While watching the video I was wondering why there was so much complex electronics for the AZIZ – LED Microscope Illuminator Project. I was thinking that a simple dial to vary the intensity would be all you would need. If you are thinking the same thing have a look at the video starting around the 4 minute mark. By having modes that allow you to spin lighting patterns and vary the light between the diffused and bright white LEDs you can enhance chip markings tremendously.
The system controls 64 LED using a Texas Instruments TLC59116 constant-current PWM LED driver chip, and an Atmel ATTiny1634 8-bit microcontroller. Code and schematics are available if you would like to make your own.
Thanks for the tip Stephan.