Calibration apparatus and method for calibrating a measuring device

Abstract

A calibration apparatus (101) is provided with a first frame (11) on which a calibration device (10) filled with liquid nitrogen is installed, a second frame (12) on which a measuring device to be calibrated is installed, and a fan (13) for blowing air to the calibration device (10).

Description

CALIBRATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A MEASURING DEVICE

[0001] This disclosure relates to a calibration apparatus and a method for calibrating a measuring device.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-3000AandHATPROCalibrationComparison, [Retrieved August 27, 2024], Internet, <https: / / radiometrics.com / wp-content / uploads / 2022 / 04 / MP-3000A_and_HATPRO_Calibration_Comparison_160101.pdf> (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 a microwave radiometer is calibrated, a container filled with liquid nitrogen is provided around the microwave radiometer. When the microwave radiometer is calibrated in a normal temperature environment, dew condensation may occur at the bottom of the container, which is cooled by liquid nitrogen. When the microwave radiometer is calibrated in a state where dew condensation has occurred, the calibration accuracy may decrease.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a calibration apparatus and a calibration method for the measurement apparatus, which may prevent the calibration accuracy of the measurement apparatus from decreasing.

[0006] (1) A calibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first frame on which a calibration apparatus filled with liquid nitrogen is installed, a second frame on which a measurement apparatus to be calibrated is installed, and a fan for blowing air to the calibration apparatus.

[0007] In this way, the possibility of dew condensation occurring in the calibration apparatus filled with liquid nitrogen may be reduced by blowing air to the calibration apparatus by using a fan during calibration of the measuring apparatus, and therefore, the calibration result is hardly affected by dew condensation. Therefore, deterioration of the calibration accuracy of the measuring apparatus can be prevented.

[0008] (2) In (1), the first frame may be provided above the second frame, and the fan may be provided below the first frame.

[0009] If dew condensation occurs on the bottom plane of the calibration apparatus, which is the plane facing the measuring apparatus, the calibration accuracy of the measuring apparatus is likely to be lowered. With the above-described configuration, the possibility of dew condensation occurring on the bottom plane of the calibration apparatus can be reduced significantly.

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

[0011] With such a configuration, blowing air toward the bottom of the calibration apparatus may be more reliably performed.

[0012] (4) In (2) or (3), when the calibration apparatus is installed on the first frame, a flow path may be formed for air to flow from the fan to the outside of the calibration apparatus via the space between the calibration apparatus and the measuring device.

[0013] With such a configuration, the air blown to the bottom of the calibration apparatus may be smoothly delivered to the outside of the calibration apparatus.

[0014] (5) In any of (2) to (4), the blowing direction of the fan may cross the vertical direction of the calibration apparatus so that the fan blows air toward the bottom of the calibration apparatus.

[0015] If dew condensation occurs on the bottom of the calibration apparatus, which is the plane facing the measuring device, it is highly likely that the calibration accuracy of the measurement apparatus will be lowered. With such a configuration, the possibility of dew condensation occurring on the bottom of the calibration apparatus may be more reliably reduced.

[0016] (6) In any of (1) to (5) above, the calibration apparatus may include a plurality of fans, and the plurality of fans may be arranged in a line so as to blow air toward the calibration apparatus in one direction.

[0017] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent air flow by one fan from interfering with air flow by another fan, and therefore, air flow to the calibration apparatus may be efficiently blown.

[0018] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the calibration apparatus may further include an alignment unit for aligning the calibration apparatus with the antenna of the measuring apparatus.

[0019] With such a configuration, it is possible to easily align the calibration apparatus with the antenna of the measuring apparatus.

[0020] (8) In any of (1) to (7) above, the second frame may be provided with a distance from the installation plane of the calibration apparatus.

[0021] With such a configuration, the influence of the temperature of the installation plane of the calibration apparatus on the measuring apparatus can be reduced, and therefore, the calibration accuracy of the measuring apparatus can be further improved.

[0022] (9) In any of (1) to (8), the calibration apparatus may further include the calibration apparatus having a radio wave absorber inside.

