Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dark-field illumination for an optical testing device for scanning a plane surface of an object together with a method for optical scanning of a plane surface of an object in which the device according to the invention is used. The illumination device according to the invention has a reflector which has in cross-section the form of a segment of an ellipse, while the illumination device may be arranged with a first focal point of the ellipse on the surface of the object, and the light source located at a point which results from reflection of the second focal point of the ellipse on the surface of the object. By this means, dark-field illumination with a high level of illumination at the first focal point is obtained, even when the light source is located a good distance away from the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dark-field illumination for an optical testing device for scanning a plane surface of an object together with a method for optical scanning of a plane surface of an object in which the device according to the invention is used. The illumination device according to the invention has a reflector which has in cross-section the form of a segment of an ellipse, while the illumination device may be arranged with a first focal point of the ellipse on the surface of the object, and the light source located at a point which results from reflection of the second focal point of the ellipse on the surface of the object. By this means, dark-field illumination with a high level of illumination at the first focal point is obtained, even when the light source is located a good distance away from the object.

Abstract: A device, method and system is provided for illuminating an object. A light source such as an LED and in particular a polychromatic LED is positioned at a first focal line of an elliptical mirror that has two focal lines. The mirror is shaped as a portion of an inner generated surface of an elliptical cylinder. The object to be illuminated is positioned at the second focal line of the mirror. A plurality of such mirrors may be provided positioned with a common second focal line. A cascade of mirrors may be positioned with a common second focal line at a first focal line of a concentrating mirror. The LEDs may be mounted on one or both sides of a circuit board.

Abstract: Device and method are provided for scanning an original copy using a camera containing a line sensor. During the scanning process, an optical path length between the camera and each line being currently scanned is maintained substantially constant.

Abstract: A device, method and system is provided for illuminating an object. A light source such as an LED and in particular a polychromatic LED is positioned at a first focal line of an elliptical mirror that has two focal lines. The mirror is shaped as a portion of an inner generated surface of an elliptical cylinder. The object to be illuminated is positioned at the second focal line of the mirror. A plurality of such mirrors may be provided positioned with a common second focal line. A cascade of mirrors may be positioned with a common second focal line at a first focal line of a concentrating mirror. The LEDs may be mounted on one or both sides of a circuit board.