Abstract: A spectrum sensing method includes (a) receiving an incident radiation simultaneously through a filter array composed of multiple bandpass filters, (b) digitizing spectral responses of the filter array, and (c) generating an estimate of spectral profile of the incident radiation based on digitized spectral responses of the filter array.

Abstract: A method of using a sensor array that measures the long-term change in the organic content of the near-surface seawater by simultaneously comparing downwelling sunlight attenuation in the blue and green wavelengths over a significant vertical distance.

Abstract: A method of real-time processing and monitoring comprises the steps of blending a material of interest (e.g., an active pharmaceutical material), with a secondary material, (e.g., an excipient), illuminating the blended materials with light, reflecting light carrying information about the blended materials through at least one multivariate optical element (148) and detecting said light with a first detector (152), detecting a deflected portion of the information carrying light with a second detector (156), and determining in real-time at least one selected property of the blended materials based on the detector outputs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical detector device (1) for generating at least one electrical output signal in response to a received beam of light, comprising an optical band-pass filter (3a), adapted to receive the beam of light and to provide a filtered beam of light, which filter (3a) has a transmission wavelength which increases in direction of at least one axis (4) and an array of detector elements (2) arranged in direction of the axis (4) to receive the filtered beam of light for generating the electrical output signal.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: A color detector includes a light source, a first filter, and a first photodetector. The light source generates light within a spectrum of wavelengths. The first filter is in optical communication with the light source and is configured to pass light within a first predetermined spectrum of wavelengths. The first photodetector is in optical communication with the first filter and is configured to output a first color signal if light passes through the first filter. The photodetector has an area configured to equalize the first color signal and maximize a signal-to-noise ratio of the first color signal.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for methods and systems for sensing or imaging. The apparatus includes a stack of a plurality of thin films, such as polymer thin films. The stack has a substantially imaginary total reflectance coefficient.

Abstract: A filter set for observing fluorescent radiation in biological tissue includes at least one illumination filter and at least one observation filter. The at least one illumination filter is arrangeable in an illumination system of an optical system. The at least one least one observation filter is arrangeable in an imaging system of the optical system.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for multi-spectral imaging. Light may be received at a multi-spectral optical module, which transmits a plurality of wavelength band portions of the received light, each having a pre-selected bandwidth between about two nanometers and about forty nanometers. The pre-selected bandwidths may be between about ten nanometers and about thirty nanometers. Each of the wavelength band portions may have the same pre-selected bandwidth, or may have different pre-selected bandwidths.

Abstract: A detector assembly for analysis of light emitted form a fluorescent material, an optical alignment assembly for introducing an output beam into a detector array or demultiplexer, and methods of demultiplexing a beam of light into wavelength bands. The detector assembly generally includes an optical alignment assembly to introduce an output beam having a projected optical axis into an array of filters. The optical alignment assembly is mounted substantially orthogonally to a plane of reflective light defined by the path of the output beam through the filter array. The array includes filters arranged in two rows in parallel. Each filter transmits a particular band of the output beam and reflects the remaining bands to the next filter in the opposite row of filters. The array further includes a plurality of detectors mounted in detector ports.

Abstract: A spectrum sensing method includes (a) receiving an incident radiation simultaneously through a filter array composed of multiple bandpass filters, (b) digitizing spectral responses of the filter array, and (c) generating an estimate of spectral profile of the incident radiation based on digitized spectral responses of the filter array.

Abstract: The invention discloses a light emitting component measuring system and the method thereof which is capable of measuring the optical proprieties of a plurality of the devices under test (DUT). Each DUT is capable of receiving electricity so as to output an initial ray, wherein each initial ray has a first wavelength range. The light emitting component measuring system comprises a filtering device and a sensing device. The filtering device comprises a first filtering portion which can filter a corresponding third wavelength of the said initial rays and output a plurality of first filtered rays simultaneously. Each first filtered ray has a second wavelength range respectively. The said sensing device receives the ray outputted from the filtering device and generates an optical data accordingly.

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 light amount detector includes a light emitter, a light receiver, and a light amount detection unit. The light emitter emits light on a detection pattern formed on a detection surface of an image carrier. The light receiver detects diffused light reflected from the detection pattern. The light amount detection unit detects an amount of light received by the light receiver based on detection output of the light receiver. One of the light emitter and the light receiver is provided at a position directly opposite to the detection surface, such that a distribution of sensitivity of the light receiver detecting the diffused light is substantially symmetrical with respect to a detection output peak when the detection surface is substantially parallel to a hypothetical line connecting the light emitter with the light receiver.

