Calibration apparatus, measuring equipment, and method for calibrating a measurement device

Abstract

The calibration apparatus (101) includes a first frame (11) on which a calibration instrument filled with liquid nitrogen is installed, the first frame (11) includes a plurality of receiving units (18), and the first frame (11) is detachably supported by a plurality of struts (41) placed around a measuring device to be calibrated in the plurality of receiving units (18). (FIG. 1)

Description

CALIBRATION APPARATUS, MEASURING EQUIPMENT, AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A MEASUREMENT DEVICE

[0001] This disclosure relates to a calibration apparatus, measurement unit, and calibration method for measuring apparatus.Background

[0002] Traditionally, a technique for calibrating a microwave radiometer for observing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere is known. For example, MP-3000A and HATPRO Calibration Comparison - Top and Side-Mount Cryogenic Targets - Accuracy, Safety, Portability (radiometrics - Ahead of the Weather), [Retrieved August 27, 2024], Internet, (Non Patent Literature 1) discloses a technique for calibrating a microwave radiometer using a container filled with liquid nitrogen is disclosed.

[0003] Non Patent Literature 1 - MP-3000A and HATPRO Calibration Comparison, [Retrieved August 27, 2024], Internet, https: / / radiometrics.com / wp-content / uploads / 2022 / 04 / MP-3000A_and_HATPRO_Calibration_Comparison_160101.pdfSummary

[0004] For example, when calibrating a microwave radiometer, a calibration instrument filled with liquid nitrogen is provided around the microwave radiometer. Here, there are cases where a plurality of supports are provided around the microwave radiometer, for example, to prevent birds. In this case, a technology that may easily install a calibration instrument is required.

[0005] The present disclosure solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a calibration instrument, a measurement unit, and a calibration method of a measurement apparatus that may easily install a calibration instrument.

[0006] (1) A calibration instrument according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first frame on which a calibration instrument filled with liquid nitrogen is installed, the first frame includes a plurality of receiving units (indentations / dimples / hollows), and the first frame is detachably supported at the plurality of receiving units by a plurality of struts (poles / rods) provided around a measuring device to be calibrated.

[0007] With such configuration, since the first frame on which the calibration instrument is installed may be mounted above the measurement apparatus by using the plurality of supports provided around the measurement apparatus, labor required for calibration work may be reduced. Therefore, the calibration instrument may be installed easily.

[0008] (2) In the above (1), the calibration apparatus may further include a fan for blowing air to the calibration apparatus.

[0009] When the calibration apparatus is calibrated in a normal temperature environment, dew condensation may occur in the calibration apparatus which is cooled by liquid nitrogen. If the calibration apparatus is calibrated in a state where dew condensation has occurred, the calibration accuracy may decrease. Since the possibility of dew condensation occurring in the calibration apparatus filled with liquid nitrogen may be reduced by the above-described configuration, the calibration accuracy of the measurement apparatus may be prevented from decreasing.

[0010] (3) In (2), the first frame may include an opening (a rectangular cutout), and the fan may blow air to the calibration device through the opening.

[0011] If dew condensation occurs on the bottom plane of the calibration apparatus, which is the plane facing the measurement apparatus, the calibration accuracy of the measurement apparatus is likely to decrease. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to more reliably blow air toward the bottom of the calibration instrument, and therefore, it is possible to more reliably reduce the possibility that dew condensation occurs at the bottom of the calibration instrument.

[0012] (4) In (2) or (3), the blowing direction of the fan may intersects a vertical direction of the calibration apparatus so that the fan blows air toward a bottom of the calibration device.

[0013] With the above-described configuration, it is possible to more reliably reduce the possibility that dew condensation occurs at the bottom of the calibration instrument.

[0014] (5) In any of (2) to (4), the calibration instrument may include a plurality of fans, and the plurality of fans may be arranged in a line to blow air toward the calibration device in one direction.

[0015] With the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent the flow of air by one fan from interfering with the flow of air by another fan, and therefore, it is possible to more efficiently blow air to the calibration instrument.

[0016] (6) In any of (1) to (5) above, the calibration apparatus may further include an alignment unit for aligning the calibration device with an antenna of the measuring apparatus.

