With Color Determination By Light Intensity Comparison Patents (Class 356/425)
  • Publication number: 20090306926
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Alan K. Loudermilk
  • Publication number: 20090303574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a broadband Terahertz (THz) radiation generation and detection system and method. THz radiation is generated by optical rectification of an ultrashort pump pulse of a first wavelength having a duration in the picosecond- or sub-picosecond range in a first nonlinear optical crystal. The THz radiation is detected by electro-optic sampling or another appropriate method of a probe beam having a second wavelength in a second nonlinear optical crystal. According to the invention, at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled: a) the first wavelength is different from the second wavelength; b) the material of the first nonlinear optical crystal is different from the material of the second nonlinear optical crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Peter Gunter, Arno Schneider
  • Patent number: 7605824
    Abstract: A color selection and coordination system including a database of predetermined color relationships implementing a data-driven color model. A starting color is associated with a first color in the color database. One or more predefined color palettes associated with the first color may be retrieved, each palette including one or more coordinating colors, the coordinating colors being predetermined based on the first color and a color coordination algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Behr Process Corporation
    Inventors: Damien Reynolds, Mary Rose Rice, Marc Webb
  • Publication number: 20090219534
    Abstract: An exemplary imaging device for inspecting solder paste deposited on a printed circuit board includes a first light source, a second light source, and a camera. The first light source and the second light source are disposed adjacent to two different sides of the printed circuit board and above the printed circuit board. The first light source and the second light source project light with different colors onto the solder paste. The camera receives the light returned from the solder paste, constructs an image of the solder paste by converting the first light and the second light to electrical signals. The camera analyzes the image to identify defective portions in the solder paste based on color information and brightness information provided by the first light and the second light returned from the solder paste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PEI-CHONG TANG
  • Patent number: 7561271
    Abstract: A low cost calorimeter wherein a linear taper potentiometer proportions the current through sample and reference solid state light sources in a near logarithmic fashion. The position of the potentiometer slider is proportional to the absorbance of the solution in the sample path when the light intensity of the two paths is balanced. The light intensity may be balanced visually or with a simple electronic comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: James E. Davis
  • Patent number: 7557923
    Abstract: A method and system for spectroscopically determining surface and product characteristics is employed for rapid detection of product characteristics and/or the presence or absence of suspected analytes, and the concentration of the analyte. The method and system uses a signal wide band detector that does not require focusing optics in many environments. It can be used for cleaning validation of pharmaceutical products and process equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventor: Robert A. Lodder
  • Patent number: 7528955
    Abstract: A color measurement device includes a color measurement channel (20,30) and a control (C), which forms color measurement values from the measurement signals of the color measurement channel and from stored white calibration data. It further includes correction means in order to calculate or correct the color measurement values depending on different distances (a) and/or angles (?) to the measurement object. Because of the special measurement value correction, the color measurement device is especially suited for contactless measurement applications with variable distances and angle orientations relative to the measurement object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: X-Rite Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Adrian Von Orelli, Beat Frick
  • Patent number: 7499163
    Abstract: A method and system for effecting an appearance model correction for a display unit, e.g., a CRT, using a polynomial-based algorithm is described. The correction may be effected in real time and is based on gamma values associated with the display. Strong correlations with the CIECAM02 specification are achieved according to the present disclosure. The correction functionality may be implemented using a colorimeter that includes a plurality of sensors/filter systems with non overlappng spectral responses, adequate for providing data capable of translation into standard coordinates system such as, CIE XYZ, CIE L*a*b*, or CIE Luv, as well as non-standard operable coordinate systems. The field of view of the colorimeter is chosen to closely track the response of the human eye using an optical path configured to select and limit the field of view in a manner that is insensitive to placement of the colorimeter on the source image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: X-Rite Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas A. Lianza, Richard A. Federico, Carl D. Lutz
  • Patent number: 7499164