[0023] For example, the measuring apparatus may measure the intensity of microwaves radiated from the atmosphere and the brightness temperature of the microwaves using the reference value of the intensity. When it is necessary to calibrate the reference value, the calibration of the reference value may be more reliably performed using the intensity of the microwaves radiated from the radio wave absorber by the configuration described above.

[0024] (10) In any of (1) to (9), the second frame may include a guide section for guiding the measuring apparatus.

[0025] With such a configuration, the measuring device may be easily installed on the second frame.

[0026] (11) In any of (1) to (10) above, the calibration apparatus may further include the calibration apparatus including a display unit indicating the amount of the liquid nitrogen filled.

[0027] With such a configuration, the amount of the liquid nitrogen filled in the calibration apparatus may be easily grasped.

[0028] (12) In any of (1) to (11) above, the second frame may include a main plane on which the measuring device is installed and an adjustment unit capable of adjusting the height of the main plane from the installation plane of the calibration apparatus according to the size of the measuring device.

[0029] With such a configuration, the height of the main plane of the second frame from the installation plane can be adjusted to an appropriate height according to the size of the measuring device to be calibrated.

[0030] (13) In any of (1) to (12), a wheel may be provided below the second frame. With such a configuration, the calibration equipment may be easily moved.

[0031] (14) The method for calibrating a measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of preparing a calibration apparatus including a first frame on which a calibration apparatus filled with liquid nitrogen is installed, a second frame on which a measurement apparatus to be calibrated is installed, and a fan provided on the first frame; installing the measuring apparatus on the second frame; installing the calibration apparatus on the first frame; and blowing air toward the calibration apparatus by the fan.

[0032] Since the possibility of dew condensation occurring in the calibration apparatus filled with liquid nitrogen may be reduced by the method of blowing air to the calibration apparatus by using the fan during calibration of the measuring apparatus, the calibration result is hardly affected by dew condensation. Therefore, deterioration of the calibration accuracy of the measuring apparatus may be prevented.

[0033] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the calibration accuracy of the measuring apparatus.

[0034] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will 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 the calibration apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the calibration apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first frame and the second frame in the calibration apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration of a calibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a configuration of a calibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of a calibration apparatus in a calibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for calibrating a microwave radiometer using a calibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding parts in the figures, and the description thereof will not be repeated. At least a part of the following embodiments may be optionally combined.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the calibration equipment according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the calibration equipment according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the calibration apparatus 101 is an equipment for calibrating the microwave radiometer 21. The microwave radiometer 21 is an example of a measuring device.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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, a plurality of fans 13, a plurality of struts 14, and a plurality of stoppers 15. The stopper 15 is an example of an alignment unit.

[0040] 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, styrene foam. The calibration device 10 may include a display unit indicating the amount of liquid nitrogen filled.

[0041] The first frame 11 is a frame on which the calibration device 10 is installed. The second frame 12 is a frame on which the microwave radiometer 21 to be calibrated is installed.

[0042] 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.

[0043] (First Frame) FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first frame and the second frame in the calibration apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the first frame 11 is provided above the second frame 12. For example, the first frame 11 includes a plurality of frame members 31.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first frame 11 includes four frame members 31 A, 31B, 31 C, and 31D that are a plurality of frame members 31. The material of each frame member 31 is, for example, metal.

[0045] For example, the first frame 11 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. Specifically, for example, the four frame members 31 A, 31B, 31 C, and 31D are arranged in a rectangular frame shape. Thus, the first frame 11 includes an opening P.

[0046] (Support member) Each support member 14 supports the first frame above the second frame 12. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the calibration apparatus 101 includes support members 14 A, 14B, 14 C, 14D which are a plurality of support members 14. Each support member 14 extends in the z-axis direction.

[0047] (Second frame) Referring to FIGs. 2 and 3, for example, the second frame 12 comprises a plurality of frame members 51.

[0048] In the example shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, the second frame 12 comprises four frame members 51 A, 51B, 51 C, 51D which are a plurality of frame members 51. The material of each frame member 51 is, for example, metal.

