INSPECTION SYSTEM

Abstract: An inspection system with a ring illumination apparatus (20) to illuminate one or more reflective elements (12), such as solder balls on an electronic component or other protruding surfaces or objects. The ring illumination apparatus (20) includes a substantially ring shaped light source (24) that provides even illumination across one or more reflective elements (12). An illumination detection device (30) detects light beams (32) reflecting off of the illuminated reflective elements (12) for forming a reflected image. There is a method using such an apparatus where it determines characteristics such as absence/presence, location, pitch, size, and shape of each reflective element.

Description: INSPECTION SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to inspection systems and methods surfaces and objects using a ring illumination apparatus . BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Digital data and signal processing techniques and technology have tremendously advanced the ability to use computers as data processing systems to accomplish sophisticated inspection procedures without human intervention. Almost every type of product can benefit from low cost, high precision, high speed inspection technology derived from these new digital data and signal processing techniques. For example, in computers and other electronic systems, the electrical connections between electronic components ("chips") are critical to the operation of the system. As a result of recent technological advances, electronic components are decreasing in size and increasing in complexity, requiring a larger number of electrical connections to be made in a smaller area. Inspection of the electronic components during a manufacturing process helps assure that electrical contacts are properly formed and prevents failed electrical connections between electronic components. Semiconductor chips, for example, must be physically and electronically connected to printed circuit boards using solder or flux between electrical contacts on the chip and the circuit board. One type of electrical contact includes metal areas or pads on the semiconductor chip that must be electrically connected to corresponding metal areas or pads on the printed circuit board. Typically, small deposits of solder and/or flux are placed on the pads, heated and re-flowed, establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between the corresponding pads. A common soldering technique is to use preformed balls of solder that are placed on the metal pads on the chip or substrate of an electronic component, commonly known as a ball grid array (BGA) . With the decrease in size of the electronic components and the increase in complexity, as many as 400 or more solder balls must be precisely positioned in a predefined pattern on the chip or substrate to electrically connect the chip to the printed circuit board. During the process of positioning and adhering the solder balls to the metal pads on the chip or substrate, a number of defects can occur that will detrimentally affect the electrical connection between the chip and the printed circuit board. If a solder ball does not sufficiently adhere to one of the pads, a critical electrical connection between the chip and the printed circuit board could be lost. The misplacement of a solder ball can also result in a failed connection and/or an electrical short circuit with another adjacent solder ball or metal pad. A solder ball that is malformed, too large or too small could also result in a defective electrical connection even if properly positioned at the precise location on the pad. Inspection of the solder balls is therefore critical to assure proper size and shape of the solder balls as well as precise placement and adherence of the solder balls to the appropriate pads on the printed circuit board prior to establishing connections between the electronic components. Inspection is also required for other electronic components requiring precise electrical connections. One prior art method of inspection is to have a human operator visually inspect each chip, printed circuit board or other electronic component to detect defects in the solder balls or other electrical contacts. Manual inspection, however, is time-consuming, inaccurate, and a strain on human inspectors, particularly in light of the decreased size of the electronic components and increased number of connections. Video systems have also been used to inspect solder balls or other contacts or features on electronic components. In such systems, a light, such as a ring light, illuminates the surface of the electronic component to be inspected. A camera detects the light reflected from the solder balls or contacts on the electronic component and the reflected image is displayed on a monitor. The ring lights used in prior art inspection systems have been unable to provide adequate illumination of solder balls on an electronic component. One problem occurs when the ring lights do not provide light beams of sufficient intensity at outer regions of the area being inspected and thus fail to illuminate some of the solder balls being inspected, resulting in inaccurate determinations of the absence/presence or position of the solder balls. Another problem exists when a solder ball is only partially illuminated, preventing an accurate measurement of the true diameter and circularity of the solder ball. Other inspection devices direct the light beams at a high angle with respect to the chip, causing the light beams to reflect off the metalized pads, the substrate surface, or other substantially flat reflective surfaces that are not being inspected. In the resulting illuminated image detected by the video camera, the solder balls are difficult to discern from the metal pads and other substantially flat reflective surfaces. This is a particular problem where the illuminated image is to be processed and analyzed by an image processor to detect the absence/presence of solder balls and the condition of solder balls (e.g. location, diameter, and circularity) . Other ring lights direct light parallel to the surface of the component being inspected and must be positioned against or around each electronic component to obtain sufficient illumination of the entire surface of the electronic component. If this type of ring light is not positioned against the surface of the component being inspected, the component will not be sufficiently illuminated, particularly at the edges of the component. This type of ring light must therefore be raised and lowered for each individual electronic component to adequately illuminate each electronic component and does not allow a large number of electronic components to be sequentially inspected quickly during a manufacturing process . A further problem is that many prior art vision inspection systems still require a human operator to examine the illuminated image of the electronic component and detect defects such as missing, misplaced or malformed solder balls . A visual inspection of the illuminated image still does not enable an accurate measurement of the size and shape of the solder balls. Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for inspecting solder balls or other reflective objects, surfaces or elements that adequately illuminates all of the reflective elements being inspected, allowing accurate measurements and inspection of the reflective elements without illuminating other generally planar surfaces that are not being inspected. There is also a need for a system and method that quickly and accurately detects absence/presence of the illuminated reflective elements, determines their position, and measures the size and shape, e.g. the diameter and circularity of any protruding object, if desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention features a ring illumination apparatus used in an inspection system for inspecting one or more reflective elements, such as solder balls or other protruding reflective surfaces or objects, on a surface of an article disposed within a field of view of an illumination detection device. The ring illumination apparatus comprises a substantially ring-shaped light source, for generating a plurality of light beams. The light beams are directed toward the article in the field of view in a range of angles of illumination that provides a substantially even illumination of the article to be inspected across the field of view such that any of the light beams striking the generally