System and apparatus for measurement of light scattering from a sample
AssigneeDatacolor Inc.
InventorZhiling Xu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for providing a solution that enables technicians or other technical professionals to obtain accurate gloss, haze and DOI values for a reflecting sample due to the surface conditions of the sample. The apparatus and method allow for the generation of a data model of the surface of a sample using a sensor array designed to detect the divergence of a collimated beam of light reflected off the surface of the sample. The same principle enables technical professionals to obtain accurate haze and clarity values for a transparent or translucent sample that is trans-illuminated by light.
Claims17
An apparatus for measuring the surface or volume optical characteristics of a sample comprising:
- A light source, configured to project a collimated light output in the direction of a sample having an optical scattering characteristic to be measured;
- at least one light focusing device positioned to collect light that has interacted with the sample;
- at least one sensor array positioned in the focal plane of the light focusing device, such that the collimated portion of the received light collected by the focusing device is directed to a center of the sensor array, the sensor being configured to output a signal corresponding to the amount of light incident upon a plurality of portions of the sensor array;
- and
- a processor configured to analyze the signal generated from the sensor and generate a data model corresponding to the optical scattering characteristics of the sample.
A computer-implemented method for utilizing a particular connection with an electronic device in combining a sensor array with a focused collimated light beam to achieve a data model relating to the surface or volume scattering conditions of a sample using a light-geometry-measuring device having a processor, a memory, an input device, an output device and a modeling application stored in the memory and executable by the processor, the method comprising:
- projecting a collimated light beam at a specific angle onto or into a sample to be measured;
- positioning a lens assembly to collect the light beam after it has interacted with the sample;
- focusing the light beam onto a sensor array positioned at the focal plane of the lens assembly;
- determining the center point of the sensor array;
- calculating the amount of light striking the sensor array at positions that are not the center of the sensor array;
- generating a data model of the surface of the sample depending on the amount of light striking areas of the sensor array that are not the center point;
- and
- creating an output of this model as a visual indication on a display device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.