Trichromatic Examination Patents (Class 356/406)
  • Patent number: 6124936
    Abstract: A color discrimination system which emits light from a light source to a measurement target, receives the light reflected from the measurement target or the light penetrating the measurement target by a light reception section for receiving the light for each of a plurality of light wavelengths, finding the sum total of the light reception quantities of the wavelengths and the ratios of the light reception quantities of the wavelengths to the sum total by an operation section, compares the values with reference values provided for a detection object, and discriminates color of the measurement target from color of the detection object based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6094272
    Abstract: A color discrimination system resistant to distance variation for displaying a color match degree using a digital display, such as a bar graph. In the color discrimination system, light reflected or transmitted from a measurement object is received, wherein the light includes at least two of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) colors. A sum total of measured light reception quantities of the colors and ratios of the respective measured light reception quantities of the colors to the sum total of measured light reception is then calculated. A comparison of the calculated values of the sum total and/or the ratios of the measured light reception quantities of the colors to the sum total with reference values of the sum total of light reception quantities and/or the ratios of the light reception quantities of the colors to the reference value of sum total for a reference object is performed, thereby discriminating between color of the measurement object and color of the reference object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6078018
    Abstract: Sorting apparatus has a conveyor belt or equivalent mechanism for moving particles at a speed sufficient to generate a stream of particles in air, which particles can be graded such that selected material can be removed. The grading or sorting is conducted by a primary scanning system for analysing light reflected from particles in the stream in a plurality of wavelength ranges. Ejectors for removing particles from the stream are disposed downstream of the scanning system, and are instructed in response to signals received from the scanning system. An auxiliary scanning system is also included to establish the presence of material in the stream, and in the event that a void is detected in a given region, then the analysis of that region by the primary scanning system and any corresponding activation of the ejectors is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Sortex Limited
    Inventors: Robert Davis, Herbert Fraenkel, Kenneth Henderson
  • Patent number: 6075608
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing blend segregation in a mixture comprises a light transmissive window disposed within a feed connection between a hopper and an extruder for example, a light source for emitting a light beam, and a light sensor to perform spectrum analysis of any incident light supplied thereto. An illumination assembly has a first end optically coupled to the light source and a second end optically coupled to the light transmissive window to illuminate a portion of the internal path provided by the feed connection. At least one detection assembly is provided, having a first end disposed adjacent to the light transmissive window so as to detect the reflection from any illuminated polymer blend passing therethrough. The light sensor collects the diffuse reflecting light from the polymer blend and transforms the diffuse reflecting light into tri-color signals, reflection curves or the like, for comparison with other diffuse reflecting light so as to determine if a particular blend is segregating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sandra Freedman Feldman, Angel Luis Ortiz, Jr., Robert William Foster
  • Patent number: 6052194
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the color of an article such as a paper web includes performing a comparison between target and measured reflectance values in numerous wavelength bands spanning the visible spectrum. The comparison quantifies correspondingly numerous errors that are modified by a non-linear operation, such as squaring, and then added together. The resulting sum is minimized by individually adjusting the application of a number of colorants to the article. The number of wavelength bands is greater than the number of colorants. This avoids metameric effects which are common in conventional systems that rely on three color space coordinates such as Hunter Laboratories L, a, b; C.I.E. L*, a*, b*; chromaticity x, y, z; and tristimulus X, Y, Z. Colorant response simulators enable the effects of changes in application of colorants to be tested while the actual application of colorants to the article is unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet Automation (Canada) Ltd.