planar surfaces on the article are not reflected to the illumination detection device . One embodiment of the substantially ring-shaped light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) . In this embodiment, the light beams are directed in the range of angles of illumination by mounting the light emitting elements so that a center line of each of the plurality of light emitting elements is disposed at a pre-defined angle, preferably about 4°, with respect to the generally planar surface of the article. One type of light emitting element includes LEDs having a beam spread in the range of about 20° to 40° and emitting light beams having a far red spectral wavelength. This embodiment also preferably includes a light reflecting surface, such as a white surface, proximate to the plurality of light emitting elements. The light emitting elements are preferably mounted to a mounting member including an upper mounting portion and a side mounting portion. One or both of the upper mounting portion and the side mounting portion has the light reflecting surface. A light diffusing surface can also be disposed proximate to the light emitting elements . According to another embodiment, ring illumination apparatus includes a high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser, disposed proximate to the substantially ring shaped light source, for directing the light beams in the desired range of angles of illumination with respect to the surface of the article to be inspected by angularly scattering the light beams generated by the light source. According to this embodiment, the light source preferably includes a plurality of light emitting elements having a centerline substantially parallel to the generally planar surface of the article. The high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser preferably includes a diffusing film having a diffuse transmission of at least 85%. The present invention also features an inspection system comprising: an illumination detection device, such as a camera, having a field of view; an article support surface, disposed underneath the ring illumination apparatus, for supporting the article at a predetermined spacing from such that the one or more reflective elements on the article are in the field of view; and a ring illumination apparatus defining an aperture through which the field of view extends to the article to be inspected. The illumination detection device detects light beams reflected from each illuminated reflective element and forms a reflected image representing the illuminated reflective element. The inspection system further includes a display, for displaying the reflected image, and an image processor, for processing the reflected image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features and advantages of the present invention " will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an inspection system for inspecting one or more surfaces or objects according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a top view of a ring illumination apparatus used to illuminate reflective elements in the inspection system and method according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the ring illumination apparatus shown in FIG. 2 taken along line III-III; FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the ring illumination apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a reflected image detected by the inspection system according to one embodiment the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a single reflected image element to be processed according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for processing a reflected image according to the present invention; FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method for locating an edge of a reflected image element in a processed reflected image according to the present invention; and FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method for determining a number of reflected image elements in a reflected image according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An inspection system 10, FIG. 1 (shown in an exaggerated perspective view for purposes of clarity) , according to the present invention, is used to inspect one or more reflective elements, such as protruding reflective surfaces or objects 12, disposed on an article 14. In one example, the protruding reflective objects 12 are disposed on a generally planar surface 18 that has both reflective and non-reflective areas. The article 14 typically includes an array of protruding reflective objects 12 made of metal or other light reflective materials. In the exemplary embodiment, the inspection system 10 is used to inspect an array of solder balls disposed on metal pads on a chip or other substrate of an electronic component, such as BGA or micro BGA semi-conductor packages, chip scale packaging (CSP) , or flex circuits. The positioning, size and shape of solder balls are inspected to facilitate proper electrical connection between the chip and other electronic components, such as printed circuit boards. The present invention, however, contemplates inspecting any type or shape of reflective elements including, but not limited to, protrusions, deviations, and other contoured surfaces or objects on an article, arranged in any pattern on any type of article. The present inspection system 10 includes a field of view 16 that covers the protruding reflective objects 12 disposed on the article 14, and a ring illumination apparatus 20 defining an aperture 22 through which the field of view 16 extends. The ring illumination apparatus 20 includes a substantially ring-shaped light source 24 that generates light beams 26 and directs the light beams 26 into the field of view 16 on the article 14 such that the protruding reflective objects 12 are illuminated. The light beams 26 preferably provide a substantially even intensity of light across the field of view 16 on the article 14 and a substantially even illumination of all of the protruding reflective objects 12 in the field of view 16, as will be described in greater detail below. Although shown as a generally circular ring light, ring illumination apparatus 20 may also be in the shape of an oval or other similar shape. The inspection system 10 further includes an illumination detection device 30, such as a CCD camera, disposed above the ring illumination apparatus 20, for example, at about 14 inches above the ring illumination apparatus 20. The illumination detection device detects light beams 32 reflected from each protruding reflective object 12 and creates a reflected image. One example of an illumination detection device 30 is a CCD camera having a resolution of about 640 X 480 pixels; although the present invention contemplates other types of cameras and devices capable of detecting an illuminated image. The substantially ring-shaped light source 24 directs light beams 26 at angles of illumination with respect to the article 14 that cause non-detected light beams 34 to reflect from the flat or planar surfaces 18 on the article 14 outside of the field of view 16 or range of the illumination detection device 30. The preferred angles of illumination of the light beams 26 are in a range of less than or equal to about 10° and are provided by different embodiments of the substantially ring-shaped light source 24, as will be described in greater detail below. Accordingly, the detected light beams 32 reflecting from the reflective objects 12 create the reflected image and the non-detected light beams 34 reflecting from flat surfaces 18 are not included in the reflected image. The ring illumination apparatus 20 can be mounted to a mounting support 28, for example, with a mounting bracket 29. The mounting support 28 and ■ mounting bracket 29 support the". ring illumination apparatus 20 in the desired position, allowing the article 14 to be disposed or positioned with the reflective objects 12 in the field of view 16. An article support surface 27 disposed beneath the ring illumination apparatus 20 supports the article to be inspected 14 so that the reflective surfaces 12 are in the field of view 16. In one example, the article support surface 27 is moved to index articles 14 successively into the field of view 16 for inspection during a manufacturing process, as is well known in the art. Alternatively, the ring illumination apparatus 20 and illumination detection device 30 are indexed or moved over each article 14 being inspected. When the articles 14 and/or