Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for automatic selection of colorants and flakes to produce one or more matching formulas to match color and appearance of a target coating containing flakes. The present invention is further directed to a system for automatic selection of colorants and flakes for producing one or more matching formulas to match color and appearance of a target coating.

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.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process for generating a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of a gonioapparent material containing effect flake pigments in a solid medium using limited measurement data, comprising the following steps: (A) acquiring and inputting into a computing device (1) photometric data and (2) the refractive index of the solid medium of the gonioapparent material; (B) converting any non-linear photometric data from step A) above to linear photometric data; (C) using the illumination angle and the reflective scattering angle associated with the linear photometric data and the refractive index of the medium to calculate corresponding effect flake angles; (D) fitting the linear photometric data and the effect angle data with an equation; (E) calculating the corresponding effect flake angle needed to calculate the BRDF being generated in step (F); and (F) generating the BRDF from the corresponding effect flake angle from step (E) and the equation developed in step (D).

Abstract: A method for matching colors includes providing a first source of a first color and a second source of a second color; measuring a set of spectral values for first color stimuli associated with the first color; calculating a first set of tristimulus values; defining a first set of human observer color matching functions; calculating a first set of corrected tristimulus values from the first set of spectral values using the first set of human observer color matching functions; measuring a second set of spectral values for second color stimuli associated with the second color; calculating a second set of tristimulus values; defining a second set of human observer color matching functions; calculating a second set of corrected tristimulus values from the second set of spectral values; determining a difference between the first and second set of corrected tristimulus values; and adjusting one of the sources to reduce the difference.

Abstract: A film thickness measuring device is provided with a light source, a spectroscopic sensor, a processor, and a storage unit, and configured in such a manner that light from the light source vertically enters a plane to be measured provided with a film and the light reflected by the plane to be measured enters the spectroscopic sensor. The storage unit stores theoretical values of reflectivity distributions of respective film thicknesses and theoretical values of color characteristic variables of the respective film thicknesses. The processor finds the thickness of the film of the plane to be measured from the reflectivity distribution measured by the spectroscopic sensor by using the theoretical values of the reflectivity distributions of the respective film thicknesses or the theoretical values of the color characteristic variables of the respective film thicknesses stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quantitative evaluation method of fouling of antifouling properties, a fouling evaluation apparatus, and a production method of optical members, which can be applied to various members, and haves high reproducibility and enable to detect a subtle difference between fouling, and an optical layered body having a property of preventing fingerprints from adhering, an anti-contamination property and a degree of recovery from fouling, and a display product including the optical layered body. The present invention pertains to an evaluation method of fouling, wherein light is radiated to a test sample and scattered light reflected off or passing through the test sample is detected to evaluate a degree of fouling of the surface of the test sample.

Abstract: A correction algorithm may be applied for correcting misalignment of a radially-aligned array of sensors. Due to the tilt, signals from sensors that are further away from the media, may become slightly attenuated, while signals from sensors that are closer to the media are slightly increased. The error appears periodic and largely sinusoidal in nature around the array given the circular nature of the array of sensor elements. The algorithm determines the magnitude and phase of a sinusoidal function that best fits the wavelength data. In one embodiment, a discrete Fourier transform may be performed at the ‘frequency’ equivalent to one period around the array to determine the magnitude and phase estimate thereof. Then, a sinusoidal correction function may be generated using the magnitude and the phase in order to correct the reflectance data.

Abstract: A color matching device including a flexible template having at least three windows extending from a front face through a back face of the template, the windows sized to allow visual comparison of colors located in the windows, wherein at least a first separation distance between first and second windows is different than a second separation distance between the second and third windows. A method for evaluating colors utilizing the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical property measurement apparatus includes: a main body which includes a plane-shape surface that is so disposed as to face the display portion; an optical sensor which receives light directed from an opening that is formed through the plane-shape surface; and a support portion which is disposed on a side of the plane-shape surface and keeps a constant distance between the display portion and the plane-shape surface; wherein a light shield portion that is so disposed as to enclose a circumferential area of the opening of the plane-shape surface and shields entrance of light from a region other than a measurement target region of the display portion when the optical property is measured.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a color in terms of tristimulus values, the method includes providing a source of a color; measuring a set of spectral values for color stimulus associated with the color using a spectral measurement device controlled by a digital processing system; calculating a first set of tristimulus values from the set of spectral values; defining a set of human observer color matching functions, the set of human observer color matching functions being functions of the tristimulus values; and determining a second set of tristimulus values from the set of spectral values using set of human observer color matching functions.

