Method and system for processing measurement signals to obtain a value for physical parameter

An apparatus for determining wet and dry properties of a surface of an object, the apparatus comprising:

• laser means for producing surface motions in the object without touching the object and time-varying signals responsive to the surface motions;
• a detection device for measuring the time-varying signals;
• a processor for calculating at least one wet property of the surface based on the time-varying signals to predict a dry property value of the surface;
• and
• a surface provider for providing an enhanced dry property value if the predicted dry property value is unacceptable.

A method of covering a substrate with a wet material dryable to an appearance finish of predetermined thickness without marring the appearance finish comprising:

• covering the substrate with an initial coating of wet material to an unknown thickness;
• exciting the initial coating thereon;
• projecting a reflectable laser beam toward the initial coating;
• receiving the reflection of the laser beam while the initial coating is still wet;
• and
• converting the reflection to a measurement signal indicative of the thickness of the initial coating.