Method and apparatus for detecting and preventing counterfeiting
US6038016A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2560/0233
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of an object are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light 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 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 prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed. Measured data also may be stored and/or organized as part of a data base. Such methods and implements are desirably utilized for purposes of detecting and preventing counterfeiting or the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.