Abstract:
The invention describes an optical multiplexer for increasing optical data collection efficiency across at least two fields of view. The optical multiplexer includes a first optical path for operatively receiving optical data from a first field of view and at least one beam deflection system for operatively receiving optical data from at least a second field of view. The optical multiplexer also includes an optical train for focusing the optical data passing through the optical train onto adjacent sections of a focal plane array. The invention provides improvements including expanded across-track swaths, higher spatial resolution, imaging of real-time references on every frame, coincident imaging along separate paths, stereo imaging and other increases in imaging functionality.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) measures a spectral distribution of a printed product (12) produced with a printing device. The apparatus (10) has an illuminating source (20) for illuminating the printed product (12), an optoelectronic measuring means (32) for measurer the reflectance value of a section of the spectrum of the light (26) reflected from the printed product (12), an optical disperser (28) for dispersing the wavelengths of the reflected light (26), and a light entry gap plane that is definitive for the disperser (28). The light entry gap plane that is definitive for the disperser (28) is created by the surface of the printed product (12) to be examined.
Abstract:
A filter unit (10) for filtering light comprising a first mask (3) with first cavities, a prism unit (7) and a second mask (8) with second cavities. The prism unit (7) is located between the two masks (3, 8), the first (3) and the second mask (8) having corresponding first and second cavities, which form cavity pairs. At least one second cavity in the second mask (8) is provided for each first cavity in the first mask (3). In addition, one prism is provided in the prism unit (7) for at least one pair of cavities. This produces an accurate, narrow-band filter unit. An assembly comprising the filter unit and a device for capturing images are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A spectrograph with a first concave spectrographic diffraction grating is positioned to receive light from an input light source. The first concave spectrographic diffraction grating is configured to provide a diffracted light output dispersing the components of the input light source in a first dispersion direction with a first angular orientation with respect to the plane of the grating. The dispersion forms the input light into an intermediate spectrum. The intermediate spectrum is formed in a focal surface by the once diffracted light. A slit is substantially positioned on the focal surface. A second concave diffraction grating is positioned to receive once diffracted light from the slit and configured to provide a twice diffracted light output, the second concave diffraction grating dispersing the components of the input light source in a second diffraction direction with a second angular orientation with respect to the plane of the grating. The second dispersion angular orientation is different from the first dispersion angular orientation. The second dispersion forms the input light into an output spectrum.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method and a device for obtaining a low-noise optical signal.According to the method, a luminous beam is injected through two apertures and after detection respectively a basic optical signal (21) and a corrective optical signal (22) are generated. Both optical signals obtained (21, 22) are subtracted, so that a resulting optical signal is generated, forming the low-noise optical signal. The apertures are preferably two slits of a spectroscope, the optical signals being expressible relative to the wavelength.
Abstract:
Color measuring systems and methods are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic and receive light reflected from the surface of the object 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 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.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a circular disk-shaped carrier system with a plurality of integrated diffraction structures for the spectral analysis of light of the wavelengths 340-800 nm, wherein each diffraction structure includes a layer of a transparent plastic material which has a microstructure suitable for the diffraction of a wavelength within the wavelength spectrum of the light, and the carrier system includes at least two diffraction structures for the diffraction of light of differing wavelength.
Abstract:
A spectroscopy method in which a sample is scanned without moving the sample. Light from the sample 16 is collected by a lens 14 and analyzed at a spectrum analyzer 28 before being focused onto a photodetector 32. Light from the focal point of the lens 14 is brought to a tight focus on the photodetector 32 whilst light from in front of or behind the focal point comes to a more diffuse focus. Light from the pixels on the photodetector 32 corresponding to the focal point of the lens 14 is processed, whilst light from pixels outside this region is ignored, thus forming a ‘virtual slit’. The sample 16 is scanned in a vertical direction by moving the ‘virtual slit’ up and down, by changing the designated rows of pixels from which data is analyzed. The sample is scanned in a horizontal direction by moving a vertical slit 24 in the light path in a horizontal direction.
Abstract:
A spectral measurement device comprising an entrance aperture for receiving an electromagnetic energy and a mask located at the entrance aperture in the form of a two-dimensional encodement pattern. An optical element conditions the electromagnetic energy received from the mask for presentation to the spectral dispersion element and the and a spectral dispersion element disperses the electromagnetic energy in one or more dimensions. Additionally, the optical element conditions the dispersed electromagnetic energy onto an array of detector elements.
Abstract:
An infrared spectrometer is described wherein a detector array is optically coupled to a slab waveguide structure. A focal plane is provided outside of the output face of the slab waveguide structure and the detector array is mounted onto the slab waveguide structure at a fixed distance from the output face on the output focal plane.