[0017] Such a configuration facilitates positioning the calibration apparatus and the antenna of the measuring apparatus.

[0018] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the calibration apparatus may further include the calibration device having a radio wave absorber inside.

[0019] For example, the measuring apparatus measures the intensity of a microwave radiated from the atmosphere and the brightness temperature of the microwave using a reference value of the intensity. When it is necessary to calibrate the reference value, the calibration apparatus may more reliably calibrate the reference value by using the intensity of the microwave radiated from the radio wave absorber.

[0020] (8) In any of (1) to (7) above, the calibration apparatus may further include the calibration device with a display indicating a filling amount of liquid nitrogen filled.

[0021] With such a configuration, the amount of liquid nitrogen filled in the calibration instrument may be easily grasped.

[0022] (9) In any of (1) to (8), the calibration instrument may further include a second frame on which the measuring device is installed, the plurality of struts may be integrally fixed to the second frame, and the first frame may be supported above the second frame by the plurality of struts at the plurality of receiving units.

[0023] With such a configuration, the measuring instrument may be stably installed, and the first frame may be stably mounted above the second frame.

[0024] (10) In (9), the second frame may be provided with a distance from an installation plane of the calibration apparatus.

[0025] With such a configuration, the influence of the temperature of the installation plane of the calibration instrument on the measuring instrument may be reduced, and the calibration accuracy of the measuring instrument may be further improved.

[0026] (11) In (9), a wheel may be provided below the second frame.

[0027] With such a configuration, the calibration equipment may be easily moved.

[0028] (12) The measurement equipment according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes any of the calibration equipment of (1) to (11), the measuring device, and the plurality of struts, and the plurality of struts detachably support the first frame at the plurality of receiving units.

[0029] With such a configuration, the first frame for installing the calibration equipment may be placed above the measuring device by utilizing the plurality of struts provided around the measuring device. Therefore, the calibration equipment may be easily installed.

[0030] (13) In the above-mentioned (12), each of the plurality of struts may be provided with a through-hole that penetrates the strut along a width direction of the strut, and the measurement equipment may further include a fibrous material inserted into the through-hole.

[0031] With such a configuration, in addition to the plurality of supports, the fibrous material may prevent birds, for example, from stopping at the measuring device, and therefore, bird repellent effect may be improved.

[0032] (14)In the above-mentioned (12) or (13), each of the plurality of struts may be provided with a plurality of through-holes arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the strut, and the difference between the position of the through-hole in the longitudinal direction of the strut and the corresponding position of the through-hole in the longitudinal direction of the other strut may be less than a predetermined value.

[0033] With such a configuration, since a plurality of fibrous materials may be provided around the measuring device, bird repellent effect may be further improved. In addition, since the difference between the position of the through-hole in the longitudinal direction of one support and the corresponding position of the through-hole in the longitudinal direction of the other supports is a predetermined value or less, the efficiency of the work of inserting the fibrous material may be improved.

[0034] (15)The method of calibrating the measurement device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of preparing a calibration apparatus having a first frame on which a calibration device filled with liquid nitrogen is installed, and a step of detachably supporting the first frame by a plurality of struts provided around the measurement device to be calibrated at a plurality of receiving units included in the first frame.

[0035] By this method, the first frame for installing the calibration instrument may be placed above the measuring instrument by utilizing a plurality of supports provided around the measuring instrument, and thus, the labor required for the calibration work may be reduced. Therefore, the calibration instrument may be easily installed. According to the present disclosure, the calibration instrument may be easily installed.

[0036] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter may be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a measurement unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a measuring unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 3 is a view showing the configuration of a strut of a measuring unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the configuration of a first frame of a calibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of a calibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 6 is a side view showing a part of the configuration of a calibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a calibration instrument in a calibration instrument according to an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of calibrating a microwave radiometer using a calibration instrument according to an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of a method of calibrating a microwave radiometer using a calibration instrument according to an embodiment of the present disclosure DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Example apparatus is described herein. Other example embodiments or features may further be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof.