ring illumination apparatus 20 and illumination detection device 30 are moved with respect to one another during inspection, the light source 24 preferably uses a strobed power supply that eliminates the effects of motion. The inspection system 10 further includes an image processor 38 that processes the reflected image and determines inspection information including, but not limited to, the absence/presence, location, pitch, size, and shape of each protruding reflective surface 12, as will be described in greater detail below. The inspection system 10 optionally includes a monitor 36 that allows the reflected image to be viewed by an operator. The monitor 36 facilitates the visual inspection and alignment of the reflective objects 12 by the operator. The present invention also contemplates other output or peripheral devices including, but not limited to, a printer or storage device. The image processor 38 can transmit the inspection information to the monitor 36 (if provided) for viewing by the operator or to other peripherals or devices, such as by digital I/O, RS-232 serial communication or Ethernet networking. The preferred embodiment of the ring illumination apparatus 20, FIG. 2, includes a mounting member 40 that defines the aperture 22 and is disposed above the article to be inspected 14. The mounting member 40 preferably includes one or more fastener receiving regions 42, for bolting or otherwise fastening to mounting bracket 29. The mounting member 40 can also include a power cord receiving region 44 that receives a power cord connected to a power source (not shown), for powering the light source 24. Although the exemplary embodiment uses a strobed power supply that eliminates the effects of motion on the illumination of articles 14, the present invention contemplates any type of power source. The preferred embodiment of the substantially ring- shaped light source 24 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 50, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), mounted to the mounting member 40 in a substantially ring shape. One example of each light emitting element 50 includes an LED that emits light beams having a far red spectral wavelength (e.g. about 660 nanometers) and a beam spread α of approximately 26° to 28°, such as a TLRA 155BP LED made by Toshiba. CCD cameras respond well to far red LED' s which allow the effect of ambient light to be filtered out and substantially eliminated during the inspection process. In the exemplary embodiment, about sixty (60) of such LEDs 50 are mounted in a ring around the mounting member 40. The present invention contemplates any type and number of light emitting elements that provide the desired even illumination across the field of view. According to one embodiment of the substantially ring- shaped light source 24, FIG. 3, the light beams 26 are directed at the article 14 in the desired range of angles of illumination by mounting the light emitting elements 50 so that a central axis or center line 54 of each light emitting element 50 is disposed at an angle θ with respect to a plane 52 parallel to the generally planar surface 18 of the article 14. A preferred angle θ of about 4° provides light beams 26 with a low angle of illumination (e.g. less than or equal to about 10°) onto the planar surface 18 of the article, such that the planar surface 18 (either non- reflective or reflective) will either not reflect the light beams 26 or will reflect the light beams 26 as non-detected light beams 34 that extend outside field of view 16 and are therefore not detected by the illumination detection device 30. This embodiment preferably includes a light reflecting surface 64, such as white paint or a reflective coating, proximate to each light emitting element 50 and may also include a light diffusing surface 66 generally in front of the light emitting elements 50, for scattering light and directing light more evenly across the article 14. According to known light physics principles of reflectivity, when light hits a reflective surface, the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence, measured from the axis perpendicular to the tangent of the reflective surface. If the angle θ of the light emitting element 50 is too large, the light emitting elements 50 will provide light beams 26 with a high angle of illumination, causing the light beams 26 to reflect off the planar surfaces 18 towards the illumination detection device 30. Lowering the mounting angle θ of the light emitting elements 50 therefore lowers the angle of illumination of light beams 26 such that light beams 26 reflect from planar surfaces 18, such as reflective metalized pads and non- reflective flat surfaces, at a lower angle of reflection outside field of view 16 as non-detected light beams 34 that are not detected by detection device 30. The light beams 26 that hit the protruding reflective objects 12, on the other hand, will reflect through the aperture 22 to the illumination detection device 30 as detected light beams 32. The protruding reflective objects 12 are thereby illuminated for inspection while the planar surfaces 18 that are not being inspected are not illuminated. In this embodiment, the angle θ of the light emitting elements 50 is also preferably greater than zero to allow sufficient spacing S between the ring illumination apparatus 20 and the article 14 being inspected while ensuring an even illumination across the entire field of view 16 on the article 14. The spacing S of the ring illumination apparatus 20 from the surface 18 allows articles 14 to be passed beneath the ring illumination apparatus 20 into and out of the field of view 16, e.g., when inspecting during a manufacturing process. The preferred spacing S is as small as possible without interfering with the article 14 passing beneath the ring illumination apparatus 20 during the inspection process, and typically in the range of about 1/4 to 1/2 in. The light emitting elements 50 are also preferably positioned as close as physically possible to the bottom region 56 of the ring illumination apparatus 20. The central light beam area 25 of light beam 26 directed along the center line 54 of each light emitting element 50 typically has the highest power or intensity. An angle θ of approximately zero (0) degrees will result in the central light beam area 25 being directed substantially parallel to the article 14. When the parallel central light beam area 25 is spaced from the article 14, the edges 17 of the field of view 16 on the -article 14 will only receive lower power or intensity light beams, and protruding reflective objects 12 located proximate to the edges 17 of the field of view 16 may not be sufficiently illuminated. By directing the central light beam area 25 towards the opposite sides or edges 17 of the field of view 16 on the article 14, a substantially even intensity of light beams is provided across the entire field of view 16 to provide a substantially even illumination of every protruding reflective object 12 located in the field of view 16. The angle θ of light emitting elements 50 is therefore defined so that an imaginary line extending from the center line 54 generally intersects or overlaps the opposite edges or sides 17 of the field of view 16, but without directing light beams 26 at an angle of illumination high enough to cause detection of light beams reflected from the planar surfaces 18. The substantially ring-shaped light source 24 preferably forms a diameter d, e.g., measured from the front portion of the light emitting elements 50, of approximately 2.5 to 3 times a dimension or width of the field of view 16 on the article 14. This preferred diameter d allows the center light beam area 25 to be directed to the edges 17 with a low angle of illumination while maintaining sufficient spacing S between the ring illumination apparatus 20 and the article 14. In one example, a diameter of approximately 5.5 inches is used to evenly illuminate a field of view 16 on an article 14 of approximately 2 in. by 2 in. Accordingly, the diameter d of the ring-shaped light source 24 as well as the angle θ of the light emitting elements 50 allow the light beams 26 to provide even illumination across the field of view 16 on the article 14, while preventing illumination of unwanted planar surfaces 18 and allowing articles 14 to be passed beneath the ring illumination apparatus 20. The preferred embodiment of the ring illumination apparatus 20 further includes an upper mounting portion 60 forming the aperture 22 and a side