    Inventor: Seyhan Nuyan
  • Patent number: 5949549
    Abstract: A colorimeter for measuring colour of process medium comprising two light sources and two detectors both light sources being arranged to emit a beam through the process medium and the windows adjoining the process medium to both detectors. In order to achieve a solution functioning reliably the windows adjoining the process medium at both light sources are formed from a triangular prism, the two surfaces of which being at an angle to each other, are arranged to divide the beam arriving from the light source into two beams travelling in different directions so that both beams proceed to the process medium through the same part of the window surface formed by a third surface of the prism. Mirror surfaces arranged to gather radiation arriving form both light sources to a sensor of the detector are formed at both detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Janesko Oy
    Inventor: Ville Voipio
  • Patent number: 5929999
    Abstract: A light source used to measure color involves associating a light emitter that emits light having a first spectral distribution with a wavelength-shifting medium that absorbs the emitted light and re-emits the light at a second spectral distribution that approximates one of the three color curves of the CIE standard X, Y, and Z tristimulus functions. Preferably, the light source involves associating known blue light sources with a green-converting lens and a red-converting lens where materials integrated into the lenses, preferably fluorescent organic dyes, absorb the blue light and re-emit green and red light respectively. The blue light, the converted green light, and the converted red light, are generated to closely match the CIE standard X, Y, and Z tristimulus functions in order to measure color in a manner that correlates to the color sensitivity of the human eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Mark M. Butterworth
  • Patent number: 5900943
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a page identification system for multiple page processing systems which operates by measuring color. Detected color is compared to a look-up table that stores color characteristics for at least one known page. If a match is detected, within a tolerance selected in response to expected measurement variance, then the system produces a page identification code used in page processing. Preferably, the system is embodied in a clipboard device that automatically associates electronic data with a corresponding one of multiple pages. A stylus can be used to write on each page, and each time the stylus is used, the system automatically optically scans the page, produces a page identification code, and associates electronic data with the current page. If no match is detected in the lookup table, then the system enters a learn mode corresponding to presumed detection of a new page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Geraint Owen
  • Patent number: 5892585
    Abstract: A colorimeter method and apparatus is described that is used to accurately deduce the color of a source which is varying in intensity with respect to time. The colorimeter consists of a plurality of sensors with varied spectral responsivity, a means of shielding these sensors from the effects of ambient illumination and a computational element to analyze the temporal and intensity variation of the signal under measurement. The output from the sensors is integrated and analyzed based upon the measured light intensity, time variant, and characteristics of the source. Sources such as CRT monitors, Flat Panel displays, and stroboscopic illuminators, are typical representations of time variant sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Sequel Imaging
    Inventors: Thomas A. Lianza, Richard A. Federico
  • Patent number: 5859708
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing color blend homogeneity in a mixture having a first and second blend portion includes a light transmissive plate for holding the mixture, a light source for emitting a light beam, and a color sensor optically coupled to the light source. An illumination assembly has a first end optically coupled to the light source and a second end optically coupled to and disposed normal to the light transmissive plate so as to illuminate the mixture disposed on the plate with the light beam. At least one detection assembly is provided, having a first end disposed adjacent the light transmissive plate so as to detect the diffuse reflection from the illuminated mixture. Next, the color sensor collects the diffuse reflecting light from the first and second material blends and transforms the diffuse reflecting light into tri-color signals so as to determine the local and global homogeneity of the first and second material blend portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sandra Freedman Feldman
  • Patent number: 5854680
    Abstract: A description is given of a photoelectric measuring device by means of which the light reflected from a measuring point on a printed product is detected, and the corresponding measured signals are processed for the purpose of indicating quality data. A measuring instrument of this type, having at least one illumination device and measuring channels, is an improvement over the prior art in order to expand its possible uses, with a construction which is cost-effective and stable when handled. In accordance with the invention, this is achieved with an illumination device which has a spectral intensity distribution which corresponds to the number of spectral ranges provided for the irradiation of the measuring point. The light from the sequentially drivable illumination devices irradiates the measuring point. The light reflected from the measuring point is detected and converted into a reflective signal which is processed to determine ink density values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Man Roland Druckmaschinen
