A "Skylight" Simulator for HWIL Simulation of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Remote Sensing
• Imaging Science

Background:

• Hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation is crucial for spectral uncertainty research in ground target imaging.
• Existing facilities primarily simulate panchromatic imaging, lacking sufficient spectral and spatial performance for hyperspectral applications.
• Accurate illumination simulation is essential for advancing hyperspectral imaging research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop an advanced dome-like skylight simulator for improved hyperspectral simulation.
• To accurately replicate the spatial distribution and spectral characteristics of natural skylight across a broad wavelength range (350-2500 nm).
• To validate the simulator's performance against real-world conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel dome-like skylight simulator.
• Performance testing using a spectroradiometer with various accessories.
• Comparison of radiometric measurements between the simulator and a natural skylight in Beijing.

Main Results:

• Achieved spatial uniformity greater than 0.91.
• Reduced spectral mismatch by a factor of 243 compared to the Imagery Simulation Facility (ISF).
• Demonstrated adjustable spatial radiance distribution with accuracy exceeding 0.895.
• Validated simulator performance through comparison with real skylight measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed dome-like skylight simulator significantly improves hyperspectral simulation accuracy.
• The simulator effectively replicates key spatial and spectral properties of natural skylight.
• This advancement supports more reliable spectral uncertainty research and hyperspectral imaging development.