Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for detecting or recognizing an object by means of color recognition or brightness evaluation, whereby radiation emitted by a radiation source on the object and radiation reflected from the object is recorded by a photosensitive element such as a color-recognizing sensor. In order to be able to detect objects with a higher measuring exactitude, whereby changes in distance between object and light-sensitive element should not basically lead to a measurement falsification, it is suggested that reflected radiation be guided to the photosensitive element by means of a light-guiding element tapering in the direction of the photosensitive element.

Abstract: A measurement controller is electrically connected with light emitting circuits and controls the light emission of light sources. A calculator calculates reflection characteristic measurement values of a measurement object corresponding to the respective illuminators. Undetermined coefficients of a Gaussian function stored in a memory are determined using the calculated reflection characteristic measurement values, and errors created by an angle of inclination of a normal to a surface of the measurement object with respect to a center axis of a main body are corrected using the Gaussian function whose undetermined coefficients are determined to obtain corrected reflection characteristic values. Since a measurement result is corrected according to the angle of inclination of the main body with respect to the object surface, this enables a high-precision colormetry.

Abstract: A diagnostic medical instrument adapted to determine whether a patient is suffering from a pre-shock, shock, or shock-related condition. The instrument is used in a capillary filling time CFT test procedure in which a skin area in the patient which overlies blood-filled capillaries which normally display a pink color is depressed to expel blood from the capillaries and impart white color to the skin at which point the pressure is released to permit blood to flow back into the capillaries and cause the skin to regain its pink color. The instrument includes a color sensor trained on the sign area and responsive to light reflected therefrom to produce a first signal at the point in time the skin color turns from pink to white and to later produce a second signal at the point in time at which the skin color has turned from white to pink. The time elapsing between the first and second signals is measured to provide a CFT index indicative of the patient's condition.

Abstract: A low cost tourniquet cuff with identification apparatus comprises: an outer strip; an inner strip positioned against the outer strip; a gas-tight seal joining the inner strip to the outer strip to form a cuff having a physical characteristic wherein the cuff includes an inflatable bladder of a predetermined length greater than the circumference of a limb at a selected location; and a cuff connector carried on the cuff and communicating pneumatically with the bladder for releasably connecting to a tourniquet instrument to establish a gas-tight passageway between the bladder and the instrument, wherein the cuff connector includes identification means indicative of the physical characteristic and detectable by the tourniquet instrument upon establishment of the gas-tight passageway.

Abstract: Under the conditions that there are 2 or more samples produced in a CCM toning or visual toning process by which colors are adapted to the target color and respective components such as a coloring agent defining the sample color are registered in a CCM system, the reproducibility of the samples is evaluated based on the difference &Dgr;R−n (n denotes a sample number) between spectral reflectance RST−n obtained by actually measuring the respective samples and spectral reflectance RPR−n obtained by the CCM simulation corresponding to the coloring agent recipe for the sample color at the same n, and determination whether toning work should be continued or not is rapidly and simply performed.

Abstract: A color spectrophotometer incorporating a low cost commercial imaging chip, which normally forms part of a document imaging bar used for imaging documents in scanners, etc., having multiple photo-sites with three different rows of color filters. Each chip is mounted on the optical axis of an imaging lens system, in the image plane of that lens system, to image the reflected illumination from an illuminated color test target area on the chip. The optical axis of the imaging lens system is oriented at 45° to the illuminated color test patches, and the photodetector chip is physically mounted perpendicular to the plane of the illuminated color test patches. Respective photo-sensor chips and associated 1:1 optics may be mounted on opposing sides of the spectrophotometer physically oriented at 90° to the test target area plane receiving the reflected light from the test target optically oriented at 45° to the illuminated test target.

Abstract: An article sorting apparatus and method is disclosed and which conveys a mixture of articles on a conveyor belt and through an inspection zone, and which includes at least one illumination source emitting red, green, and infrared radiation for illuminating the articles in the inspection zone; a detector system for sensing the red, green, and infrared radiation reflected from the articles in the inspection zone, and which generates red data, green data, and infrared data; a processor receiving the red data, green data, and infrared data and which generates article sorting data; and a sorter responsive to the sorting data for separating the articles into acceptable articles and unacceptable articles.

