Abstract: A miniature inspection system for observing an object. The system comprises a camera defining an optical axis defined between the camera and the object when located at an inspection location. A ring light is located concentrically with respect to and along the optical axis at a location between an entrance aperture of the camera and the inspection location. A field lens is located along the optical axis at a location between the camera and the ring lights. A mirror or a penta-prism may be located along the optical axis, between the camera and the field lens, so that light reflected from the object along the optical axis is reflected by either the mirror or the penta-prism toward the entrance aperture of the camera. An illumination source, may be also provided to supply illumination along the optical axis of the system.

Abstract: A surface marking system for providing a surface with a reflective marking for inspection by a vision system. The surface marking system comprises at least one corner cube cavity formed in the surface to be marked, the at least one corner cube cavity comprises three substantially planar surfaces, each of the three substantially planar surfaces extending perpendicular to one another. The three substantially planar surfaces intersecting one another at a point common to all of the three substantially planar surfaces and a ridge is formed between each of the mating adjacent pairs of the three substantially planar surfaces. An impact tool with the desire geometry or etched art work is employed to form the corner cube cavities.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for providing a continuous, uniformed, diffused light environment for use in conjunction with an electronic machine vision or manual microscope inspection system, particularly for inspection of specular surfaces such as ball bearings, reflective packaging and other shiny surfaces. The illumination device includes a source of light which is associated with at least the secondary diffusers to provide secondary diffused illumination, of an object to be observed, substantially along the observation axis of the object. The same light source may also illuminate a rear surface of the primary diffuser. The height of the illumination device is approximately three and one half times the clear aperture dimension of the illumination device or less. The illumination devices is arranged to provide uniformed illumination of the object with light which is equal in intensity and character to facilitate accurate viewing of the entire area of the object to be viewed.

Abstract: A back light illumination system for providing substantially uniform illumination to a surface of an object to be observed so that the object may be accurately perceived by a machine vision system. The back light illumination system includes a light transmissive element having a central light transmissive portion and an opaque perimeter portion. A diffuser is located to cover the entire light transmissive portion and a rear surface of the diffuser is provided with a transmissive right angle film. A pair of opposed light sources are provided for illuminating a rear surface of the transmissive right angle film to supply light to the diffuser which uniformly diffuses the light and provides lighting of a substantially equal intensity and character to the light transmissive portion of the light transmissive element so that the back light illumination system thereafter emits substantially uniform illumination.

Abstract: An imaging system for viewing indicia on an object to be observed in which the indicia comprises a plurality of either hard and/or soft marks. The light supplied by a light source is collimated by at least one lens and supplied toward an object to be observed and the reflected light is then focussed at a focal plane. The focal plane is located adjacent or coincident with a light receiving entrance of a camera or other imaging device. When a soft mark is imaged, the light is supplied at an angle to but not along the optical axis and is focussed by the lens to from an accurate image of the light source at the focal plane. Any light which contacts the unaltered specular reflective surface of the object to be observed as well as the central area of the soft mark facilitates a true and accurate reflection of the light source at the focal plane while the altered, non-flat areas of the object to be observed at least partially scatter or disperse the supplied light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a conical or domed ring light having a plurality of light sources arranged at a desired angle with respect to an optical axis. Some of the dimensions of the illumination apparatus are first determined and, then using the appropriate formulas, the remaining dimensions of the circuit board are calculated. Thereafter, the calculated dimensions are employed to cut, from a planar flexible circuit board, the desired arcuate section(s). The light sources are then installed at desired locations on a first surface of the flexible circuit board and are each coupled to a common electrical connector, having one or a plurality of power sources, to facilitate supplying electrical power to each one of the light sources.

Abstract: An imaging system for viewing indicia on an object to be observed in which the indicia comprises a plurality of either hard and/or soft marks. The light supplied by a light source is focussed by at least one lens and supplied toward an object to be observed and the reflected light is then focussed at a focal plane. The focal plane is located adjacent or coincident with a light receiving entrance of a camera or other imaging device. When a soft mark is imaged, the light is supplied at an angle to but not along the optical axis and is focussed by the lens to from an accurate image of the light source at the focal plane. Any light which contacts the unaltered specular reflective surface of the object to be observed as well as the central area of the soft mark facilitates a true and accurate reflection of the light source at the focal plane while the altered, non-flat areas of the object to be observed at least partially scatter or disperse the supplied light.

Abstract: An illumination device for illuminating an object to be observed, by a machine vision camera or the like for example, with a continuous diffuse wide angle light which is supplied along the observation axis of the machine vision camera. The illumination device contains a light source to illuminate a curved beam splitter and a diffuser is located therebetween. The diffuser is mounted inclined with respect to the observation axis and the curved beam splitter minimizes the height of the illumination source and facilitates supplying a more uniform field of illumination to the object to be observed. The inclined diffuser only indirectly illuminates of the object to be observed.