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a color measurement of a secondary color measurement instrument. The method includes generating a profile for the secondary color measurement instrument based on color measurements of a master color measurement instrument, and applying the profile to adjust the color measurement of the secondary color measurement instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: X-Rite, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Allen Pawlanta, James W. Vogh, Thomas W. Michaels, Kraig D. Spear, Timothy L. Walker
  • Patent number: 7491927
    Abstract: The color sensing circuit includes a light detector to receive light and to generate a signal that is dependent on the received light. The light detector includes a first electrode coupled to a first node and a second electrode coupled to a second predetermined signal. A storage device is provided that includes a first node and a second node coupled to the second predetermined signal. A first switch is provided that selectively couples the first node with the first electrode of the storage device based on a charge control signal. A signal processing circuit is provided that includes a first electrode and an output to generate an output signal that represents the light received by the light detector. A second switch is also provided that selectively couples the first electrode of the storage device with the first electrode of the signal processing circuit based on an evaluate control signal. The signal processing circuit selectively asserts the charge control signal and evaluate control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Boon Keat Tan, Chi Mun Ho, Len Li Kevin Lim
  • Patent number: 7483733
    Abstract: A diagnostic medical instrument adapted to determine whether a patient is suffering from a pre-shock, shock, or shock-related condition. The instrument is used in a capillary filling time CFT test procedure in which a skin area in the patient which overlies blood-filled capillaries which normally display a pink color is depressed to expel blood from the capillaries and impart white color to the skin at which point the pressure is released to permit blood to flow back into the capillaries and cause the skin to regain its pink color. The instrument includes a color sensor trained on the skin area and responsive to light reflected therefrom to produce a first signal at the point in time the skin color tuns from pink to white and to later produce a second signal at the point in time at which the skin color has turned from white to pink. The time elapsing between the first and second signals is measured to provide a CFT index indicative of the patient's condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Cardiosense, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haim Shani, Itai Shavit
  • Patent number: 7468800
    Abstract: A method of determining surface properties is provided, in which radiation is irradiated onto a first region of a surface to be examined, then at least some of the radiation irradiated onto the first region and returned by the latter is detected, and a measured value characteristic of this returned radiation is output. In a further step, the radiation is irradiated onto a second region of the surface and once again at least some of the radiation irradiated onto the second region and returned by the latter is detected, and a second measured value characteristic of this radiation is output. Finally, a result value is output which is characteristic of a relationship between the first measured value and the second measured value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: BYK-Gardner GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Schwarz, Gerhard Hentschel, Konrad Lex
  • Publication number: 20080285844
    Abstract: A method for establishing a relationship between a physical structure of reflectance spectra as defined in a Euclidean color space and a perceptual space of color appearance defined in terms of human perception of colors is performed by obtaining a cube root spectrum of the physical reflectance spectrum in a selected spectral range, reconstructing the cube root of the physical reflectance spectrum by a weighted linear combination of three basis functions, the weights of the linear combination of the basis functions constituting the coordinates in a three-dimensional Euclidean color space with respect to which similarities and differences among reflectance spectra in metric terms and a color characterized in a perceptual space of color appearance can be analyzed, and making an analytic comparison between a physical system in the three-dimensional Euclidean color space and the perceptual system by means of a linear transformation therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: A. Kimball Romney
  • Publication number: 20080273203
    Abstract: Provided are a method of precisely evaluating the performance of an optical sensor including light-emitting elements corresponding to light-emitting wavelengths respectively representing multiple colors as well as a light-receiving element even under a condition in which mists of color inks adhere to the sensor, and a printing apparatus for carrying out the method. To this end, how much the performance of the optical sensor mounted on a carriage decreases is evaluated based on a cumulative number of ejections for each ink color, which number corresponds to the amount of mist, and a degree at which each ink affects each color LED. This makes it possible to precisely evaluate the performance of the optical sensor including the light-emitting elements corresponding to the light-emitting wavelengths respectively representing the multiple colors as well as the light-receiving element even under the condition in which the mists of the color inks adhere to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Miyahara
  • Publication number: 20080247165