Abstract: The quality of distribution of pigments in a matrix is estimated by measuring the reflectivity of a sample of the pigmented matrix at a shorter and a longer wavelength, and calculating a function of the two measurements. A ratio of the normalized reflectivity for broad short and long wavelength bands is the preferred function.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the color of irregular surface materials, including textiles which may provide dissimilar color measurements from different viewing angles, by illuminating a sampling area of the irregular surface material approximately perpendicularly thereto and measuring the color reflected from that area at a substantial angle, preferably about 45 degrees, with a plurality of separate photodetectors arrayed circularly around the illuminated sampling area of irregular surface material to receive the reflected illumination from substantially opposing directions and at a substantial angle to the illuminated area, for providing a more accurate yet lower cost color measurement system for textiles that can be used easily, quickly, and uncritically in terms of the handling, positioning and orientation of the textile material being tested.

Abstract: A color detecting sensor includes a light emitting element for emitting red light, a light emitting element for emitting green light, a light emitting element for emitting blue light, a light receiving element for receiving light emitted from each of the light emitting elements through an ink ribbon, and detecting device for detecting a color of the ink ribbon forming at least a colorless and transparent portion and the colorless and transparent portion based on an output signal of the light receiving element, the detecting device including a storage section for storing, as color reference data, the output signal of the light receiving element when the light emitting elements emit light through the colorless and transparent portion of the ink ribbon respectively, and a color deciding section for comparing, with the color reference data, the output signal of the light receiving element when the light emitting elements emit light through the color formed on the ink ribbon respectively, thereby deciding the colo

Abstract: A method for maintaining substantial reliability of color measurements obtained by a number of color measuring instruments includes by measuring color values of a set of master color standards on a master color measuring instrument at a master color lab, and measuring color values of sets of working color standards on the same instrument to determine calibration values. The working sets are provided to remote locations for use on remote color measuring instruments and the working sets are measured on the remote color measuring instruments to obtain color value measurements which are transmitted to the master color lab. The measurements from the remote instruments are compared with the calibration values obtained from measurements on the master instrument to generate profiles which are provided to the remote color labs. The profiles are applied to measured color values for the set of working color standards to obtain corrected color values.

Abstract: A color spectrophotometer incorporating a low cost commercial imaging chip, which normally forms part of a document imaging bar used for imaging documents in scanners, etc., having multiple photo-sites with three different rows of color filters. Each chip is mounted on the optical axis of an imaging lens system, in the image plane of that lens system, to image the reflected illumination from an illuminated color test target area on the chip. The optical axis of the imaging lens system is oriented at 45° to the illuminated color test patches, and the photodetector chip is physically mounted perpendicular to the plane of the illuminated color test patches. Respective photo-sensor chips and associated 1:1 optics may be mounted on opposing sides of the spectrophotometer physically oriented at 90° to the test target area plane receiving the reflected light from the test target optically oriented at 45° to the illuminated test target.

Abstract: This invention provides a color matching apparatus for automotive repair paints with which the color matching of a repair paint to an existing paint, whether containing or not containing a metallic or pearlescent pigment, can be performed with high precision in a reduced number of steps even by the novice. The apparatus of the invention comprises a computer, a color data file and a database reference system.

Abstract: Difficulty recognizing colors which a sight-impaired person has is solved by a color identifying device of the invention comprising a means for identifying a color by comparing data measured by color sensor 4a and stored reference data and a means for externally outputting the color identified by the color identifying means by a voice, wherein a measurement aperture portion is pressed against the surface of an object the color name of which a sight-impaired person desires to know, light (of three RGB types) reflected from the object is measured by the measurement portion 4, the measured data is transmitted to the color identifying means, the program within the color identifying means calculates the measured data and compares the calculated data with the reference data (table data) which is systematically classified, the color name of the measured data is selected, and the color name (the basic color name, lightness, chroma and hue) of the object is outputted from speaker 28 by a voice.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for measuring toner concentration in a developer contained in a developer housing (10) includes a developer sample container(102) that receives a portion of developer extracted from the developer housing (10). A spectrophotometer (112) measures spectrophotometric data for the portion of the developer in the developer sample container (102). A processor (116) estimates the toner concentration based on the measured spectrophotometric data and a pre-determined relationship (118) between the spectrophotometric data and the toner concentration. A method (200) for estimating the toner concentration in a developer comprising a toner and a carrier includes measuring (220) a color characteristic of the developer, comparing (222) the measured color characteristic with a predetermined relationship between the color characteristic and the toner concentration, and estimating (226) the toner concentration based on the comparing.

