Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to optically measure three-dimensional data of an object (7) to be viewed, comprising: a light source (8) for illuminating an object to be viewed, a means (11) for generating multiple parallel bundles of parallel light rays, each of said parallel bundles of parallel light rays containing image information of the object to be viewed and said parallel bundles of parallel light rays being separated from each other; a means (9) for collecting the light rays in said parallel bundles of parallel light rays and directing them on an imaging means; an imaging means (2) for generating images of the incident parallel bundles of parallel light rays, wherein each image corresponds to one specific parallel bundle of parallel light rays and wherein the generated images are separated from one another in a two-dimensional imaging area (12) describable by a set of two coordinate axes; an analyzing device (11) for extracting length, width and height information of the object to

Abstract: A pliable light-emitting sheet consisting of a pliable sheet member provided with a plurality of light emitting elements. The light-emitting elements may consist of a densely arranged matrix of light emitting diodes. The sheet member is able to be pliably and curvaceously formed in a predetermined disposition or shape, and functions as a substantially continuous sheetlike light source. The pliable light-emitting sheet so formed is utilized to provide shadowless lighting for an object having features similar to the predetermined disposition or shape. The light emitting diodes may also be adjusted to provide light in a pattern to provide directional lighting so as to intentionally create a shadow on a protuberance or feature on an object.