Apparatus and method for calibrating downward viewing image acquisition systems
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsRandy R. Kirkham, Janelle L. Downs, Eileen M. Perry
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is an apparatus and method for calibrating a downward viewing image acquisition system. The apparatus comprises a calibration panel with calibrative material of known reflectivity. The calibrative material coats the panel surface or is pulled across its surface or pulled across its frame so as to maintain a consistent reflectivity and/or emissivity. A housing is provided which protects the calibration panel from the deteriorative effects of natural elements. The housing alternately exposes the calibration panel to the downward viewing image acquisition system as a calibration exposure and covers the calibration panel after the calibration exposure.
Claims42
An apparatus for calibrating a downward viewing image acquisition system, comprising:
- (a) a calibration panel, having a calibrative material of known reflectivity;
- and
- (b) a housing for alternately exposing said calibration panel to said downward viewing image acquisition system as a calibration exposure and covering said calibration panel after said calibration exposure for protection against natural elements.
A method for calibrating a downward viewing image acquisition system, comprising the steps of:
- (a) covering a support or flat surface with a calibrative material of known reflectivity to substantially eliminate wrinkling of said calibrative material and maintain a consistent reflectivity, thereby forming a calibration panel;
- and
- (b) exposing said calibration panel to said downward viewing image acquisition system as a calibration exposure and covering said calibration panel after said calibration exposure for protection against natural elements within a housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.