Abstract: The invention is a colorimeter for dental applications comprising a hand-held probe, similar in size to a dental drill, attached by an electrical cable to a small self-contained display module. The calorimeter provides the capability for measuring the colors of a number points along a line on the surface of an object such as a tooth. A measurement is made while placing the tip of the probe against, or in close proximity to, the surface of the object. The display module to which probe attaches contains a microprocessor and provides a control, display and data interface to the operator. The display module can be adapted for fastening to the wrist of the operator thereby leaving both hands free to manipulate the probe and other tools. The calorimeter is particularly well suited for measuring the color of teeth in a dentist's office in preparation for making dental prostheses which accurately match the color of natural teeth.

Abstract: The instant invention is a process for dying a-non-skin material to match an individual's skin tone. The skin is scanned by any color measuring device which digitalizes the color value and imputes that value into a computer based software program. The software program compares the individual's color value to a-digitalized predetermined library of colorants and a-digitalized predetermined library of non-skin materials. The program considers such things as the properties of the non-skin material to-determine a colorant mix. The colorant mix consists of the particular colorants needed and the quantity of each colorant needed to formulate a color match. The data for the color match is transferred to a computer controlled pumping mixing system which produces the amount of color match needed. The non-skin material is dyed and dried.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting physical abnormalities in milk which comprises a light source for irradiating milk with light of red or green or blue colors or any combination of such colors. The intensity of light reflected or diffused or transmitted, or any combination thereof, by the milk, or from background light of the milk, is measured by light sensors. A computer processes the measurement data and is programmed to select, based on comparisons of the values derived from the measured light intensities with reference values, a diagnostic basis or diagnostic bases for abnormalities in the milk from a plurality of diagnostic bases of possible abnormalities stored in the memory of the computer.

Abstract: Scene illumination analysis and control systems and methods that can measure the intensity and wavelength dependent distribution of light illuminating a scene, determine any differences between desired illumination and actual illumination, determine appropriate remedies to adjust illumination and automatically control, and adjust illumination to effect those remedies if desired. Associated software, measurement and control devices, for example appropriate accessories for calibrating the measurement devices, collecting and controlling measurements, analyzing measurements and comparing them to established criteria. The systems and methods can also calculate expected scene illumination based on geographic location, altitude, time of year and day, and weather or other environmental factors, and provides analysis and reports to allow the user to assess scene illumination and plan for in-production or post-production correction of video or film images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying a color of an LED in a printed circuit board include a sensor that permits passage of light from a target wavelength of the color and generates a resulting output voltage based upon an intensity of light of the target wavelength. A test system analyzes the resulting output voltage and provides a pass/fail signal to indicate whether the LED is the correct color and/or in operation.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly determining the pulp kappa number through direct measurement of the potassium permanganate concentration in a pulp-permanganate solution using spectrophotometry. Specifically, the present invention uses strong acidification to carry out the pulp-permanganate oxidation reaction in the pulp-permanganate solution to prevent the precipitation of manganese dioxide (MnO2). Consequently, spectral interference from the precipitated MnO2 is eliminated and the oxidation reaction becomes dominant. The spectral intensity of the oxidation reaction is then analyzed to determine the pulp kappa number.

Abstract: An on-line color sensor supplies light to a spectrophotometer for color measurement of product after cooling. The product is extruded in a main extruder having a bypass section. The on-line color sensor includes an housing having an interior portion. The housing is positioned proximate to the bypass section and is used to direct the product from the bypass section into the interior portion. A receptacle that is connected to the housing is positioned in the interior portion of the housing to hold the product directed into the interior portion. The product is allowed to cool while being held on the receptacle. A light source is connected to the housing and supplies light to the interior portion of the housing. A light receiver is connected to the housing to capture the light from the light source in the interior portion that is affected by the cooled product. The captured light is supplied to the spectrophotometer to measuring the color of the cooled product in the interior portion of the housing.

