Apparatus and method for measuring optical characteristics of an object

• US 6,490,038 B1
• Filed: 09/15/1999
• Issued: 12/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: LJ Laboratories L.L.C.
• Inventors: Jung, Russell W., Loudermilk, Alan R., Jung, Wayne D.
• Primary Examiner(s): EVANS, FANNIE L
• Application Number:
  US09/397,156
• Time in Patent Office: 1,175 Days
• Field of Search: 356/419, 356/405, 356/416, 356/417, 356/418, 356/407
• US Class Current: 356/419
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0223 of calibration, e.g. protocols for calibrating sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0233 Optical standards
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 19/10 Supports for artificial teeth for transport or for comparison of the colour
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/02 Details
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0208 using focussing or collimating elements, e.g. lenses or mirrors; performing aberration correction
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0218 using optical fibers
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0264 Electrical interface; User interface
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0272 Handheld
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0291 Housings; Spectrometer accessories; Spatial arrangement of elements, e.g. folded path arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0297 Constructional arrangements for removing other types of optical noise or for performing calibration
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/04 Slit arrangements slit adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/10 Arrangements of light sources specially adapted for spectrometry or colorimetry
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/46 Measurement of colour; Colour measuring devices, e.g. colorimeters measuring colour temperature G01J5/60
• 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: G01J 3/524 Calibration of colorimeters
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/6484 Optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/251 Colorimeters; Construction thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/474 : Details of optical heads therefor, e.g. using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/57 : Measuring gloss

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, fluorescene 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. An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from the object or material;

a plurality of sensors receiving light from the one or more light receivers, wherein the sensors generate a plurality of signals having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more light receivers; and

a processor coupled to receive the signals, wherein the processor determines the characteristic based on the signals;

wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to the sensors, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of the signals.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signals comprise digital signals.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the digital signals comprise TTL or CMOS digital signals.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signals comprise asynchronous signals of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the characteristic comprises a spectral analysis based on light received from the object or material.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signals having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the sensors are generated by an integrator coupled to the sensors.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensors comprise a photo detector.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode array.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor comprises a microprocessor.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor comprises logic.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the logic comprises a logic array.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor comprises a programmable logic array.

15. An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from the object or material;

one or more sensors receiving light from the one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more sensors generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more light receivers; and

a processor coupled to receive the at least one signal, wherein the processor determines the characteristic based on the at least one signal;

wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the signal comprises an asynchronous signal of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the characteristic comprises a spectral analysis based on light received from the object or material.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors is generated by an integrator coupled to the one or more sensors.

22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a photo detector.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode array.

25. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processor comprises a microprocessor.

26. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processor comprises logic.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the logic comprises a logic array.

28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the logic comprises a programmable logic array.

29. An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from the object or material;

one or more sensors receiving light from the one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more sensors generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more light receivers; and

a processor coupled to receive the at least one signal, wherein the processor determines the characteristic based on the at least one signal;

wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

30. An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from the object or material;

one or more sensors receiving light from the one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more sensors generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more light receivers; and

a processor coupled to receive the at least one signal, wherein the processor determines the characteristic based on the at least one signal;

wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

31. An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from the object or material;

one or more sensors receiving light from the one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more sensors generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more light receivers; and

a processor coupled to receive the at least one signal, wherein the processor determines the characteristic based on the at least one signal;

wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the filter comprises a color gradient filter.

32. An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an object or material comprsing:

one or more light receivers receiving light from the object or material;

one or more sensors receiving light from the one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more sensors generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more light receivers; and

a processor coupled to receive the at least one signal, wherein the processor determines the characteristic based on the at least one signal;

wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the filter comprises a filter grid.

33. An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from the object or material;

one or more sensors receiving light from the one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more sensors generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more light receivers; and

a processor coupled to receive the at least one signal, wherein the processor determines the characteristic based on the at least one signal;

wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

34. An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from the object or material;

one or more sensors receiving light from the one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more sensors generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more light receivers; and

a processor coupled to receive the at least one signal, wherein the processor determines the characteristic based on the at least one signal;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

35. An apparatus for determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from the object or material;

one or more sensors receiving light from the one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more sensors generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more light receivers; and

a processor coupled to receive the at least one signal, wherein the processor determines the characteristic based on the at least one signal;

wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to the object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein one or more sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

38. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

39. An apparatus comprising:

a probe movable relative to an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more lights receivers through the color gradient filter; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

40. An apparatus comprising:

a probe movable relative to an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more lights receivers through the color gradient filter; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by one or more of the optical sensors is generated, wherein the optical characteristics are determined based on the at least one signal.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

43. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of optical sensors.

44. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the signal comprises an asynchronous signal of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

46. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

45. An apparatus comprising:

a probe movable relative to an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more lights receivers through the color gradient filter; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a matrix of sensors.

47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the optical characteristics comprise a spectral analysis based on light received from the object or material.

48. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

49. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise CCD sensing elements.

50. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

51. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the processor comprises a microprocessor.

52. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the processor comprises logic.

53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the logic comprises a logic array.

54. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the logic comprises a programmable logic array.

55. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the optical sensors comprise a photo detector.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode.

57. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode array.

58. An apparatus comprising:

a probe movable relative to an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more lights receivers through the color gradient filter; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a linear array of optical sensors.

60. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise an array of sensors.

61. An apparatus comprising:

a probe movable relative to an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more lights receivers through the color gradient filter; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

62. An apparatus comprising:

a probe movable relative to an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more lights receivers through the color gradient filter; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein one or more optical sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

63. An apparatus comprising:

a probe movable relative to an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more lights receivers through the color gradient filter; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

64. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from an object or material, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

65. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from an object or material, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

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 optical characteristics are determined based on the at least one signal.

66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

68. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of optical sensors.

69. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the signal comprises an asynchronous signal of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

70. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from an object or material, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a matrix of sensors.

71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

72. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the optical characteristics comprise a spectral analysis based on light received from the object or material.

73. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

74. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise CCD sensing elements.

75. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

76. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to the object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material.

77. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the processor comprises a microprocessor.

78. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the processor comprises logic.

79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the logic comprises a logic array.

80. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the logic comprises a programmable logic array.

81. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the optical sensors comprise a photo detector.

82. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode.

83. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode array.

84. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from an object or material, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a linear array of optical sensors.

86. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise an array of sensors.

87. An apparatus comprising

one or more light receivers receiving light from an object or material, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter,

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

88. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from an object or material, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter,

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

89. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from an object or material, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs,

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner, and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein one or more optical sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

90. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light from an object or material, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs,

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

91. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

92. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

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 optical characteristics are determined based on the at least one signal.

93. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

94. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

95. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of optical sensors.

96. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the signal comprises an asynchronous signal of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

97. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a matrix of sensors.

98. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

99. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the optical characteristics comprise a spectral analysis based on the received light.

100. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise CCD sensing elements.

101. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

102. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

103. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to an object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material.

104. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the processor comprises a microprocessor.

105. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the processor comprises logic.

106. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein the logic comprises a logic array.

107. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein the logic comprises a programmable logic array.

108. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the sensors comprise a photo detector.

109. The apparatus of claim 108, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode.

110. The apparatus of claim 108, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode array.

111. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner, and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to an object or material.

112. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs,

a color gradient filter,

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner, and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light,

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to an object or material.

113. The apparatus of claim 112, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a linear array of optical sensors.

114. The apparatus of claim 112, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise an array of sensors.

128. The apparatus of claim 112, wherein the optical sensor comprises a linear array of photo detectors. .

129. The apparatus of claim 128, wherein the linear array of photo detectors provides an output to an analog-to-digital converter.

130. The apparatus of claim 129, wherein the analog-to-digital converter provides an output to a processor.

131. The apparatus of claim 130, wherein the processor outputs spectral analysis data.

115. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner, and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light,

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to an object or material.

116. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light,

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein one or more optical sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to an object or material.

117. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs;

a color gradient filter;

a plurality of optical sensors receiving light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner, and

a processor, wherein the processor determines optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to an object or material.

118. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light to be spectrally analyzed;

a color filter having a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter; and

an optical sensor having a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter;

wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating;

wherein the optical sensor comprises a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

119. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the color filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

120. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the light is coupled to the color filter through one or more fiber optics.

121. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the predetermined bands comprise narrow bands of wavelengths.

122. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the plurality of portions each comprise a filter element that passes light of a narrow band of wavelengths.

123. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the apparatus comprises a spectrometer.

124. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the apparatus comprises a colorimeter.

125. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the apparatus includes at least three separate sensor elements and produces spectral data in the form of a tristimulus data output.

126. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light to be spectrally analyzed;

a color filter having a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band, of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter; and

an optical sensor having a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter;

wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating;

wherein the optical sensor integrates the received light.

127. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light to be spectrally analyzed;

a color filter having a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter; and

an optical sensor having a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter,

wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to an object or material.

132. The apparatus of claim 127, wherein the plurality of sensing elements comprise an array of sensing elements.

133. An apparatus comprising.

one or more light receivers receiving light to be spectrally analyzed;

a color filter having a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter; and

an optical sensor having a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter;

wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein one or more optical sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to an object or material.

134. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light to be spectrally analyzed;

a color filter having a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter; and

an optical sensor having a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter;

wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating;

wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to an object or material.

135. An apparatus comprising:

one or more light receivers receiving light to be spectrally analyzed;

a color filter having a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter; and

an optical sensor having a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter;

wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating;

wherein the plurality of sensing elements comprise a matrix of sensing elements.

136. The apparatus of claim 135, wherein the sensing elements comprise a photo detector.

137. The apparatus of claim 136, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode.

138. The apparatus of claim 136, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode array.

139. The apparatus of claim 135, wherein the received light comprises light directed from a probe to an object, wherein characteristics of the object are determined based on the spectrally analyzed light.

140. The apparatus of claim 135, further comprising a probe having one or more light sources that provides light to an object or material, wherein the light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material.

141. The apparatus of claim 135, wherein the predetermined band of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed comprises substantially the visible band.

142. The apparatus of claim 135, wherein the plurality of sensing elements comprise CCD sensing elements.