US 6,915,955 B2 · Apparatus for determining multi-bit data via light received by a light receiver and coupled to spectral sensors that measure light in spectral bands

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 preferably 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. Measured data also may be stored and/or organized as part of a patient data base. Such methods and implements may be desirably utilized for purposes of detecting and preventing counterfeiting or the like. Low cost and small form factor spectrometers, and methods for manufacturing the same, also are disclosed. Spectrometers and spectrophotometers embedded in printing and scanning and other type devices, as well as computer companion devices, scope-type devices and the like, also are disclosed. Data encoding based on such devices also may be implemented.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus for measuring spectral characteristics of received light, comprising:

one or more light receivers, wherein the received light is received by the one or more lights receivers;
one or more spectral sensors coupled to receive at least a portion of the received light, wherein the one or more spectral sensors measure the intensity of the received light in one or more predetermined spectral bands;
and
a processor, wherein the processor receives data corresponding to one or more light intensities measured by the one or more spectral sensors;
wherein the processor determines a data value of at least two bits based on the received light measured in each of the one or more predetermined spectral bands, wherein the data value for each spectral band is determined based on the measured light intensity level of the received light in each spectral band.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for determining multi-bit data via light received by a light receiver and coupled to spectral sensors that measure light in spectral bands

Life of this patent

Apparatus for determining multi-bit data via light received by a light receiver and coupled to spectral sensors that measure light in spectral bands

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20