Abstract: A computer color matching method of paint for measuring a proper formulation of colorants for obtaining a target color or color and luster, or a proper formulation of colorants and luster color materials, directly in a liquid state of paint, without preparing painted panels from adjusted paint, and calculating the adjusted blending ratio easily and accurately, and a paint manufacturing method by using this method.

Abstract: A cassette reader for detecting the status of stained samples is provided. The colorimeter includes one or more high power emitting diodes as the source of illuminating the sample. An elliptical mirror, with a central aperture to permit the light to penetrate on to the sample, directs the scattered light on to its focal point at a detector. The colorimeter includes a microprocessor which compares an output signal for the percent ratio value of the detected values of a sample and a standard sample. The colorimeter housing provides position sensors which allow the identification of the well being examined. Finally, the system is modified to measure cell motility by determining the ratio of motile sperms to total cell concentration.

Abstract: An optical sensor system is provided which provides portions of the intensity spectrum of various types of natural and artificial light and combinations thereof. The illumination passes through a series of band pass filters or through a diffraction grating to be sensed by a plurality of photosensors sensing different portions of the spectrum. The photosensors are connected to a processing system which can determine the nature of the illuminants from characteristic areas of the intensity spectrum falling on the photosensors.

Abstract: An improved spectrophotometer for non-contact measuring of the colors of colored target areas, especially, test patches on moving printed test sheets in an unrestrained normal output path of a color printer, which test patches may be sequentially angularly illuminated with multiple different colors, with a photosensor providing electrical signals in response, the spectrophotometer having a lens system for transmitting that reflected illumination from the test patch to the photosensor with a lens magnification ratio of approximately one to one. The exemplary spectrophotometer provides noncontact color measurements of moving color target areas variably displaced therefrom within normal paper path baffle spacings, with a displacement insensitivity of at least 6 millimeters about a nominal target to spectrophotometer separation.

Abstract: The quality of distribution of pigments in a matrix is estimated by measuring the reflectivity of a sample of the pigmented matrix at a shorter and a longer wavelength, and calculating a function of the two measurements. A ratio of the normalized reflectivity for broad short and long wavelength bands is the preferred function.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for collecting, measuring and analyzing at least two specific wavelengths of optical emissions produced while etching a semiconductor wafer in a plasma chamber to determine an optimal endpoint for the etching process. The arrangement includes a sensor for gathering optical emissions, an interface for converting the intensity of optical emissions into corresponding electrical signals, and a controller for determining an optimal endpoint based on the corresponding electrical signals for the two specific wavelengths and other predetermined threshold data.

Abstract: A viewer for gemstones allowing a person to view the light performance of a gemstone having a 360-degree light unit positioned above a base where the stone is placed. The light unit is attached to an adjustable mounting bracket which allows the bracket and light unit to move vertically through use of a control mechanism. The base allows for secure and consistent placement of the gemstone, and positioning of a light control structure, preferably made from a reflective material, over the stone. The position of the stone is under the center of the light unit and light control structure. The light control structure has an aperture to allow the light from the light unit to enter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for detecting or recognizing an object by means of color recognition or brightness evaluation, whereby radiation emitted by a radiation source on the object and radiation reflected from the object is recorded by a photosensitive element such as a color-recognizing sensor. In order to be able to detect objects with a higher measuring exactitude, whereby changes in distance between object and light-sensitive element should not basically lead to a measurement falsification, it is suggested that reflected radiation be guided to the photosensitive element by means of a light-guiding element tapering in the direction of the photosensitive element.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a first computer that can communicate with a second computer. The second computer sends information to the first computer that includes a desired ink color and optionally includes information of other desired ink properties. The first computer includes a database of data for predicting color data of ink formulations using a selected ink base color set, a software program for selecting an ink formulation based on data for a desired ink, and a software program for sending information to the second computer to display the color of the selected ink formulation on a color monitor connected to the second computer. The ink base color set can be selected to provide other desired properties for the ink, such as low cost, light fastness, or chemical resistance.

