Systems and methods for illuminating objects for vision systems
US4706168A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 1985 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B11/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An illumination system, particularly suitable for use with automatic vision systems employing an image sensing device or system, illuminates an object under analysis with the cone of light that may cover 360.degree. or only an arc segment about a part of the object under analysis. Light from a ring source is directed toward a curved parabolic surface on a light collector ring that substantially collimates the light and fans it out radially out toward a toroidal reflector surface on an encompassing ring, the relative position of which determines the angle of incidence of a cone of light formed to fall in the region of the object, so as to illuminate particular features with optimal efficiency. To change the angle of incidence while maintaining focus, a differential drive mechanism moves the parabolic collector ring and the toroidal angle generator ring in differential fashion concurrently.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.