Apparatus and method for measuring optical characteristics of an object

Abstract

Color/optical characteristics measuring systems and methods are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics/elements are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic/element and received light reflected from the surface of the object is 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 being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence 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.

1 . A method for determining optical characteristics of an object, comprising the steps of:
 measuring the object by moving a probe in proximity to the object, wherein the probe provides light to the surface of the object from one or more light sources, and receives light reflected from the object through a plurality of light receivers;   determining the intensity of reflected light received by more than one of the light receivers with first sensors; and   measuring the optical characteristics of the object with second sensors based on light received by one or more of the light receivers in response to the intensity determinations made by the first sensors, wherein the measurement produces data indicative of the optical characteristics of the object.   
     
     
         2 .- 39 . (canceled)