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

• US 6,512,600 B1
• Filed: 10/10/1997
• Issued: 01/28/2003
• 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: Takeda, Shinichi, Hamamoto, Osamu, Itabashi, Satoshi, Kawai, Tatsundo
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Cheukfan
• Application Number:
  US08/948,661
• Time in Patent Office: 1,936 Days
• Field of Search: 358/475, 358/471, 358/474, 358/484, 358/487, 358/509, 358/505, 358/506, 250/208.1, 362/31, 362/32, 362/800, 257/88, 347/3, 385/901, 385/116, 385/119, 385/128-130, 385/132, 385/31, 385/32, 385/97, 399/221
• US Class Current: 358/475
• 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 6/0013 Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide coupling light into light guides in general G02B6/42
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0031 Reflecting element, sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0036 2-D arrangement of prisms, protrusions, indentations or roughened surfaces
• 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 1/0284 in combination with a light integrating, concentrating or diffusing cavity
• 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

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. A longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source, along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light, comprising a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, wherein at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

2. A light guide according to claim 1, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

3. A light guide according to claim 1, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

4. A light guide according to claim 1, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

5. A light guide according to claim 1, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

6. A light guide according to claim 1, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

7. A light guide according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the light source has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of the light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

8. A light guide according to claim 1, further comprising a light gathering unit that is configured to gather the light to be radiated.

9. An illuminating apparatus comprising:

a light source that illuminates an object; and

a longitudinal light guide that guides light from said light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, and wherein at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

12. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

13. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

14. An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

15. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the light source has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of the light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

16. An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a light gathering unit that is configured to gather the light to be radiated.

120. A system according to claim 15, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

17. A reading device comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light; and

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and outputs an image signal,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, and wherein at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

18. A device according to claim 17, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

19. A device according to claim 17, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

20. A device according to claim 17, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

21. A device according to claim 17, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

22. A device according to claim 17, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

23. A device according to claim 17, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the light source has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of the light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

24. A device according to claim 17, further comprising a light gathering unit that is configured to gather the light to be radiated.

25. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

photoelectric conversion means for reading an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and for outputting an image signal; and

control means for controlling said illuminating apparatus and said photoelectric conversion means,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, and at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

26. A system according to claim 25, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

27. A system according to claim 25, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

28. A system according to claim 25, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

29. A system according to claim 25, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

30. A system according to claim 25, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

31. A system according to claim 25, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the light source has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of the light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

32. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

photoelectric conversion means for reading an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and for outputting an image signal; and

processing means for performing a predetermined processing on said image signal,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, and at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

33. A system according to claim 32, further comprising control means for controlling said illuminating apparatus, said photoelectric conversion means and said processing means.

34. A system according to claim 33, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

35. A system according to claim 33, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

36. A system according to claim 33, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

37. A system according to claim 33, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

38. A system according to claim 33, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

39. A system according to claim 32, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

40. A system according to claim 32, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

41. A system according to claim 32, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

42. A system according to claim 32, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

43. A system according to claim 32, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

44. A system according to claim 32, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the light source has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of the light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

45. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

photoelectric conversion means for reading an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and for outputting an image signal,

moving means for relatively moving the image and said photoelectric conversion means; and

control means for controlling said illuminating apparatus, said photoelectric conversion means and said moving means,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, and at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

46. An apparatus according to claim 45, further comprising transmission means for transmitting the image signal to an external recording medium.

47. A system according to claim 46, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

48. A system according to claim 46, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

49. A system according to claim 46, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

50. A system according to claim 46, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

51. A system according to claim 46, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

52. A system according to claim 45, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

53. A system according to claim 45, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

54. A system according to claim 45, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

55. A system according to claim 45, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

56. A system according to claim 45, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

57. A system according to claim 45, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the light source has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of the light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

58. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

photoelectric conversion means for reading an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and for outputting an image signal;

transmission means for transmitting the image signal to an external recording medium; and

control means connected to said transmission means, for controlling said illuminating apparatus and said photoelectric conversion means,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, and at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

59. A system according to claim 58, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

60. A system according to claim 58, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

61. A system according to claim 58, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

62. A system according to claim 58, wherein said reflection member arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

63. A system according to claim 58, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

64. A system according to claim 58, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the light source has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of the light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

65. A longitudinal guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light, comprising a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

66. A light guide according to claim 65, wherein said reflection member has an uneven reflection diffusion characteristic along the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

67. A light guide according to claim 66, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

68. A light guide according to claim 66, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

69. A light guide according to claim 66, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

70. A light guide according to claim 66, wherein said reflection member guide is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

71. A light guide according to claim 65, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

72. A light guide according to claim 65, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

73. A light guide according to claim 65, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

74. A light guide according to claim 65, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

75. A light guide according to claim 65, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

76. A longitudinal light guide according to claim 65, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the plurality of light sources has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of at least one of the plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

77. A light guide according to claim 65, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

78. An illuminating apparatus comprising:

a plurality of light sources for illuminating an object;

a longitudinal light guide that guides light from said plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light; and

a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources,

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide.

