Apparatus and method for measuring optical characteristics of an object

A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of: receiving light from the object or material; coupling received light to a plurality of sensors; generating a plurality of signals having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the sensors; and determining the characteristic based on the signals; wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to the sensors, wherein spectral characteristics are determined based on measuring a period of a plurality of the signals.

A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of: receiving light from the object or material; coupling received light to one or more sensors; generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and determining the characteristic based on the at least one signal; wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of filter portions having a wavelength dependent optical transmission property.

A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of: receiving light from the object or material; coupling received light to one or more sensors; generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and determining the characteristic based on the at least one signal; wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of cut-off filter elements.

A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of: receiving light from the object or material; coupling received light to one or more sensors; generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and determining the characteristic based on the at least one signal; wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the filter comprises a color gradient filter.

A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of: receiving light from the object or material; coupling received light to one or more sensors; generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and determining the characteristic based on the at least one signal; wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the filter comprises a filter grid.

A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of: receiving light from the object or material; coupling received light to one or more sensors; generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and determining the characteristic based on the at least one signal; wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors, wherein the received light is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating.

A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of: receiving light from the object or material; coupling received light to one or more sensors; generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and determining the characteristic based on the at least one signal; wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of: receiving light from the object or material; coupling received light to one or more sensors; generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and determining the characteristic based on the at least one signal; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to the object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material.

A method of determining a characteristic of an object or material comprising the steps of: receiving light from the object or material; coupling received light to one or more sensors; generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more sensors; and determining the characteristic based on the at least one signal; wherein the light passes through a filter prior to being coupled to one or more of the sensors.

A method comprising the steps of: producing relative movement between a probe and an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers; coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

A method comprising the steps of: producing relative movement between a probe and an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers; coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein the determining step comprises generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the optical sensors; and determining the optical characteristics based on the at least one signal.

A method comprising the steps of: producing relative movement between a probe and an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers; coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a matrix of sensors.

A method comprising the steps of: producing relative movement between a probe and an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers; coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: producing relative movement between a probe and an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers; coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: producing relative movement between a probe and an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers; coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: producing relative movement between a probe and an object or material, wherein the probe provides light provided by one or more light sources to the object or material and receives light from the object or material by one or more light receivers; coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light from an object or material with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light from an object or material with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein the determining step comprises generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more optical sensors; and determining the optical characteristics based on the at least one signal.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light from an object or material with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a matrix of sensors.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light from an object or material with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light from an object or material with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to the object or material wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light from an object or material with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to the object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light from an object or material with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to the object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light from an object or material with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the object or material; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to the object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light; wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light; wherein the determining step comprises generating at least one signal having a frequency proportional to the light intensity received by the one or more optical sensors; and determining the optical characteristics based on the at least one signal.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light; wherein the plurality of optical sensors comprise a matrix of sensors.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light; wherein the light is received by a probe, wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to an object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein a plurality of measurements are taken at a plurality of distances of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to an object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to an object or material wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material, wherein one or more optical sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light that is to be spectrally analyzed with one or more light receivers, the one or more light receivers providing light at a plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs; coupling the light received by the one or more light receivers to a plurality of optical sensors through a color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of optical sensors receive light received by the one or more light receivers from the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs through the color gradient filter, wherein the plurality of spaced apart receiver outputs, a plurality of portions of the color gradient filter and the plurality of optical sensors are positionally arranged in a corresponding manner; and determining the optical characteristics including at least spectral characteristics of the received light; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to an object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter, wherein the optical sensor has a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter; wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating; wherein the optical sensor comprises a plurality of light to frequency converter sensing elements.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter, wherein the optical sensor has a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter; wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating; wherein the optical sensor integrates the received light.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter, wherein the optical sensor has a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter; wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to an object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter, wherein the optical sensor has a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter; wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to an object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter, wherein the optical sensor has a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter; wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating; wherein a probe having one or more light sources provides light to an object or material, wherein light from the one or more light sources is received by the one or more light receivers from the object or material; wherein one or more optical sensors determine a distance and an angle of the probe with respect to the object or material.

A method comprising the steps of: receiving light with one or more light receivers, wherein the one or more light receivers receive light to be spectrally analyzed; and coupling light received by the one or more light receivers to an optical sensor through a color filter, wherein the color filter has a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has a wavelength dependent light transmission property covering a predetermined band or bands of wavelengths, wherein the predetermined bands of the plurality of portions cover a predetermined band of wavelengths to be spectrally analyzed, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to the plurality of portions of the color filter, wherein the optical sensor has a plurality of sensing elements, wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is coupled to the sensing elements through the plurality of portions of the color filter; wherein light received by the one or more light receivers is spectrally analyzed without using a diffraction grating; wherein the plurality of sensing elements comprise a matrix of sensing elements.