    Inventor: Peter Rakitsch
  • Patent number: 5854681
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a unique optical path and a movable means providing for the selective passage of a light beam respectively through a transparent cell (4) containing a substance to be studied, at least one reference filter (6). The light reflected successively by one and the other of said two components is selectively applied to three filters (F 1-F3) which filter three wavelenghts selected as a function of the substance to be analyzed. Three detectors (D1-D3) are used to measure the successive light intensities which have gone through each of the filters, and from the measures obtained, it is possible to determine a correction coefficient before calculating a characteristic of the substance contained in the transparent cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Institute Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Robert Delignieres, Christian Durand
  • Patent number: 5838451
    Abstract: Improved apparatus for low cost measurement of spectral intensity distribution of light energy reflected from surfaces of or transmitted through objects or materials, using solid state emitters and detectors. The measurement results remain consistent in spite of variations in component characteristics or temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Accuracy Microsensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Cornelius J. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 5835206
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical method of analyzing seed quality characteristics such as percent of hard endosperm and seed color utilizing the transmitted visible light, and means to carry out the described method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Zenco (No. 4) Limited
    Inventor: Scott Tragesser
  • Patent number: 5818953
    Abstract: This invention includes an optical characterization method capable of determining various characteristics of samples that preferably include naturally-occurring color deviations. In the preferred embodiment, this method is used in connection with food products and, particularly, potato products such as french fried potatoes. The method of this invention overcomes such disadvantages by generating from the RGB pixel values a sample-based color space that corresponds to the naturally-occurring color deviations of the samples. Preferably, the method includes generating HSI pixel values that correspond to the RGB pixel values and are defined with respect to an HSI color space having hue, saturation, and intensity coordinates. The sample-based representation of the color characteristics of the samples is determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis. As a result, color grades for the samples can be assigned according to the distribution of pixels within the sample-based representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Lamb-Weston, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Queisser, Joseph G. LaChapelle, Daniel M. Dionas, Michael P. Minelli
  • Patent number: 5813542
    Abstract: A method of classifying objects comprises the steps of sensing a multiple color image of at least a portion of the object and producing color signals indicative of a plurality of colors in response to sensing the multiple color image. The color signals are transformed to a hue signal and a saturation signal, and the object is classified in response to the hue signal and the saturation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Allen Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Avi P. Cohn
  • Patent number: 5790242
    Abstract: A three dimensional sensor includes an illumination source that produces broadband, high intensity optical energy. This optical energy includes a number of individual wavelength components. The individual wavelength components are impinged in a spot on a target. Dispersion is applied to the light reflected from the spot, either before target impingement, after target impingement, or both, whereby light of different colors is focused at different distances from the target. A maximum reflected wavelength, dependent on target range, is detected to determine the target range. In one embodiment, temporal modulation is applied to the light before target impingement. A stationary detector determines the target range by relating the maximum light received to the time it is received in order to determine the color received at that time. In another embodiment, all colors are reflected from the target simultaneously, and the reflected beam is chromatically dispersed in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Stern, Robert J. Metzger
  • Patent number: 5760748
    Abstract: A surveying instrument comprises a tripod with a tribrach that receives both a theodolite and a C-bracket that half vertically encircles the theodolite. The C-bracket and the theodolite are each independently pivotable on the same vertical axis and the C-bracket is able to completely orbit around the theodolite such that it can be positioned so as not to optically interfere with the use of the theodolite. The top of the C-bracket provides a mount for a navigation satellite receiver antenna that positions the axis of rotation of the C-bracket through the electrical center of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Michael Beckingham
