An extensible software platform for automated operational and characterization testing of scientific cameras

Abstract

Multi-detector programs such as Earth 2.0 (ET) require detector characterization across different technologies, operating conditions, and production batches, together with consistent procedures for operation, characterization, and device selection. Traditional laboratory workflows often distribute camera control, illumination, image analysis, and report generation across detector-specific programs and manual steps, slowing iterative development and hindering standardized characterization. We address this gap with PixelXVision, a layered software platform that combines a common camera SDK, preset-based configuration, and a runtime plugin system. Detector-specific behavior is configured through declarative presets, allowing the same host interface to operate CCD, CMOS, and infrared detectors without model-specific core changes. Characterization procedures are implemented as plugins that use a shared object manager to access camera, illumination, storage, and database services. Each run links raw frames, measured operating conditions, configuration, analysis products, and reports into a traceable archive with a queryable index. The platform supports lightweight deployment for iterative single-detector development and structured workflows for multi-detector campaigns. The platform has been applied in characterization testing across CMOS, CCD, and HgCdTe cameras, and its configurable architecture can accommodate additional camera models for subsequent CCD testing for WFST without model-specific changes to the core host software. For operational troubleshooting, the platform integrates ChatPixel, a knowledge-base assistant that provides answers with cited sources when it has relevant information.