Color measuring sensor assembly for spectrometer devices

A color measuring sensor assembly for a spectrometer device, the assembly comprising:

• a linear variable filter for selectively transmitting light in a predetermined range of wavelengths along a length thereof;
• a linear detector array having a photosensitive surface positioned directly opposite from the linear variable filter a predetermined distance;
• and
• a fiber faceplate including a plurality of optical fibers interposed between the linear variable filter and the linear detector array such that a light beam propagating through the optical fibers from the linear variable filter to the linear detector array projects an upright, noninverted image of the linear variable filter onto the photosensitive surface of the linear detector array.

A spectrometer device for analyzing polychromatic light, the device comprising:

• filter means for selectively transmitting light;
• detector means for measuring the spectral characteristics of the light transmitted through the filter means;
• a fiber faceplate interposed between the filter means and the detector means such that a light beam propagating through the fiber faceplate from the filter means to the detector means projects an upright, noninverted image of the filter means onto the detector means;
• and
• electronic means for reading electrical signals from the detector array to provide an output representative of the spectral characteristics of the light.

A spectrometer device for analyzing polychromatic light, the device comprising:

• an optical module including:
• a linear variable filter for selectively transmitting light in a predetermined range of wavelengths along a length thereof;
• a linear detector array having a photosensitive surface positioned directly opposite from the linear variable filter a predetermined distance;
• and
• a fiber faceplate including a plurality of optical fibers interposed between the linear variable filter and the linear detector array such that a light beam propagating through the optical fibers from the linear variable filter to the linear detector array projects an upright, noninverted image of the linear variable filter onto the photosensitive surface of the linear detector array;
• a detector circuit module including electronic detector circuit components which are operatively connected with the optical detector array;
• a signal processing module, including signal processing components, which is operatively connected to the output of the detector circuit module for signal digitization;
• and
• an output module including one or more output devices operatively connected to the signal processing module.

A method of analyzing polychromatic light, the method comprising;

• directing a beam of light onto a linear variable filter, wherein the linear variable filter selectively transmits light of predetermined wavelength bands at preselected regions of the linear variable filter and reflects the remaining incident light;
• receiving the light transmitted through the linear variable filter into individual optical fibers of a coherent fiber faceplate, wherein light incident on the coherent fiber faceplate that is at an angle outside the acceptance angle of the individual fibers is either reflected or absorbed by the fibers;
• and
• propagating light through the optical fibers from the linear variable filter to a linear detector array to project an upright, noninverted image of the linear variable filter onto a photosensitive surface of the linear detector array.