[0038] The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0039] An embodiment of the present disclosure may be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and the description thereof may not be repeated. In addition, at least a part of the following embodiments may be optionally combined.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a measurement unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a measurement unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the measuring equipment 201 includes a calibration apparatus 101, a microwave radiometer 21, a plurality of struts (poles / rods) 41, and a plurality of fibrous materials 51. The calibration apparatus 101 is an instrument for calibrating the microwave radiometer 21. The microwave radiometer 21 is an example of a measurement apparatus.

[0041] (Microwave radiometer) The microwave radiometer 21 measures the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. Specifically, for example, the microwave radiometer 21 receives microwaves emitted from the atmosphere and measures the brightness temperature of the microwaves based on the intensity of the received microwaves. Then, the microwave radiometer 21 calculates the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere by substituting the measured brightness temperature into a predetermined calculation formula.

[0042] When the microwave radiometer 21 is calibrated, the plurality of struts 41 are provided around the microwave radiometer 21. For example, the plurality of struts 41 are integrally attached to the second frame 12 by fastening members such as screws.

[0043] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the measuring equipment 201 includes struts 41 A, 41B, 41 C, and 41D, which are the plurality of struts 41. Each of the struts 41 extends in the z-axis direction and is provided, for example, for bird protection.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the supports of the measurement unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, each of the plurality of struts 41 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 71 which penetrate the struts 41 along the width direction of the struts 41. The through-holes 71 have a circular shape, for example. The fibrous material 51 is inserted into the through-holes 71 of each strut 41.

[0045] The plurality of through-holes 71 are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the strut 41. The difference between the position of the through-holes 71 in the longitudinal direction of the strut 41 and the corresponding positions of the through-holes 71 in the longitudinal direction of the other strut 41 is not more than a predetermined value. Specifically, for example, the position of the through-holes 71 in the longitudinal direction of the strut 41 is the same as the position of the corresponding through-holes 71 in the longitudinal direction of the other strut 41.

[0046] (Calibration Equipment) The calibration apparatus 101 calibrates the brightness temperature measurement function of the microwave radiometer 21. The calibration apparatus 101 includes a calibration device 10, a first frame 11, a second frame 12, and a fan 13.

[0047] The calibration device 10 is filled with liquid nitrogen. The calibration device 10 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped container. The material of the calibration device 10 is, for example, polystyrene foam. The calibration device 10 may include a display portion indicating the amount of liquid nitrogen filled.

[0048] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the axis along the vertical direction is defined as the z-axis. The axis perpendicular to the z-axis is defined as the x-axis. The axis perpendicular to the x-axis and the z-axis is defined as the y-axis.

[0049] The first frame 11 is a frame for installing the calibration device 10. For example, the shape of the first frame 11 is rectangular in plain view. The material of the first frame 11 is, for example, metal. The first frame 11 includes an opening (a rectangular cutout) P. The calibration device 10 is installed in the first frame 11 in a way that close the opening P.

[0050] Liquid nitrogen is filled into the calibration device 10 while the calibration device 10 is installed in the first frame 11. Thus, the calibration work of the microwave radiometer 21 may be performed more safely than a method in which the calibration device 10 is disposed above the microwave radiometer 21 after the calibration device 10 is filled with liquid nitrogen.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the first frame 11 of the calibration instrument according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, the first frame 11 includes a plurality of receiving units (indentations / dimples / hollows) 18. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first frame 11 includes a plurality of receiving units 18 A, 18B, 18 C, and 18D which are receiving units 18. Each receiving units 18 is, for example, a concave portion.

[0052] The first frame 11 is detachably supported by a plurality of struts 41 at the plurality of receiving units 18. More specifically, the first frame 11 is detachably supported by a plurality of struts 41 by abutting each receiving units 18 on an upper portion of a corresponding strut 41. Specifically, for example, when the microwave radiometer 21 is calibrated, the upper portion of each strut 41 is fitted to the corresponding receiving units 18.

