Spectral Imaging Device Calibration Without Monochromator Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibrating spectral imaging devices using a scanning monochromator to vary the wavelength of narrowband light is time-consuming, and the process is inefficient for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for calibrating spectral imaging devices using previously measured spectral quantum efficiencies of detector pixels and spectral transmittance functions of a Fabry-Perot interferometer, without requiring a scanning monochromator, by iteratively modifying calibration data until simulated profiles match measured profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanning monochromator is used to vary the wavelength of narrowband calibration light, then the calibration can be performed with a Fabry-Perot interferometer, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming and inefficient for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-measuring and storing spectral quantum efficiency data for detector pixels and spectral transmittance data for the Fabry-Perot interferometer before the actual calibration process. This allows the calibration to proceed rapidly using previously acquired data instead of performing time-consuming real-time measurements during calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating simulated profiles of the calibration light spectrum based on pre-measured spectral quantum efficiency and spectral transmittance data. These simulated profiles are then compared with actual measured profiles to determine calibration parameters, replacing the need for extensive real-time spectral scanning.
2Productivity
If spectral quantum efficiency data and spectral transmittance functions are pre-measured and stored, then calibration time is significantly reduced, but additional data acquisition and processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by acquiring spectral quantum efficiency data for detector pixels and spectral transmittance data for the Fabry-Perot interferometer before the calibration process. This pre-acquisition of data eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time measurements during calibration, significantly increasing calibration speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary data structures including spectral quantum efficiency arrays, spectral transmittance functions, and simulated profile generators that mediate between the calibration light source and the detector. These intermediaries enable rapid calibration by pre-processing and storing critical spectral characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detector pixels with different spectral quantum efficiencies are used, then comprehensive spectral calibration is achieved, but the complexity of processing and matching profiles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection system into multiple detector pixel groups, each with distinct spectral quantum efficiency characteristics. Each group is calibrated separately using its specific spectral response data, allowing comprehensive spectral calibration while managing complexity through organized segmentation of the calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by iteratively comparing simulated profiles (generated from pre-measured spectral data) with actual measured profiles from the calibration light. This feedback loop adjusts and refines calibration parameters until the simulated and measured profiles match, ensuring high spectral calibration accuracy despite the complexity of multiple detector pixels.
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
Significantly reduces the time needed for calibrating spectral imaging devices, enabling efficient mass production by using previously measured data to expedite the calibration process.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral transmittance function for a Fabry-Perot interferometer
Implementation Method 2
spectral quantum efficiency of detector pixels for an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Calibrating a spectral imaging device includesproviding first calibration light, with first calibration spectrum (IMPBF),coupling the first calibration light to the device,obtaining a first measured profile of the first calibration light by recording first detector pixel signals during scanning a control parameter of a Fabry-Perot interferometer of the device,obtaining a second measured profile of the first calibration light by recording second detector pixel signals during scanning,determining a first simulated profile from the first calibration spectrum using previously measured spectral quantum efficiency of first detector pixels, previously measured spectral transmittance function, and first calibration data,determining a second simulated profile from the first calibration spectrum using previously measured spectral quantum efficiency of second detector pixels, previously measured spectral transmittance function, and the first calibration data, andmodifying first calibration data until simulated profiles match with corresponding measured profiles.