Patent ID: 7928354
Filing Date: 2011-04-19
Classification: G01J,H01L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for validating the function of a biological instrument, the method comprising: providing an instrument comprising: capturing a series of images with the photometric sensor using the spatially non-uniform illumination source, wherein the images comprise a range of signal intensities spanning the dynamic range of the photometric sensor; computing a value of a signal intensity and a noise level for each pixel, wherein each of the signal intensities of the range of spatially non-uniform signal intensities is associated with at least one pixel receiving the intensity; estimating a relationship of signal intensity versus noise level for the photometric sensor over the dynamic range of the sensor using the computed values of signal intensity and noise level for each pixel; and determining if the photometric detector is within the operational limits of detection using the estimated relationship.