mounting portion 62 extending from the upper mounting portion 60. In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 50 are mounted to the side mounting portion 62 which is shaped as a ring and is welded or otherwise secured to the upper mounting portion 60. Either the light emitting elements 50 or the side mounting portion 62 can be angled to provide the angle θ. The light diffusing surface 66 can be formed as a light diffusing member or ring mounted to the upper mounting portion 60. The present invention contemplates other types of surfaces that diffuse or scatter the light from the light source, such as a light diffusing surface directly disposed on each individual light emitting element 50. The light reflecting surface 64, such as white paint or other light reflecting colors, can be provided on the side mounting portion 62 and upper mounting portion 60. In one embodiment, the diameter of the aperture 22 is approximately 70 to 80 percent the diameter d of the substantially ring-shaped light source 24 such that a portion 65 of the upper mounting portion 60 extends beyond the light emitting elements 50 and has a light reflecting surface 64. In accordance with another embodiment of the ring illumination apparatus 20a, FIG. 4, the light beams 26 are directed at the article 14 in the desired range of angles of illumination with a high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser 66a that disperses and angularly scatters light beams as the.y are emitted from the light emitting elements 50a. The angularly scattered light beams 26a provide the substantially even intensity of light across the field of view 16 on the article 14 while preventing illumination of the flat reflective surfaces and allowing the spacing S from the ring illumination apparatus 20a. In this embodiment, the angle θ of the of the light emitting elements 50 can be eliminated and is preferably in a range of 0° to 8°. When the high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser 66a is used, a light reflecting surface 64 is not provided on the portion 65a of the upper mounting portion 60a that extends beyond the diffuser 66. This portion of the upper mounting portion 65a can have a black or other non- reflective surface or can be eliminated entirely. The high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser 66a has a diffuse transmission of about 85% or more and preferably in the range of about 88% to 90%. One type of high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser 66a is an acrylic Diffusing Film Alternative (DFA) manufactured by 3M™. The present invention also contemplates other suitable high transmissivity, high diffusion films that provide the desired diffuse transmission and the desired angular scattering of the light beams . A larger ring light apparatus can be used for larger fields of view. For tighter applications, a smaller ring light can be used with conical mirrors that fold the optical path to preserve the internal light path and direct the light beams at the article in the desired angle of illumination range. The method of using the inspection system 10 to inspect one or more reflective elements, such as reflective objects 12, disposed on the article 14 includes positioning the article "14 in the field of view 16. Either a series of articles 14 are sequentially passed or indexed through the field of view 16 beneath the ring illumination apparatus 20 or the ring illumination apparatus 20 is indexed over each article 14. A ring of light beams 26 is directed in a desired range of angles of illumination from the ring illumination apparatus 20 toward the reflective element (s) 12 in the field of view 16 containing, to provide a substantially even intensity of light beams across the field of view 16 without illuminating planar surfaces 18 on the article 14. The system and method of the present invention detects light beams reflected from the illuminated reflective elements, such as protruding reflective objects 12, to form a reflected image 70, FIG. 5, of the illuminated reflective elements. The reflected image includes reflected image elements 72 representing the illuminated reflective elements, such as reflective objects 12. The reflected image 70 is acquired by converting the analog output signal of the illumination detection device (camera) 30 into a plurality of digital signals, each representing a small picture element or pixel of the image. The digital signals forming the reflected image 70 can then be converted to analog signals for display on the monitor 36 and/or processed by the image processor 38 (see FIG. 1) . The reflected image 70 is processed to determine inspection information including, but not limited to, absence/presence, location, size, and shape of the reflective elements. In the exemplary system and method, which is not intended to limit the present invention, the inspection system 10 is used to inspect an array of solder balls disposed on solder pads on an electronic component, such as a semiconductor chip. In the reflected image 70, each solder ball appears as a reflected image element 72, FIG. 6, having a "doughnut" or ring shape. The inspection information pertaining to the array of solder balls includes, but is not limited to, absence/presence of each solder ball in the array, location of each solder ball, the pitch between solder balls, malformed solder balls, the diameter of each solder ball, and the circularity of each solder ball. The present invention also features a method 100, FIG. 7, of processing a reflected image 70 including a pattern of reflected image elements 72. The method of processing the reflected image includes locating the pattern of reflected image elements 72 in the reflected image 70, step 110; fitting an outline to each reflected image element 72 in the pattern of reflected image elements, step 120; and determining inspection information pertaining to the reflective elements represented by the reflected image 70, step 130. One way of locating the pattern of reflected image elements 72, step 110, is by identifying a group of reflected image elements 72, for example, by creating a window 75 (FIG. 5) around an outside row or group of reflected image elements 72. The outside edge 76 of each reflected image element 72 in the group is then located. One or more lines 74 are fit to the outside edges 76 of the reflected image elements 72 (see FIG. 5) to locate the pattern and determine the "expected" location of each reflected image element 72 in the pattern. Although the exemplary embodiment shows a rectangular grid of image elements 72, the present invention also contemplates locating a circular or other pattern of reflected image elements. In a circular pattern, the outside edges of the image elements formed in a circle are located and a circle fit algorithm is used to fit a circle to the outside edges and to locate the pattern. Another, way of locating the reflected image is by locating reference marks or fiducials 73 disposed in predetermined locations with respect to the reflected image elements 72 in the reflected image 70. A further way of locating the reflected image is by correlating a template or model of a known pattern with the reflected image. Once the pattern of the reflected image 70 is located, the outline 77 is fit to each reflected image element, step 120, for example, by creating a window 78 (FIG. 6) around each reflected image element 72 at each expected location and locating points 76a-76d on the edge 76 of the reflected image element 72. For a reflected image element 72 having a circular or ring shape, at least three of the points 76a- 76d are needed to fit the circular outline 77 and four points 76a-76d are needed to determine the circularity of the outline 77 and corresponding reflective element. The points 76a-76d are used to fit or define the circular outline 77. In the preferred embodiment, eight (8) or more points are located, and the locations of the points are fed to a circle fit algorithm which accurately determines the size and circularity of the reflective elements. The preferred method 200, FIG. 8, of locating the outside edge 76 or four points 76a-76d, for example, on an edge of each reflected image element 72 includes dividing the reflected image 70 into a plurality of pixels having a gray scale value corresponding to an intensity level of reflected light in the reflected image 70, step 210. In one example, each pixel is represented by eight (8) bits with a gray scale value of zero (0) being the darkest pixel and a gray scale value