Inspection apparatus and inspection method for inspection of the surface appearance of a flat item that represents a test specimen

An inspection apparatus for inspection of a surface appearance of a flat item representing a test specimen, the inspection apparatus comprising:

• (a) a spotlight light source;
• (b) a passive lighting body spotlighted by the spotlight light source and illuminating a test region;
• and
• (c) at least one optical sensor directed at the test region;
• wherein the spotlight light source is directed at the passive lighting body and the passive lighting body extends continuously over at least 120° in a section plane perpendicular to a surface of the flat item to be inspected.

An inspection apparatus for inspection of a surface appearance of a flat item representing a test specimen passing through the inspection apparatus in a machine direction, the inspection apparatus comprising:

• (a) at least one direct light source directed at a test region;
• (b) at least one optical sensor directed at the test region;
• and
• (c) a side mirror oriented parallel to the machine direction and perpendicular to a surface of the flat item to be inspected;
• wherein the at least one direct light source is directed at the test region by way of the side mirror.

An inspection method for inspection of a surface appearance of a flat item representing a test specimen, the inspection method comprising:

• (a) indirectly illuminating a test region by way of a passive lighting body spotlighted by a spotlight light source;
• and
• (b) detecting by way of at least one optical sensor light proceeding from the test region;
• wherein the optical sensor detects the test region through the lighting region;
• or
• wherein the test region is continuously illuminated over at least 120° in a section plane perpendicular to a surface of the flat item to be inspected.