Abstract: A multichannel color measurement instrument for measuring spectral properties of a target comprises pick-up optics to collect measurement light, first and second anamorphic optical paths optically coupled to the pick up optics, a pick-up polarizing element located to polarize measurement light in the second anamorphic optical path, a reference anamorphic optical path including a reference illumination source, and a two-dimensional variable filter sensor having an optically transmissive filter function that varies in a first direction parallel to a surface of the variable filter sensor and is substantially constant in a second direction parallel to a surface of the variable filter sensor and orthogonal to the first direction. The anamorphic optical paths spread the measurement light in the first direction direct it on to different portions of the variable filter sensor.

Abstract: A method for measuring a flexible colored material during a manufacturing process. The method includes automatically diverting the flexible material from a process path, placing the flexible material in contact with a rotatable drum, and measuring spectral data of the flexible material as the drum rotates. Measuring the spectral data includes scanning the flexible material with a line scanning detector having an array of detectors. The method also includes processing scan information to form a single image of the flexible material.

Abstract: Imaging that uses glare to confirm proper measurement of a sample. An imaging device illuminates an object and generates glare (i.e., specular reflection, diffuse reflection or a combination of the two) off the object's surface, which is displayed on a display as a glare artifact. The location of the glare artifact is compared to a predetermined location to establish adjustment to obtain a desired angular orientation. The imaging device optionally highlights the glare artifact and steers a user to obtain the desired presentation angle. In two other embodiments, the spatial relationship between the imaging device and the object is time-varied. In one, the imaging device monitors changing glare and acquires a measurement when a desired glare is detected. In the other, the imaging device captures multiple images including varying glare artifacts and analyzes the images to select a preferred image having a glare artifact indicative of a desired angular orientation.

Abstract: A color measurement instrument includes a housing and illuminators, a two-dimensional photodetector array, and an optics system within the housing. A UV filter wheel closes the housing to prevent contaminants from entering the housing. The filter wheel supports UV filters and non-UV glass that can be selectively aligned with the illuminators. The photodetectors can be read in parallel, and each photodetector includes a unique spectral filter. The optics system delivers light from the sample target area equally to each of the photodetectors.

Abstract: A color measurement instrument includes a housing and illuminators, a two-dimensional photodetector array, and an optics system within the housing. A UV filter wheel closes the housing to prevent contaminants from entering the housing. The filter wheel supports UV filters and non-WV glass that can be selectively aligned with the illuminators. The photodetectors can be read in parallel, and each photodetector includes a unique spectral filter. The optics system delivers light from the sample target area equally to each of the photodetectors.

Abstract: An instrument and related process for measuring color, shade, gloss, shape and/or translucence of a tooth. First, the instrument uses searchlight illumination to illuminate a tooth with constant irradiance. Second, the instrument uses colorimetric imaging to collect time-separated frames of different wavelengths of light reflected from a tooth and to combine those frames into a color image. Third, the instrument includes a sanitary shield to establish a reference color and a predetermined distance to a target tooth. Fourth, the instrument provides line-of-sight viewing so an operator may simultaneously view a display of the image on the instrument and the object being measured. Fifth, the instrument is impervious to pollutants because it incorporates a sealed measurement window. Sixth, optical measurements of a tooth taken by a dentist are compared to optical measurements of a prosthetic restoration for that tooth to confirm satisfactory matching of optical characteristics of the tooth and restoration.