Apparatus and method for measuring optical characteristics of an object

• US 6,307,629 B1
• Filed: 03/12/1999
• Issued: 10/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/1997
• 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, F L.
• Application Number:
  US09/267,825
• Time in Patent Office: 956 Days
• Field of Search: 356/73, 356/371, 356/416, 356/417, 356/419, 356/446, 356/405, 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, 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 of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of:

receiving light from the object or material;

coupling received light to one or more sensors;

generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and

determining 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.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal comprises an asynchronous signal of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

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

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors comprises integrating light coupled to the one or more sensors with an integrator.

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

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

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

11. A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of:

receiving light from the object or material;

coupling received light to a plurality of sensors;

generating a plurality of signals having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the sensors; and

determining 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.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the signals comprise TTL or CMOS digital signals.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the signals comprise asynchronous signals of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the characteristic comprises a spectral analysis based on light received from the object or material.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the filter comprises a color gradient filter.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the filter comprises a filter grid.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

21. The method of claim 11, 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.

22. The method of claim 11, 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.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein one or more sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

26. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors comprises integrating light coupled to the one or more sensors with an integrator.

27. The method of claim 11, wherein the sensors comprise a photo detector.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode array.

30. A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of:

receiving light from the object or material;

coupling received light to one or more sensors;

generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and

determining 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.

31. A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of:

receiving light from the object or material;

coupling received light to one or more sensors;

generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and

determining 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.

32. A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of:

receiving light from the object or material;

coupling received light to one or more sensors;

generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and

determining 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.

33. A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of:

receiving light from the object or material;

coupling received light to one or more sensors;

generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and

determining 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.

34. A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of:

receiving light from the object or material;

coupling received light to one or more sensors;

generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and

determining 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.

35. A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of:

receiving light from the object or material;

coupling received light to one or more sensors;

generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and

determining 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.

36. A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of:

receiving light from the object or material;

coupling received light to one or more sensors;

generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and

determining 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.

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

38. The method of claim 36, wherein one or more sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

40. A method comprising the steps of:

producing relative movement between a probe and 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;

coupling light received be the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter; and

determining the 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.

41. A method comprising the steps of:

producing relative movement between a probe and 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;

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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the determining step comprises generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the optical sensors; and

determining the optical characteristics based on the at least one signal.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

44. The method of claim 41, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of optical sensors.

45. The method of claim 41, wherein the signal comprises an asynchronous signal of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

46. The method of claim 41, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

47. The method of claim 41, wherein the optical characteristics comprise a spectral analysis based on light received from the object or material.

48. The method of claim 41, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

49. The method of claim 41, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

50. A method comprising the steps of:

producing relative movement between a probe and 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;

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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

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

51. A method comprising the steps of:

producing relative movement between a probe and 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;

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

determining the 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.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a linear array of optical sensors.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise CCD sensing elements.

54. A method comprising the steps of:

producing relative movement between a probe and 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;

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

determining the 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.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise an array of sensors.

56. A method comprising the steps of:

producing relative movement between a probe and 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;

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

determining the 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.

57. A method comprising the steps of:

producing relative movement between a probe and 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;

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

determining the 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.

58. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received be 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

determining the 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.

59. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

wherein the determining step comprises generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more optical sensors; and

determining the optical characteristics based on the at least one signal.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

62. The method of claim 59, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of optical sensors.

63. The method of claim 59, wherein the signal comprises an asynchronous signal of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

64. The method of claim 59, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a linear array of optical sensors.

65. The method of claim 59, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise an array of sensors.

66. The method of claim 59, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

67. The method of claim 59, wherein the optical characteristics comprise a spectral analysis based on light received from the object or material.

68. The method of claim 59, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

69. The method of claim 59, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

70. The method of claim 59, 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.

71. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

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

72. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the 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.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise CCD sensing elements.

74. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

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;

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

75. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

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;

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

76. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

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;

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

77. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material;

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;

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

78. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the 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.

79. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

wherein the determining step comprises generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more optical sensors; and

determining the optical characteristics based on the at least one signal.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

81. The method of claim 79, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

82. The method of claim 79, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of optical sensors.

83. The method of claim 79, wherein the signal comprises an asynchronous signal of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

84. The method of claim 79, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a linear array of optical sensors.

85. The method of claim 79, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise an array of sensors.

86. The method of claim 79, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

87. The method of claim 79, wherein the optical characteristics comprise a spectral analysis based on the received light.

88. The method of claim 79, wherein the color gradient filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

89. The method of claim 79, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

90. The method of claim 79, 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.

91. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

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

92. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the 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 the object or material.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise CCD sensing elements.

94. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

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;

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

95. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive list 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

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;

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

96. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

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;

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

97. A method comprising the steps of:

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

coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive 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

determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light;

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;

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

98. A method comprising the steps of:

receiving light with one or more light receivers wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and

coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band 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, wherein the optical sensor has 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.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein the color filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

100. The method of claim 98, wherein the light is coupled to the color filter through one or more fiber optics.

101. The method of claim 98, wherein the predetermined bands comprise narrow bands of wavelengths.

102. The method of claim 98, wherein the plurality of portions each comprise a filter element that passes light of a narrow band of wavelengths.

103. The method of claim 98, 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.

104. The method of claim 98, wherein the optical sensor comprises a spectrometer.

105. The method of claim 98, wherein the optical sensor comprises a colorimeter.

106. The method of claim 98, wherein the optical sensor includes at least three separate sensor elements and produces spectral data in the form of a tristimulus data output.

107. The method of claim 98, 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.

108. The method of claim 98, wherein the predetermined band of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed comprises substantially the visible band.

109. The method of claim 98, wherein the plurality of sensing elements comprise an array of sensing elements.

110. A method comprising the steps of:

receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and

coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band 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, wherein the optical sensor has 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.

111. A method comprising the steps of:

receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and

coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band 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, wherein the optical sensor has 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 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.

112. The method of claim 111, wherein the optical sensor comprises a linear array of photo detectors.

113. The method of claim 112, wherein the linear array of photo detectors provides an output to an analog-to-digital converter.

114. The method of claim 113, wherein the analog-to-digital converter provides an output to a processor.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein the processor outputs spectral analysis data.

116. The method of claim 111, wherein the sensing elements comprise a photo detector.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode.

118. The method of claim 116, wherein the photo detector comprises a photo diode array.

119. The method of claim 111, wherein the plurality of sensing elements comprise CCD sensing elements.

120. A method comprising the steps of:

receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and

coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band 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, wherein the optical sensor has 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 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;

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

121. A method comprising the steps of:

receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and

coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band 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, wherein the optical sensor has 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 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;

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

122. A method comprising the steps of:

receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and

coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band 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, wherein the optical sensor has 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.