Abstract: A targeting system for a spectrophotometer includes a plurality of fiber channels, including at least one measurement channel and at least one illumination channel. A slit assembly includes a translucent layer disposed adjacent the plurality of fiber channels, and reflective portion disposed adjacent the translucent layer. Each fiber channel includes a first end, the first end offset from the reflective portion of the slit assembly to allow light transfer from one fiber channel to an adjacent fiber channel. A light source is in optical communication with the at least one illumination channel. A sample plane is in optical communication with a second end of the measurement channel. The system is configured such that light is transmitted from the light source, through the at least one illumination channel, reflected off the slit assembly, transmitted through the measurement channel, and onto the sample plane.

Abstract: A processor-based device for displaying simulated or modeled surface appearances based on surface color and surface texture data stored in a data storage. By selecting different combinations of color and texture, different surface appearances may be modeled and displayed. Also, the device may comprise an orientation sensor. Accordingly, the device may additionally consider the orientation of the device when generating surface appearances.

Abstract: A processor-based device for displaying simulated or modeled surface appearances based on surface color and surface texture data stored in a data storage. By selecting different combinations of color and texture, different surface appearances may be modeled and displayed. Also, the device may comprise an orientation sensor. Accordingly, the device may additionally consider the orientation of the device when generating surface appearances.

Abstract: A processor-based device for displaying simulated or modeled surface appearances based on surface color and surface texture data stored in a data storage. By selecting different combinations of color and texture, different surface appearances may be modeled and displayed. Also, the device may comprise an orientation sensor. Accordingly, the device may additionally consider the orientation of the device when generating surface appearances.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating reproduction of arbitrary colors in a workflow by identifying color reproduction processes in the workflow and characterizing the color reproduction processes by determining a statistical variance (e.g., as characterized by a probability density function). Systems and methods are provided for simulating possible output colors for a color reproduction process that involve identifying a desired color for reproduction and determining possible output colors for the color reproduction process based on a predetermined statistical variance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating reproduction of arbitrary colors in a workflow by identifying color reproduction processes in the workflow and characterizing the color reproduction processes by determining a statistical variance (e.g., as characterized by a probability density function). Systems and methods are provided for simulating possible output colors for a color reproduction process that involve identifying a desired color for reproduction and determining possible output colors for the color reproduction process based on a predetermined statistical variance.

Abstract: The optical assemblies disclosed herein advantageously utilize a beamsplitting apparatus in association with (i) the illumination path or (ii) the collection path of a color measurement instrument. Thus, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide one or more initial beams of light to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to illuminate a target using at least a first and second of the plurality of resultant beams. Alternatively, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide light received from a target to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to detect at least a first and second of the plurality of resultant beams of light. Advantageously, each of the first and second resultant beams is a product of a distinct set of one or more spectral constraints exacted by the beamsplitting apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a spatially under-sampled Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of a surface. The apparatus may comprise a first light source directed to illuminate the surface from a first illumination direction, and a plurality of sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface. The plurality of sensors may comprise first, second and third sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface in first, second and third non-coplanar directions. In various embodiments, the apparatus may also comprise a computer in communication with the plurality of sensors. The computer is configured to convert light sensed by the plurality of sensors into a first appearance property of the surface considering the first, second, and third reflectance directions. A method of calculating xDNA, the vector sum of the observed reflectance intensity over a plurality of wavelengths and angles. Methods of using the calculated xDNA for formulating recipes for a surfaces colors.

Abstract: The optical assemblies disclosed herein advantageously utilize a beamsplitting apparatus in association with (i) the illumination path or (ii) the collection path of a color measurement instrument. Thus, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide one or more initial beams of light to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to illuminate a target using at least a first and second of the plurality of resultant beams. Alternatively, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide light received from a target to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to detect at least a first and second of the plurality of resultant beams of light. Advantageously, each of the first and second resultant beams is a product of a distinct set of one or more spectral constraints exacted by the beamsplitting apparatus.

Abstract: A system (100) for sensing a temperature of a light emitting diode (LED). The system may comprise an LED having a spectral output centered at a first wavelength, a first filter (104) that transitions from attenuation to transmission at about the first wavelength, and a second filter (106) that transitions from transmission to attenuation at about the first wavelength. The system may also comprise a first sensor (108) positioned to sense a first intensity of the LED through the first filter and a second sensor (110) positioned to sense a second intensity of the LED through the second filter. It will be appreciated that a single sensor may be substituted instead of the first and second sensors, provided that the single sensor is capable of selectively viewing the LED through the first and the second filters. The system may also comprise a computer (112) configured to derive a temperature of the LED considering the first intensity and the second intensity.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for processing image data of a process-free plate are provided according to the present disclosure. The systems and methods may, generally, include a data acquisition step/means for receiving image data using one or more channels of a imaging system, each channel functioning to image the same target region of a process-free plate using a different wavelength of light, and a data processing step/means for filtering the image data using at least one of: (i) self-filtering, (ii) Fourier shrinkage and (iii) Wavelet shrinkage. When the image data is received using a plurality of channels, the received image data may advantageously be combined so as to optimize contrast-to-noise performance. The disclosed systems and methods may advantageously perform the operations of image de-noising, contrast enhancement, and thresholding, and may further involve compensation techniques, e.g., for minimizing distortion and blurring effects.