  • Patent number: 5745226
    Abstract: An optical velocity measuring device includes a pair of V/H sensors effectively located at two different distances from a moving object. Each sensor is used to determine an image velocity and a corresponding angular velocity of the object. The angular velocity measurements and the difference in distance or optical path length of the individual sensors are used to determine the absolute linear tangential speed of the object without determining the absolute distance to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Gigioli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5739915
    Abstract: An electro-optical system is devised for scanning a color document into electrical signals for reproduction of the color document. The electro-optical system comprises a white light source for generating a beam of white light for illuminating the color document being scanned. A self-focus lens array consisting of at least a first row, a second row, and a third row of rod lenses is used to focus the reflected light from the color document onto a linear photosensor array. To separate the reflected light into RGB components, a first strip of red filter film is attached to one end of the first row of rod lenses; a second strip of green filter film is attached to one end of the second row of rod lenses; and a third strip of blue filter film is attached to one end of the third row of rod lenses. The light passing through the self-focus lens array causes the linear photosensor array to generate electrical signals representative of the amounts of the red, green, and blue components in the reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Jen-Jr Gau, Hsiu-Hua Chuang
  • Patent number: 5724143
    Abstract: A method of determining area coverage of a printing original having printing areas and non-printing areas thereon, the printing areas being of a different color than that of the non-printing areas, the printing original having a location-dependent inhomogeneity independent of the area coverage, including optically scanning the original for determining a local diffuse reflection of a measured measuring field, the measuring result of the optical scanning being influenced by the inhomogeneity; determining at least two diffuse-reflection values from each measuring field, the diffuse-reflection values differing spectrally from one another in accordance with the color difference; and evaluating the two diffuse-reflection values and separating a component of the measuring result which is influenced by the area coverage, and a component of the measuring result which is influenced by the inhomogeneity; and the device thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Werner Huber, Helmut Kipphan
  • Patent number: 5717605
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, low-cost color classification apparatus having a high resistance to mechanical vibrations and capable of properly performing color classification even if a light source is not specified and its spectrum changes. A color classification apparatus of the present invention is further including an image pickup means for picking up a spectrum of light reflected by a target object, a plurality of bandpass filters having different bands and arranged between the target object and the image pickup means, and a classifying means for calculating a classification spectrum for classification using a statistic technique from a spectrum of light reflected by the target object and picked up by the image pickup means, and classifying the target object using the classification spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Komiya, Yasushi Hibi, Tohru Wada, Kensuke Ishii, Susumu Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 5703677
    Abstract: A single lens range sensor comprises a camera 27 having a pair of plano-convex lenses 28a and 28b, an optical mask 30, an imaging sensor 32, a digitizer 34 and a computer 36. The optical mask 30 may be implemented with a liquid crystal array having spatially varying opacity which can be switched (e.g., by the computer 36) between masks derived from a differentiable mask function and its derivative. Alternatively, the mask 30 may be composed of two printed masks which are mechanically switched to obtain two images based on the differentiable mask function and its derivative. The imaging sensor 32 may be implemented with a CCD array. The invention avoids the correspondence problems of the two camera and moving camera approaches, and is simple to calibrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Eero Simoncelli, Hany Farid
  • Patent number: 5703351
    Abstract: An autofocus module generates a beam of light that is divergent in the horizontal direction and collimated in the vertical direction. The beam is formed using a laser diode and a diffractively achromatized toroidal lens. A pair of receiver lenses which have focal lengths that are longer and shorter than the distance to a photodetector plane are positioned to receive the beam reflecting from an object. A pair of photodetectors, positioned at the photodetector plane, each providing an output signal that is indicative of the amount of light received by a associated receiving lens. The difference in the output signals is a function of the distance of the object from the detector plane and may be used to drive a camera lens to a desired focus position or to provide an indication of the object from the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Mark M. Meyers
  • Patent number: 5680220
