Floating Calibration Target for Image Sensor Radiance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibrating multispectral and hyperspectral image sensors on satellites and airborne vehicles is challenging due to environmental variables and imaging errors, which existing methods fail to address effectively, especially in providing a reliable and controllable light source for accurate radiance measurement.
Innovation Solution
A floating calibration target system comprising hexagonally shaped floatation devices with light sources and a seine net that forms a contiguous surface, equipped with wireless beacons for remote tracking and control, is deployed in water to provide a bright light source for image sensor calibration, reducing imaging errors by simulating flares and compensating for radiometric errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a floating calibration target with multiple hexagonal floatation devices is used to provide a stable light source for image sensor calibration, then the reliability of calibration is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for seine nets and multiple coordinated floatation devices
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target is divided into multiple independent hexagonal floatation devices, each capable of floating and emitting light. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while enabling easier deployment and assembly compared to a single large complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple hexagonal floatation devices are combined using seine nets to form a contiguous calibration surface. The merging of these modular units creates a stable, extended calibration target that provides reliable radiance measurements across a larger area while maintaining the simplicity of individual components.
2Measurement precision
If a contiguous surface is formed by drawing floatation devices together using a seine net, then the measurement precision is improved by eliminating gaps in the calibration target, but the force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seine net system allows the floatation devices to be dynamically adjusted from a dispersed state to a contiguous calibrated state. The net applies gradual force to draw devices together, enabling the formation of a gap-free calibration surface with controlled force application rather than sudden mechanical assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The seine net acts as an intermediary mechanism that distributes and applies force evenly across multiple floatation devices. This mediator allows the system to achieve a contiguous configuration for improved measurement precision while managing the required force through distributed tension rather than concentrated mechanical action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are integrated into multiple floatation devices to emit at predetermined wavelengths, then the adaptability for different spectral calibration requirements is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emission function is segmented across multiple independent floatation devices, each capable of emitting at predetermined wavelengths. This segmentation provides spectral adaptability by allowing selective activation of specific devices or wavelengths while managing energy consumption through targeted operation rather than continuous full-system emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes light sources that can emit at predetermined wavelengths, allowing parameter changes in spectral output to match different calibration requirements. By controlling which floatation devices emit light and at what wavelengths, the system achieves spectral adaptability while optimizing energy consumption through selective activation rather than constant full-power operation.
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 floating calibration target system effectively calibrates image sensors by generating a bright light source that can be controlled in wavelength and intensity, compensating for environmental and atmospheric variables, and providing accurate radiance measurements, thereby improving the accuracy of satellite and airborne imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources affixed on the hexagonal light surface that each emit light at one or more predetermined wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The seine net can apply a force that draws the plurality of floatation devices toward each other to form a substantially contiguous surface
Implementation Method 3
a hexagonally shaped net formed of a buoyant material
Data Source
AI summary
A floating calibration target for an image sensor can include a plurality of hexagonally shaped floatation devices that each emit light at one or more predetermined wavelengths. The floating calibration target can also include a seine net circumscribing the plurality of hexagonally shaped floatation devices. The seine net draws the plurality of hexagonally shaped floatation devices toward each other to form a substantially contiguous surface for the floating calibration target.