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the visibility in the visible spectrum of a laser pointer on a target. The laser pointer provides a laser source or sources of at least two distinct visible colors. The visibility of at least one of the laser source colors on the target is determined. The laser source color is selected from the given colors based on the determined visibility. The selected laser source color is directed to the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark D. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7426029
    Abstract: Color measurement using compact devices is described herein. A color measurement device can include a diffraction grating that receives light reflected from a surface whose color is being measured. The diffraction grating is responsive to a control signal to split selected components from the reflected light and to admit the components in sequence to a sensor. The components can correspond to a selected wavelength or frequency of the reflected light. The sensor measures the energy or power level of each of the admitted components. The device can support determining a spectral representation of the color of the surface by generating output signals representing the various energy or power levels of each component of the light reflected from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A Mauzy, Michael D Stokes, Gary K. Starkweather, Jonathan R. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7417735
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for measuring color and contrast in specular reflective devices such as interferometric modulators. To make color and contrast determinations, light reflected from a specular reflective device may be measured in-line with illumination of the device. The measurements may include measuring the spectra of light reflected from the device being tested as well as from specular bright and dark standards. The spectra may be used to determine a reflectance spectrum and color parameters for the specular reflective device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: IDC, LLC
    Inventors: William Cummings, Brian Gally
  • Patent number: 7417739
    Abstract: The present invention realizes a specular gloss simulation device which can accurately simulate specular glossiness of an image even if the image has a low density and low glossiness by measuring, in a given geometry, luminance of a sample having a base material and a colorant material layer formed on the base material and then simulating a specular reflection light amount in an other geometry from the measured luminance. A specular gloss simulation device is provided with a lower layer reflection light component calculating section for calculating a lower layer reflection light component, an internal reflection light component creating section for creating an internal reflection light component, a surface reflection light component creating section for creating a surface reflection light component, and a specular reflection light amount calculating section for obtaining a specular reflection light amount of the sample by adding up the components thus created by each section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Doshoda, Yoichi Miyake
  • Patent number: 7411178
    Abstract: A wavelength measuring device includes: a light receiving element that receive light to be measured; a temperature controller that maintains the light receiving element at different temperatures; and a calculation unit that determines the wavelength of the light to be measured, based on the outputs of the light receiving elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Eudyna Devices Inc.
    Inventor: Haruyoshi Ono
  • Publication number: 20080183081
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for illuminating various materials using an LED system. These methods and systems can be applied to a plurality of materials, including biological entities, and may be employed to effect one or more changes in the illuminated material. Exemplary systems may be particularly configured and suitable for use in medical applications, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller, Frederick Marshall Morgan
  • Patent number: 7400404
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: JJL Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Alan R. Loudermilk
  • Patent number: 7369239
    Abstract: A color luminance meter 1 is provided with a polychrometer 4 as a spectral optical system including a light receiving sensor array 43, a signal processing circuit 5 and an operation control unit 6. The operation control unit 6 carries out calculations to obtain characteristics of a measurement light based on a specified spectral responsitivity, using light reception signals and specified weighting coefficients. The spectral responsitivities of light receiving sensors constructing the light receiving sensor array 43 are selected such that B?5 nm and A/B lies within a range of 1.5 to 4.0 when A, B denote the half power band width of the spectral responsitivities and a center wavelength interval of the spectral responsitivities. Accordingly, there can be provided a light measuring apparatus capable of maximally suppressing errors to highly precisely measure color luminance values and the like even in a measurement of a light lying in a narrow band such as a monochromatic light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Sensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nagashima, Kenji Imura, Shinji Shimizu, Katsutoshi Tsurutani
  • Publication number: 20080055601
