Abstract: An illumination system includes an illumination source such as an array of LED's over which is provided a diffuser. The illumination source provides light which, because of light refraction, radiates generally uniformly from edge to edge of the diffuser. The diffuser may be a planar flat piece of may include a hollow, cup like structure formed by a frame with a cover. The illumination system may be scaled up to provide multiple such illumination devices side by side to provide a greater area or strength of illumination. Multiple systems may utilize multiple diffusers or a single diffuser covering multiple illumination sources. The illumination source may be mounted to a backplate or heatsink which is larger than the illumination source to facilitate the addition of further electronic circuitry and or mounting capabilities.

Abstract: An illumination and/or imaging system including a dome, a crown, and multiple light sources for illuminating an object. The multiple light sources can include dome lights, diffuse on-axis sources, diffuse off-axis sources, medium-angle direct light sources and low-angle direct light source. The medium- and low-angle sources can illuminate the object from one direction or from multiple directions simultaneously.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, which can comprise controlling illumination of a set of illumination sources. The set of illumination sources can comprise a first subset of illumination sources and a second subset of illumination sources. Light from the set of illumination sources can be adapted to pass through a diffuser comprising a first zone and a second zone. The first zone can be physically and/or optically segregated from the second zone.

Abstract: An illumination system includes an illumination source such as an array of LED's over which is provided a diffuser. The illumination source provides light which, because of light refraction, radiates generally uniformly from edge to edge of the diffuser. The diffuser may be a planar flat piece of may include a hollow, cup like structure formed by a frame with a cover. The illumination system may be scaled up to provide multiple such illumination devices side by side to provide a greater area or strength of illumination. Multiple systems may utilize multiple diffusers or a single diffuser covering multiple illumination sources. The illumination source may be mounted to a backplate or heatsink which is larger than the illumination source to facilitate the addition of further electronic circuitry and or mounting capabilities.

Abstract: A plurality of LED's, or electro luminescent strips, are disposed to project illumination to and thru, or towards, a diffuser; resulting in at least a portion of generated diffuse illumination being directed towards and upon the cylindrical surface of an article or part when disposed at an article illumination location. The article illumination location is established so that a centerline through the article is co-linear with a center line of the diffuse illumination projecting from, or reflected from, the diffusers. A housing may be provided for the LED's, electro luminescent strips and diffusers; or they may be otherwise arranged to coact to provide diffuse illumination directed towards the cylindrical surface of the part or other article.

Abstract: An illumination system includes an illumination source such as an array of LED's over which is provided a diffuser. The illumination source provides light which, because of light refraction, radiates generally uniformly from edge to edge of the diffuser. The diffuser may be a planar flat piece of may include a hollow, cup like structure formed by a frame with a cover. The illumination system may be scaled up to provide multiple such illumination devices side by side to provide a greater area or strength of illumination. Multiple systems may utilize multiple diffusers or a single diffuser covering multiple illumination sources. The illumination source may be mounted to a backplate or heatsink which is larger than the illumination source to facilitate the addition of further electronic circuitry and or mounting capabilities.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a dome. The dome can have a truncated four-sided pyramid shape. The system can comprise a crown adapted to be operatively coupled to an apex portion of the dome. The system can comprise a plurality of light sources adapted to illuminate an object.

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.