of 255 being the brightest pixel. A series of pixels is examined for each reflected image element 72 within the window 75. Vectors 79a-79d are used to find points 76a-76d. The vectors 79a " -79d are positioned to intersect the expected location of the image element 72. Along the path of each vector 79a-79d, an intensity gradient at each pixel is determined, step 220, by differentiating between the gray scale values of pixels on either side of each pixel. The point of maximum gradient (i.e. the steepest or greatest change from darkest to brightest pixels) is located and is assigned to correspond to the edge 76 of the reflected image element 72, step 230. The preferred method includes taking the highest intensity gradients for each reflected image element 72 and fitting an ellipse to the highest intensity gradients. The peak of the ellipse corresponds to the edge to be located with sub-pixel accuracy, thereby allowing a more accurate calculation of the dimensions and shape of the reflective surfaces represented by each reflected image element 72. Since the method above processes the reflected image elements 72 according to their expected locations as determined by fitting the lines 74 along the edges 76 (FIG. 5), an extra or additional reflected image element 72a corresponding to an added solder ball or other reflective surface may not be detected. The present image processing method further includes a method 300, FIG. 9, of determining the number of reflected image elements 72. Determining the number of reflected image elements 72 in the entire reflected image 70, not just at the expected locations, allows the absence/presence of solder balls or other reflective surfaces to be easily determined. The number of reflected image elements 72 is determined by dividing the reflected image 70 into a plurality of pixels having a gray scale value corresponding to the intensity of light in the reflected image 70, step 310. Groups of pixels having a gray scale value above a threshold value are then located, step 320, and the number of groups of pixels (corresponding to the number of reflected image elements 72) are counted, step 330. Determining the number of reflected image elements 72 allows a determination of missing, misplaced or extra reflective elements, such as solder balls or other reflective objects. The image processing method of the present invention also includes a calibration process that can be performed to allow the inspection information measurements to be expressed in conventional units and to correct for magnification, perspective errors, and other effects. The calibration procedure involves measuring a target of known dimensions, for example, an array of dots having known sizes and known locations on the target. The relationship between the coordinates of the target image as determined by the image processor and the known location of the dots on the target are calculated to determine the correlation between pixels and conventional units. The present method also contemplates height correction of the part being inspected relative to the calibration target to account for errors caused by optical magnification. The present method for processing the reflected image 70 used together with the ring illumination apparatus 20 described above provides a more accurate determination of the diameter and circularity of solder balls on an electronic component or other article. Directing the light beams in the desired range of angles of illumination, e.g. by angling the light source 24 at an angle θ, by using a high diffusion diffuser, or by using conical mirrors, illuminates a portion of the top surface of each solder ball so that the point of maximum gradient corresponds to a known percentage of the true diameter of the solder ball, e.g. about 70%. Directing the light beams in the desired range of angles of illumination, also prevents illumination of solder pads or other generally planar surface areas from interfering with the determination of the maximum gradient. When the ring illumination apparatus of the present invention is used together with the present method of processing the reflected image, the measurements made during the inspection have a high degree of accuracy and repeatability. The present invention, however, contemplates using the ring illumination apparatus with other methods for processing the reflected image as well as using this method of processing the reflected image with another type of illumination apparatus. Accordingly, the present invention provides an inspection system and method that accurately inspects and measures one or more surfaces or objects, such as solder balls, protrusions, intrusions, deviations, concavities, and other reflective elements on an article. The inspection system and method evenly illuminates all of the surfaces or objects to be inspected without concern for illuminating flat or unwanted surfaces on the article or electronic component. The inspection method also includes an image processing method that more accurately measures the size and shape of individual reflective elements or solder balls. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention which is not to be limited except by the claims which follow. What is claimed is:

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A ring illumination apparatus, for illuminating at least one reflective element 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source generating a plurality of light beams; means for directing said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-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 each said at least one reflective element 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. 2. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantially ring-shaped light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and wherein said means for directing said plurality of light beams in said range of angles of illumination includes said plurality of light emitting elements mounted at a predefined angle with respect to a plane parallel to said generally planar surface of said article such that a centerline of each of said plurality of light emitting elements is disposed at said predefined angle with respect to said generally planar surface of said article to be inspected. 3. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 further including a light reflecting surface proximate to said plurality of light emitting elements, for reflecting at least some of said light beams generated by said light emitting elements. 4. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 3 wherein said light reflecting surface includes a white surface proximate to said light emitting elements. 5. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 further including a mounting member, said plurality of light emitting elements being mounted to said mounting member in a substantially ring shape. 6. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 5 wherein said mounting member includes an upper mounting portion and a side mounting portion, said plurality of light emitting elements being mounted to at least one of said upper mounting portion and said side mounting portion, at least one of said upper portion and said side portion having a light reflecting surface. 7. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 wherein said plurality of light emitting elements are light emitting diodes (LEDs) . 8. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs generates a light beam which spreads in a range of about 20° to 40°. 9. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs emits light beams having a far red spectral wavelength. 10. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 wherein said predefined angle of said light emitting elements is about 4°. 11. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said predefined diameter of said substantially ring-shaped light source is in a range of about 2 1/2 to 3 times a dimension of said field of view at said article to be inspected. 12. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 further including a light diffusing surface proximate to said plurality of light emitting elements. 13. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for directing said plurality of light beams in said range of angles of illumination includes a high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser, disposed proximate to said substantially ring-shaped light source, for angularly scattering said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-shaped light source. 14. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 13 wherein said substantially ring-shaped light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and wherein a centerline of said light emitting elements is substantially parallel to said generally planar surface of said article to be inspected. 15. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 14 wherein said high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser includes a diffusing film having a diffuse transmission of at least 85%. 16. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one reflective element includes an array of solder balls disposed on an electronic component . 17. A ring illumination apparatus, for illuminating at least one reflective element 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source generating a plurality of light beams, said substantially ring-shaped light source including: a plurality of light emitting element, mounted at a predefined angle with respect to a plane parallel to said generally planar surface of said article, for directing said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-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 each said at least one reflective element 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. 18. A ring illumination apparatus, for illuminating at least one reflective element 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source generating a plurality of light beams; and a high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser, disposed proximate to said substantially ring-shaped light source, for angularly scattering said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-shaped light source, and for directing said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-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 each said at least one reflective element 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. 19. An inspection system for inspecting at least one reflective element disposed on a generally planar surface of an article to be inspected, said inspection system comprising : a ring illumination apparatus defining an aperture, said ring illumination apparatus including a substantially ring-shaped light source, for generating a plurality of light beams directed toward said article to be inspected, wherein said plurality of light beams provide a substantially even illumination of each said at least one reflective element on said article to be inspected; an article support surface, disposed beneath said ring illumination apparatus, for supporting said article at a predetermined spacing from said ring illumination apparatus such that said at least one reflective element on said article is in said field of view; and an illumination detection device disposed proximate to said aperture of said ring illumination apparatus and having a field of view, said illumination detection device detecting light beams reflected from each illuminated reflective element in said field of view, and forming a reflected image of each said at least one reflective element, such that light beams reflecting off said each illuminated reflective element toward said illumination detection device are detected by said illumination detection device and light beams striking said generally planar surface of said article to be inspected are not detected by said illumination detection device. 20. The inspection system of claim 19 wherein said article support surface sequentially moves a plurality of said articles beneath said ring illumination apparatus. 21. The inspection system of claim 19 further including a display, for displaying said reflected image of said at least one reflective element. 22. The inspection system of claim 19 further including an image processor, for processing said reflected image of said at least one reflective element. 23. The inspection system of claim 19 wherein said at least one reflective element includes an array of solder balls disposed on an electronic component. 24. The inspection system of claim 23 wherein said illumination detection device detects at least one of absence/presence of each solder ball, location of each solder ball, pitch between solder balls, malformed solder balls, diameter of each solder ball, and circularity of each solder ball . 25. The inspection system of claim 19 wherein said illumination detection device includes a video camera. 26. . ring illumination apparatus, for illuminating at least one reflective element 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source including a plurality of light emitting elements, for generating a plurality of light beams, wherein each of said plurality of light emitting elements are mounted at a predefined angle with respect to a plane parallel to said generally planar surface of said article, such that a centerline of each of said plurality of light emitting elements is disposed at said predefined angle with respect to said generally planar surface of said article to be inspected; a light reflecting surface disposed generally behind each of said plurality of light emitting elements, for reflecting at least some of said light beams generated by said light emitting elements; a light diffusing surface disposed generally in front of each of said plurality of light emitting elements, for diffusing at least some of said plurality of light beams as said plurality of light beams are directed toward said article within said field of view; and wherein said plurality of light beams are directed 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 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. 27. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said light reflecting surface includes a white surface proximate to said light emitting elements. 28. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 further including a mounting member, said plurality of light emitting elements being mounted to said mounting member in a substantially ring shape. 29. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 28 wherein said mounting member includes an upper mounting portion and a side mounting portion, said plurality of light emitting elements being mounted to at least one of said upper mounting portion and said side mounting portion, at least one of said upper portion and said side portion having a light reflecting surface. 30. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said plurality of light emitting elements are light emitting diodes (LEDs) . 31. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 30 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs generates a light beam which spreads in a range of about 20° to 40°. 32. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 30 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs emits light beams having a far red spectral wavelength. 33. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said predefined angle of said light emitting elements is about 4°. 34. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said predefined diameter of said substantially ring-shaped light source is in a range of about 2 1/2 to 3 times a dimension of said field of view at said article to be inspected. 35. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said at least one reflective element includes an array of solder balls disposed on an electronic component. 36. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said predefined diameter and said predefined angle are defined such that a central light beam area of each of said plurality of light beams is directed across said field of view toward an opposite edge of said field of view on said article to be inspected. 37. A ring illumination apparatus, for illuminating at least one reflective element 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source generating a plurality of light beams, said substantially ring-shaped light source including: a plurality of light emitting elements, mounted at a predefined angle with respect to a plane parallel to said generally planar surface of said article, for directing said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-shaped light source toward said article in said field of view, wherein said predefined diameter and said predefined angle are defined such that a central light beam area of each of said plurality of light beams is directed across said field of view toward an opposite edge of said field of view on said article to be inspected such that said plurality of light beams provide a substantially even illumination of each said at least one reflective element in said field of view on said article to be inspected without being reflected from said generally planar surface to said illumination detection device. 38. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 37 wherein said predefined angle is about 4°. 39. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 38 wherein said predefined diameter is about 2 1/2 to 3 times a dimension of said field of view on said article to be inspected. AMENDED CLAI [received by the International Bureau on 26 June 1998 (26.06.98); original claims 1, 16-19, 23, 26, 35 and 37 amended; new claims 40-52 added; remaining claims unchanged (13 pages)] 1. A ring 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source generating a plurality of light beams; means for directing said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-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 element 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. 2. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantially ring-shaped light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and wherein said means for directing said plurality of light beams in said range of angles of illumination includes said plurality of light emitting elements mounted at a predefined angle with respect to a plane parallel to said generally planar surface of said article such that a centerline of each of said plurality of light emitting elements is disposed at said predefined angle with respect to said generally planar surface of said article to be inspected. 3. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 further including a light reflecting surface proximate to said plurality of light emitting elements, for reflecting at least some of said light beams generated by said light emitting elements . 4. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 3 wherein said light reflecting surface includes a white surface proximate to said light emitting elements. 5. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 further including a mounting member, said plurality of light emitting elements being mounted to said mounting member in a substantially ring shape. 6. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 5 wherein said mounting member includes an upper mounting portion and a side mounting portion, said plurality of light emitting elements being mounted to at least one of said upper mounting portion and said side mounting portion, at least one of said upper portion and said side portion having a light reflecting surface. 7. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 wherein said plurality of light emitting elements are light emitting diodes (LEDs) . 8. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs generates a light beam which spreads in a range of about 20° to 40°. 9. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs emits light beams having a far red spectral wavelength. 10. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 wherein said predefined angle of said light emitting elements is about 4°. 11. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said predefined diameter of said substantially ring-shaped light source is in a range of about 2 1/2 to 3 times a dimension of " said field of view at said article to be inspected. 12. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 2 further including a light diffusing surface proximate to said plurality of light emitting elements. 13. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for directing said plurality of light beams in said range of angles of illumination includes a high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser, disposed proximate to said substantially ring-shaped light source, for angularly scattering said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-shaped light source. 14. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 13 wherein said substantially ring-shaped light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and wherein a centerline of said light emitting elements is substantially parallel to said generally planar surface of said article to be inspected. 15. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 14 wherein said high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser includes a diffusing film having a diffuse transmission of at least 85%. 16. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of reflective elements includes an array of solder balls disposed on an electronic component. 17. A ring 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source generating a plurality of light beams, said substantially ring-shaped light source including: a plurality of light emitting elements, mounted at a predefined angle with respect to a plane parallel to said generally planar surface of said article, for directing said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-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 . 18. A ring 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source generating a plurality of light beams; and a high transmissivity, high diffusion diffuser, disposed proximate to said substantially ring-shaped light source, for angularly scattering said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-shaped light source, and for directing said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-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. 19. An inspection system for inspecting a plurality of reflective elements disposed on a generally planar surface of an article to be inspected, said inspection system comprising: a ring illumination apparatus defining an aperture, said ring illumination apparatus including a substantially ring- shaped light source, for generating a plurality of light beams directed toward said article to be inspected, wherein said plurality of light beams provide a substantially even illumination of said plurality of reflective elements on said article to be inspected; an article support surface, disposed beneath said ring illumination apparatus, for supporting said article at a predetermined spacing from said ring illumination apparatus such that said plurality of reflective elements on said article are in said field of view; and an illumination detection device disposed proximate to said aperture of said ring illumination apparatus and having a field of view, said illumination detection device detecting light beams reflected from each illuminated reflective element in said field of view, and forming a reflected image of each of said plurality of reflective elements, such that light beams reflecting off said each illuminated reflective element toward said illumination detection device are detected by said illumination detection device and light beams striking said generally planar surface of said article to be inspected are not detected by said illumination detection device. 20. The inspection system of claim 19 wherein said article support surface sequentially moves a plurality of said articles beneath said ring illumination apparatus . 21. The inspection system of claim 19 further including a display, for displaying said reflected image of said at least one reflective element. 22. The inspection system of claim 19 further including an image processor, for processing said reflected image of said at least one reflective element. 23. The inspection system of claim 19 wherein said plurality of reflective elements includes an array of solder balls disposed on an electronic component. 24. The inspection system of claim 23 wherein said illumination detection device detects at least one of absence/presence of each solder ball, location of each solder ball, pitch between solder balls, malformed solder balls, diameter of each solder ball, and circularity of each solder ball. 25. The inspection system of claim 19 wherein said illumination detection device includes a video camera. 