    Abstract: A first embodiment of the invention includes a light source (1) lighting two parallel optical branches (b1, b2) controlled respectively by two optical shutters (4, 6), one comprising a transparent cell (3) containing a substance to be studied, and the other being used to divert the light from the source. The light coming successively from one and from the other branch is applied selectively to three color filters (F1-F3) filtering three wavelengths selected according to the substance to be studied. The successive luminous intensities which have crossed each of the filters are measured through three detectors (D1 to D3) and the measurings are combined by means of a control (0). Analogous measuring sequences may be achieved with an embodiment comprising three light sources and a single detector. The device can be used for determination of the pH value of a substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Robert Delignieres, Christian Durand
  • Patent number: 5619319
    Abstract: Apparatus for acquiring both color and glossiness of a sample such as a painted material in order to inspect the quality of their color and glossiness by comparing them with those of another sample. The apparatus mainly consists of a standard light source, chroma sensing means, glossiness sensing means, decision data storing means storing various color and glossiness data together with a computer program, and a CPU for the comparison of data. The apparatus can be used for color reproduction in the automobile industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Sanmei Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Muraoka
  • Patent number: 5586663
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the optical sorting of bulk material in a colour-sorting machine while it is conveyed over a transport belt and moves past an observation head with a light source and a product signal receiver arranged in the vicinity of the light source, whereby the reflected light of the image points of the examination material is broken down into several spectral ranges by various colour filters of detection elements lying next to one another of a line of the receiver and the examination material is sorted on the basis of the colour values (measured value of the intensity in the colour in question).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: H.F. & Ph.F. Reemtsma GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Graudejus, Eberhard Briem, Wilhelm Haettich, Heribert Geisselmann
  • Patent number: 5565990
    Abstract: A photographic color temperature meter capable of measuring light including stationary light and flash light. The meter controls timing of light measurements so that light measurement is performed during the time when stationary light and flash light are included and when only stationary light is included. Thereafter, calculation of color temperature only of flash light is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihisa Hosoi, Seiki Yamaguchi, Mikio Uematsu, Yoshihiro Okui
  • Patent number: 5537212
    Abstract: A light guide receives light reflected from an object, such as a moving ball in a game, and directs the light to a charge coupled device. Light sensitive pixels of the charge coupled device detect the intensities of red, green, and blue wavelengths and provides intensity levels to an averager which averages the intensities. Ratios between the red, green, and blue digital signal intensities are compared to determine the predominant color in the guided light and hence the predominant color of the object. Multiple light guides can be used to sense the color of objects, where each light guide can direct light to a different subset of pixels on the charge coupled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Lazer-Tron Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, John J. Goodman
  • Patent number: 5537213
    Abstract: Light measurement apparatus includes an elongate member which has at one end thereof light emitter(s) and light detector(s). At least the end of the elongate member that has the light emitter(s) and light detector(s) is surrounded by a resiliently biased sheath. In use, when the elongate member is applied to a surface to take a reading, the sheath defines a light-tight enclosure. A related method for determining intensity and/or color of a colored spot on a surface of a test site uses the light measurement apparatus. The method includes bringing the end of the elongate member into contact with the surface, pressing the resiliently biased sheath towards the surface to define a light-tight enclosure, and measuring the intensity and/or color of the colored spot on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Nycomed Pharma AS
    Inventors: Torstein Seim, Stig M. Borch
  • Patent number: 5519210
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording photometric data that is positioned in succession or in adjacent fashion on a page-like or strip-like print is equipped with at least one reflectance measuring unit with a reflectance measuring lens for measuring opaque prints (for example, paper test strips for examining the paper developing baths or for control of the basic printer setting). Wavelength dispersion elements positioned in the light path of the reflected light permit the analysis of the measuring fields according to wavelengths and preferably in the three primary colors of red, green, and blue. The apparatus can be equipped with an automatic transport device for the page-like or strip-like prints; the transport device is positioned behind the measuring lens. The prints are inserted into the device through an intake slot which is designed to accommodate prints of different width. On at least one side of the intake slot there is at least one stop for the prints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Gretag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Berner