Abstract: A sensing system senses whether or not a lock's bolt (140), e.g. deadbolt, is aligned with a hole (150) which the bolt is to engage in the locked state. In electronic locks, the bolt is not driven into the hole until the sensing system indicates that the bolt is aligned with the hole. Another sensing system senses the position of the bolt and/or a dead-latch bar (1310). This sensing system is spaced from the bolt's end engaging the hole in order not to interfere with the alignment sensing. The two sensing systems are used to determine whether the lock is locked or unlocked. A magnet system provides alignment assistance to align the bolt with the hole before the bolt is driven into the hole. Position encoding for lock and non-lock devices, and other features and embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A method for characterizing the color response of an imaging device, the method includes reproducing a color on the imaging device based on a set of device color coordinates; measuring spectral values for the reproduced color with a spectral measurement device controlled by a digital processing system; calculating a first set of tristimulus values from the spectral values; defining a set of human observer color matching functions, the set of human observer color matching functions being functions of the first set of tristimulus values of the reproduced color; calculating a second set of tristimulus values from the spectral values using the defined set of human observer color matching functions; and associating the reproduced device color coordinate with the second set of tristimulus values.

Abstract: A color measurement device includes an aperture for obtaining light from a color sample to be measured; a plurality of sets of color filters associated with human observer functions at different regions of color space; at least one detector for measuring the intensity of filtered light; an analog to digital converter for converting voltage signals from the at least one detector to digital values representative of tristimulus values associated with each of the sets of color filters; and a processor to combine the sets of tristimulus values in order to calculate a final set of tristimulus values, the combining being a function of at least one of the sets of tristimulus values.

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: A method of detecting RDX in soil includes the steps of: planting a plurality of prickly sida plants in a defined area; remotely monitoring the pigmentation of the prickly sida plants using hyperspectral imaging; and identifying one or more areas within the defined area that are contaminated by RDX based on the monitored pigmentation of the prickly sida plants.

Abstract: A device for supporting a mobile calorimeter on a measuring object, especially a monitor, includes a flexible tube-shaped carrying belt (G) which is at least partially filled with a granular loading material and which is provided with a fixing member (1) for its installation on the calorimeter (MD). The supporting device may further include a pocket (T) provided with measuring and operating apertures for receiving the mobile calorimeter (MD), and the carrying belt (G) may be fastened to the pocket (T). The carrying belt (G) may be formed substantially as a closed loop and may be provided with a Velcro fastener for its lengthwise adjustment. The supporting device permits easy and comfortable positioning of the measuring apparatus on a monitor and at the same time serves as a carrying belt.

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.

Abstract: Imaging methods and apparatus may be applied to image tissues as well as other areas. A computer-controlled color-selectable light source is controlled to emit light having a desired spectral profile and to illuminate an area. An imaging detector images the illuminated area. The spectral profile may be selected to yield images in which contrast between features of interest and other features is enhanced. The images may be combined into a composite image. In some embodiments the spectral profile is based on a principal components analysis such that the images each correspond to one principal component.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte. Such methods and devices may comprise an array comprising at least two sensing elements that differ in their response to an analyte of interest. The sensing elements each comprise at least an optically responsive layer that comprises at least a highly analyte-responsive sublayer. At least one sensing element of the array further contains a minimally analyte-responsive sublayer that comprises part of the thickness of the optically responsive layer. Methods of making and using such arrays of sensing elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte. Such methods and devices may comprise at least one sensing element that comprises at least one optically responsive layer that comprises at least a highly analyte-responsive sublayer and a minimally analyte-responsive sublayer. Methods of making and using such sensing elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method for matching color and appearance of an object. The method comprise the step of generating a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of a gonioapparent material containing effect flake pigments in a solid medium using limited measurement data.

