Simulation of image blur

In this work, a MATLAB based user interface with various computation modules which simulate the image blur using the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is presented. Image distortion in an imaging system occurs through image blur and noise. The amount of the image blur depends on the characteristics of the optical system, sensor, post-sensor electronics; atmospheric conditions; and motion characteristics of the platform where imager is situated. In this work, image blur is simulated using MTF, especially under conditions where atmospheric degradation effects are dominant. Upon selection of an image by the user, the image blur due to components of the imaging systems and different atmospheric conditions is added to obtain a resultant image. The user can freely specify the values of parameters determining the amount of image blur. By employing synthetic image generators, this work can be used for increasing the efficiency of target detection, tracking, and image restoration algorithms.