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.