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.

Abstract: A optical fiber includes an optically transmissive element; at least one curable colored layer surrounding the optically transmissive element; and an additional removable colored layer surrounding and homogeneously covering the curable colored layer. The presence of the additional removable colored layer improves identifiability of the fiber, especially when the latter is included in an optical cable together with other fibers.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process for generating a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of a gonioapparent material containing effect flake pigments in a solid medium using limited measurement data, comprising the following steps: (A) acquiring and inputting into a computing device (1) photometric data and (2) the refractive index of the solid medium of the gonioapparent material; (B) converting any non-linear photometric data from step A) above to linear photometric data; (C) using the illumination angle and the reflective scattering angle associated with the linear photometric data and the refractive index of the medium to calculate corresponding effect flake angles; (D) fitting the linear photometric data and the effect angle data with an equation; (E) calculating the corresponding effect flake angle needed to calculate the BRDF being generated in step (F); and (F) generating the BRDF from the corresponding effect flake angle from step (E) and the equation developed in step (D).

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.

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: A method for characterizing a color reproduction device. A first output color measure responding to a first reference input color value is measured under normal measurement conditions. The measurement conditions are modified and a second output color measure responding to the first reference input color value is measured under the modified measurement conditions. A transformation rule, enabling transformation between the second output color measure and the first output color measure, is calculated from the first color value and the second color value. A first set of output color measures responding to a set of input color values is measured under modified measurement conditions, and the first set of output color measures is converted, using the transformation rule, to a second set of output color measures. A system and a control device are also provided.

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.

Abstract: A color analysis system includes a light source and a sensor configured to provide an output signal in response to reflected light received from the first light source. A controller receives the output signal and is configured to determine an adjustment factor based on the output signal, and determine a color based on the output signal and the adjustment factor.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a color in terms of tristimulus values, the method includes providing a source of a color; measuring a set of spectral values for color stimulus associated with the color using a spectral measurement device controlled by a digital processing system; calculating a first set of tristimulus values from the set of spectral values; defining a set of human observer color matching functions, the set of human observer color matching functions being functions of the tristimulus values; and determining a second set of tristimulus values from the set of spectral values using set of human observer color matching functions.

Abstract: A color measurement device includes an aperture for obtaining light from a color sample to be measured; a plurality of sets of color filters associated with human observer functions at different regions of color space; at least one detector for measuring the intensity of filtered light; an analog to digital converter for converting voltage signals from the at least one detector to digital values representative of tristimulus values associated with each of the sets of color filters; and a processor to combine the sets of tristimulus values in order to calculate a final set of tristimulus values, the combining being a function of at least one of the sets of tristimulus values.

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.

Abstract: One embodiment of a solid-state color-measuring device includes a plurality of photodetectors and a plurality of filters permanently deposited on the photodetectors, where at least one of the filters includes a single colorant layer having a transmission coefficient as a function of wavelength that descends from a maximum value between approximately 445 and 450 nm to fifteen percent of the maximum value between approximately 485 and 495 nm.

Abstract: A method for estimating surface moisture content of wood chips for use in a pulp and paper production process comprises measuring chip surface moisture using an infrared surface moisture sensor, and adjusting a calibration of the surface moisture measured with a model using values of a set of optical parameters representing light reflection characteristics of the wood chips, to estimate their surface moisture content.

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.