Abstract: The optical assemblies disclosed herein advantageously utilize a beamsplitting apparatus in association with either (i) the illumination path or (ii) the collection path of a color measurement instrument. For implementations involving the illumination path, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide one or more initial beams of light so as to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to illuminate a target using at least a first and a second of the plurality of resultant beams of light. Similarly, for implementations involving the collection path, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide light received from a target so as to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to detect at least a first and a second of the plurality of resultant beams of light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a point-of-purchase (POP) spectrophotometer for open-viewing of a color sample. The POP spectrophotometer includes a housing assembly containing an illumination optical system and an imaging optical system in desired orientation. Also provided is at least one of a second illumination optical system, a sheen detection system, and a camera system. The housing assembly includes a chassis in secure arrangement with a plurality of supports that define a target plane having a target location and that space the chassis therefrom. The chassis is configured to position the illumination, imaging, sheen detection, and/or camera systems in desired orientations relative to the target location and each other. The POP spectrophotometer can include an alignment device and/or targeting optics for facilitating user-identification of the target location, and means can be provided to enhance insensitivity to ambient light and/or depth variation of the color sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for positioning or storing an electro-optical instrument (e.g., spectrophotometer) within a printing device to facilitate calibration or maintenance of the instrument. In various embodiments, the electro-optical instrument may be pivoted or moved to an inclined position to facilitate calibration of the instrument relative to one or more calibration references. The electro-optical instrument may also be moved or inclined along a travel path in the printing device to a position or positions adjacent to various calibration references.

Abstract: Color management systems and methods are provided wherein operations associated with an individual color measurement instrument are integrated into system-level operating software. Color measurement-related information associated with or derived from such color measurement instrument, e.g., color measurements, instrument-related messages (e.g., error messages), instrument status and the like, is automatically broadcast to other programs, instruments and/or applications that are adapted/registered to listen for and receive such broadcasts. An operating system program that includes, defines or interacts with an OS notification center facilitates communication with the ancillary programs, instruments or applications. Two way communications by way of the OS notification center are also facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a spatially under-sampled Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of a surface. The apparatus may comprise a first light source directed to illuminate the surface from a first illumination direction, and a plurality of sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface. The plurality of sensors may comprise first, second and third sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface in first, second and third non-coplanar directions. In various embodiments, the apparatus may also comprise a computer in communication with the plurality of sensors. The computer is configured to convert light sensed by the plurality of sensors into a first appearance property of the surface considering the first, second, and third reflectance directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a spatially under-sampled Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of a surface. The apparatus may comprise a first light source directed to illuminate the surface from a first illumination direction, and a plurality of sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface. The plurality of sensors may comprise first, second and third sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface in first, second and third non-coplanar directions. In various embodiments, the apparatus may also comprise a computer in communication with the plurality of sensors. The computer is configured to convert light sensed by the plurality of sensors into a first appearance property of the surface considering the first, second, and third reflectance directions.

Abstract: The optical assemblies disclosed herein advantageously utilize a beamsplitting apparatus in association with either (i) the illumination path or (ii) the collection path of a color measurement instrument. For implementations involving the illumination path, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide one or more initial beams of light so as to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to illuminate a target using at least a first and a second of the plurality of resultant beams of light. Similarly, for implementations involving the collection path, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide light received from a target so as to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to detect at least a first and a second of the plurality of resultant beams of light.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to address the potential impact of lighting conditions/light sources on color measurement and/or color matching, particularly as such light variation relates to UV levels. The systems and methods generally include a UV visualizer that is adapted to establish and/or compare UV profiles for individual substrates/samples, e.g., print materials, under various illuminating conditions. According to the disclosure, it is possible to determine both (i) how a sample (e.g., a printing material) responds to UV light, and (ii) the amount of UV light under which the sample is viewed without the need to measure the excitation pattern of the sample/paper or the spectra of the illuminating light. In this way, a true color reading and/or color match may be achieved. Color corrections may be implemented that necessarily address the level of color brightener, if any, in the substrate or paper to be printed upon.