Light guide, illuminating device having the light guide, and image reading device and information processing apparatus having the illuminating device

• US 6,426,807 B1
• Filed: 08/29/2000
• Issued: 07/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Iso, Toshimitsu, Itabashi, Satoshi, Takeda, Shinichi, Kawai, Tatsundo, Hamamoto, Osamu
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Cheukfan
• Application Number:
  US09/650,751
• Time in Patent Office: 700 Days
• Field of Search: 358/475, 358/484, 358/474, 358/509, 358/505, 358/506, 358/487, 362/800, 250/208.1, 250/234-236, 250/216, 250/227.11
• US Class Current: 358/484
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2006/0098 for scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0001 specially adapted for lighting devices or systems lighting or signalling on vehicles using light guides B60Q1/00; lighting devices for vehicle dashboards B60Q3/10; lighting devices for vehicle interior using light guides B60Q3/62; lighting devices mounted on the vehicle rear part using light guides F21S43/235; measuring arrangements having light conducting pointers G01D13/265; illumination of liquid crystal displays G02F1/1336; illuminated signs G09F13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0031 Reflecting element, sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0038 Linear indentations or grooves, e.g. arc-shaped grooves or meandering grooves, extending over the full length or width of the light guide
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0043 provided on the surface of the light guide
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0046 Tapered light guide, e.g. wedge-shaped light guide
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0055 Reflecting element, sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0061 to provide homogeneous light output intensity
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/10 of the optical waveguide type G02B6/02, G02B6/24 take precedence; devices or arrangements for the control of light by electric, magnetic, electro-magnetic or acoustic means G02F1/00; transferring the modulation of modulated light G02F2/00; optical logic elements G02F3/00; optical analogue/digital converters G02F7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/42 Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/02815 Means for illuminating the original, not specific to a particular type of pick-up head
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0282 Using a single or a few point light sources, e.g. a laser diode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/02835 in combination with a light guide, e.g. optical fibre, glass plate light-guides per se G02B6/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/02885 Means for compensating spatially uneven illumination, e.g. an aperture arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0289 Light diffusing elements, e.g. plates or filters optical diffusing elements per se G02B5/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/03 with photodetectors arranged in a substantially linear array
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0313 Direct contact pick-up heads, i.e. heads having no array of elements to project the scanned image elements onto the photodectors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0316 illuminating the scanned image elements through the plane of the photodetector, e.g. back-light illumination
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0318 Integral pick-up heads, i.e. self-contained heads whose basic elements are a light-source, a lens array and a photodetector array which are supported by a single-piece frame
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/03112 Light source
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/03125 : Light guide upstream of the scanned picture elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/03129 : Transparent cover or transparent document support mounted on the head
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/03141 : Photodetector lens
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/03145 : Photodetector
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 : Light emitting diode

Abstract

There is disclosed an illumination device in which a light guide is adapted to emit the light from a face thereof and is provided with an area, on a face opposite to the light emitting face, for diffusing and/or reflecting the light introduced into the light guide from an end face thereof or is provided with uneven light emitting characteristics along the longitudinal direction of the light guide, and the center of the light source positioned at the end of the light guide is placed at a position aberrated from the normal line to the area, whereby attained are compactness, a low cost, a low electric power consumption, a high efficiency of utilization of the light emitted by the light source, and excellent and uniform illumination characteristics. There are also disclosed an image reading device and an information processing apparatus, equipped with the above-mentioned illumination device.

Claims

1. An illumination unit comprising:

an elongated light guide;

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide; and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on a side of said light guide opposite the light output surface of said light guide,

wherein the light output surface and the reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

2. An illumination unit according to claim 1, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

3. An illumination unit according to claim 1, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset relative to the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

4. An illumination unit according to claim 1, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

5. An illumination unit according to claim 4, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

6. An illumination unit according to claim 1, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

7. An illumination unit according to claim 1, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

8. An illumination unit according to claim 1, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

9. A image reading apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal; and

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of the elongated light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on a side of said light guide opposite said light output surface,

wherein the light output surface and the reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

10. An image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

11. An image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset relative to the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

12. An image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

13. An image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

14. An image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a light-reflecting paint.

15. An image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

16. An image reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

17. An image processing system comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an object and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on a side of said light guide opposite the light output surface of said light guide,

wherein the light output surface and the reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

a control circuit that controls operation of said line sensor and said illumination unit.

18. An image processing system according to claim 17, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

19. An image processing system according to claim 17, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

20. An image processing system according to claim 17, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

21. An image processing system according to claim 20, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

22. An image processing system according to claim 17, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

23. An image processing system according to claim 17, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

24. An image processing system according to claim 17, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

25. An image processing system according to claim 17, further comprising communication means for communicating with an external apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication means.