Abstract: A spectral distribution error evaluation apparatus is used to evaluate precision of color matching between evaluation and target colors. A first weighting function generator generates a first weighting function on the basis of color matching functions, wavelength characteristics which are independent of a light source of the target color, and visual characteristics which depend on wavelengths. A second weighting function generator generates a second weighting function on the basis of light source information of selected light sources. A difference calculator calculates error values between the evaluation and target colors for respective frequencies. An evaluation value calculator applies the first and second weighting functions to the error values, and calculates the sum total of the error values as an evaluation value.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for displaying on a color display device a realistic color of a paint coating comprising the following steps: (A) identify L*, a* b* color values at least three different angles for a paint coating from a data base; (B) convert the at least three angle L*, a* b* color values to tristimulus X, Y, Z values; (C) develop continuous function equation for each tristimulus X, Y, Z values vs. aspecular angle via computer implementation and calculate the range of angles to be displayed; (D) calculate a range of aspecular angles required to display the object; (E) calculate R,G,B values from tristimulus values over the range of aspecular angles and determine maximum saturation of R,G,B values and bring into range allowed by color display device; (F) determine statistical texture function of paint coating to be simulated; and (G) apply statistical texture function to the R,G,B values of step (E) and display color pixels on color display device to show realistic color of paint coating.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining a color calibration for different spectral light inputs in an imaging apparatus measurement are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method for determining a color calibration for different spectral light inputs in an imaging apparatus measurement can include creating a reference color calibration and a reference luminance scaling calibration for each of a plurality of colors. The method can also include measuring a reference gray value R, G, B for each color in an image measurement of the light source. The method can further include calculating an R, G, B gray value for a first pixel in each of three filtered image measurements. The method can then include calculating pixel ratio values from each of the three first pixel gray values and comparing the reference gray values to the pixel ratio values to determine which one or more reference gray values are closest to the pixel ratio values.

Abstract: A first method for matching skin colors comprises measuring a spectral reflectance curve of an area of skin and determining a blend of pigments to match the skin's color by combining spectral reflectance curves measured for pigments to produce a calculated spectral reflectance curve corresponding to that of the skin. The pigment blend is then used, for example, to pigment a medical prosthesis, so that it matches precisely its wearer's skin. This method avoids the problem of metamerism in which colors that match under a first illumination no longer match under a second illumination. A second method uses a database of pigment blends generated by the first method. The color of an area of skin is measured and a pigment blend is selected from the database that provides a closest match. Apparatus for carrying out such color matching is also provided, together with palettes of suitable pigments for skin color matching.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A hand-held colorimetric device (101) suitable for use by blind or color-blind individuals to determine the color of a surface-under-test (SUT), for example of a fabric, has an aperture (110) which, in use, is covered by the SUT (113) whose color is to be determined. Six LEDs (115A, 115B, 116B, 117A and 117B) arranged in pairs (115A/115B, 116A/116 B, 117a/117B) emitting red/orange, green, and blue light illuminate the SUT and diffuse reflections therefrom containing red/orange, green, and blue spectrum sample values are used to determine the luminous reflectivity and chromaticity values for the color of the SUT. The measured values are compared with colorimetric values of reference surfaces to determine the color of the SUT. The colorimetric device may output the name of the color aurally.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A tristimulus colorimeter for measuring reflective or transmissive materials is provided. The colorimeter measures a sample under a calibrated light source, receives inputs to detectors, and determines CIE tristimulus values of the same sample as they would occur under a reference light source. The colorimeter includes a calibrated light source and a single silicon chip that includes three or more detectors. Each detector is permanently coated by a different mix of dyes or other colorants that form a wavelength-selective filter. A single silicon chip embodies all the detectors and electronics, with each detector coated over by deposited filter layers.

Abstract: A method for determining the optimal colorant thicknesses for integral CIE color-matching filters is provided. According to a computational study, a four band filter of the present invention provides a best approximation to the CIE XYZ color-matching functions with the least cost.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying different color calibrations at different locations in an imaging photometer measurement are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for measuring a light source having a first area with a first spectral distribution and a second area having a second spectral power distribution can include selecting one or more data points in the first area for measurement. The method then includes applying a calibration to the selected data points in the first area such that a desired colorimetric result is displayed for each data point in a single colorimetric measurement of the first area. In several embodiments, the method can further include selecting one or more data points in the second area, and applying a different calibration to the selected portions of the second area such that a desired colorimetric result is also displayed for each data point in the second area.