26. A ring 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source including a plurality of light emitting elements, for generating a plurality of light beams, wherein each of said plurality of light emitting elements are mounted at a predefined angle with respect to a plane parallel to said generally planar surface of said article, such that a centerline of each of said plurality of light emitting elements is disposed at said predefined angle with respect to said generally planar surface of said article to be inspected; a light reflecting surface disposed generally behind each of said plurality of light emitting elements, for reflecting at least some of said light beams generated by said light emitting elements; a light diffusing surface disposed generally in front of each of said plurality of light emitting elements, for diffusing at least some of said plurality of light beams as said plurality of light beams are directed toward said article within said field of view; and wherein said plurality of light beams are directed 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 such that said plurality of reflective elements on said article are illuminated simultaneously and 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. 27. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said light reflecting surface includes a white surface proximate to said light emitting elements. 28. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 further including a mounting member, said plurality of light emitting elements being mounted to said mounting member in a substantially ring shape. 29. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 28 wherein said mounting member includes an upper mounting portion and a side mounting portion, said plurality of light emitting elements being mounted to at least one of said upper mounting portion and said side mounting portion, at least one of said upper portion and said side portion having a light reflecting surface . 30. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said plurality of light emitting elements are light emitting diodes (LEDs) . 31. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 30 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs generates a light beam which spreads in a range of about 20° to 40°. 32. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 30 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs emits light beams having a far red spectral wavelength. 33. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said predefined angle of said light emitting elements is about 4°. 34. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said predefined diameter of said substantially ring-shaped light source is in a range of about 2 1/2 to 3 times a dimension of said field of view at said article to be inspected. 35. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said plurality of reflective elements include an array of solder balls disposed on an electronic component. 36. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 26 wherein said predefined diameter and said predefined angle are defined such that a central light beam area of each of said plurality of light beams is directed across said field of view toward an opposite edge of said field of view on said article to be inspected. 37. A ring 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 ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring-shaped light source having a predefined diameter, said substantially ring-shaped light source generating a plurality of light beams, said substantially ring-shaped light source including: a plurality of light emitting elements, mounted at a predefined angle with respect to a plane parallel to said generally planar surface of said article, for directing said plurality of light beams generated by said substantially ring-shaped light source toward said article in said field of view, wherein said predefined diameter and said predefined angle are defined such that a central light beam area of each of said plurality of light beams is directed across said field of view toward an opposite edge of said field of view on said article to be inspected such that said plurality of light beams provide a substantially even illumination of each of said plurality of reflective elements in said field of view on said article to be inspected without being reflected from said generally planar surface to said illumination detection device. 38. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 37 wherein said predefined angle is about 4°. 39. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 38 wherein said predefined diameter is about 2 1/2 to 3 times a dimension of said field of view on said article to be inspected. 40. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 37 further including a light reflecting surface disposed generally behind each of said plurality of light emitting elements, for reflecting at least some of said light beams generated by said light emitting elements . 41. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 40 further including a light diffusing surface disposed generally in front of each of said plurality of light emitting elements, for diffusing at least some of said plurality of light beams as said plurality of light beams are directed towards said article within said field of view. 42. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 41 wherein said light reflecting surface includes a white surface proximate said light emitting elements. 43. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 37 wherein said plurality of light emitting elements are light emitting diodes (LEDs) . 44. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 43 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs generates a light beam which spreads in a range of about 20° to 40°. 45. The ring illumination apparatus of claim 44 wherein each of said plurality of LEDs emits light beams having a far red spectral wavelength. 46. A ring illumination apparatus, for illuminating at least one reflective element disposed on a generally planar surface of an article to be inspected and disposed within a field of view of an illumination detection device, said ring illumination apparatus comprising: a substantially ring shaped light source including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), for generating a plurality of light beams each having a beam spread in a range of about 20° to 40° and having a far red spectral wavelength, wherein each of said plurality of LEDs are mounted at a predefined angle of about 4° with respect to a plane parallel to said generally planar surface of said article and forming a ring having a predefined diameter of about 2.5 to 3 times a dimension of said field of view on said article to be inspected; a light reflecting surface disposed generally behind each of said plurality of LEDs, for reflecting at least some of said light beams generated by said LEDs; and a light diffusing surface disposed generally in front of each of said plurality of LEDs, for diffusing at least some of said plurality of light beams as said plurality of light beams are directed towards said article within said field of view. 47. A method of illuminating an article having a plurality of reflective elements disposed on a generally planar surface, said method comprising the steps of: placing said article with said plurality of reflective elements within a field of view of an illumination detection device and beneath a ring illumination apparatus; and directing a plurality of light beams at said article using said ring illumination apparatus such that a central light beam area of each of said plurality of light beams is directed across said field of view toward an opposite edge of said field of view on said article to be inspected, wherein said plurality of light beams are directed toward said article being inspected at an angle of illumination with respect to said article being inspected such that said light is reflected from each of said plurality of reflective elements toward said illumination detection device and said light is reflected from said generally planar surface away from said illumination detection device. 48. The method of claim 47 wherein said article includes a substrate having said generally planar surface and a plurality of rounded reflective elements disposed thereon. 49. The method of claim 47 wherein said angle of illumination is about 4°. 50. The method of claim 49 wherein a diameter of said ring illumination apparatus is about 2.5 to 3 times a dimension of said field of view on said article to be inspected. 51. The method of claim 36 wherein each of said plurality of light beams have a beam spread of 20° to 40°. 52. The method of claim 36 wherein each of said plurality of light beams have a far red spectral wavelength.

Inventors: CHOUINARD JON, KING STEVEN JOSEPH, LUDLOW JONATHAN EDMUND, SCHURR GEORGE, CHOUINARD, JON, KING, STEVEN, JOSEPH, LUDLOW, JONATHAN, EDMUND, SCHURR, GEORGE
Applicants: ACUITY IMAGING INC, ACUITY IMAGING, INC.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G01N21
IPC codes: G01B11, G01N21, H05K13