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein may operate to compare an illuminance corresponding to a signal from an image sensor array (ISA) element in a production imaging system with an illuminance associated with optical flare incident to an ISA from which the ISA element is selected. The ISA element may be identified as unusable if the illuminance corresponding to the signal from the ISA element is less than the illuminance associated with the optical flare incident to the ISA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Ilia Ovsiannikov
  • Patent number: 7339673
    Abstract: A miniature readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument includes a housing of hand-held form factor, configured for receiving reagent sample media therein. The sample media has a plurality of test areas configured to react with, and change color, according to an amount of an analyte in a sample. The holder is sized and shaped for forming an indexed fit with the sample media and includes an array of light sources coupled to the housing, each of the light sources configured to emit light onto a respective one of the test areas. An array of chambers respectively containing an array of light detectors, is configured to enable each of the light detectors to receive diffuse, non-specular reflections of the light from the test areas, while substantially preventing the light detectors from receiving specular reflections of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Juan F. Roman
  • Patent number: 7339674
    Abstract: A color adjustment system for changing the color of fluid flowing from a source. The color adjustment system includes a main mixing pipe connected to storage vessels to continuously receive flows of colorants from the storage vessels. A fluid inspection cell is connected to the main mixing pipe for continuously receiving a sample portion of the flow of the fluid composition. A spectrophotometer is positioned to view the sample portion of the flow of the fluid composition through a window of the fluid inspection cell. The spectrophotometer transmits measured color values to a control unit, which generates control signals in response thereto. The control signals are transmitted to colorant pumps, which pump colorants to the main mixing pipe in response to the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Daniel S. Wierzbicki, James C. M. Manter
  • Patent number: 7317520
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring brightness transmitted by a light-emitting display unit of a laser telescope and observed by the user's eyes comprises a focusing unit (11), a sensor unit (12), a processing unit (13) and a display unit (14). A method of measuring brightness includes the steps of: providing a constant color temperature to simulate the external light; providing a tool platform and locating the apparatus for measuring brightness and the laser telescope under test thereon; further providing a light-impermeable cover to cover the laser telescope and the apparatus for avoiding the external light interfering with the measurement of brightness; then turning on the laser telescope and enabling it to range; picking up the light of a reticle and a measured value transmitted from the light-emitting display unit by means of the apparatus for measuring brightness; and at last, displaying the measured value on the display unit of said apparatus for measuring brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Wang, Shih-Hsien Yang
  • Patent number: 7307728
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating color reappearance peculiarity profile and a method and an apparatus for reappearing color using a plurality of color reappearance peculiarity profiles are provided. The method of generating the color reappearance peculiarity profile includes: outputting a color standard scale having a set color information value through a color reappearance device; measuring actual color information value of the outputted color standard scale; calculating a color information difference value between the set color information value and the measured actual color information value of the color standard scale; and generating the color reappearance peculiarity profile which instructs the color reappearance device to reappear an optimized color using the color information difference value. Thus, the color reappearance optimized for a color reappearance device such as a color printer, a color copying machine, a monitor, or a scanner is performed by generating optimized color profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Son-hae Jung
  • Patent number: 7301636
    Abstract: A miniaturized spectrometer/spectrophotometer system and methods are disclosed. A probe tip including one or more light sources and a plurality of light receivers is provided. A first spectrometer system receives light from a first set of the plurality of light receivers. A second spectrometer system receives light from a second set of the plurality of light receivers. A processor, wherein the processor receives data generated by the first spectrometer system and the second spectrometer system, wherein an optical measurement of a sample under test is produced based on the data generated by the first and second spectrometer systems. Improved shade matching/prediction results are obtained through the use of volumes/regions, preferably polygons, around shades in a shade system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Vita Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Walter W. Sloan, Alan R. Loudermilk
  • Patent number: 7295340
    Abstract: Tone reproduction curves for calibrating a marking system are obtained using a test pattern with a plurality of patches, preferably a plurality of first test patches extending in a first direction and at least one second test patch extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. Reflectance values are obtained from the first and second test patches. A set of gray balanced tone reproduction curves are obtained based on the reflectance values of the first test patches, and a set of spatial gray balanced tone reproduction curves are obtained based on the reflectance values of the second test patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lalit K. Mestha, Steve Bolte, Eli Saber, Shawn Updegraff