[0049] For example, the second frame 12 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. Specifically, for example, the four frame members 51 A, 51B, 51 C, 51D are arranged in a rectangular frame shape.

[0050] The second frame 12 includes a main plane Q on which the microwave radiometer 21 is installed. More specifically, for example, the second frame 12 is provided with a top plate 61 on which the microwave radiometer 21 is installed.

[0051] Specifically, in the second frame 12, the top plate 61 is installed on the frame members 51B and 51D. The microwave radiometer 21 is installed on the top plate 61. In this embodiment, the plane of the top plate 61 facing the first frame 11 corresponds to the main plane Q.

[0052] The second frame 12 includes a frame member 71A provided above the frame member 51B and a frame member 71B provided above the frame member 51D. For example, when the microwave radiometer 21 has a small size in the x-axis direction, that is, in the width direction, is installed on the second frame 12, the top plate 61 is installed on the frame members 71A and 71B.

[0053] Referring again to FIG. 2, for example, the second frame 12 is provided so that distance D is separated from the installation plane S of the calibration apparatus 101.

[0054] Specifically, in the second frame 12, for example, each frame member 51 is supported by a plurality of support members 14 so that the bottom plane 52 of the frame member 51 is separated from the installation plane S by the distance D.

[0055] 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] Further, the second frame 12 may include a guide unit for guiding the microwave radiometer 21. Specifically, for example, in the case where the microwave radiometer 21 is installed on the second frame 12, the frame members 51B and 51D in the second frame 12 may include a rail unit for guiding the microwave radiometer 21 by sliding in the y-axis direction as the guide unit.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the calibration apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGs. 1, 2 and 4, each fan 13 blows air toward the calibration device 10. For example, each fan 13 is provided below the first frame 11.

[0058] In this embodiment, for example, each fan 13 is provided on the bottom plane of the frame member 31 C of the first frame 11. Note that each fan 13 may be provided below and on the side of the first frame 11.

[0059] For example, the plurality of fans 13 are arranged in a line in the x-axis direction so as to blow air in one direction toward the calibration device 10. Here, the calibration device 10 is provided above the frame members 31 A, 31B, 31 C, and 31D of the first frame 11 so as to close the opening P. The bottom plane 10a of the calibration device 10 is exposed from the opening P.

[0060] 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 the method in which the calibration device 10 is placed above the microwave radiometer 21 after the liquid nitrogen is filled into the calibration device 10.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the calibration apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGs. 2 and 5, when the calibration device 10 is installed in the first frame 11, a flow path C is formed for air to flow from the fan 13 to the outside of the calibration apparatus 101 via the space V between the calibration device 10 and the microwave radiometer 21. Each fan 13 blows air to the bottom plane 10a of the calibration device 10 through the opening P of the first frame 11.

[0062] For example, the blowing direction of each fan 13 crosses the vertical direction of the calibration apparatus 101, that is, the z-axis direction, so that the fan 13 blows air toward the bottom plane 10a of the calibration device 10.

[0063] Specifically, for example, each fan 13 is tilted and fixed to the bottom plane of the frame member 31 C so that the air blowing plane 13a of the fan 13 faces the bottom plane 10a of the calibration device 10.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the plurality of fans 13 of the calibration apparatus 101 are arranged in a line on the bottom plane of the frame member 31 C, but this is not limited to this configuration. At least one fan 13 of the plurality of fans 13 may be provided on the bottom plane of the frame member 31 other than the frame member 31 C instead of the bottom plane of the frame member 31 C. In addition, at least one fan 13 may be provided not only on the first frame 11, but also on the second frame 12 or the support member 14.

[0065] In addition, the second frame 12 may include an adjusting unit 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 unit capable of sliding the frame members 51B and 51D on which the top plate 61 is provided in the z-axis direction as the adjusting unit.

[0066] Referring again to FIGs. 3 to 5, the stopper 15 is a member for aligning the calibration device 10 with the antenna of the microwave radiometer 21. The material of the stopper 15 is, for example, metal.

[0067] In this embodiment, for example, the calibration apparatus 101 includes a plurality of stoppers 15, namely, stoppers 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d.