  • Patent number: 5477326
    Abstract: A photometer readhead is used to measure concentrations within a test sample of preselected color-developed analytes having different characteristic absorption bands. The photometer readhead comprises an artificial light source for illuminating the test sample, a plurality of light-emitting diodes for detecting light transmitted through or reflected from the test sample, and a housing assembly for enclosing and supporting the plurality of light-emitting diodes. The plurality of light-emitting diodes have spectral responses encompassing respective ones of the different characteristic absorption bands of the preselected color-developed analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew J. Dosmann
  • Patent number: 5387977
    Abstract: A spectrophotometer apparatus (200) is adapted to provide spectral reflectance measurements of an object sample (236) under test, particularly optical characteristics of colored surfaces comprising metallic or pearlescent particles. The apparatus (200) comprises a source light (226) and a reflection optics assembly. Signals representative of reflected light are analyzed and data is generated representative of the spectral response characteristics of the object sample (236). The apparatus (200) employs a plurality of fiber optic bundles (248, 250, 252) for receiving light reflected from the object sample (236), with each of the fiber optic bundles (248, 250, 252) being positioned at one of a corresponding plurality of fixed angles different from the angle of illumination of the source light (226). Reflectance is measured at each angle by sequential switching such that light is impaired from being received by all but a subset of the plurality of multiple angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: X-Rite, Incorporated
    Inventors: Bernard J. Berg, Thomas J. Boes, Mark A. Cargill
  • Patent number: 5373364
    Abstract: To enable top illumination densitometers to be used for measuring light reflections on colored control fields of so-called printing control strips, it is necessary to center the measuring openings of such instruments accurately on the control field so as to focus properly. For this purpose, there is provided a hand-held instrument which comprises an instrument housing and a measuring head in the housing, the measuring head having an outer wall, defining a measuring aperture facing the measuring plane and containing a source of measuring light and a measuring light receiver arranged to receive light from the source through light guiding channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Harald Krzyminski
  • Patent number: 5363197
    Abstract: A tristimulus colorimeter for color displays is required to remove measurement errors caused by deviations of the spectral responsivities thereof from the color matching functions. The colorimeter is provided with a light receiving unit having spectral responsivities close to the color matching functions, a tristimulus values operation unit for performing operations to calculate tristimulus values, and a chromaticity operation unit for performing operations to calculate a chromaticity. The colorimeter is further provided with a spectral distribution storage unit for storing spectral distributions of representative colored lights, a mixing ratio operation unit for performing operations to calculate a mixing ratio of a mixed light including colored lights of red, green, and blue. The colorimeter is also provided with a spectral distribution operation unit and a corrected chromaticity operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ohno, Rie Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5339963
    Abstract: A color sorting apparatus has a singulator section, a color sorter and a conveyor which drops the sorted objects into appropriate collection bins. Objects for sorting are transported on an endless conveyor on wheels through the singulation and color sorting section. An independently adjustable speed belt rotates in the same direction as the wheels and operates to provide a view of each of four sides of the object to an imaging device. The imaging device, such as a camera, supplies red, green and blue signals to an image processor which performs a color transformation and obtains a single composite hue value for each object or piece of fruit to be sorted. Based on a comparison of the hue value to user programmed grading criteria, signals are provided to the conveyor so that the objects are ultimately deposited in appropriate sorting bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Agri-Tech, Incorporated
    Inventor: Yang Tao
  • Patent number: 5328787
    Abstract: Sensitometric Quality Indicator Parameters (SQIP), including Color Radial Error (1), Average Density Error (2), Contrast Mismatch Error (3), HUE (4), and related Auxiliary Quality Parameters, are derived primarily from the deviations in aim values of the red, green, and blue density values over the standard range of exposure steps for a color photographic product. Normalized tolerance limit values common to SQIP 1-3 are established at one exposure reference level within the standard range of exposure steps. A composite graphical display of density deviations versus LOG H exposure, of SQIP 1-4 with associated tolerance limit values versus LOG H exposure, and of the Auxiliary Quality Parameters enables the rapid analysis and disposition of a batch of color photographic product with regard to sensitometric quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James D. Clifford, Raymond J. Robbins
