Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for determining optical characteristics of an object

US5745229A · kind A · utility

119Cited by
40References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 2, 1996
Grant dateApr 28, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 2, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2560/0233
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.