every test is characterized by “reliability, accuracy, and repeatability.” Allion’s services are designed to simplify the testing process, helping you enhance product performance while saving time and resources.
Better
With over 30 years of industry experience and a professional technical team, Allion offers a comprehensive testing environment and equipment. We integrate real-world application scenarios to ensure that your product achieves optimal performance in the market. We are committed to delivering high-quality services, helping you upgrade your product’s technology to meet the highest industry standards.
If you have any questions or requirements, please contact us.