Calibration Network for Electro-Optical Sensor Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods for electro-optical sensors are inadequate as they fail to provide calibration sources representative of current imaging conditions, leading to inaccurate radiometric gain coefficients and calibration errors, especially for small targets and sensors with non-uniform resolving power.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system comprising a network of geographically distributed calibration nodes equipped with measurement and signal instrumentation, which provides traceable calibration sources and accurate calibration for small targets by performing environmental measurements and generating calibration reference signals tailored to specific sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing calibration methods use uniform illumination sources, then the calibration process is simple, but the calibration accuracy deteriorates because the sources are not representative of current imaging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of calibration sources by using multiple sources with different spatial distributions (uniform, non-uniform, small targets of various sizes) instead of a single uniform source. This allows the calibration to match the actual imaging conditions more closely, improving calibration accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic variation of source parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is segmented into multiple independent calibration sources rather than using a single complex source. Each source can be independently controlled and characterized, allowing for systematic calibration of different sensor responses. This segmentation makes the overall calibration process more manageable while achieving higher accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If existing calibration methods use large uniform targets, then the calibration setup is straightforward, but the calibration fails for small targets that illuminate detector elements with varying spatial frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system uses dynamically selectable calibration sources that can be changed based on the specific imaging application. For small target calibration, the system switches to appropriate small target sources, while for general calibration, uniform sources may be used. This dynamic adaptability allows the same system to handle diverse calibration needs effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the sensor's response to different spatial frequencies using multiple calibration sources before actual imaging. This preliminary action identifies the appropriate calibration source to use for specific imaging conditions, ensuring accurate calibration for small targets without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
3Device complexity
If existing calibration methods assume uniform resolving power, then the calibration model is simple, but post-processing errors occur due to non-uniform resolving power variations
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration approach accounts for local variations in resolving power across the sensor array by using multiple calibration sources that probe different spatial frequencies and locations. Instead of assuming uniform resolving power, the system characterizes local response variations and applies position-dependent correction factors, improving post-processing accuracy while managing complexity through localized rather than global modeling.
4Loss of time
If existing calibration methods use single calibration sources, then the calibration process is quick, but spatial characterization of sensor performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple calibration sources, which may seem excessive compared to a single source, but each source provides partial information about sensor performance. By combining results from multiple sources with different characteristics, the system achieves complete spatial characterization without requiring excessively long calibration times, as the sources can be used in sequence or combination efficiently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures accurate and real-time calibration of electro-optical sensors, improving the quality and usability of data captured by these sensors, even in complex environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a signal node comprising a reflector configured to direct light from an illumination source to a user sensor of the plurality of user sensors to cause the user sensor to generate a calibration image
Implementation Method 2
a measurement node comprising a detector configured to measure a characteristic of an environment at a geographic location associated with the measurement node
Data Source
AI summary
A method generally includes providing calibration node information to a user system communicably coupled to the calibration management system and associated with at least the user sensor, the calibration node information identifying a calibration node of a plurality of calibration nodes communicably coupled to the calibration management system and disposed at a plurality of geographical locations; receiving, from the user system, a request to access information generated via the calibration node; causing the calibration node to perform at least one calibration action based on the request, wherein the calibration action comprises at least one of: performing an environmental measurement to measure at least one aspect of an environment at the geographical location of the calibration node, or providing a calibration reference signal to the user sensor; receiving calibration results information containing results of the calibration action; and providing information associated with the calibration results information to the user system.