Abstract: Methods in a spectral measurement apparatus are disclosed. Light is received with a plurality of sensors. Each sensor generates an output signal having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by the sensor. First, second and third signals are generated each having a frequency proportional to an intensity of light received by a sensor of a wavelength or spectral band. A spectral characteristic of the received light is determined based on at least the first, second and third signals, which are are coupled to a processing element and input in parallel. The spectral characteristic is determined based on measuring a frequency or period of the at least first, second and third signals. Spectral data based on the determined spectral characteristic is generated by the processing element and displayed on a display device for perception by a viewer or transmitted to a data interface for transmission to an electronic device external to the spectral measurement apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for detection of excitation (110) using a multiple spot arrangement (60), in which a multiple spot generator (50) is matched to the multiple spot arrangement (60) in such a way that light (100) entering the multiple spot generator (50) will be guided to defined areas on the multiple spot arrangement (60).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring water and other fluid systems is described. The fluid is continually monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring many optical parameters in an in-line, on-line system, which compensates for normal fluid changes while detecting abnormalities.

Abstract: A system (10) for multispectral imaging includes a first optical filter (24) having at least two passbands disposed in different spatial positions on the first optical filter, a second optical filter (20) having another at least two passbands, and processor (32) adapted to identify an intensity of light in the at least two passband of the second optical filter (20).

Abstract: A light sensing device has a first filter to block visible light in a light path. The light sensing device also has a first color sensor and a clear sensor, to detect light in the light path after the first filter. A light intensity calculator computes a measure of the intensity of visible light in the light path, based on a difference between (a) an output signal of the first color sensor, and (b) an output signal of the clear sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A high speed, high-resolution flow imaging system is modified to achieve extended depth of field imaging. An optical distortion element is introduced into the flow imaging system. Light from an object, such as a cell, is distorted by the distortion element, such that a point spread function (PSF) of the imaging system is invariant across an extended depth of field. The distorted light is spectrally dispersed, and the dispersed light is used to simultaneously generate a plurality of images. The images are detected, and image processing is used to enhance the detected images by compensating for the distortion, to achieve extended depth of field images of the object. The post image processing preferably involves de-convolution, and requires knowledge of the PSF of the imaging system, as modified by the optical distortion element.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for a sorting flow cytometer include an objective lens having an optical axis coaxially aligned with the flow path at the focal point. A controllable energy source selectively alters an analyte according to a determination of whether the analyte is in a desired sub-population. In various embodiments, one or both of the emission from the controllable energy source and/or the emission from an illumination energy source passes through the objective lens. In some embodiments in which the emission from the controllable energy source passes through the objective lens, the objective lens may focus the emission from the controllable energy source at a different point than the focal point of a signal detected from the analyte and, in particular, at a point closer to the objective lens.

Abstract: A fluorescent color calibrator for calibrating RGB pixel values is provided. The fluorescent color calibrator includes a plurality of fluorogenic compounds adapted to fluoresce in a visible color spectrum; and a second plurality of fluorogenic compounds adapted to fluoresce in multiple visible gray spectrums. Also provided is a method for using the fluorescent color calibrator to standardize fluorescent colors when viewing with an RGB monitor.

Abstract: A color distribution measuring optical system generates an image of an object to be measured via an imaging optical system and a color matching function filter. The color matching function filter is an optical multilayer film filter, and the angle of arrangement of the color matching function filter can be changed, with respect to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, depending on the numerical aperture of the imaging optical system by a tilt angle changing device. Various imaging optical systems can be used even when the optical multilayer filter is used.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a primary radiant spectra of a projector includes projecting primary colors with a projector having a projector lamp and color filters. Measurements of each primary color are taken with a multi-band camera. Spectra of the color filters are estimated using the measurements from the multi-band camera. The primary radiant spectra of the projector are estimated using spectral data of the projector lamp and the estimated spectra of the color filters.

Abstract: An integrated spectral sensing engine featuring energy sources and detectors within a single package includes sample interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The miniaturized sensor is optimized for specific laboratory and field-based measurements by integration into a handheld format. Design and fabrication components support high volume manufacturing. Spectral selectivity is provided by either continuous variable optical filters or filter matrix devices. The sensor's response covers the range from 200 nm to 25 ?m based on various solid-state detectors. The wavelength range can be extended by the use of filter-matrix devices. Measurement modes include transmittance/absorbance, turbidity (light scattering) and fluorescence (emission). On board data processing includes raw data acquisition, data massaging and the output of computed results. Sensor applications include water and environmental, food and beverage, chemical and petroleum, and medical analyses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining intensities and peak wavelengths of light. The apparatus comprises one or more pairs of sensing units for sensing the light, a first sensing unit of a pair configured to sense a first intensity of the light in a first predetermined wavelength range with a first predetermined spectral responsivity and a second sensing unit of a pair configured to sense a second intensity of the light in the first predetermined wavelength range with a second predetermined spectral responsivity. The apparatus further comprises a processing system operatively connected to the one or more pairs of sensing units; the processing system configured to determine the intensity and peak wavelength for each of the one or more predetermined wavelength ranges of the light according to one or more predetermined functional relationships between each of the first intensity and second intensity.

Abstract: A transmissive and/or reflective optical filter can receive input light, which can emanate from objects traveling along paths past the filter, e.g. from biological cells, viruses, colored spots or other markings on documents, and so forth. In response, the filter can provide output light in accordance with a combined transmission function that is approximately equal to a superposition or scaled superposition of a set of simpler transmission functions. The set can include two or more non-uniform transmission functions, a subset of which can be different from each other and positioned relative to each other so that the output light has time variation in accordance with each of the functions in the subset. The subset could include, for example, a random function and a periodic function, a chirp function and a periodic function, or any other suitable combination of two or more simpler functions.

Abstract: A multi-image detector assembly for detecting a plurality of correlated images of a single scene over a plurality of disparate electromagnetic wavelength sets includes an imaging-sensor array, a plurality of focusing elements and a plurality of optical filtering elements. The imaging-sensor array has a plurality of detector-array sections, each of which detector-array sections comprises at least two detector-array subsections dedicated to the detection of a common wavelength set associated with that detector-array section. Each focusing element is aligned for focusing upon a corresponding one of the plurality of detector-array sub-sections an image of the scene correlating to the images of the scene focused upon other detector-array sub-sections by the other focusing elements. Additionally, each focusing element and its corresponding detector-array sub-section defines an optical path and each detector-array section has associated with it at least two such optical paths.

Abstract: A gas-measuring arrangement (1) with an open optical measuring section (7) is formed by a measuring device (5) with an array of lenses (10, 12, 19, 24), a phase mask (22), an optical path mirror (16) positioned obliquely, and a reflecting mirror (3) located outside the measuring device (5) at the end of the open measuring section (7). The light is decoupled to a detector (26) via a phase mask (22) and the optical path mirror (16). The phase mask (22) diverges a light intensity spot and the light intensity ring is decoupled by an obliquely positioned optical path mirror (16) towards a detector (26).

Abstract: A passive skin detection system includes a main body which houses a collection optics system having an image splitting device, a visible light filter mechanism having a plurality of narrow band filters and an image capture system. The image capture system stores visible light data as a plurality of digital images formed from a plurality of pixels. Each of the plurality of digital images is associated with visible light passed through a respective one of the plurality of narrow band filters. An image processing system, operatively connected to the image capture system, compares relative intensities of each of the plurality of digital images to identify one or more of the plurality of pixels having an absorption bandwidth indicating a presence of skin. The processing system determines whether a person, identified by his skin, is present in any of the images captured by the detection system.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted imaging device that is mounted in an automobile and performs color imaging has been provided with a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged pixel cells. In each of the pixels, a color filter separates incident light by a multilayer interference filter. The multilayer interference filter is composed of two ?/4 multilayer films and a spacer layer sandwiched therebetween. The multilayer interference filter transmits light in a wavelength region that corresponds to an optical thickness of the spacer layer. The ?/4 multilayer films and spacer layer are composed of inorganic materials.

Abstract: An imaging system has a single focal plane array that does not require the precise alignment of multiple cameras relative to one another. It incorporates a multi-band, band pass filter that includes filter elements corresponding to pixel regions of a detector within a camera. The imaging system may further incorporate a detector that vertically discriminates among radiation in different spectral bands incident on an image plane of the detector. In this manner, spectral content may be determined in each spatial region without the need for beam splitting or multiple cameras. The filter itself may further comprise different filter elements, for example, filter elements A and B arranged in a checkerboard pattern, where filter element A passes different spectral bands than filter element B. In this manner, multi-spectral, high resolution images may be generated using a single camera that significantly improves upon image discrimination as compared to, for example, the Bayer color filter array pattern.

Abstract: Arrangement for the production of instantaneous or non-instantaneous multi-band images, to be transformed into multi- or hyperspectral images, comprising light collecting means, an image sensor array, and an instantaneous colour separating means, positioned before the image sensor array, and uniform spectral filters, for restricting imaging to certain parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. A filter unit is positioned before the colour separating means in the optical path in, or close to, converged light. Each filter mosaic consists of a multitude of homogeneous filtering regions. The transmission curves of the filtering regions of a colour or spectral filter mosaic can be partly overlapping, in addition to overlap between these transmission curves and those belonging to the filtering regions of the colour separating means. The transmission curves of the colour or spectral filter mosaics and the colour separating means are suitably spread out in the intervals of a spectrum to be studied.

Abstract: An optical analyzer (14) for performing spectral analysis on an optical beam (18) includes an optical filter (28), a mover (30), an optical launcher (36), and an optical receiver (38). The optical filter (28) includes a filter area (46) that is a narrow band pass type filter having multiple alternative center bandwidths that are distributed along the filter area (46). The mover (30) moves the optical filter (28). The first optical launcher (36) directs the optical beam (18) at the filter area (46) so that the optical beam (18) is near normal incidence to the filter area (46). The optical analyzer (14) can be used to simultaneously monitor multiple optical signals. Additionally, the optical analyzer (14) can include a beam redirector (40) that causes the optical beam (18) to make two passes through the optical filter (28).

Abstract: A mixture identification system for detecting foreign matter admixed in a tobacco material includes a conveyor for conveying the material, an irradiation device for irradiating infrared light toward an inspection line extending across the conveyor, an infrared camera device for receiving the infrared light reflected from the tobacco material passing across the inspection line and outputting image data of the material based on the received infrared light, and a discrimination circuit for detecting foreign matter in the material based on the output from the camera device. The infrared camera device has infrared filters for receiving the infrared light reflected from the tobacco material and allowing only respective specific wavelengths to pass therethrough, and optical line sensors for receiving the infrared light passed through the respective filters.

Abstract: A detector assembly for analysis of light emitted form a fluorescent material, an optical alignment assembly for introducing an output beam into a detector array or demultiplexer, and methods of demultiplexing a beam of light into wavelength bands. The detector assembly generally includes an optical alignment assembly to introduce an output beam having a projected optical axis into an array of filters. The optical alignment assembly is mounted substantially orthogonally to a plane of reflective light defined by the path of the output beam through the filter array. The array includes filters arranged in two rows in parallel. Each filter transmits a particular band of the output beam and reflects the remaining bands to the next filter in the opposite row of filters. The array further includes a plurality of detectors mounted in detector ports.

Abstract: A method for outputting a closest match of a plurality of electronically stored shade guide values of a dental shade guide system is disclosed. A protective tip including a hole for couples light from a probe to a measurement spot on a dental object. The probe is in proximity to a reference standard and a calibration/normalization measurement of the reference standard is taken. Light returned from the dental object is measured with an optical sensor. A first frequency proportional to an intensity of a first wavelength/spectral band of light is determined, a second frequency proportional to an intensity of a second wavelength/spectral band is determined, and a third frequency proportional to an intensity of a third wavelength/spectral band of light is determined. A closest match is selected of a plurality of electronically stored shade guide values of one or more dental shade guide systems.

Abstract: A filter arrangement can transmit and/or reflect light emanating from a moving object so that the emanating light has time variation, and the time variation can include information about the object, such as its type. For example, emanating light from segments of a path can be transmitted/reflected through positions of a filter assembly, and the transmission functions of the positions can be sufficiently different that time variation occurs in the emanating light between segments. Or emanating light from a segment can be transmitted/reflected through a filter component in which simpler transmission functions are superimposed, so that time variation occurs in the emanating light in accordance with superposition of two simpler non-uniform transmission functions. Many filter arrangements could be used, e.g. the filter component could include the filter assembly, which can have one of the simpler non-uniform transmission functions.

Abstract: A system (200) and method (800) for determining whether a sample object (203) has a color that is within a predetermined range is provided. The system (200) includes a light source (201) capable of projecting lights having different light wavelength spectrum upon the sample object (203). A controller (222) causes the light source (201) to project a first light wavelength spectrum upon the sample object (203), then another, then another, and so forth. While each light is projecting upon the object, a monochromatic image capture device (202) captures an image having luminous intensity information. The luminous intensity information, or a subset thereof selected by an image selection tool (232) is then compared to the statistical range, which is derived from a plurality of images taken of a reference object (403).

Abstract: A miniature readhead is provided for photometric color detection using ambient light. The readhead is hand-held, including a superposed plate and tray. The tray receives sample media configured to react and to change color according to an amount of analyte in a sample. The plate is optically transmissive, so that ambient light is transmissible therethrough to the sample media indexed within the tray. An array of light detectors is disposed along the plate, including sets of detectors configured to detect light of at least three mutually distinct wavelengths reflected from the test areas. Light shields superposed with each of the light detectors selectively permit ambient light to pass to the tray, while substantially preventing ambient light from reaching the light detectors prior to reflecting from the test areas. The readhead may be incorporated into a photometric diagnostic instrument configured to analyze the reflections and derive a diagnosis value.

Abstract: A color distribution measuring optical system generates an image of an object to be measured via an imaging optical system and a color matching function filter. The color matching function filter is an optical multilayer film filter, and the angle of arrangement of the color matching function filter can be changed, with respect to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, depending on the numerical aperture of the imaging optical system by a tilt angle changing device. Various imaging optical systems can be used even when the optical multilayer filter is used.

Abstract: A solid state imaging device includes an array of active pixels and an infrared cut filter formed over the sensor. Optionally, a slot in the infrared cut filter allows infrared illumination to reach the sensor to be detected by pixels covered by a visually opaque filter and surrounded by pixels of special types that limit charge leakage and enable high dynamic range sensing of infrared illumination. A ratio of average infrared signal to average brightness indicates an amount of infrared illumination reaching the imaging device.

Abstract: An optical reader having an array of differing-color light sources and a controller for controlling the light sources and acquisition of optical data. The light sources are arranged, and the controller is configured, to allow rapid acquisition of optical data regarding individual sample wells of a cluster of such wells. In some embodiments, multiple ones of the differing-color light sources are illuminated simultaneously for acquiring optical data on a corresponding number of sample wells. Depending on the configuration of the array and number of differing-color light sources illuminated simultaneously, the optical reader can acquire optical data for several wavelengths in a fraction of the time of conventional optical readers. Other embodiments include one or more non-contact temperature sensors for acquiring temperature data substantially simultaneously with the optical data.

Abstract: An imaging-type near-field optical microscope mainly comprises a light source and a photodetector array. The array functions as imaging array where each cell or photodetector has subwavelength dimensions. A sample under test is disposed in optical near field of the photodetectors, e.g., on surface of the array. As a result of subwavelength dimensions and near-field effect, resolution can break the diffraction limit and even reach nanoscale. The microscope has a fast speed, works with soft sample and sample in solution, and is capable of dynamic observations. In addition, the array surface doubles as a platform for molecule manipulation.

Abstract: Spectrometric apparatus that include an array of detector elements and exhibits a number of capabilities is disclosed. The elements can be responsive to incident radiation to produce an output signal that includes information from the incident radiation. A spectrally selective element can be located in an optical path between the radiation source and the array, with an analysis module responsive to the output signal operative to analyze spatial distribution of spectral information received by the array. The apparatus can also correct for differences in intensity and spectral variability for spectral image signals and/or compare the spectral image signals with a pattern in spatial-spectral coordinate space. Detector elements can be responsive to scattering, and spatial information in their output can be analyzed.

Abstract: A filter arrangement can transmit and/or reflect light emanating from a moving object so that the emanating light has time variation, and the time variation can include information about the object, such as its type. For example, emanating light from segments of a path can be transmitted/reflected through positions of a filter assembly, and the transmission functions of the positions can be sufficiently different that time variation occurs in the emanating light between segments. Or emanating light from a segment can be transmitted/reflected through a filter component in which simpler transmission functions are superimposed, so that time variation occurs in the emanating light in accordance with superposition of two simpler non-uniform transmission functions. Many filter arrangements could be used, e.g. the filter component could include the filter assembly, which can have one of the simpler non-uniform transmission functions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, light having a first spectrum is filtered from a mixed light. Light having a second spectrum, different from the first spectrum, is also filtered from the mixed light. An intensity of the light having the first spectrum, and an intensity of the light having the second spectrum, are then sensed. From the sensed intensities of the lights having the first and second spectrums, an intensity of light having a third spectrum is estimated.

Abstract: A holding apparatus (40) for spectrum measurement of optical elements includes a fixed board (11) having a first through hole (111), and a receiving board (12) having a plurality of receiving holes (120) with different sizes configured for holding different optical elements. The receiving board is coupled to the fixed board and rotatable relative to the fixed board about a first axis. The receiving holes are centered on a first imaginary circle which is centered on the first axis. A distance between a center of the first through hole and the axis is equal to a radius of the first imaginary circle.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a color filter includes a first step of disposing the color filter so that the color filter is opposed to a light source, a second step of outputting, from the light source, monochromatic light of a color corresponding to one of the colors of color layers of the color filter and entering the light into the plurality of color layers, and a third step of inspecting for display unevenness in each of the color layers with light transmitted through the color layers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the active control of a wavelength-swept light source used to interrogate optical elements having characteristic wavelengths distributed across a wavelength range are provided.