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Light pipe illumination system and method

  • US 7,823,783 B2
  • Filed: 10/24/2003
  • Issued: 11/02/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An illuminator for illuminating a subject that is imaged by an image sensor comprising:

  • a first ring light source arranged around a perimeter of a predetermined shape communicating with a first light pipe defining a hollow tube having a cross-section with the predetermined shape, the first light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the sensor views the subject and the light pipe including a tip adapted to project a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject; and

    an electronic controller that selectively controls predetermined portions of the first ring light source to project a variable light around the perimeter.

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  • 2 Assignments
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