  • Patent number: 5311292
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring color transmissivities of a color separation prism P includes (where the color separation prism P receives a measurement light S on an incident path and emits three color lights Sr, Sg and Sb on three exit paths of different directions): a photomultiplier 21 and an integrating sphere I for measuring an intensity of light entering the integrating sphere I on an entrance path, where the entrance path is set detached from an extension of the incident path; a first movable mirror 9 located in one of four paths including an extension of the incident path and the three exit paths for reflecting the light on each path to the second movable mirror 10; and a second movable mirror 10 placed on the entrance path of the integrating sphere I (with the photomultiplier 21) and oriented in one of four directions for reflecting the light from the first movable mirror 9 to the integrating sphere I.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsumi Sato, Osamu Ando
  • Patent number: 5303037
    Abstract: A light transmitting source for a color sensor utilizes a plurality of light emitting diodes emitting light in a predetermined narrow range of wavelength whose emitted light strikes a surface of a lightpipe whereupon the light is reflected and refracted and directed to a common reflection point and where each emitted light is attenuated by the reflection and refraction a desired amount and directed to illuminate an object whose color is to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael G. Taranowski
  • Patent number: 5233409
    Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the state of the thermal maturity of organic matter extracted from a sedimentary rock sample is determined by using a microscope in combination with a color video camera to provide an image of the organic matter in transmitted and filtered light, using the output of the camera to compute RGB and HSB values for a selected area of the image on a per-pixel basis, and plotting values integrated over the selected area in the form of a thermal maturation pathway from which a likelihood that oil has been generated in the rock can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Karl W. Schwab
  • Patent number: 5229841
    Abstract: A device (1) for photoelectrically sensing the color of an object (18) includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (4, 6, 8) emitting light in a narrow range of wavelengths and where the light is transmitted through a corresponding fiber optic bundle (10, 12, 14) with a diameter in proportion to the transmission loss of the bundle and in inverse proportion to the emitted light energy of the corresponding light emitting diode and in proportion to the spectral response of a receiving photodiode (24). A receiving section (22) utilizes a PIN type photodiode (24) with an input section (40) that matches the shape of a receiving optical fiber bundle termination (42) where the photodiode (24) converts the reflected light from the object (18) into electrical signals which are then processed by a microprocessor (28) which also controls the activation of the light emitting diodes (4, 6, 8) and outputs a signal indicative of the color of the object (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Taranowski, David L. McClanahan
  • Patent number: 5206707
    Abstract: A microcomputer controlled manual densitometer for the analysis of print control fields has a manual and an automatic operating mode. In the manual mode the measuring functions desired are selected by the operator, while in the automatic mode the measuring function is selected automatically on the basis of the type of the print control field measured. The densitometer is able to recognize the color of the print control field including overprint situations, and to distinguish between solid-tone fields including overprint situations, and to distinguish between full-tone fields and half-tone fields with two different nominal dot areas. For solid-tone fields the color and the solid-tone density, for overprint fields the ink trap and the overprint color and for half-tone fields the dot gain, the color and the nominal dot area, are detected and displayed. The color recognition is based on the relative variables of grayness and color hue error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Gretag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Ott
  • Patent number: 5159185
    Abstract: A lighting control system for maintaining the light source and measuring components of a color measurement station in a stabilized condition. A high frequency fluorescent lamp drive is controlled by a ballast which is adjusted by a control signal generated by using a video camera to simultaneously view a standard tile and a test sample. One of the color signals in the standard tile portion of the signal is compared with prescribed information stored in a computer, and if the standard tile signal differs from the prescribed information, the microcomputer adjusts the fluorescent lamp drive until the signal from the standard tile reaches the prescribed level, at which time the color signals from the test sample are evaluated while the lamp intensity and camera response are generating standardized measurement conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian C. Lehr
  • Patent number: 5150174
