Spectrometer having optical unit including a randomized fiber optic implement

• US 6,519,037 B2
• Filed: 06/01/2001
• Issued: 02/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1999
• 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:
  US09/872,365
• Publication Number:
  US 20010038453A1
• Time in Patent Office: 620 Days
• Field of Search: 356/414, 356/416, 356/417, 356/419, 356/71, 250/226, 359/891, 359/892, 257/432, 257/434, 257/435, 257/436, 257/440, 257/443, 257/444
• US Class Current: 356/419
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 1/06 Restricting the angle of incident light
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/02 Details
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0218 using optical fibers
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0251 Colorimeters making use of an integrating sphere
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/2803 using photoelectric array detector
• 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

Abstract

Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics preferably are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object/tooth 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/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss 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. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed. Measured data also may be stored and/or organized as part of a patient data base. Such methods and implements may be desirably utilized for purposes of detecting and preventing counterfeiting or the like. Low cost and small form factor spectrometers, and methods for manufacturing the same, also are disclosed.

Claims

1. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a plurality of filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors, wherein the plurality of filter elements have spectral transmission characteristics over one or more spectral bands;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least certain of the plurality of filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors;

wherein the sensors comprise sensors that generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the sensors.

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

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

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of sensors.

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

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

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter elements comprise a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter elements comprise a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the sensors is generated by an integrator coupled to the sensors.

10. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a plurality of filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors, wherein the plurality of filter elements have spectral transmission characteristics over one or more spectral bands;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least certain of the plurality of filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors;

wherein the filter elements collectively comprise a color gradient filter.

11. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a plurality of filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors, wherein the plurality of filter elements have spectral transmission characteristics over one or more spectral bands;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least certain of the plurality of filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors;

wherein the filter elements collectively comprise a filter grid.

12. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a plurality of filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors, wherein the plurality of filter elements have spectral transmission characteristics over one or more spectral bands;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least certain of the plurality of filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors;

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 one or more light receivers from the object or material.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein one or more sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

16. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a plurality of filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors, wherein the plurality of filter elements have spectral transmission characteristics over one or more spectral bands;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least certain of the plurality of filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors;

wherein the filter elements comprise one or more interference filters.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein a spectral analysis is performed based on light received from an object or material.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, 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.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the sensors comprise a photo diode array.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the light is collimated prior to being sensed by the sensors.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the light is collimated by an aspheric lens or lens assembly.

23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the light is provided by one or more light sources to an object or material.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein characteristics of the object or material are determined.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the characteristics comprise spectral characteristics.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the characteristics comprise whether the object or material contains a predetermined material.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein a determination is made if the object or material is genuine.

28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the object or material comprises a gaseous material, a non-gaseous material, skin, non-skin body tissue, paint, fabric, a photograph, a dental object, a printed object, hair, or makeup.

29. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a plurality of filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors, wherein the plurality of filter elements have spectral transmission characteristics over one or more spectral bands;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least certain of the plurality of filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors;

the apparatus further comprising a bias light source, wherein the bias light source provides bias light to at least certain of the sensors.

30. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a plurality of filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors, wherein the plurality of filter elements have spectral transmission characteristics over one or more spectral bands;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least certain of the plurality of filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors;

the apparatus further comprising a probe providing light to a surface of an object or material and receiving light from the object or material, wherein light is provided from the probe by at least one light source and light is received by one or more light receivers, wherein the light source and one or more of the light receivers define a critical height from the surface below which no light from the light source that is specularly reflected from the object or material is received by the one or more of the light receivers.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus takes at least one measurement with the probe below the critical height for one or more of the light receivers.

32. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a plurality of filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors, wherein the plurality of filter elements have spectral transmission characteristics over one or more spectral bands;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least certain of the plurality of filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors;

wherein the at least one input area is substantially circular in shape, wherein the output area is substantially elongated in shape.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the output area is substantially in the shape of a line.

34. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a color gradient interference filter adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and substantially circular in shape and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers and substantially elongated in shape, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least a portion of the color gradient filter, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through the color gradient filter and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the sensors comprise sensors that generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the sensors.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

38. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein one or more spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of sensors.

39. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the signal comprises an asynchronous signal of a frequency dependent upon the intensity of the received light.

40. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein a spectral analysis is performed based on light received from an object or material.

42. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

43. The apparatus of claim 39, 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.

44. The apparatus of claim 39, 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 one or more light receivers from the object or material.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein one or more sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

47. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

48. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the sensors is generated by an integrator coupled to the sensors.

49. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the sensors comprise a photo diode array.

50. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the filter elements comprise one or more interference filters.

51. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the light is collimated prior to being sensed by the sensors.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the light is collimated by an aspheric lens or lens assembly.

53. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the light is provided by one or more light sources to an object or material.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein characteristics of the object or material are determined.

55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the characteristics comprise spectral characteristics.

56. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the characteristics comprise whether the object or material contains a predetermined material.

57. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein a determination is made if the object or material is genuine.

58. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the object or material comprises a gaseous material, a non-gaseous material, skin, non-skin body tissue, paint, fabric, a photograph, a dental object, a printed object, hair, or makeup.

59. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising a bias light source, wherein the bias light source provides bias light to at least certain of the sensors.

60. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising a probe providing light to a surface of an object or material and receiving light from the object or material, wherein light is provided from the probe by at least one light source and light is received by one or more light receivers, wherein the light source and one or more of the light receivers define a critical height from the surface below which no light from the light source that is specularly reflected from the object or material is received by the one or more of the light receivers.

61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the apparatus takes at least one measurement with the probe below the critical height for one or more of the light receivers.

62. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the at least first spectral data is generated responsive to a temperature measurement made by the temperature sensor, wherein the light is collimated by an aspheric lens or lens assembly prior to being sensed by the sensors, wherein received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

63. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the at least first spectral data is generated responsive to a temperature measurement made by the temperature sensor.

64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the at least first spectral data is compensated based on the temperature measurement.

65. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the at least first spectral data is compensated at least in part based on temperature-dependent characteristics of the plurality of filter elements.

66. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the at least first spectral data is compensated based on a look-up table or polynomial coefficients corresponding to temperature characteristics of the plurality of filter elements.

67. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the output area is substantially in the shape of a line.

68. A spectrometer apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and substantially circular in shape and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers and substantially elongated in shape, wherein the fibers of the output area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least a portion of the filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the sensors comprise sensors that generate at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the sensors.

70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the at least one signal comprises a digital signal.

71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the digital signal comprises a TTL or CMOS digital signal.

72. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein one or more spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of digital signals produced by a plurality of sensors.

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

74. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

75. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the filter elements comprise a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

76. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein a spectral analysis is performed based on light received from an object or material.

77. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the filter elements comprise a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

78. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the filter elements collectively comprise a color gradient filter.

79. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the filter elements collectively comprise a filter grid.

80. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

81. The apparatus of claim 68, 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.

82. The apparatus of claim 68, 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 one or more light receivers from the object or material.

83. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

84. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein one or more sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

85. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein one or more sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

86. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the sensors is generated by an integrator coupled to the sensors.

87. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the sensors comprise a photo diode array.

88. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the filter elements comprise one or more interference filters.

89. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the light is collimated prior to being sensed by the sensors.

90. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein the light is collimated by an aspheric lens or lens assembly.

91. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the at least first spectral data is generated responsive to a temperature measurement made by the temperature sensor, wherein the light is collimated by an aspheric lens or lens assembly prior to being sensed by the sensors, wherein received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

92. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein light is returned from an object or material, wherein characteristics of the object or material are determined.

93. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the characteristics comprise spectral characteristics.

94. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the characteristics comprise whether the object or material contains a predetermined material.

95. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein a determination is made if the object or material is genuine.

96. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the object or material comprises a gaseous material, a non-gaseous material, skin, non-skin body tissue, paint, fabric, a photograph, a dental object, a printed object, hair, or makeup.

97. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising a bias light source, wherein the bias light source provides bias light to at least certain of the sensors.

98. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising a probe providing light to a surface of an object or material and receiving light from the object or material, wherein light is provided from the probe by at least one light source and light is received by one or more light receivers, wherein the light source and one or more of the light receivers define a critical height from the surface below which no light from the light source that is specularly reflected from the object or material is received by the one or more of the light receivers.

99. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the apparatus takes at least one measurement with the probe below the critical height for one or more of the light receivers.

100. The apparatus of claim 68, further comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the at least first spectral data is generated responsive to a temperature measurement made by the temperature sensor,

101. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein the at least first spectral data is compensated based on the temperature measurement.

102. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein the at least first spectral data is compensated at least in part based on temperature-dependent characteristics of the plurality of filter elements.

103. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein the at least first spectral data is compensated based on a look-up table or polynomial coefficients corresponding to temperature characteristics of the plurality of filter elements.

104. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the plurality of filter elements collectively comprise a color gradient filter.

105. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the output area is substantially in the shape of a line.

106. A spectrometer apparatus. comprising:

a plurality of optical sensors;

a plurality of filter elements adapted to couple light to at least a first group of the sensors, wherein the plurality of filter elements have spectral transmission characteristics over one or more spectral bands;

an optical unit comprising at least a randomized fiber optic bundle having at least one input area comprising a plurality of fibers and an output area comprising a plurality of fibers wherein the fibers of the outlet area receive light from fibers of the at least one input area in a randomized pattern, wherein at least a portion of the output area is adapted to couple light to at least certain of the plurality of filter elements, wherein light entering the input area is transmitted to the output area, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted from the output area through at least certain of the filter elements and is sensed by at least certain of the sensors;

wherein light may be coupled to the input area, wherein at least first spectral data indicative of at least spectral characteristics of light coupled to the input area is generated by the sensors; and

further comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the at least first spectral data is generated responsive to a temperature measurement made by the temperature sensor.

107. The apparatus of claim 106, wherein the at least first spectral data is compensated based on the temperature measurement.

108. The apparatus of claim 106, wherein the at least first spectral data is compensated at least in part based on temperature-dependent characteristics of the plurality of filter elements.

109. The apparatus of claim 106, wherein the at least first spectral data is compensated based on a look-up table or polynomial coefficients corresponding to temperature characteristics of the plurality of filter elements.

110. The apparatus of claim 106, wherein the plurality of filter elements collectively comprise a color gradient filter.