Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and associated method for projecting a light pattern onto a target object, wherein the light pattern has a generally uniform brightness with well defined boarders. The apparatus includes a fiber optic conduit that emits a beam of light along an optical path. Light emitted from a fiber optic conduit typically contains a central region of a predetermined brightness and a peripheral region, created by light interference patterns, where the light is less bright. A first adjustable optical diaphragm is disposed along the optical path proximate the fiber optic conduit. By selectively varying to aperture of the first optical diaphragm, the diameter of the beam of light propagated along the optical path can be controlled. A second adjustable optical diaphragm is disposed along the optical path a predetermined distance away from the first optical diaphragm. By selectively varying the aperture of the second optical diaphragm, the second optical diaphragm can be adjusted to selectively obstruct the peripheral region of the beam of light. Accordingly, only the central region of the beam of light propagates along the optical path unobstructed, resulting in a uniform and well defined beam of light.

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First Claim