[0068] The stoppers 15a, 15b are stoppers 15 for aligning the calibration device 10 with the antenna of the microwave radiometer 21 in the z-axis direction. The stoppers 15a and 15b are provided, for example, in the frame member 31B.

[0069] The stoppers 15c, 15d are stoppers 15 for aligning the calibration device 10 with the antenna of the microwave radiometer 21 in the y-axis direction. The stoppers 15c, 15d are provided, for example, in the frame member 31 C.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a calibration apparatus in the calibration apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, for example, a radio wave absorber 41 is provided inside the calibration device 10.

[0071] The radio wave absorber 41 emits microwaves for calibrating the microwave radiometer 21. The material of the radio wave absorber 41 is, for example, dielectric. When the calibration device 10 is filled with liquid nitrogen, the radio wave absorber 41 is immersed in the liquid nitrogen.

[0072] 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.

[0073] For example, the microwave radiometer 21 calculates the reference intensity Rs based on the intensity of microwaves radiated from the wave absorber 41. Specifically, for example, the microwave radiometer 21 calculates the reference intensity Rs based on the intensity R1 of microwaves radiated from the wave absorber 41 having an absolute temperature of 77 K and the intensity R2 of microwaves radiated from the wave absorber 41 having an absolute temperature of 300 K, that is, the wave absorber 41 under a normal temperature environment.

[0074] The microwave radiometer 21 calibrates the reference intensity Rs using the calibration apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, when the calibration device 10 is filled with liquid nitrogen, the microwave radiometer 21 receives microwaves radiated from the wave absorber 41 and measures the intensity R1 of the microwaves. When the calibration device 10 is not filled with liquid nitrogen, the microwave radiometer 21 receives microwaves radiated from the wave absorber 41 and measures the intensity R2 of the microwaves. The microwave radiometer 21 then calibrates the reference intensity Rs based on the measured intensities R1 and R2.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of calibrating a microwave radiometer using the calibration equipment according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 7, first, the user of the calibration apparatus 101 prepares the calibration apparatus 101 (step ST101). Next, the user installs the microwave radiometer 21 on the second frame 12 of the calibration apparatus 101 (step ST102). Next, the user installs the calibration device 10 on the first frame 11 of the calibration apparatus 101 and fills the calibration device 10 with liquid nitrogen (step ST103). Next, the user blows air toward the calibration device 10 by the fan 13 of the calibration apparatus 101 (step ST104). Next, the user performs calibration of the microwave radiometer 21 while the fan 13 blows air toward the calibration device 10 (step ST105).

[0077] 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, and the like 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, and the like.

[0078] 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

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 may be performed in a different sequence, may 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 may 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 may be performed by different machines and / or computing systems that may function together.

[0082] The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may 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 may 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 may 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 may 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 may also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, "a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B and C" may 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).

[0087] 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.).

[0088] 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" may 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.

[0089] 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 may include direct connections and / or connections having intermediate structure between the two components discussed.

[0090] 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 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Representative embodiments of the present invention will be listed below.

[0093] (1) A calibration apparatus (101) comprising: a first frame (11) configured to hold a calibration device (10) filled with liquid nitrogen; a second frame (12) configured to hold a measuring device to be calibrated; and a fan (13) configured to blow air to the calibration device (10).

[0094] (2) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the first frame (11) is further configured to be positioned above the second frame (12), and the fan (13) is further configured to be positioned below the first frame (11).

[0095] (3) The 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 (10) through the opening (P).

[0096] (4) The apparatus (101) according to (2) or (3), wherein a flow path is formed for air to flow from the fan (13), through a space between the calibration device (10) and the measuring device, to the outside of the calibration apparatus (101) when the calibration device (10) is held on the first frame (11).

[0097] (5) The apparatus (101) according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein a blowing direction of the fan (13) intersects a vertical direction of the calibration apparatus (101) so that the fan (13) blows air toward a bottom of the calibration device (10).

[0098] (6) The apparatus (101) according to any one of (1) to (5), 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 (10).