Abstract: There are provided a light emitting element for emitting red light, a light emitting element for emitting green light, a light emitting element for emitting blue light, a light receiving element for receiving light emitted from each of the light emitting elements through an ink ribbon, and detecting device for detecting a color of the ink ribbon forming at least a colorless and transparent portion and the colorless and transparent portion based on an output signal of the light receiving element, the detecting device including a storage section for storing, as color reference data, the output signal of the light receiving element when the light emitting elements and emit light through the colorless and transparent portion of the ink ribbon respectively, and a color deciding section for comparing, with the color reference data, the output signal of the light receiving element when the light emitting elements emit light through the color formed on the ink ribbon respectively, thereby deciding the color of the in

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining accurate hair color classifications and appropriate coloring agents to bring about a selected change of color include a table of hair color classifications, a color measuring instrument to arrive at Hunter L, a and b values for use in identifying a particular classification from the table and a database that identifies appropriate coloring agents based on a selection of coloring actions from a menu and the classifications of hair color.

Abstract: An on-line color monitoring and control system and method includes feeding of colorant in a given amount or ratio in order to achieve a desired color of a product. The system and method described here achieve reliable on-line color control of synthetic fibers, single moving yarn (or fiber) or a collection of moving fibers. The color characteristic of the product is sensed and processed to generate a control signal for adjusting the amount of colorant being fed. Color measurement takes place either prior to or after spooling of the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the color and/or composition of a material. A sample of the material is illuminated with at least three separate illumination bands singly or in combination, said illumination bands collectively substantially spanning at least the visible range. The light reflected or transmitted by the sample is measured with at least four light detector elements responsive to light in wavelength bands which substantially span the visible range when the sample is illuminated. The width of the illumination bands differs in such a manner that the illumination bands are narrowest near the expected fluorescence absorption bands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the color and/or composition of a material. A sample of the material is illuminated with at least three illumination bands singly or in combination, said illumination bands collectively substantially spanning at least the visible range. The light reflected or transmitted by the sample is measured with at least four light detector elements responsive to light in wavelength bands which substantially span the visible range when the sample is illuminated. The measured reflected or transmitted light is compared to the light reflected or transmitted by a reference material of known apparent emissivity or transmissivity and the apparent emissivity or transmissivity of the sample is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically detecting the presence of a reagent strip (14) having a body fluid sample disposed thereon and for inspecting the reagent strip (14) after the presence of the reagent strip (14) is detected is provided with a detection system adapted to automatically detect the presence of a reagent strip (14) at a reagent strip receiving area (12), a light source (64 or 68) adapted to illuminate the reagent strip (14) after the presence of the reagent strip (14) at the reagent strip receiving area (12) is detected, and a detector (66 or 70) adapted to receive light from the reagent strip (14) when the reagent strip (14) is being illuminated by the light source.

Abstract: A system and method of operation performing automated optical inspection to remove peel-bearing defective potato pieces from a random mixture of peel-bearing defective and acceptable potato pieces use near infrared light as a source of illumination. The system implements a method of illuminating the mixture with near infrared light, detecting light reflected by the potato pieces under inspection, identifying defective potato piece surface regions based on the detected reflections, and removing the defective items from the mixture. The system and method the system implements permit the inspection of peel-bearing potato pieces for the presence of peel covered and exposed defects.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for the standardized grading of gemstones is provided. The system gauges the spectral response of a gemstone subject to a plurality of incident light sources within an imaging apparatus. The operation of the imaging apparatus is controlled by an instruction set of a local station control data processor. Light energy data is captured in the form of pixel data sets via a charge coupled device of the imaging apparatus of the local station. The control data processor of the local station is operable linked to an analysis station, the station includes an analysis data processor and mass storage memory device. The memory device provides storage space for the instruction set of the analysis data processor as well as database records. The analysis station employs a data processor and model database for assessing the aesthetic and/or monetary value of gemstones by way of the communicated pixel data sets.

Abstract: A method for carrying out quantitative iris colorimetry on an eye is disclosed comprising the steps of detecting the iris coloration by means for converting it into an electronic signal, quantitatively comparing said electronic signal to a provided electronic standard, and computing a quantitative value representative of the iris coloration. The preferred means for converting it into a signal is a is a video camera and the preferred storage means is a computer memory, either in a magnetic or optical disk.