  • Patent number: 7283240
    Abstract: Spectrophotometer color measurement with a target illumination system and a reflected illumination sensing system where the target surface is variably spaced from said spectrophotometer. Color correction calibration information corresponding to color measurements for known different spacings of a test target surface from the spectrophotometer are obtained and stored. In use, the spacing of the actual target surface from the spectrophotometer is measured to provide a target spacing information signal. That signal is automatically combined with the stored color correction calibration information for the corresponding distances to provide at least partial correction of color measurement errors of the spectrophotometer for variable spacing of the target surface relative to the spectrophotometer even with low cost fixed focus optics. The spectrophotometer output can be so corrected by changing the target illumination, such as by LED pulse width changes, and/or by corrective adjustment of the measured reflectances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lalit K. Mestha, Tonya L. Love, Peter Paul, Claude S. Fillion
  • Patent number: 7283239
    Abstract: A method for generating a calculation formula to obtain an accurate mottling value is disclosed. Two-dimensional data and color values of a target paint film are considered. The calculation formula provides a method for numerically expressing the mottling of the target paint film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nonogaki, Takao Asaba
  • Patent number: 7277202
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a first computer that can communicate with a second computer. The second computer sends information to the first computer that includes a desired ink color and optionally includes information of other desired ink properties. The first computer includes a database of data for predicting color data of ink formulations using a selected ink base color set, a software program for selecting an ink formulation based on data for a desired ink, and a software program for sending information to the second computer to display the color of the selected ink formulation on a color monitor connected to the second computer. The ink base color set can be selected to provide other desired properties for the ink, such as low cost, light fastness, or chemical resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Flint Group Incorporated
    Inventor: Domingo Q Chan
  • Patent number: 7271909
    Abstract: A regulated amount measuring apparatus indicates a difference between two colors, for example, a discrepancy between a color of a printed matter in proof and a target color, to provide an index for a color regulation. A profile of the printing machine of interest is stored. Two sets of colorimetry values obtained through twice colorimetry for a proof image and the printed matter of a proof for instance are converted through the color profile to obtain two sets of coordinate values on a device color space, for example, CMY color space. Differences ?C, ?M and ?Y between the two sets of coordinate values are computed and then displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Inoue
  • Patent number: 7260544
    Abstract: Of the “four C's,” cut has historically been the most complex to understand and assess. This application presents a three-dimensional mathematical model to study the interaction of light with a fully faceted, colorless, symmetrical round-brilliant-cut diamond. With this model, one can analyze how various appearance factors (brilliance, fire, and scintillation) depend on proportions. The model generates images and a numerical measurement of the optical efficiency of the round brilliant—called DCLR—which approximates overall fire. DCLR values change with variations in cut proportions, in particular crown angle, pavilion angle, table size, star facet length, culet size, and lower girdle facet length. The invention describes many combinations of proportions with equal or higher DCLR than “Ideal” cuts, and these DCLR ratings may be balanced with other factors such as brilliance and scintillation to provide a cut grade for an existing diamond or a cut analysis for prospective cut of diamond rough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilene M. Reinitz, Mary L. Johnson, James E. Shigley, Thomas S. Hemphill
  • Patent number: 7245377
    Abstract: A colorimetry device having a light source for irradiating light to a measured object, a cover part provided with a take-out port for taking out light diffused from the measured object, and a placing part on which the measured object is placed, the measured object being put between the cover part and the placing part, so as to effect the color measurement of the measured object. A hinge mechanism is provided, so that when the measured object is placed on the placing part and the cover part is in a closed state, a measurement space dividing section for defining a measurement space between the cover part and the placing part is provided. A measuring light may also be arranged to irradiate the rear face of the measured object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Yokohama Electric Communications & Solutions Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Terakura, Yasuyoshi Ota
  • Patent number: 7227640