79. An apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

80. An apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

81. An apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

82. An apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

83. An apparatus according to claim 78, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

84. An apparatus according to claim 78, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the plurality of light sources has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of one of the plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

85. An apparatus according to claim 78, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

86. A reading apparatus comprising:

an illuminating device including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light; and

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating device and outputs an image signal;

wherein said light guide includes a reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, and

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide.

87. An apparatus according to claim 86, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

88. An apparatus according to claim 86, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

89. An apparatus according to claim 86, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

90. An apparatus according to claim 86, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

91. An apparatus according to claim 86, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

92. An apparatus according to claim 86, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the plurality of light sources has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of at least one of the plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

93. An apparatus according to claim 86, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

94. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

photoelectric conversion means for reading an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and for outputting an image signal; and

control means for controlling said illuminating apparatus and said photoelectric conversion means,

wherein said light guide includes a reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, and

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

95. A system according to claim 94, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

96. A system according to claim 94, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

97. A system according to claim 94, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

98. A system according to claim 94, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

99. A system according to claim 94, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

100. A system according to claim 94, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the plurality of light sources has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of at least one of the plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

101. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

photoelectric conversion means for reading an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and for outputting an image signal; and

processing means for performing a predetermined processing on said image signal,

wherein said light guide includes a reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, and

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

102. A system according to claim 101, further comprising control means for controlling said illuminating apparatus, said photoelectric conversion means and said processing means.

103. A system according to claim 102, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

104. A system according to claim 102, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

105. A system according to claim 102, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

106. A system according to claim 102, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

107. A system according to claim 102, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

108. A system according to claim 101, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

109. A system according to claim 101, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

110. A system according to claim 101, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

111. A system according to claim 101, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

112. A system according to claim 101, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

113. A system according to claim 101, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the plurality of light sources has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of at least one of the plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

114. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

photoelectric conversion means for reading an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and for outputting an image signal;

moving means for relatively moving the image and said photoelectric conversion means; and

control means for controlling said illuminating apparatus, said photoelectric conversion means and said moving means,

wherein said light guide includes a reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, and

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

115. A system according to claim 114, further comprising transmission means for transmitting the image signal to an external recording medium.

116. A system according to claim 115, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

117. A system according to claim 115, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

118. A system according to claim 115, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

119. A system according to claim 115, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

121. A system according to claim 114, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

122. A system according to claim 114, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

123. A system according to claim 114, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

124. A system according to claim 114, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

125. A system according to claim 114, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

126. A system according to claim 114, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the plurality of light sources has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of at least one of the plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

127. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

photoelectric conversion means for reading an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and for outputting an image signal;

transmission means for transmitting the image signal to an external recording medium; and

control means connected to said transmission means, for controlling said illuminating apparatus and said photoelectric conversion means,

wherein said light guide includes a reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, and

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

128. A system according to claim 127, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

129. A system according to claim 127, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

130. A system according to claim 127, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

131. A system according to claim 127, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

132. A system according to claim 127, further comprising light gathering means for gathering the light to be radiated.

133. A system according to claim 127, wherein at least a part of said reflection member near the plurality of light sources has a normal line, passing through a center of a width of said reflection member, that is shifted from a center of at least one of the plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

134. A longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a light source and emits the light along a longitudinal side of said light guide, said light guide having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects light introduced from the light source, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near the light source, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of the light source, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide.

135. A light guide according to claim 134, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

136. A light guide according to claim 134, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

137. A light guide according to claim 134, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

139. A light guide according to claim 134, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

140. A light guide according to claim 134, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

138. A longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said plurality of light sources, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide.

141. A light guide according to claim 138, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

142. An image reading device comprising:

(a) an illuminating device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a light source and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said light source, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of said light source, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illuminating device and output an image signal.

143. A device according to claim 142, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

144. A device according to claim 142, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

145. A device according to claim 142, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

146. An information processing apparatus comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a light source and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source;

wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said light source, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of said light source, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

(b) a photoelectric conversion device that reads an image illuminated by said illumination device and outputs an image signal; and

(c) control circuits that control said illumination device and said photoelectric conversion device.

147. An apparatus according to claim 146, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

148. An apparatus according to claim 146, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

149. An apparatus according to claim 146, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

150. An apparatus according to claim 146, wherein said light source includes a light-emitting diode.

151. An apparatus according to claim 146, further comprising communication means controlled by said control circuits.

152. An apparatus according to claim 146, further comprising a processor for converting the image signal output by said photoelectric conversion device into a different electrical signal.

153. An apparatus according to claim 152, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

154. An apparatus according to claim 146, further comprising drive means for shifting a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric conversion device.

155. An apparatus according to claim 146, further comprising a communication unit, and wherein said control circuits controls said communication unit.

156. An apparatus according to claim 146, further comprising a drive unit that shifts a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric conversion device.

