Apparatus for determining optical characteristics of an object
First Claim
1. An apparatus for measuring optical characteristics of an object with a probe as the probe is moved with respect to the object, comprising:
- 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 is reflected from the object into the plurality of light receivers;
first and second sensors coupled to receive light from the light receivers, wherein at least some of the second sensors measure the value of the intensity of light in predetermined color bands;
a processor coupled to receive data from the first and second light sensors;
wherein the processor monitors intensity values determined by the first sensors and stores data from the second sensors based on the intensity determinations made by the first sensors, wherein the stored data is indicative of optical characteristics of the object.
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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
36 Claims
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1. An apparatus for measuring optical characteristics 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 is reflected from the object into the plurality of light receivers; first and second sensors coupled to receive light from the light receivers, wherein at least some of the second sensors measure the value of the intensity of light in predetermined color bands; a processor coupled to receive data from the first and second light sensors; wherein the processor monitors intensity values determined by the first sensors and stores data from the second sensors based on the intensity determinations made by the first sensors, wherein the stored data is indicative of optical characteristics of the object.
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2. 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. - View Dependent Claims (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, 34, 35)
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36. 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