Patent ID: 6554452
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: G01N,G01R,G03B

Abstract:
An illumination system for illuminating an object for machine-vision, the system having an optical axis, comprising:a ring light source emitting light from a plurality of points or from a line, the points or line being substantially in a plane that intersects the optical axis, each of the points or the line disposed at least a first distance from the optical axis and less than a second distance from the optical axis; and a first ring reflector, the ring reflector having an exit opening through which the optical axis passes, a majority of the emitted light from the ring light source being generally directed toward, and centered on lines that intersect, a reflecting surface of the ring reflector, the ring reflector by a single reflection directly reflecting the emitted light from the light source through the exit opening to the object inwards and generally towards the optical axis or an area around the optical axis.