26. An image processing system according to claim 17, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

27. An image processing system according to claim 26, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

28. An image processing system according to claim 27, further comprising driving means for shifting a relative position between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

29. An image processing system according to claim 27, further comprising a driving unit that shifts a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

30. An image processing system according to claim 17, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication unit.

31. An information communication apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on a side of said light guide opposite the light output surface,

wherein the light output surface and the reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

communication means for communicating an image signal output by said line sensor to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

32. An information communication apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

33. An information communication apparatus according to claim 31, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

34. An information communication apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

35. An information communication apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

36. An information communication apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

37. An information communication apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

38. An information communication apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

39. An information communication apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

40. An information communication apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

41. An information communication apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising driving means for shifting a relative position between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

42. An information reading apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on a side of said light guide opposite the light output surface of said light guide,

wherein the light output surface and the reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

driving means for shifting a relative position between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

43. An information reading apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

44. An information reading apparatus according to claim 42, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

45. An information reading apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

46. An information reading apparatus according to claim 45, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

47. An information reading apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

48. An information reading apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

49. An information reading apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

50. An information reading apparatus according to claim 42, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

51. An information reading apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

52. An information reading apparatus according to claim 42, wherein said driving means includes a motor.

53. An information reading apparatus according to claim 42, further comprising communication means for communicating an image signal output by said line sensor to an external processing apparatus.

54. An information processing apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, that outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on a side of said light guide opposite the light output surface of said light guide,

wherein the light output surface and the reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a processor that processes an image signal output from said line sensor; and

a control circuit that controls said illumination unit, said line sensor and said processor.

55. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

56. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

57. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

58. An information processing apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

59. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

60. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

61. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

62. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, further comprising communication means for communicating with an external apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication means.

63. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said processor converts the image signal into different electrical signals.

64. An information processing apparatus according to claim 63, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

65. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, further comprising driving means for shifting a relative position between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

66. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication unit.

67. An information processing apparatus according to claim 54, further comprising a driving unit that shifts a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

68. An illumination unit comprising:

an elongated light guide;

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a light output surface, formed on a side of said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, that outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide; and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on an other side of said light guide different than the side of said light guide on which said light output surface is formed,

wherein the light output surface and the reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

69. An illumination unit according to claim 68, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

70. An illumination unit according to claim 68, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset relative to the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

71. An illumination unit according to claim 68, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

72. An illumination unit according to claim 71, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

73. An illumination unit according to claim 68, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

74. An illumination unit according to claim 68, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

75. An illumination unit according to claim 68, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

76. An image reading apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal; and

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said elongated light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into said end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on an other side of said light guide, different from the side of said light guide on which said light output surface is formed,

wherein said light output surface and said reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

77. An image reading apparatus according to claim 76, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

78. An image reading apparatus according to claim 76, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset relative to the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

79. An image reading apparatus according to claim 76, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

80. An image reading apparatus according to claim 79, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

81. An image reading apparatus according to claim 76, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

82. An image reading apparatus according to claim 76, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

83. An image reading apparatus according to claim 76, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

84. An image processing system comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an object and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on an other side of said light guide different than the side of said light guide on which said light output surface is formed,

wherein said light output surface and said reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

a control circuit that controls operation of said line sensor and said illumination unit.

85. An image processing system according to claim 84, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

86. An image processing system according to claim 84, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

87. An image processing system according to claim 84, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

88. An image processing system according to claim 87, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

89. An image processing system according to claim 84, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

90. An image processing system according to claim 84, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

91. An image processing system according to claim 84, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

92. An image processing system according to claim 84, further comprising communication means for communicating with an external apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication means.

93. An image processing system according to claim 84, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

94. An image processing system according to claim 93, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

95. An image processing system according to claim 94, further comprising driving means for shifting a relative position between the original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

96. An image processing system according to claim 94, further comprising a driving unit that shifts a position relationship between the original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

97. An image processing system according to claim 84, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication unit.

98. An information communication apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide;

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of the light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on an other side of said light guide different from the side of said light guide on which said light output surface is formed,

wherein the light output surface and said reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

communication means for communicating an image signal output by said line sensor to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

99. An information communication apparatus according to claim 98, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

100. An information communication apparatus according to claim 98, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light source when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light source.

