Light pipe illumination system and method
View Patent ↗Systems and methods provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject.
1. A method for illuminating a subject, the method comprising:
providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject;
providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and
using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject.
2. The method according to claim 1 further including providing an image sensor for imaging the subject.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the light pipe and the light source are each mounted on a handheld scanning appliance.
4. The method according to claim 1 further including providing a set of light sources that each project a beam at a predetermined point with respect to the subject to thereby assist aiming of an image sensor at the subject.
5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the light pipe is cylindrical, rectangular, or oval.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the light pipe defines a curved shape.
7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the light pipe defines a shape conforming to dimensions of the subject.
8. The method according to claim 1 further including providing an electronic controller for selectively controlling predetermined portions of the light source and providing selective illumination to portions of the light pipe.
9. A method for illuminating a subject that is imaged by an image sensor, the method comprising:
providing a first ring light source arranged around a perimeter of a predetermined shape, the first ring light source projecting light into 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 image sensor views the subject and the light pipe including a tip for projecting a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject; and
providing an electronic controller, the electronic controller selectively controlling predetermined portions of the first ring light source for projecting a variable light around the perimeter.
10. The method according to claim 9 wherein the predetermined shape defines a circle or a rectangle.
11. The method according to claim 9 wherein the predetermined shape defines a curved shape.
12. The method according to claim 9 wherein the predetermined shape defines a shape conforming to dimensions of a predetermined subject.
13. The method according to claim 9 wherein the first light pipe and the first ring light source are each mounted on a handheld scanning appliance.
14. The method according to claim 13 further including providing at least one light sources that projects a beam at a predetermined point with respect to the subject to thereby assist aiming of the image sensor at the subject.
15. A method for illuminating a subject that is imaged by an image sensor, the method comprising:
providing a ring light source arranged around a perimeter of a predetermined shape, the ring light source projecting light into a light pipe defining a hollow tube having a cross-section with the predetermined shape, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject and the light pipe including a tip to project a high-angle bright field illumination pattern with respect to the subject.
16. The method according to claim 15 wherein predetermined shape defines a circle or a rectangle.
17. The method according to claim 15 wherein the perimeter of the predetermined shape defines a shape that reduces a field of view of the image sensor.
18. The method according to claim 15 wherein the predetermined shape defines a shape conforming to dimensions of a predetermined subject.
19. The method according to claim 15 wherein the light pipe and the ring light source are each mounted on a handheld scanning appliance.
20. The method according to claim 15 further including providing set of light sources that each project a beam at a predetermined point with respect to the subject to thereby assist aiming of the image sensor at the subject.
21. A method for illuminating a subject that is imaged by an image sensor, the method comprising:
providing a first ring light source arranged around a perimeter of a predetermined shape, the first ring light source projecting light into 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 image sensor views the subject and the light pipe including a tip to project a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject; and
providing a bright field illuminator located external to the light pipe.
22. The method according to claim 21 wherein the bright field illuminator comprises a ring coaxial with the light pipe.