[0053] The first frame 11 is provided above the second frame 12. More specifically, for example, the first frame 11 is supported above the second frame 12 by a plurality of struts 41 in the plurality of receiving units 18. Specifically, for example, the first frame 11 is supported above the second frame 12 by each receiving units 18 abutting against the upper portion of the corresponding strut 41.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the calibration apparatus 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the second frame 12 is a frame for installing the microwave radiometer 21. The shape of the second frame 12 is rectangular in plain view. The material of the second frame 12 is, for example, metal.

[0055] For example, the bottom plane 12a of the second frame 12 is in contact with the installation plane S of the calibration apparatus 101. The second frame 12 may be provided such that the distance D is separated from the installation plane S. Further, the calibration apparatus 101 may be provided with wheels for facilitating the movement of the calibration apparatus 101 below the second frame 12.

[0056] The second frame 12 may also include a guide portion for guiding the microwave radiometer 21. Specifically, for example, when the microwave radiometer 21 is installed on the second frame 12, the second frame 12 may include a rail portion for guiding the microwave radiometer 21 by sliding in the x-axis direction as the guide portion.

[0057] The second frame 12 may also include a height adjustment portion capable of adjusting the height of the main plane Q from the installation plane S of the calibration apparatus 101 according to the size of the microwave radiometer 21. Specifically, for example, the second frame 12 may include a rail portion capable of sliding in the z-axis direction the main plane of the second frame 12 on which the microwave radiometer 21 is installed as the height adjustment portion.

[0058] Each fan 13 blows air toward the calibration apparatus 101. Each fan 13 is provided on the first frame 11. Specifically, for example, each fan 13 is provided on the side plane 11a facing the + y-axis direction of the first frame 11.

[0059] For example, the plurality of fans 13 are arranged in a line in the x-axis direction in a way that blow air in one direction toward the calibration device 10.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a part of the configuration of the calibration instrument according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a side view inside the first frame 11 of the calibration apparatus 101.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, for example, on the plane 11b behind the side plane 11a of the first frame 11, a plurality of window units 81 are provided so that the blowing plane 13a of each fan 13 is exposed from the plane 11b. Each fan 13 blows air to the bottom plane 10a of the calibration device 10 through the window unit 81 of the first frame 11 and the opening portion P.

[0062] The blowing direction of each fan 13 may cross the vertical direction, that is, the z-axis direction, of the calibration apparatus 101 so that the fan 13 blows air toward the bottom plane 10a of the calibration device 10. That is, each fan 13 may be inclined and fixed to the side plane 11a of the first frame 11 so that the blowing plane 13a of the fan 13 faces the bottom plane 10a of the calibration device 10.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the plurality of fans 13 are arranged in a line on the side plane 11a of the first frame 11, but this is not limited thereto. For example, at least one fan 13 of the plurality of fans 13 may be provided on the other side plane of the first frame 11 instead of the side plane 11a of the first frame 11. Also, at least one fan 13 may be provided on the second frame 12, not limited to the first frame 11.

[0064] (Radio wave absorber) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a calibration instrument in the calibration instrument according to the present disclosure embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, for example, a radio wave absorber 61 is provided inside the calibration device 10.

[0065] The radio wave absorber 61 emits microwaves for calibrating the microwave radiometer 21. The material of the radio wave absorber 61 is, for example, a dielectric. In a state where the calibration device 10 is filled with liquid nitrogen, the radio wave absorber 61 is immersed in the liquid nitrogen.

[0066] Here, the microwave radiometer 21 shown in FIG. 1 measures the brightness temperature of the microwave based on the intensity of the microwave in the atmosphere and the predetermined reference intensity Rs.

[0067] For example, the microwave radiometer 21 calculates the reference intensity Rs based on the intensity of the microwave emitted from the radio wave absorber 61. Specifically, for example, the microwave radiometer 21 calculates the reference intensity Rs based on the intensity R1 of the microwave emitted from the radio wave absorber 61 having an absolute temperature of 77 K and the intensity R2 of the microwave emitted from the radio wave absorber 61 having an absolute temperature of 300 K, that is, the radio wave absorber 61 under a normal temperature environment.