    Abstract: A photoelectric sensor includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element and detects a mark on an object. Prior to the detection of the mark, a reference received light quantity level is sampled for the surface of an object not including the mark, for every color of light. A mark received light quantity level is then sampled for every color of light. The difference is obtained between the reference received light quantity level and the corresponding mark received light quantity level for each color of light. A ratio of the obtained difference to the reference received light quantity level is obtained. For the colors of light where the difference equals or exceeds a predetermined value, the color of light having the largest ratio is selected for emission from the light-emitting element in the detection of the mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Sunx Limited
    Inventor: Takayuki Ochiai
  • Patent number: 7184033
    Abstract: This invention includes a stylus that employs a translucent material for conducting light to convey information from a portable electronic device to a user. In one preferred embodiment, the stylus provides a thermometer style fuel gauge. Inserting the stylus into a special stylus holder actuates the fuel gauge. A thermometer like fuel gauge reading then appears in the body of the stylus. Other embodiments include changing color, focal point of a lens and light intensity to convey information. The stylus may be used to convey any type of information, including receipt of e-mail by the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: Philip H. Burrus, IV, William Phelps, III
  • Patent number: 7177032
    Abstract: A method for determining the properties of surfaces wherein a first process step specified radiation emits from at least one radiation source to a measuring surface, in further process steps the radiation reflected and/or scattered off the measuring surface is detected by a plurality of image-capturing components, and a signal is generated which specifies at least one parameter of the radiation detected by the image-capturing components. In further process steps the first signals are grouped based on predetermined criteria to form group signals, and at least one group-specific evaluation figure is computed, and a dependent statistical parameter correlating with at least one measuring surface remission characteristic. Finally at least one statistical parameter is read out in dependence on the predetermined criterion for grouping said first signals. The properties of the surface are specified by a relation between at least two statistical parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: BYK Gardner GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Lex
  • Patent number: 7167246
    Abstract: A process for color matching a metallic paint by taking a color measurement reading at a single angle using a regular spectrophotometer or colorimeter is provided. The preferred type of metallic pigment to be utilized in preparing the matching color can be selected by microscopic evaluation of the metallic pigment in the target metallic paint to identify its size, shape and probable composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Skierski
  • Patent number: 7161676
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for designing a plastic article having a desired appearance. The process includes having a desired appearance and then obtaining fabrication parameters from the set of virtual article parameters. The present invention can include steps for characterizing an appearance of a target article (target article appearance) and then fitting virtual article parameters to the target article appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jan C. Torfs, Cornelis F. J. Den Doelder, Eduardus L. L. Broekaart, Evelien M. Dedeyne, Patrick A. Carey
  • Patent number: 7046396
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a first computer that can communicate with a second computer. The second computer sends information to the first computer that includes a desired ink color and optionally includes information of other desired ink properties. The first computer includes a database of data for predicting color data of ink formulations using a selected ink base color set, a software program for selecting an ink formulation based on data for a desired ink, and a software program for sending information to the second computer to display the color of the selected ink formulation on a color monitor connected to the second computer. The ink base color set can be selected to provide other desired properties for the ink, such as low cost, light fastness, or chemical resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Flint Ink Corporation
    Inventor: Domingo Q Chan
  • Patent number: 7027157
    Abstract: A method of an embodiment of the invention is disclosed that outputs a first color calibration target using a first color printing technology onto media that has a second color calibration target already output thereon using a second color printing technology. The color differences between the first and the second color calibration targets are determined. The first color printing technology is calibrated, based on the color differences between the first and the second color calibration targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steve Steinfield, James Kelley
  • Patent number: 7002687
    Abstract: A scanning analyzer unit comprises a scanner device, a signal amplifier, an analog/digital converter, a driver device, a controller device, a computing unit, and a RS-232 interface. After chemical, biological, or chemi-enzymatic reaction, a resulting color change of a testing support through reacted multi-chromogens therein is quantified by means of the scanning analyzer unit. Via the sensitivity differences of the multi-chromogens at a fixed wavelength of the scan, multi-analyte concentrations of wide range variations in one sample can be simultaneously assayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Unison Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Fa Yao, Chih-Ming Wang, Yung-Chuan Liu, Shih-Yang Lo, Roger Lai, Kuang-Pin Hsiung
