Apparatus and method for measuring optical characteristics of an object
First Claim
1. A method for determining optical characteristics of an object, comprising the steps of:
- measuring the object by moving a probe in proximity to the object, wherein the probe provides light to the surface of the object from one or more light sources, and receives light reflected from the object through a plurality of light receivers;
determining the intensity of reflected light received by more than one of the light receivers with first sensors; and
measuring the optical characteristics of the object with second sensors based on light received by one or more of the light receivers in response to the intensity determinations made by the first sensors, wherein the measurement produces data indicative of the optical characteristics of the object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Color/optical characteristics measuring systems and methods are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics/elements are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic/element and received light reflected from the surface of the object is measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention.
103 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A method for determining optical characteristics of an object, comprising the steps of:
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measuring the object by moving a probe in proximity to the object, wherein the probe provides light to the surface of the object from one or more light sources, and receives light reflected from the object through a plurality of light receivers;
determining the intensity of reflected light received by more than one of the light receivers with first sensors; and
measuring the optical characteristics of the object with second sensors based on light received by one or more of the light receivers in response to the intensity determinations made by the first sensors, wherein the measurement produces data indicative of the optical characteristics of the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. An apparatus for determining optical characteristics of an object, comprising:
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a probe movable to be in proximity to the object, wherein the probe provides light to the surface of the object from one or more light sources, and receives light reflected from the object through a plurality of light receivers;
first sensors for determining the intensity of reflected light received by more than one of the light receivers; and
second sensors for measuring the optical characteristics of the object based on light received by one or more of the light receivers in response to the intensity determinations made by the first sensors, wherein the measurement produces data indicative of the optical characteristics of the object.
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35. A method comprising the steps of:
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measuring a first object by moving a probe in proximity to the first object, wherein the probe provides light to the surface of the first object from one or more light sources, and receives light reflected from the first object through a plurality of light receivers;
determining the intensity of reflected light received by more than one of the light receivers with first sensors;
measuring the optical characteristics of the first object with second sensors based on light received by one or more of the light receivers in response to the intensity determinations made by the first sensors, wherein the measurement produces data indicative of the optical characteristics of the first object;
preparing a second object based on the data indicative of the optical characteristics of the first object, wherein constituent materials of the second object are selected based on said data. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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37. A method comprising the steps of:
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measuring an object by moving a probe in proximity to the object, wherein the probe provides light to the surface of the object from one or more light sources, and receives light reflected from the object through a plurality of light receivers;
determining the intensity of reflected light received by more than one of the light receivers with first sensors;
measuring the optical characteristics of the object with second sensors based on light received by one or more of the light receivers in response to the intensity determinations made by the first sensors, wherein the measurement produces data indicative of the optical characteristics of the object; and
performing an industrial process on the object based on said data. - View Dependent Claims (38)
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39. An apparatus for measuring the color of an object with a probe as the probe is moved with respect to the object, comprising:
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a probe having a central light source and a plurality of light receivers spaced apart from the central light source, wherein light from the central light source reflects into the plurality of light receivers;
sensors coupled to receive light from the light receivers, wherein at least some of sensors measure the value of the intensity of light in predetermined color bands;
a processor coupled to receive data from the light sensors;
wherein the processor monitors the intensity values for one or more of the light receivers and stores data from the sensors at time when the one or more light receivers have a peak intensity value.
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Specification