[0099] (7) The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims (1) to (6), further comprising: an alignment unit configured to align the calibration device (10) with an antenna of the measuring device.

[0100] (8) The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims (1) to (7), wherein the second frame (12) is further configured to be positioned at a distance (D) from an installation plane (S) of the calibration apparatus (101).

[0101] (9) The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims (1) to (8), further comprising: the calibration device (10) configured to be provided with a radio wave absorber (41) therein.

[0102] (10) The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims (1) to (9), wherein the second frame (12) is further configured to comprise a guide unit that guides the measuring device.

[0103] (11) The apparatus (101) according to claim (1) or claim (2), further comprising: the calibration device (10) configured to be provided with a display indicating a filling amount of the liquid nitrogen.

[0104] (12) The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims (1) to (11), wherein the second frame (12) is further comprising; a main plane (Q) is configured to hold the measuring device, and an adjustment unit configured to adjust a height of the main plane (Q) from an installation plane (S) of the calibration apparatus (101) according to a size of the measuring device.

[0105] (13) The apparatus (101) according to any one of (1) to (12), further comprising: a wheel configured to be provided below the second frame (12).

[0106] (14) A method for calibrating a measuring device, comprising: preparing a calibration apparatus (101), comprising: a first frame (11) configured to hold a calibration device (10) filled with liquid nitrogen, a second frame (12) configured to hold a measuring device to be calibrated, and a fan (13) configured to be provided on the first frame (11); installing the measuring device on the second frame (12); installing the calibration device (10) on the first frame (11); and blowing air toward the calibration device (10) using the fan (13).

[0107] 10: Calibration Device, 11: First Frame, 12: Second Frame, 13: Fan, 13a: Air Blowing Plane, 14: Strut (Pole / Rod), 15: Stopper, 21: Microwave Radiometer, 31: Frame Member, 41: Radio Wave Absorber, Frame Member, 101: Calibration Apparatus, P: Opening (Rectangular Cutout), Q: Main Plane, S: Installation Plane

Claims

1. A calibration apparatus (101) comprising: a first frame (11) configured to hold a calibration device (10) filled with liquid nitrogen; a second frame (12) configured to hold a measuring device to be calibrated; and a fan (13) configured to blow air to the calibration device (10).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first frame (11) is further configured to be positioned above the second frame (12), and the fan (13) is further configured to be positioned below the first frame (11).

3. The 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 (10) through the opening (P).

4. The apparatus (101) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a flow path is formed for air to flow from the fan (13), through a space between the calibration device (10) and the measuring device, to the outside of the calibration apparatus (101) when the calibration device (10) is held on the first frame (11).

5. The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a blowing direction of the fan (13) intersects a vertical direction of the calibration apparatus (101) so that the fan (13) blows air toward a bottom of the calibration device (10).

6. The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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 (10).

7. The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: an alignment unit configured to align the calibration device (10) with an antenna of the measuring device.

8. The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second frame (12) is further configured to be positioned at a distance (D) from an installation plane (S) of the calibration apparatus (101).

9. The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: the calibration device (10) configured to be provided with a radio wave absorber (41) therein.

10. The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second frame (12) is further configured to comprise a guide unit that guides the measuring device.

11. The apparatus (101) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: the calibration device (10) configured to be provided with a display indicating a filling amount of the liquid nitrogen.

12. The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second frame (12) is further comprising; a main plane (Q) is configured to hold the measuring device, and an adjustment unit configured to adjust a height of the main plane (Q) from an installation plane (S) of the calibration apparatus (101) according to a size of the measuring device.

13. The apparatus (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: a wheel configured to be provided below the second frame (12).

14. A method for calibrating a measuring device, comprising: preparing a calibration apparatus (101), comprising: a first frame (11) configured to hold a calibration device (10) filled with liquid nitrogen, a second frame (12) configured to hold a measuring device to be calibrated, and a fan (13) configured to be provided on the first frame (11); installing the measuring device on the second frame (12); installing the calibration device (10) on the first frame (11); and blowing air toward the calibration device (10) using the fan (13).

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