Apparatus and method for measuring optical characteristics of an object

• US 6,301,004 B1
• Filed: 05/31/2000
• Issued: 10/09/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: LJ Laboratories L.L.C.
• Inventors: Jung, Wayne D., Jung, Russell W., Loudermilk, Alan R.
• Primary Examiner(s): EVANS, FANNIE L
• Application Number:
  US09/586,539
• Time in Patent Office: 496 Days
• Field of Search: 356/73, 356/326, 356/328, 356/373, 356/375, 356/376, 356/402, 356/406, 356/416, 356/418, 356/419, 356/417, 356/600, 250/559.29
• US Class Current: 356/73
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 13/0003 Making bridge-work, inlays, implants or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 13/0004 Computer-assisted sizing or machining of dental prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 2003/1234 Continuously variable IF [CVIF]; Wedge type
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 2003/1239 and separate detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/02 Details
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0218 using optical fibers
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0278 Control or determination of height or angle information for sensors or receivers
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0291 Housings; Spectrometer accessories; Spatial arrangement of elements, e.g. folded path arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/50 using electric radiation detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/508 measuring the colour of teeth
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/51 using colour filters
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/513 having fixed filter-detector pairs
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6463 Optics
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6484 Optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/251 Colorimeters; Construction thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/255 Details, e.g. use of specially adapted sources, lighting or optical systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/474 Details of optical heads therefor, e.g. using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/645 Specially adapted constructive features of fluorimeters
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6486 Measuring fluorescence of biological material, e.g. DNA, RNA, cells G01N21/6428 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3825 with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4292 : the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/40 : relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture

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.

Claims

1. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors;

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object; and

generating data indicative of optical characteristics of the object based on the measurements.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical position corresponds to an angle of the probe with respect to the object.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical position corresponds to a distance of the probe from the object.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical position corresponds to an angle of the probe with respect to the object and to a distance of the probe from the object.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the optical sensors receives light through a color gradient filter.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more optical sensors is generated, wherein the data indicative of the optical characteristics are generated based on the at least one signal.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of optical sensors.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more optical sensors comprise a linear array of sensors, an array of sensors, a matrix of sensors, or CCD sensing elements.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical characteristics of the object comprise color characteristics, translucence characteristics, fluorescence characteristics and/or surface texture characteristics.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein light is coupled to and from the probe with a light conduit.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the light conduit is tapered.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein measurements made by first optical sensors correspond to a physical position of the probe with respect to the object.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the measurements made by the first optical sensors correspond to an angle of the probe with respect to the object.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the measurements made by the first optical sensors correspond to a distance of the probe from the object.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the data indicative of optical characteristics of the object are selectively generated depending on whether the probe is substantially in a predetermined position with respect to the object.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined position comprises a substantially perpendicular position.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein audio feedback is provided, wherein the audio feedback is indicative of whether the probe is in or is not in the predetermined position.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the data indicative of optical characteristics of the object are selectively compensated depending on the physical position of the probe with respect to the object.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of peaks of optical intensity are determined, wherein the probe is in a substantially predetermined position if at least certain of the peaks are substantially the same.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of peaks of optical intensity are determined, wherein the probe is in a substantially predetermined position if at least certain of the peaks are within a predetermined range.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the probe includes a plurality of pairs of source/receiver elements, wherein the plurality of pairs of source/receiver elements include one or more rings of source/receiver elements.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the optical characteristics include surface texture characteristics.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more optical sensors compromise a spectrometer.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more optical sensors comprise a tristimulus spectrum measuring device.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical position of the probe with respect to the object is determined without a mechanical arrangement between the probe and the object.

28. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein the physical position corresponds to an angle of the probe with respect to the object.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the physical position also corresponds to a distance of the probe from the object.

30. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein at least one of the optical sensors receives light through a color gradient filter.

31. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more optical sensors is generated.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein data indicative of optical characteristics of the object are generated based on the at least one signal.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of optical sensors.

35. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

36. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein optical characteristics of the object are determined, wherein the optical characteristics of the object comprise color characteristics, translucence characteristics, fluorescence characteristics and/or surface texture characteristics.

37. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein measurements made by first optical sensors correspond to an angle of the probe with respect to the object.

38. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein data indicative of optical characteristics of the object are selectively generated depending on whether the probe is substantially in a predetermined position with respect to the object.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the predetermined position comprises a substantially perpendicular position.

40. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein audio feedback is provided, wherein the audio feedback is indicative of whether the probe is in or is not in a predetermined position with respect to the object.

41. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein data indicative of optical characteristics of the object are selectively compensated depending on the physical position of the probe with respect to the object.

42. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein the probe includes a plurality of pairs of source/receiver elements, wherein the plurality of pairs of source/receiver elements include one or more rings of source/receiver elements.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of generating data indicative of optical characteristics of the object, wherein the optical characteristics include surface texture characteristics.

44. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein the one or more optical sensors compromise a spectrometer.

45. A method, comprising the steps of:

positioning a probe in proximity to an object through relative movement between the probe and the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors, wherein the one or more light receivers include a light receiver that receives a peak intensity of light when the light receiver is a predetermined distance from the object; and

taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least one or more measurements taken to determine a physical position of the probe with respect to the object;

wherein the one or more optical sensors comprise a tristimulus spectrum measuring device.