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for the color matching or colorimetry of colored samples, which are arranged in a sample support. It comprises a lighting device which illuminates the sample in a main beam direction and an observer provided at an observation position or a measuring device arranged at an observation position, the sample and observation position having a fixed coordination with each other. The sample and the lighting device are arranged in fixed coordination with each other and, to set different angles of observation between the direction of observation from the observation position to the sample and the main beam direction, the sample and the lighting device are pivotable about a common axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for discriminating the color of a surface, comprising the steps of acquiring at least a colored acquisition surface, comparing the color of a detecting surface with said at least one color previously acquired so that said color can be recognized.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring reflective, transmissive, or self-luminous samples, comprises a plurality of light sources, where each of the light sources emit light of a substantially different wavelength band spaced in the visible spectrum; a reference channel photodetector; a sample channel photodetector; an optical cap adapted to direct a first portion of the light emitted by each of the light sources to the reference channel photodetector, a reflector cone for directing a second portion of the light emitted by each of the light sources to the sample; and a receptor piece for directing the diffuse portion of the light reflected from the sample to the sample channel photodetector. Preferably, the reference channel and sample channel photodetectors are identical devices and are mounted back-to-back to share environmental characteristics, and in turn, minimize the variation between their respective responses.

Abstract: A glass sorting machine optically sorts glass cullet according to different color characteristics by irradiating the cullet with red, green and blue light as the cullet are passed through a sensing region between a light source and light sensors responsive to the different light colors. The attenuation levels of the different light colors are measured by the sensors as the cullet passes through the sensing region. The machine analyzes the attenuation levels to determine the color characteristics of the cullet. A collimator is typically used to enhance shadow definition. In one embodiment, a pixel grid map is made of the sensing region and each cullet that passes through the sensing region. Mapped on to each grid is a red, green, and blue digital signal. Attenuated signals are compared against baseline values to determine the attenuation for given cullet. The pixel grid map may be used with a data erosion technique to compensate for refraction.

Abstract: An on-line color monitoring and control system and method includes feeding of colorant in a given amount or ratio in order to achieve a desired color of a product. The system and method described here achieve reliable on-line color control of synthetic fibers, single moving yarn (or fiber) or a collection of moving fibers. The color characteristic of the product is sensed and processed to generate a control signal for adjusting the amount of colorant being fed. Color measurement takes place either prior to or after spooling of the product.

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.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining a color formula to enable reproduction of a color standard on one or more production lines, which includes for example, reading a color spectrum of the color standard with a spectrophotometer, and retrieving data such as absorption and scattering coefficients regarding a plurality of color samples produced by a production line. The color spectrum and coefficients are then processed, for example in a color model, to predict the color formula thereby reducing the need to adjust the color formula during start-up of the production line in order to match the color standard. Desirably, the method and system are operable to selectively provide a color formula for reproducing the color standard on any one of a plurality of different production lines.

Abstract: A reflectometer for use with a roasting system includes a laser diode, a lens and a photodetector. The laser diode emits a laser beam having a wavelength corresponding to the maximum actinic response of the items being roasted. The laser beam is reflected off a mirror into a collecting volume of the items being roasted. The items being roasted then reflect light through the lens and to the photodetector. The system also includes a cross polarizer and a narrow-band filter between the lens and photodetector in order to filter undesirable reflected light. The collecting volume and the detector are within the searchlight cone defined by the lens and its focal point such that the reflected light from the collecting volume has a constant illumination.

Abstract: The present method includes moving a light reading head along the length of a color bar whose length lies in an X direction and simultaneously therewith moving said light reading head in a Y direction, where the Y direction is substantially orthogonal to said X direction. The method further involves keeping an account of the positions of said light reading head and noting, as a benchmark position, each time the light reading head passes in the Y direction from a position off the color bar to a position over the color bar. The method further involves computing a desired Y value for each of said benchmarks and a plurality of interpolated Y values linking adjacent desired Y values to form a track which (in a preferred embodiment) lies substantially along the middle of the color bar over which to guide said light reading head during a subsequent scan. The apparatus comprises a light reading head, with an aperture that projects a light spot which has a diameter of 1/2 mm, in a preferred embodiment.

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.