101. An information communication apparatus according to claim 98, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

102. An information communication apparatus according to claim 101, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

103. An information communication apparatus according to claim 98, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

104. An information communication apparatus according to claim 98, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

105. An information communication apparatus according to claim 98, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

106. An information communication apparatus according to claim 98, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

107. An information communication apparatus according to claim 106, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

108. An information communication apparatus according to claim 98, further comprising driving means for shifting a relative position between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

109. An information communication apparatus according to claim 98, further comprising a driving unit that shifts a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

110. An information reading apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on an other side of said light guide different from the side of said light guide on which said light output surface is formed,

wherein the light output surface and said reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

driving means for shifting a relative position between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

111. An information reading apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

112. An information reading apparatus according to claim 110, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

113. An information reading apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

114. An information reading apparatus according to claim 113, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

115. An information reading apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

116. An information reading apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

117. An information reading apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

118. An information reading apparatus according to claim 110, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

119. An information reading apparatus according to claim 118, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

120. An information reading apparatus according to claim 110, wherein said driving means includes a motor.

121. An information reading apparatus according to claim 110, further comprising communication means for communicating an image signal output by said line sensor to an external processing apparatus.

122. An information processing apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, that outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on an other side of said light guide different from the side of said light guide on which said light output surface is formed,

wherein the light output surface and said reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a processor that processes an image signal output from said line sensor; and

a control circuit that controls said illumination unit, said line sensor and said processor.

123. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

124. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

125. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

126. An information processing apparatus according to claim 125, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

127. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

128. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

129. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

130. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, further comprising communication means for communicating with an external apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication means.

131. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, wherein said processor converts the image signal into different electrical signals.

132. An information processing apparatus according to claim 131, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

133. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, further comprising driving means for shifting a relative position between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

134. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication unit.

135. An information processing apparatus according to claim 122, further comprising a driving unit that shifts a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

136. An information communication apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on a side of said light guide opposite the light output surface,

wherein the light output surface and the reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

a communication unit that communicates an image signal output by said line sensor to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

137. An information communication apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

138. An information communication apparatus according to claim 136, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

139. An information communication apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

140. An information communication apparatus according to claim 139, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

141. An information communication apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

142. An information communication apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

143. An information communication apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

144. An information communication apparatus according to claim 136, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

145. An information communication apparatus according to claim 144, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

146. An information communication apparatus according to claim 136, further comprising a driving unit that shifts a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

147. An information reading apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on a side of said light guide opposite the light output surface of said light guide,

wherein the light output surface and the reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

a driving unit that shifts a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

148. An information reading apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

149. An information reading apparatus according to claim 147, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

150. An information reading apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

151. An information reading apparatus according to claim 150, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

152. An information reading apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

153. An information reading apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

154. An information reading apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

155. An information reading apparatus according to claim 147, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

156. An information reading apparatus according to claim 155, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

157. An information reading apparatus according to claim 147, wherein said driving unit includes a motor.

158. An information reading apparatus according to claim 147, further comprising a communication unit that communicates an image signal output by said line sensor to an external processing apparatus.

159. An information communication apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide;

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of the light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on an other side of said light guide different from the side of said light guide on which said light output surface is formed,

wherein the light output surface and said reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

a communication unit that communicates an image signal output by said line sensor to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

160. An information communication apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

161. An information communication apparatus according to claim 159, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light source when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light source.

162. An information communication apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

163. An information communication apparatus according to claim 162, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

164. An information communication apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

165. An information communication apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

166. An information communication apparatus according to claim 159, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

167. An information communication apparatus according to claim 159, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

168. An information communication apparatus according to claim 167, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

169. An information reading apparatus comprising:

a line sensor, having a main scanning direction, that receives image light of an original and outputs an image signal;

an illumination unit including;

an elongated light guide,

a light source that injects light into an end surface of said light guide, in a longitudinal direction of said light guide,

a light output surface, formed on said light guide along the longitudinal direction thereof, which outputs in a line shape light injected from said light source into the end surface of said light guide, and

an elongated reflector and/or diffuser formed along the longitudinal direction on an other side of said light guide different from the side of said light guide on which said light output surface is formed,

wherein the light output surface and said reflector and/or diffuser are formed in respective predetermined areas, a middle of each of which is offset from a middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

a driving unit that shifts a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination unit and said line sensor.

170. An information reading apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser has a length substantially equal to the length of said light guide in the longitudinal direction thereof.

171. An information reading apparatus according to claim 169, wherein a middle of said light source is arranged with no offset from the middle of the end surface of said light guide when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

172. An information reading apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said light output surface is a curved surface.

173. An information reading apparatus according to claim 172, wherein said curved surface is a convex surface.

174. An information reading apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes light-reflecting paint.

175. An information reading apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a coarse surface.

176. An information reading apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said reflector and/or diffuser includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

177. An information reading apparatus according to claim 169, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output from said line sensor into different electrical signals.

178. An information reading apparatus according to claim 177, wherein the different electrical signals are used for recording.

179. An information reading apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said driving unit includes a motor.

180. An information reading apparatus according to claim 169, further comprising a communication unit that communicates an image signal output by said line sensor to an external processing apparatus.