Apparatus and method for measuring color
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Accused Products
Abstract
Color measuring systems and methods are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic and receive light reflected from the surface of the object being 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.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. (canceled)
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2. A method in a color measurement apparatus for determining a color characteristic based on light returned from an object or material comprising the steps of:
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generating and supplying light of a plurality of wavelengths or spectral bands to the object or material;
receiving light returned from the object or material with a sensor, wherein the sensor generates one or more output signals having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor;
generating at least a first signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor of a first wavelength or spectral band;
generating at least a second signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor of a second wavelength or spectral band; and
generating at least a third signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor of a third wavelength or spectral band;
wherein the color characteristic of the received light is determined based on at least the first, second and third signals. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method in a color measurement apparatus for determining a color characteristic based on light returned from an object or material comprising the steps of:
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generating and supplying light of a plurality of wavelengths or spectral bands to the object or material;
receiving light returned from the object or material with a sensor, wherein the sensor generates one or more output signals having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor;
generating at least a first signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor of a first wavelength or spectral band;
generating at least a second signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor of a second wavelength or spectral band; and
generating at least a third signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor of a third wavelength or spectral band;
wherein the color characteristic of the received light is determined based on at least the first, second and third signals;
wherein the color characteristic is used to determine a closest color or shade among a set of stored colors or shades. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method in a color measurement apparatus for determining a color characteristic based on light returned from an object or material comprising the steps of:
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generating and supplying light of a plurality of wavelengths or spectral bands to the object or material;
receiving light returned from the object or material with a sensor, wherein the sensor generates one or more output signals having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor;
generating at least a first signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor of a first wavelength or spectral band;
generating at least a second signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor of a second wavelength or spectral band;
generating at least a third signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor of a third wavelength or spectral band;
wherein the color characteristic of the received light is determined based on at least the first, second and third signals;
wherein the first, second and third signals are generated via one or more photodiodes coupled to an integrator;
wherein the first, second and third signals are coupled to a processing element, wherein the color characteristic is determined based on measuring a frequency or period of the at least first, second and third signals. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification