Including Multicolor Filters Patents (Class 356/419)
  • Patent number: 7315377
    Abstract: A method and a low-cost, robust and simple system for remote sensing and analyzing spectral properties of targets as a means to detect and identify them is introduced. The system can be highly portable but is usable in fixed locations or combination thereof. An aspect of the method and system includes the capability to distribute, modulate, aperture and spectrally analyze radiation emitted or absorbed by a volumetric target chemical species (solid, liquid or gas) or a target surface. Radiation is first collected by a single light gathering device, such as a lens, telescope, or mirror, and then distributed to multiple detectors through spectrally discriminating components and if desired through apertures to achieve this desired detection and identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Stephen Keith Holland, Roland H. Krauss, James M. Childers, IV, Gabriel Laufer
  • Patent number: 7295340
    Abstract: Tone reproduction curves for calibrating a marking system are obtained using a test pattern with a plurality of patches, preferably a plurality of first test patches extending in a first direction and at least one second test patch extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. Reflectance values are obtained from the first and second test patches. A set of gray balanced tone reproduction curves are obtained based on the reflectance values of the first test patches, and a set of spatial gray balanced tone reproduction curves are obtained based on the reflectance values of the second test patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lalit K. Mestha, Steve Bolte, Eli Saber, Shawn Updegraff
  • Patent number: 7285768
    Abstract: A color sensor for measuring light from a light source and the method for fabricating the color sensor. The color sensor includes a plurality of photodetectors, a plurality of primary color filters and a trim filter. Each primary color filter includes a layer of material between the light source and a corresponding one of the photodetectors. Each primary color filter preferentially transmits light in a corresponding band of wavelengths about a characteristic wavelength. The trim filter is located between the light source and the photodetectors and includes a layer of material that preferentially attenuates light at a first trim wavelength between two of the characteristic wavelengths. In one embodiment, the trim filter further preferentially attenuates light at a second trim wavelength, the first wavelength being less than one of the characteristic wavelengths and the second wavelength being greater than that characteristic wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) PTE Ltd
    Inventors: Boon Keat Tan, Chin Hin Oon, Kean Loo Keh, Sumio Shimonishi
  • Patent number: 7286233
    Abstract: A spectrophotometer comprises selection means for selecting one or more of the components of a light beam corresponding to different wavelengths, formed by optical micro-filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: CRF Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventor: Marco Pizzi
  • Patent number: 7283307
    Abstract: An optical device comprises a dichroic beamsplitter for splitting an object beam into a reflected beam having a first waveband and a transmitted beam having a second waveband; an astigmatism-correcting lens element, disposed in the optical path of the transmitted beam; and a coma-correcting lens element, disposed in the optical path of the transmitted beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: OASYS Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Couture, Vadim Plotsker
  • Patent number: 7280214
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, robust, and versatile high-resolution spectrometer that is suitable for downhole use. The present invention provides a method and apparatus incorporating a spinning, oscillating or stepping optical interference filter to change the angle at which light passes through the filters after passing through a sample under analysis downhole. As each filter is tilted, the color or wavelength of light passed by the filter changes. Black plates are placed between the filters to isolate each filter's photodiode. The spectrometer of the present invention is suitable for use with a wire line formation tester, such as the Baker Atlas Reservation Characterization Instrument to provide supplemental analysis and monitoring of sample clean up. The present invention is also suitable for deployment in a monitoring while drilling environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Arnold Walkow, Paul Bergren
  • Patent number: 7277176
    Abstract: An imaging system for obtaining images of a specimen that includes a novel filtering system for filtering radiation emitted from the specimen. The imaging system includes a camera and a novel filter grid that is controllably movable relative to the camera in a manner to move a selected emission filter of a plurality of emission filters carried by the grid into position between the camera and the specimen. The filter carrying grid of the system resides in a plane having X and Y coordinates and the system includes a novel positioning mechanism for controllably moving the filter carrying grid along the X and Y coordinates of the plane in a manner to position a selected one of the emission filters carried by the grid into position between the camera and the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: UVP, Inc.
    Inventors: Darius Kelly, Sean Gallager, Jeff Pieri, Dave Wick
  • Patent number: 7277175
    Abstract: A system for measuring properties of small volume liquid samples, where the system includes wavelength selective filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Judith A. Thompson, John C. Kralik
  • Publication number: 20070222992
    Abstract: A color identifying device includes a mount block, a color detector, a lens and a color identifier. A reactive board having a plurality of surfaces to be measured in respective predetermined positions is mounted in the mount block. The color detector has a plurality of color measuring areas corresponding respectively to the reaction surfaces of the reactive board mounted in the mount block. The lens forms images of the surfaces of the reactive board mounted in the mount block on the respective color measuring areas. The color identifier identifies the colors of the surfaces based on output signals from the corresponding color measuring areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki Oda
  • Patent number: 7274454
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus has input optics for obtaining a multispectral image bearing light and a programmable spectral switching section. The programmable spectral switching section has a first lens for directing light toward a dichroic separator that separates the multispectral image bearing light into a plurality of discrete spectral bands, each directed to an optical switch. Each optical switch is selectively enabled to redirect its corresponding spectral band back through the first lens as switched spectral band light. A light path selector element directs switched spectral band light toward an image forming section that has a sensor lens for directing switched spectral band light toward an image sensor. The image sensor forms image data according switched spectral band light from each optical switch. A control logic processor communicates with optical switches and with the sensor, providing instructions for enablement of optical switches and obtaining sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Marek W. Kowarz, James G. Phalen, J. Daniel Newman
  • Patent number: 7274455
    Abstract: Provided are an optical detection apparatus which can measure multi-channel samples at high speed and various wavelengths using an optical detector and a multi-channel sample analyzer employing the same. The optical detection apparatus includes an optical detector; a filter wheel having at least two color filters connected to each other in the shape of a disk; a plurality of optical channels through which a plurality of beams of light enter the filter wheel; and a mirror unit including a plurality of mirrors for sequentially reflecting the plurality of beams of light transmitted through the filter wheel to the optical detector, wherein the mirror unit rotates together with the filter wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyeong-sik Ok, Jin-tae Kim, Kwang-wook Oh, Sang-hyo Kim
  • Patent number: 7268879
    Abstract: A color measurement instrument includes a housing and illuminators, a two-dimensional photodetector array, and an optics system within the housing. A UV filter wheel closes the housing to prevent contaminants from entering the housing. The filter wheel supports UV filters and non-UV glass that can be selectively aligned with the illuminators. The photodetectors can be read in parallel, and each photodetector includes a unique spectral filter. The optics system delivers light from the sample target area equally to each of the photodetectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: X-Rite, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Van Andel, James L. Overbeck
  • Patent number: 7251032
    Abstract: An optical monitoring system for determining the constituents of a sample or specimen. An absorption spectrum is obtained from a sample and is passed through one or more filters having a specified absorption spectrum defined by a single atom or a compound. If the filter's absorption spectrum is included in the sample's absorption spectrum, then the sample contains that atom or compound. The apparatus includes a switching assembly that sequentially places one or more filters into the light path to determine if the subject atom or compound is contained in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignees: Neptec Optical Solutions, Inc., The University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert A. Lodder, John Carberry
  • Patent number: 7245377
    Abstract: A colorimetry device having a light source for irradiating light to a measured object, a cover part provided with a take-out port for taking out light diffused from the measured object, and a placing part on which the measured object is placed, the measured object being put between the cover part and the placing part, so as to effect the color measurement of the measured object. A hinge mechanism is provided, so that when the measured object is placed on the placing part and the cover part is in a closed state, a measurement space dividing section for defining a measurement space between the cover part and the placing part is provided. A measuring light may also be arranged to irradiate the rear face of the measured object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Yokohama Electric Communications & Solutions Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Terakura, Yasuyoshi Ota
  • Patent number: 7242478
    Abstract: A hyperspectral imager that achieves accurate spectral and spatial resolution by using a micro-lens array as a series of field lenses, with each lens distributing a point in the image scene received through an objective lens across an area of a detector array forming a hyperspectral detector super-pixel. Each sub-pixel within a super-pixel has a bandpass or other type filter to pass a different band of the image spectrum. The micro-lens spatially corrects the focused image point to project the same image scene point onto all sub-pixels within a super-pixel. A color separator can be used to split the image into sub-bands, with each sub-band image projected onto a different spatially corrected detector array. A shaped limiting aperture can be used to isolate the image scene point within each super-pixels and minimize energy coupling to adjacent super-pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Surface Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Dombrowski, Brian Catanzaro
  • Publication number: 20070153281
    Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor for measuring flat sheet product is disclosed. The disclosed sensor uses a combination of spectrometers and single-channel detectors and filters together with a broadband source of illumination to optimally measure multiple properties of a flat sheet product. A spectrometer is used to measure over a spectral range where an easily configurable set of wavelength channels is needed and where the signal-to-noise ratios and spectral resolutions of the channels are consistent with the spectral range and number of pixels of the spectrometer; while one or more single channel detector and filter combinations are used to measure, with high signal-to-noise ratio, at specific wavelengths within or outside the spectral range of the spectrometer(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Honeywell ASCA, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Gordon, Frank M. Haran, Sebastien Tixier
  • Patent number: 7230697
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for multi-mode spectral imaging. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises the steps of illuminating an object with a modified illumination profile, producing a reflected, transmitted or fluorescence image of the illuminated object, scanning the object, and re-imaging the reflected, transmitted or fluorescence light after modifying the light's optical state. The present invention preferably works in conjunction with other imaging systems to provide both high-spectral resolution images with lower temporal resolution and multiple image acquisition with high temporal resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Roper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Hopkins, Yashvinder Sabharwal, Cynthia Vernold
  • Patent number: 7227639
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a color and brightness of an LED includes a sensor having a plurality of filters and an output probe connected to the sensor, the output probe providing a color output and a brightness output in a single signal. The sensor may further include an input probe connected to the sensor providing power and a ground probe connected to the sensor providing a grounded connection to the sensor. The plurality of filters in the sensor are preferably configured in a matrix array of color receptors having different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Test Coach Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7227625
    Abstract: A lidar system for meteorological observation, in which pulsed laser light having a prescribed central frequency is emitted from a laser device and reflected light thereof is observed, includes: a spectral analyzer for spectrally analyzing reflected light for observation into light in the wavelength region of the laser light and light in wavelength regions other than the region of the laser light; a first and a second filter for selectively passing light centered on a first and a second frequency component among the light of the wavelength region of the laser light, respectively; a first and a second photodetection unit configured to detect the first and second frequency component light passed through the first and second filter, respectively; and a third and a fourth photodetection unit configured to detect the light of the wavelength region of the laser light and regions other than the region of the laser light, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: EKO Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Kobayashi, Toshikazu Hasegawa, Dengxin Hua, Kiyotaka Uchida
  • Patent number: 7221455
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a functionally integrated microanalytical system for performing fluorescence spectroscopy. A source of fluorescence-exciting radiation, typically a LED, is integrated onto a substrate along with a photodetector and, in some embodiments, an optical filter. A pixel-to-point laser lift-off process is used to effect this component integration. For those cases in which a filter is required, a thin film bandgap filter is typically used, such as CdS or CdSxSe1-x (0<x<1). A disposable microchannel containing the sample and its fluorescent tag is mounted onto the integrated assembly of LED, photodetector and (optionally) filter. This configuration of components allows the microchannel and sample to be readily removed and replaced, facilitating rapid analysis of multiple samples. Multiple LEDS, detectors and filters (if present) can also be integrated onto the same substrate, permitting multiple wavelength analysis of the sample to be performed concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the Unversity of California
    Inventors: J. Alex Chediak, Zhongsheng Luo, Timothy D. Sands, Nathan W. Cheung, Luke P. Lee, Jeonggi Seo
  • Patent number: 7206072
    Abstract: The discriminating method utilizes first to third sensors respectively having spectral sensitivities corresponding to three primary colors and a fourth sensor having a spectral sensitivity that does not overlap the spectral sensitivities corresponding to the three primary colors as sensors constituting an image pickup system, and discriminates a light source type of a photographic light source by using information obtained by the first to fourth sensors. The image forming method corrects image data of an input image using the light source type discriminated by the above light source type discriminating method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Takahashi, Hideyasu Ishibashi, Makoto Yamada
  • Patent number: 7193716
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a plurality of color filters arranged in an N×N array. The color filters comprise equal numbers of color filters for each of three or more different colors. The color filters are arranged symmetrically in both an X and a Y direction. The center of gravity for each set of like-colored filters is the center of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Boon-Keat Tan
  • Patent number: 7148967
    Abstract: The invention employs a linear variable interference filter, which can be manually moved back and forth along its long axis in front of a slit parallel to its short axis. Thus, the filter pass-band varies linearly from 4,000 angstroms to 10,000 angstroms with a pass-band half-width no greater than 65 angstroms. Therefore, this combination of filter and slit can be placed in front of a charge coupled device (CCD) or other electro-optical imaging device and real time images can be taken as the filter is slid back and forth. Magnifying optics, beam-splitters and scale illuminators can be used to make the scale visible within the field of view of the camera imager. Or, as a simpler embodiment, the graduated image scale could in the form of a hologram of a graduated image scale taken at distance consistent with the desired depth of focus of the camera/imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Glenn B. Slagle
  • Patent number: 7142302
    Abstract: Methods are provided for optimizing the spectrum of a light source used in a projection display system in order to reduce the light loss associated with color splitting/recombination in the system. Projection systems designed in accordance with such methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Simon Magarill, Todd S. Rutherford
  • Patent number: 7139068
    Abstract: Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: JJL Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Alan R. Loudermilk
  • Patent number: 7133225
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical system comprises assembling an optical element on a mounting frame thereof. The mounting frame is disposed on a rotary table having an axis of rotation, and the mounting frame is adjusted such that a predefined axis of symmetry thereof is parallel to the axis of rotation. The optical element is placed on the mounting frame, and an interferometric measurement of a surface of the optical element is performed. The interferometric measurement is analyzed to arrange the optical element relative to the mounting frame such that a predefined axis of the optical element is parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Rolf Freimann, Bernhard Fellner, Hans-Guenther Sachs, Hartmut Brandenburg, Bernd Doerband, Frank Schillke
  • Patent number: 7119892
    Abstract: Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of an object are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: JJL Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wayne D Jung, Russell W Jung, Alan R Loudermilk
  • Patent number: 7119902
    Abstract: Calibrating each of a plurality of driven optical filters. The color parameters of the driven optical filters are characterized for the individual optical filter. These color parameters are used as calibration data to calibrate more standard information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Matt Beaumont
  • Patent number: 7116408
    Abstract: Optical properties of an object are determined via light provided to the object via a probe tip including a plurality of light source/light receiver pairs. Light is received from a first light source/light receiver pair, and the first light source/light receiver pair is arranged so that a first measurement generates data based on light from the object received from a first average optical depth or first thickness sensitivity. Light is received from a second light source/light receiver pair, and the second light source/light receiver pair is arranged so that a second measurement generates data based on light from the object received from a second average optical depth or a second thickness sensitivity. The second average optical depth is different from the first average optical depth. Optical properties of the object are determined based on the data generated by the first and second measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: JJL Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Walter W. Sloan, Alan R. Loudermilk
  • Patent number: 7113282
    Abstract: A rotary spectrometer including a plurality of input ports. Each input port may be arranged to receive an optical waveguide carrying electromagnetic radiation. The spectrometer also includes a plurality of optical bandpass filters, which are housed on a first body that rotates under the control of a motor so that each optical bandpass filter may be brought into alignment with each input port. Further, the spectrometer includes a plurality of detector circuits disposed on a second body that rotates with the first body. Each detector circuit is optoelectrically coupled to one of the plurality of optical bandpass filters, thereby resulting in each detector circuit being dedicated to responding to a range of wavelengths determined by the bandpass filter to which it is optoelectrically coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innonative Properties Company
    Inventors: Francis M. Aguirre, Jack W. Lai
  • Patent number: 7113283
    Abstract: Color measuring systems and methods are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic and receive light reflected from the surface of the object being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: JJL Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Alan R. Loudermilk
  • Patent number: 7113281
    Abstract: The device for the pixel-by-pixel photoelectric measurement of a planar measured object includes projection means for the imaging of the measured object onto a two-dimensional CCD image sensor, filter means provided in the imaging light path for the wavelength selective filtering of the measuring light impinging on the image sensor, signal processing means for the processing of the electrical signals produced by the image sensor and for the conversion thereof into corresponding digital raw measured, as well as data processing means for the processing of the raw measured data into image data representing the colors of the individual image elements of the measured object. Furthermore, illumination means are provided which include a Fresnel lens, which illuminate the measured object with at least one essentially parallel light bundle under an angle of incidence of essentially 45°+/?5°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Gretag-Macbeth AG
    Inventor: Hans Ott
  • Patent number: 7110096
    Abstract: Color/optical characteristics measuring systems and methods are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics/elements are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic/element and received light reflected from the surface of the object is measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: JJL Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Alan R. Laudermilk
  • Patent number: 7092098
    Abstract: Calibrating each of a plurality of driven optical filters. The color parameters of the driven optical filters are characterized for the individual optical filter. These color parameters are used as calibration data to calibrate more standard information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Matt Beaumont
  • Patent number: 7092101
    Abstract: Methods and systems for static multimode multiplex spectroscopy are disclosed. According to a method for static multimode multiplex spectroscopy, spectral energy emanating from different points of a diffuse source is simultaneously received. Different multi-peak filter functions are applied to the spectral energy emanating from the different points to produce a multi-channel spectral measurement for each point. The multi-channel spectral measurements are combined to estimate a property of the diffuse source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: David J. Brady, Michael E. Sullivar
  • Patent number: 7088456
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing the characteristics of a thin film is provided. The current invention extends the capability of IR sensors to measure thin films through configuring a plurality of detection channels with appropriately chosen filters. With the multichannel infrared sensor, the characteristic signature of interference fringes can be detected simultaneously with, or instead, of absorption-based measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Igor N. Germanenko, Steve Axelrod
  • Patent number: 7075645
    Abstract: A blending apparatus comprises a blender including a container having a wall, the wall including a window. The container rotates about an axis of rotation. A wireless spectrometer is mounted to the container and operates through the window, in a direction that does not intersect the axis of rotation, for obtaining a set of spectroscopic data regarding the product during an operation of the blender. In addition, a method for assaying a blended product in a blender includes mounting a wireless spectrometer to the container, rotating the container about its axis of rotation so as to blend the product; operating the wireless spectrometer through a window in the container, in a direction that does not intersect the axis of rotation, to obtain spectroscopic data regarding the product during the blending, and determining a homogeneity of the product from the spectroscopic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Euro-Celtique S.A.
    Inventors: Lane Gehrlein, Emil Ciurczak, Gary Ritchie
  • Patent number: 7072033
    Abstract: A symmetric monitor calibrator for mounting on a cathode ray tube or monitor with a surface. The calibrator has a case that holds electronic and optic components. Suction cups hold the calibrator to the surface, in which the suction cups are attached to the end of supporting elements that surround the case. At least three supporting elements with a common connecting point to form one support structure are connected to the top of the case. The supporting elements extend out creating a greater diameter than the case. The supporting elements and therefore suction cups uniformly surround the center point of the case to prevent rotation caused by the effects of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Datacolor Holding AG
    Inventors: David Slocum, Cormic K. Merle
  • Patent number: 7069164
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a method for maintaining consistent color output across printers even when the inline sensors have differences in accuracy due to various technical and environmental factors. A spectrophotometer is used to measure the color quality of printed references. Adjustments are then iteratively made until reference charts of desired color quality are obtained. The printed reference allows one to achieve relatively high system performance by removing sensor inaccuracies. Using the printed reference measured by the inline sensor control systems of each machine are calibrated. At customer sites and at suitable intervals, a reference document can be read using the inline sensor on a reference machine and any differences from expected values can be calibrated out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: R. Enrique Viturro, Lalit K. Mestha
  • Patent number: 7064831
    Abstract: A colorimeter that uses its flexible power/electronic cable as a mounting mechanism is disclosed. The colorimeter can be placed against a target screen, suspended by the cable, where the cable in turn drapes over the top of the display cabinet. A slidable weight can be coupled to the cable to hold a selected position. Alternatively, a slotted suction cup can be used to hold the selected position. A leaf spring can be installed to provide a slight bias force to the backside of the colorimeter, thereby ensuring the colorimeter lays flush to the target screen in the presence of disruptive conditions and anomalies. The colorimeter can further be configured with a low impact suction cup array mount. The colorimeter assembly can be configured with an FOV that corresponds to that of a human, and with self-aligning optical qualities that provide a colorimeter with high SNR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Gretagmacbeth, LLC
    Inventors: Carl D Lutz, Thomas A Lianza, Nicholas A Milley
  • Patent number: 7057722
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the homogeneity of a pharmaceutical mixture has a hopper for containing a mixture of two or more pharmaceutical components and that is situated within a production line of preparation of a pharmaceutical dosage form. A spectroscope is mounted to the hopper for measuring spectroscopic characteristics of the mixture, and a processing device that is not physically coupled to the spectroscope analyzes the spectroscopic characteristics of the mixture and derives information regarding the homogeneity of the mixture. The spectroscope wirelessly sends the spectroscopic characteristics to the processing device, which derives information regarding the homogeneity of the mixture. The wireless transmission of the spectroscopic characteristics can be done through infrared radiation or near infrared radiation, and the spectroscopic characteristics can be converted to digital signals prior to being transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Euro-Celtique S.A.
    Inventors: Lane Gehrlein, Emil Ciurczak, Gary Ritchie, Kevin C. Bynum
  • Patent number: 7057727
    Abstract: The device for the pixel-by-pixel photoelectric measurement of a planar measured object includes projection means for the imaging of the measured object onto a two-dimensional CCD image sensor, filter means provided in the imaging light path for the wavelength selective filtering of the measuring light impinging on the image sensor, signal processing means for the processing of the electrical signals produced by the image sensor and for the conversion thereof into corresponding digital raw measured data, as well as data processing means for the processing of the raw measured data into image data representing the colors of the individual image elements of the measured object. Furthermore, illumination means are provided which include a Fresnel lens, which illuminate the measured object with at least one essentially parallel light bundle under an angle of incidence of essentially 45°+/?5°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Gretag-MacBeth AG
    Inventor: Hans Ott
  • Patent number: 7038778
    Abstract: A light from a light source is transmitted through a sample cell and is made incident into a spectroscopic portion. The spectroscopic portion comprises interference filters which transmit light components different in wavelengths and photodiodes corresponding to the respective interference filters. Dielectric films to compose an interference filter have relatively satisfactory features to reflect a light component of wavelengths other than a light component of a wavelength to be transmitted. At each interference filter, an incident light is split into a light component to be transmitted and a light component to be reflected. By making the reflected light component into an incident light into a following-order interference filter, light components of nine wavelength types are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventor: Kazunori Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7034942
    Abstract: A method, includes illuminating a first portion of a colored region with first light from a gas discharge tube and generating a first output using a diffuse reflection of the first light from the first portion. The method further includes illuminating a second portion of the colored region with second light from a first solid state lamp and generating a second output using a diffuse reflection of the second light from the second portion. Additionally, the method includes illuminating a third portion of the colored region with third light from a second solid state lamp and generating a third output using a diffuse reflection of the third light from the third portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Algird M Gudaitis, Sam M. Sarmast, Tod S. Heiles
  • Patent number: 7032299
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting electronic parts and a method of mounting electronic parts capable of effectively performing image capturing at the time of position recognition of the electronic parts. In the apparatus, when images of electronic parts are taken for position recognition of the parts in the mounting of a plurality of the electronic parts held by a mounting head on a circuit board, it is adapted such that pixel signals are output only from specific necessary pixels. More specifically, pixel selecting information for allowing image signals to be selectively output from a plurality of specific pixels of a photodetecting section (10) of a CMOS area sensor is generated based on mounting schedule data (16C) related to a mounting sequence of the electronic parts and part data of the electronic parts stored in data storage (16). A pixel selector (11) is operated in accordance with the pixel selecting information, and thus the image signals are output from the selected specific pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Arase, Takayuki Hatase
  • Patent number: 7030987
    Abstract: A colorimeter device and fabrication techniques are disclosed. The assembly and configuration of the device operates to maximize signal-to-noise ratio, as well as to provide an optimal field of view (e.g., such as an FOV that simulates that of the human eye). Geometric elements and features of the design, in conjunction with the assembly procedure, assure precise alignment of optical elements including sensors, filters, and other elements within the enclosure and optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Gretagmacbeth, LLC
    Inventors: Carl David Lutz, Thomas A. Lianza
  • Patent number: 7027140
    Abstract: A symmetric monitor calibrator for mounting on a cathode ray tube or monitor with a surface. The calibrator has a case that holds electronic and optic components. Suction cups hold the calibrator to the surface, in which the suction cups are attached to the end of supporting elements that surround the case. At least three supporting elements with a common connecting point to form one support structure are connected to the top of the case. The supporting elements extend out creating a greater diameter than the case. The supporting elements and therefore suction cups uniformly surround the center point of the case to prevent rotation caused by the effects of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Colorvision Administrative AG
    Inventors: David Slocum, Cormic K. Merle
  • Patent number: 7023554
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a color and brightness of an LED includes a sensor having a plurality of filters arranged in a matrix and an output probe connected to the sensor, the output probe providing a color output and a brightness output in a single signal. The sensor may further include an input probe connected to the sensor providing power and a ground probe connected to the sensor providing a grounded connection to the sensor. The plurality of filters in the sensor are preferably configured in a matrix array of color receptors having different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Test Coach Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6975400
    Abstract: Light from an object such as a cell moving through an imaging system is collected and dispersed so that it is imaged onto a plurality of separate detectors. The light is spectrally dispersed by a plurality of spaced-apart dichroic reflectors, each detector receiving light from a different one of the dichroic reflectors. Each dichroic filter reflects light of a different predefined color, passing light of other colors. The output signal from each detector is indicative of a different characteristic of the object. In one configuration, each detector is provided with a separate imaging lens. In another configuration, the detectors are spaced at varying distances from the corresponding dichroic reflectors, so that separate imaging lenses are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Amnis Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Ortyn, David A. Basiji
  • Patent number: 6975949
    Abstract: A full width array spectrophotometer for full width scanning color analysis of color test targets, with one or two substantially linear elongated arrays of closely spaced multiple LED illumination sources of plural different color emissions in a multiply repeated pattern of at least three or four different colors transversely spanning a printer paper path and sequentially illuminated to illuminate a transverse band across a printed sheet moving in the paper path, and a corresponding elongated low cost light imaging bar with a parallel and correspondingly elongated array of multiple closely spaced different color sensitive (three or four rows of color-filtered) photodetectors, which imaging bar is positioned to detect and analyze light reflected from the transverse sequentially illuminated band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lalit K. Mestha, Jagdish C. Tandon, Steven B. Bolte