[0068] The microwave radiometer 21 calibrates the reference intensity Rs using the calibration apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, when the calibration equipment 10 is filled with liquid nitrogen, the microwave radiometer 21 receives the microwave emitted from the radio wave absorber 61 and measures the intensity R1 of the microwave. When the calibration equipment 10 is not filled with liquid nitrogen, the microwave radiometer 21 receives the microwave emitted from the radio wave absorber 61 and measures the intensity R2 of the microwave. The microwave radiometer 21 calibrates the reference intensity Rs based on the measured intensities R1 and R2.

[0069] The calibration apparatus 101 may be provided with a positioning portion for positioning the calibration apparatus 101 and the antenna of the microwave radiometer 21. Specifically, for example, the first frame 11 may be provided with a positioning portion for positioning the calibration apparatus 101 and the antenna of the microwave radiometer 21 in the x-axis direction and a positioning portion for positioning the calibration apparatus 101 and the antenna of the microwave radiometer 21 in the y-axis direction. In addition, the calibration apparatus 101 may be provided with a horizontal adjustment portion for horizontally installing the second frame 12 on the installation plane S of the calibration apparatus 101.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for calibrating a microwave radiometer 21 using the calibration apparatus 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 8, first, the user of the calibration apparatus 101 installs the second frame 12 of the calibration apparatus 101 on the installation plane S (step ST101).

[0072] Next, the user installs the microwave radiometer 21 on the second frame 12 of the calibration apparatus 101 (step ST102).

[0073] Next, the user arranges a plurality of struts 41 in a way that surround the microwave radiometer 21 (step ST103).

[0074] Next, the user inserts the fibrous material 51 into the through-holes 71 formed in the struts 41 (step ST104).

[0075] Next, the user prepares the first frame 11 of the calibration apparatus 101 (step ST105).

[0076] Next, the user supports the first frame 11 by the plurality of struts 41 by fitting the corresponding struts 41 into each of the plurality of receiving units 18 included in the first frame 11. That is, the user places the first frame 11 above the microwave radiometer 21 (step ST106).

[0077] Next, the user places the calibration device 10 on the first frame 11 of the calibration apparatus 101 and fills the calibration device 10 with liquid nitrogen (step ST107).

[0078] Next, the user blows air toward the calibration device 10 by the fan 13 of the calibration apparatus 101 (step ST108).

[0079] Next, the user calibrates the microwave radiometer 21 while the fan 13 blows air toward the calibration device 10 (step ST109).

[0080] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of a method of calibrating the microwave radiometer 21 using the calibration instrument according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 shows a calibration method in the case where the microwave radiometer 21 is already installed in the second frame 12 of the calibration apparatus 101, and the fibrous material 51 is already inserted into the through holes 71 formed in the respective struts 41.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 9, first, in a state where the microwave radiometer 21 is installed in the second frame 12 of the calibration apparatus 101 and the fibrous material 51 is inserted into the through-holes 71 formed in each of the plurality of struts 41 provided around the microwave radiometer 21, the user prepares the first frame 11 of the calibration apparatus 101 (step ST201).

[0082] Next, the user supports the first frame 11 by the plurality of struts 41 by fitting the corresponding struts 41 to each of the plurality of receiving units 18 included in the first frame 11. That is, the user places the first frame 11 above the microwave radiometer 21 (step ST202).

[0083] Next, the user installs the calibration equipment 10 in the first frame 11 of the calibration apparatus 101 and fills the calibration equipment 10 with liquid nitrogen (step ST203).

[0084] Next, the user blows air toward the calibration equipment 10 by the fan 13 of the calibration apparatus 101 (step ST204).

[0085] Next, the user performs calibration of the microwave radiometer 21 while the fan 13 blows air toward the calibration equipment 10 (step ST205).

[0086] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the calibration object of the calibration apparatus 101 is the microwave radiometer 21 but is not limited thereto. The calibration object may be a measuring device for measuring other types of electromagnetic waves different from microwaves, specifically, a measuring device for measuring radio waves, light, radio waves, X-rays, etc. other than microwaves. The calibration object is not limited to a measuring device for measuring electromagnetic waves, but may be any measuring device for measuring physical phenomena, chemical phenomena, biological phenomena, etc.

