Light calibration device for use in low level light imaging systems
AssigneeXenogen Corporation
InventorsMichael B. Nelson, Bradley Rice, Brian R. Bates, Barton V. Beeman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention describes systems and methods for calibrating a low-level light imaging system. Techniques described herein employ a light calibration device that is placed within a low level light imaging box to calibrate the system and its constituent components such as the camera and processing system. The calibration device comprises an array of low-power light supplies each having a known emission. By taking an image of each low-power light supply, and comparing the processed result with the known emission, the accuracy of the imaging system and its absolute imaging characteristics may be assessed and verified.
Claims30
A calibration device capable of producing light for calibrating a low light level imaging system, the device comprising:
- an array of low intensity light supplies for emitting light in the range of about 103 to about 108 photons/second/centimeter squared/steradian, wherein each low intensity light supply comprises a light interface for receiving light from a light source and for emitting at least a portion of the light from the device;
- a housing that contains the array of low intensity light supplies;
- and
- a voltage source, in electrical communication with the light source for each low intensity light supply, and designed or configured to provide power to the light source.
A system for capturing an image of a low intensity light source with a camera, the system comprising:
- an imaging box having a set of walls enclosing an interior cavity and a camera mount configured to position the camera relative the interior cavity;
- a calibration device comprising a voltage source and an array of low intensity light supplies for emitting light in the range of about 103 to about 108 photons/second/centimeter squared/stiradian, wherein each low intensity light supply comprises a light interface for receiving light from a light source and for emitting at least a portion of the light from the device, the voltage source being in electrical communication with the light source for each low intensity light supply;
- and
- a processor designed or configured to receive image data corresponding to light emitted from the calibration device and compare the image data to known light emission data for the calibration device.
A method for calibrating a system capable of capturing an image of a low intensity light source, the system comprising an imaging box and a camera for capturing the image, the method comprising:
- placing a light calibration device in the imaging box, the light calibration device including an array of low intensity light supplies;
- emitting light from one or more of the low intensity light supplies in the range of about 103 to about 108 photons/second/centimeter squared/stiradian;
- receiving the light from the one or more of the low intensity light supplies using the camera;
- and
- comparing the received light with a known light emission for the one or more of the low intensity light supplies.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.