  • Patent number: 6952263
    Abstract: The present invention comprises reflectometer for detecting and measuring subtle changes in color and shade of color. In general, a pulsating light source illuminates a target surface which possesses a certain color and shade of color. An optical detection circuit synchronously detects light that is reflected from the target surface and generates an output signal whose voltage is indicative of the color and shade of the target surface. This voltage is then processed to make an evaluation and identification of any measurable quantity or quality that is represented by the detected color or shade of color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventors: John Weiss, Irwin Weitman
  • Patent number: 6919201
    Abstract: When a plurality of types of biopolymers on a biochip is to be measured using a fluorescence or colorimetric means, the image of the above biochip is obtained by measuring a plurality of images while moving the above biochip step-wise by an integer multiple of the field-of-view of a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array detector on the sample, then by combining the above-described plurality of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Tanaami, Yumiko Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20040196462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coloring plastics. To this end, used plastics are firstly collected before being subsequently sorted. The collected and sorted plastics are ground, and coloring pigments existing in the ground plastics are determined. The target color of the plastic that is to be newly produced is predetermined, and the used ground plastics are mixed in quantities that provide the new plastic with the desired target color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Schultheiss, Gerhard Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6784996
    Abstract: An optical detection device for use in a color sorting apparatus for granular objects includes a CCD linear sensor. The CCD linear sensor comprises a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in one row each of which is capable of detecting red, green and blue wavelengths. The CCD linear sensor receives light from a granular object and a background which are irradiated by a red light source, a green light source and a blue light source. The red, green and blue light sources are switched over while the granular object is passing within an optical detection area. The CCD linear sensor receives light from the granular object in synchronization with the above switching operation of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Satake Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Ikeda, Nobuyoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6774999
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for measuring toner concentration in a developer contained in a developer housing (10) includes a developer sample container (102) that receives a portion of developer extracted from the developer housing (10). A spectrophotometer (112) measures spectrophotometric data for the portion of the developer in the developer sample container (102). A processor (116) estimates the toner concentration based on the measured spectrophotometric data and a pre-determined relationship (118) between the spectrophotometric data and the toner concentration. A method (200) for estimating the toner concentration in a developer comprising a toner and a carrier includes measuring (220) a color characteristic of the developer, comparing (222) the measured color characteristic with a pre-determined relationship between the color characteristic and the toner concentration, and estimating (226) the toner concentration based on the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Franzen, Paul A. Garsin, Edward W. Smith, Jr., Eric M. Gross
  • Patent number: 6750970
    Abstract: The following procedures are included: a procedure (1) for measuring a metallic paint color by a multi-angle spectrophotometer and storing the multi-angle colorimetric value Lab* of the paint color, a color classification code to which the paint color belongs, and a computer graphic image in a memory of a computer and a procedure (2) for calling a metallic paint color to be retrieved (this is referred to as the metallic paint color concerned) from the memory by using a paint color name as a keyword. Moreover, in the case of a new color not stored in the memory, the color is measured by a multi-angle spectrophotometer and stored in the memory in accordance with the procedure (1). A screening function (3) is included which previously narrows down paint colors whose approximate colors will be computed by using color classification codes when computing an approximate color of the metallic color concerned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Masuda
  • Publication number: 20040109161
    Abstract: A method and a system for processing color-measurement data are disclosed. The method and system include detection of a predetermined characteristic in a data stream originating from or sent to a remote color-measuring instrument, use of the predetermined characteristic to locate color-measurement data in the data stream, and interception of the color-measurement data. The intercepted color-measurement data may be advantageously processed, e.g., by profiling or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: John E. Stranzl, Mark D. Bowers