[0087] The above embodiment should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.Terminology

[0088] It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain embodiments may be configured to operate in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0089] All of the processes described herein may be embodied in, and fully automated via, software code modules executed by a computing system that includes one or more computers or processors. The code modules may be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all the methods may be embodied in specialized computer hardware.

[0090] Many other variations than those described herein will be apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. In addition, different tasks or processes can be performed by different machines and / or computing systems that can function together.

[0091] The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processor. A processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the signal processing algorithms described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.

[0092] Conditional language such as, among others, "can," "could," "might" or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0093] Disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

[0094] Any process descriptions, elements or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and / or depicted in the attached figures should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or elements in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executed out of order from that shown, or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0095] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as "a device configured to" are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, "a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B and C" can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C. The same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce embodiment recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0096] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).

[0097] For expository purposes, the term "horizontal" as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of the floor of the area in which the system being described is used or the method being described is performed, regardless of its orientation. The term "floor" can be interchanged with the term "ground" or "water surface." The term "vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms such as "above," "below," "bottom," "top," "side," "higher," "lower," "upper," "over," and "under," are defined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0098] As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "mated," and other such relational terms should be construed, unless otherwise noted, to include removable, moveable, fixed, adjustable, and / or releasable connections or attachments. The connections / attachments can include direct connections and / or connections having intermediate structure between the two components discussed.

[0099] Numbers preceded by a term such as "approximately," "about," and "substantially" as used herein include the recited numbers, and also represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of the stated amount. Features of embodiments disclosed herein preceded by a term such as "approximately," "about," and "substantially" as used herein represent the feature with some variability that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result for that feature.

[0100] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0101] Representative embodiments of the present invention will be listed below.

[0102] (1) A calibration apparatus (101) comprising: a first frame (11) configured to hold a calibration device filled with liquid nitrogen, wherein the first frame (11) further comprises a plurality of receiving units (18), and the first frame (11) is further configured to be detachably supported at the plurality of receiving units by a plurality of struts (41) placed around a measuring device to be calibrated.

[0103] (2) The calibration apparatus (101) according to (1), further comprising: a fan (13) configured to blow air to the calibration device.

[0104] (3) The calibration apparatus (101) according to (2), wherein the first frame (11) further comprises an opening (P), and the fan (13) is further configured to blow air to the calibration device through the opening (P).

[0105] (4) The calibration apparatus (101) according to (2) or (3), wherein a blowing direction of the fan (13) intersects a vertical direction of the calibration apparatus so that the fan (13) blows air toward a bottom of the calibration device.

[0106] (5) The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of (2) to (4), further comprising; a plurality of the fans (13), and wherein the plurality of fans (13) is arranged in a line to blow air in one direction toward the calibration device.

[0107] (6) The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising: an alignment unit configured to align the calibration device with an antenna of the measuring device.

[0108] (7) The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising: the calibration device configured to be provided with a radio wave absorber (61) therein.

[0109] (8) The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising: the calibration device configured to be provided with a display indicating a filling amount of the liquid nitrogen.

[0110] (9) The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising: a second frame (12) configured to hold the measuring device, wherein the plurality of struts is configured to be integrally fixed to the second frame (12), and the first frame is further configured to be supported above the second frame (12) by the plurality of struts (41) at the plurality of receiving units (18).

[0111] (10) The calibration apparatus (101) according to (9), wherein the second frame (12) is further configured to be positioned at a distance from an installation plane (S) of the calibration apparatus.

[0112] (11) The calibration apparatus (101) according to (9), further comprising: a wheel configured to be provided below the second frame (12).

[0113] (12) A measuring equipment (201), comprising; the calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of (1) to (11); the measuring device; and the plurality of struts (41), wherein the plurality of struts (41) is configured to detachably support the first frame at the plurality of receiving units (18).

[0114] (13) The measuring equipment (201) according to (12), wherein each of the plurality of struts (41) is further configured to be provided with a through-hole penetrating the strut (41) along a width direction of the strut (41), and the measurement equipment further comprises a fibrous material inserted through the through-hole (71).

