Patent ID: 6118524
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: G01N,H05K

Abstract:
An illumination apparatus, for illuminating a plurality of reflective elements disposed on a generally planar surface of an article to be inspected and disposed within in a field of view of an illumination detection device, said illumination apparatus comprising:at least one arc shaped light source, for generating a plurality of light beams, said at least one arc shaped light source defining at least one open region, for allowing said article to pass into said field of view within an illumination area of said at least one arc shaped light source;means for directing said plurality of light beams generated by said at least one arc shaped light source toward said article in said field of view in a range of angles of illumination with respect to said generally planar surface of said article, wherein said light beams directed in said range of angles of illumination provide a substantially even illumination of said plurality of reflective elements on said article to be inspected across said field of view such that any of said plurality of light beams striking said generally planar surface of said article to be inspected are not reflected to said illumination detection device.