    Abstract: At least one pair of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is disposed to direct a beam of common discrete chromaticity each to a separate target area located at different distances from a centrally disposed photodetector. Upon pulsing of the diodes at a common time, the photodetector receives the sum of the diffused light reflected from a target disposed at a location between the separate target areas to substantially reduce the affects of variation in distance of a target from the photodetector. The photodetector output is corrected for the effects on the LEDs of variations in ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Ryczek, Michael G. Taranowski, Eugene F. Duncan
  • Patent number: 5141323
    Abstract: Color measurement system for offset printing, having a bridge for spanning an original which is to be measured and a color-measuring device movably disposed on the bridge, the color-measuring device comprising a first three-color simultaneous measuring head for densitometric measurement, and a second three-color simultaneous measuring head for colorimetric measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Helmut Kipphan, Gerhard Loffler
  • Patent number: 5118183
    Abstract: A densitometer apparatus (410) is disclosed and is adapted to provide color density measurements of object samples. The densitometer apparatus (410) comprises a source light (580) for projecting light toward an object sample comprising a control strip (588, 620). A reflection optics assembly (576) is adapted to measure light density reflected from the object sample when the object sample is in the form of a paper control strip. A transmission optics assembly (618) is adapted to measure transmission density of light rays projected through the object sample when the object sample is in the form of a film control strip. A motor assembly (426) operating with a drive wheel assembly (434) and idler wheel assembly (440) automatically moves the object sample (588, 620) through the apparatus (410) adjacent the source light (580). A pair of guides (468, 470) are selectively adjustable by the operator to control movement of the object sample (588, 620) through the apparatus (410).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: X-Rite, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Cargill, Bernard J. Berg, Steven H. Peterson, Timothy R. Friend, Thomas J. Boes
  • Patent number: 5073028
    Abstract: A scanning densitometer is disclosed for obtaining color density measurements from colored samples, such as color bars and the like. The scanning densitometer includes a densitometer head (100) and a densitometer head transport system (101) having transport bars (102, 103). A sample sheet is positioned under the transport bars (102, 103) and the self-propelled head (100) moves over the sheet along the bars (102, 103) toward an end limit stop (105). During a return movement from the end limit stop (105) to a docking end housing (110), color measurement data is obtained. Upon docking at the docking end housing (110), an optical communications interface is provided so that data from the densitometer head (100) can be transmitted to a host computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: X-Rite, Incorporated
    Inventors: David R. Bowden, Ross A. Ouwinga, Lawrence D. Zandstra
  • Patent number: 5062714
    Abstract: A densitometer apparatus (210) is disclosed and is adapted to provide color density measurements of object samples. The densitometer apparatus (210) comprises a source light (578) for projecting light toward an object sample comprising a control strip (588, 620). A reflection optics assembly (576) is adapted to measure light density reflected from the object sample, when the object sample is in the form of a paper control strip. A transmission optics assembly (618) is adapted to measure transmission density of light rays projected through the object sample, when the object sample is in the form of a film control strip. A motor assembly (426) automatically moves the object sample (588,620) through the apparatus (210) adjacent the source light (578). Pattern definition data is prestored in memory of the apparatus (210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: X-Rite, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven H. Peterson, Timothy R. Friend
  • Patent number: 5017014
    Abstract: Codes (the so-called DX codes) recorded on a plurality of films are read to classify the films into a plurality of film types. Light is measured with respect to images on the films to obtain image densities, and, on the basis of the resultant photometric values, the image densities are obtained and are then stored in correspondence with the film types. A reference value is calculated on the basis of the image density that corresponds to the film type to which one of the films to be subjected to printing belongs. A color region is specified on the basis of the calculated reference value, and, on the basis of photometric values that belong to the specified color region, image density values for the three primary colors are calculated. The exposure for use in the printing of the film to be subjected to printing is determined from a reference printing exposure condition already stored and the calculated image density values for the three primary colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Terashita
  • Patent number: RE34842
    Abstract: A remote diagnostic system provides remote diagnostics for one or more facsimile apparatus. The system comprises facsimile, a communication control adapter and a personal computer (with expert knowledge). The system includes several kinds of data files which work under a window environment, together with communication software, to look up and rewrite the buffer memory in each facsimile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Ricoh Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Ejiri, Tina Jeng, Rithy Roth, Lak M. Lam