[0115] (14) The measuring equipment (201) according to (12) or (13), wherein each of the plurality of struts (41) is further configured to be provided with a plurality of the through-holes arranged in a line in a length direction of the strut (41), and the difference between a position of the through-hole in the length direction of the strut (41) and a corresponding position of the through-hole in the length direction of another strut (41) is less than a predetermined value.

[0116] (15) A method for calibrating a measurement device, comprising: preparing a calibration apparatus (101) comprising a first frame that hold a calibration device filled with liquid nitrogen; and detachably supporting the first frame by a plurality of struts (41) placed around the measurement device to be calibrated, in a plurality of receiving units (18) of the first frame (11).

[0117] 10: Calibration Device, 11: First Frame, 12: Second Frame, 13: Fan, 18: Receiving Unit (Indentation / Dimple / Hollow), 21: Microwave Radiometer, 41: Strut (Pole / Rod), 51: Fibrous Material, 61: Radio Wave Absorber, 71: Through-Hole, 81: Window (Unit), 101: Calibration Apparatus, 201: Measuring Equipment, P: Opening (Rectangular Cutout), S: Installation Plane

Claims

1. A calibration apparatus (101) comprising: a first frame (11) configured to hold a calibration device filled with liquid nitrogen, wherein the first frame (11) further comprises a plurality of receiving units (18), and the first frame (11) is further configured to be detachably supported at the plurality of receiving units by a plurality of struts (41) placed around a measuring device to be calibrated.

2. The calibration apparatus (101) according to claim 1, further comprising: a fan (13) configured to blow air to the calibration device.

3. The calibration apparatus (101) according to claim 2, wherein the first frame (11) further comprises an opening (P), and the fan (13) is further configured to blow air to the calibration device through the opening (P).

4. The calibration apparatus (101) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a blowing direction of the fan (13) intersects a vertical direction of the calibration apparatus so that the fan (13) blows air toward a bottom of the calibration device.

5. The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of claim 2 to claim 4, further comprising; a plurality of the fans (13), and wherein the plurality of fans (13) is arranged in a line to blow air in one direction toward the calibration device.

6. The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of claim 1 to claim 5, further comprising: an alignment unit configured to align the calibration device with an antenna of the measuring device.

7. The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of claim 1 to claim 6, further comprising: the calibration device configured to be provided with a radio wave absorber (61) therein.

8. The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of claim 1 to claim 7, further comprising: the calibration device configured to be provided with a display indicating a filling amount of the liquid nitrogen.

9. The calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of claim 1 to claim 8, further comprising: a second frame (12) configured to hold the measuring device, wherein the plurality of struts is configured to be integrally fixed to the second frame (12), and the first frame is further configured to be supported above the second frame (12) by the plurality of struts (41) at the plurality of receiving units (18).

10. The calibration apparatus (101) according to claim 9, wherein the second frame (12) is further configured to be positioned at a distance from an installation plane (S) of the calibration apparatus.

11. The calibration apparatus (101) according to claim 9, further comprising: a wheel configured to be provided below the second frame (12).

12. A measuring equipment (201), comprising; the calibration apparatus (101) according to any one of claim 1 to claim 11; the measuring device; and the plurality of struts (41), wherein the plurality of struts (41) is configured to detachably support the first frame at the plurality of receiving units (18).

13. The measuring equipment (201) according to claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of struts (41) is further configured to be provided with a through-hole penetrating the strut (41) along a width direction of the strut (41), and the measurement equipment further comprises a fibrous material inserted through the through-hole (71).

14. The measuring equipment (201) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of struts (41) is further configured to be provided with a plurality of the through-holes arranged in a line in a length direction of the strut (41), and the difference between a position of the through-hole in the length direction of the strut (41) and a corresponding position of the through-hole in the length direction of another strut (41) is less than a predetermined value.

15. A method for calibrating a measurement device, comprising: preparing a calibration apparatus (101) comprising a first frame that hold a calibration device filled with liquid nitrogen; and detachably supporting the first frame by a plura lity of struts (41) placed around the measurement device to be calibrated, in a plurality of receiving units (18) of the first frame (11).

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