157. An information transmitting apparatus comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a light source and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said light source, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of said light source, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

(c) transmission means for transmitting the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

158. An apparatus according to claim 157, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

159. An apparatus according to claim 157, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

160. An apparatus according to claim 157, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

161. An apparatus according to claim 157, wherein said light source includes a light-emitting diode.

162. An apparatus according to claim 157, further comprising a processor for converting the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

163. An apparatus according to claim 162, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

164. An apparatus according to claim 157, further comprising drive means for shifting a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

165. An information reading apparatus comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide for guiding light introduced from a light source and for emitting the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member arranged along said light guide for reflecting the light from said light source, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said light source, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of said light source, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for reading an image illuminated by said illumination device and for forming an image signal; and

(c) drive means for shifting a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

166. An apparatus according to claim 165, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

167. An apparatus according to claim 165, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

168. An apparatus according to claim 165, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

169. An apparatus according to claim 165, wherein said light source includes a light-emitting diode.

170. An apparatus according to claim 165, further comprising a processor for converting the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

171. An apparatus according to claim 170, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

172. An apparatus according to claim 165, wherein said drive means includes a motor.

173. An apparatus according to claim 172, wherein said motor moves an image bearing sheet.

174. An apparatus according to claim 165, further comprising transmitting means for transmitting the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

175. An image reading device comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide for guiding light introduced from a plurality of light sources and for emitting the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member arranged along said light guide for reflecting the light from said plurality of light sources, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said plurality of light sources, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for reading an image illuminated by said illumination device and for outputting an image signal.

176. A device according to claim 175, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

177. A device according to claim 175, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

178. A device according to claim 175, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

179. An information processing apparatus comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said plurality of light sources, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and output an image signal;

(c) a processor that processes the image signal output by said photoelectric converting device; and

(d) control circuits that control said illumination device, said photoelectric conversion device and said processor.

180. An apparatus according to claim 179, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

181. An apparatus according to claim 179, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

182. An apparatus according to claim 179, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

183. An apparatus according to claim 179, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

184. An apparatus according to claim 179, further comprising communication means controlled by said control circuits.

185. An apparatus according to claim 179, wherein said processor converts the image signal into a different electrical signal.

186. An apparatus according to claim 185, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

187. An apparatus according to claim 179, further comprising drive means for shifting a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

188. An apparatus according to claim 179, further comprising a communication unit, wherein said control circuit controls said communication unit.

189. An apparatus according to claim 179, further comprising a drive unit that shifts a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

190. An information transmitting apparatus comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said plurality of light sources, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

(c) transmission means for transmitting the image signal to-an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

191. An apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

192. An apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

193. An apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

194. An apparatus according to claim 190, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

195. An apparatus according to claim 190, further comprising a processor for converting the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

196. An apparatus according to claim 195, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

197. An apparatus according to claim 190, further comprising drive means for shifting a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

198. An information reading apparatus comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said plurality of light sources, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

(c) drive means for shifting a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

199. An apparatus according to claim 198, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

200. An apparatus according to claim 198, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

201. An apparatus according to claim 198, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

202. An apparatus according to claim 198, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

203. An apparatus according to claim 198, further comprising a processor for converting the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

204. An apparatus according to claim 203, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

205. An apparatus according to claim 198, wherein said drive means includes a motor.

206. An apparatus according to claim 205, wherein said motor moves an image bearing sheet.

207. An apparatus according to claim 205, further comprising transmission means for transmitting the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

208. A light guide comprising:

a longitudinal surface that extends in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

an end surface disposed at one longitudinal end of said longitudinal surface;

a plurality of light sources disposed on said end surface; and

a longitudinal reflection member arranged along said longitudinal surface,

wherein a reflection member normal line that passes through a center of a width of said longitudinal reflection member is shifted, at least at a part of said longitudinal reflection member near said end surface, from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

209. A light guide according to claim 208, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

210. A light guide according to claim 208, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

211. A light guide according to claim 208, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

212. An image reading device comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal surface that extends in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

an end surface disposed at one longitudinal end of said longitudinal surface;

a plurality of light sources disposed on said end surface; and

a longitudinal reflection member arranged along said longitudinal surface, wherein a reflection member normal line that passes through a center of a width of said longitudinal reflection member is shifted, at least at a part of said longitudinal reflection member near said end surface, from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide; and

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and output an image signal.

213. A device according to claim 212, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

214. A device according to claim 212, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

215. A device according to claim 212, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

216. An information processing apparatus comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal surface that extends in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

an end surface disposed at one longitudinal end of said longitudinal surface;

a plurality of light sources disposed on said end surface; and

a longitudinal reflection member arranged along said longitudinal surface, wherein a reflection member normal line that passes through a center of a width of said longitudinal reflection member is shifted, at least at a part of said longitudinal reflection member near said end surface, from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide;

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and output an image signal; and

(c) control circuits that control said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

217. An apparatus according to claim 216, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

218. An apparatus according to claim 216, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

219. An apparatus according to claim 216, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

220. An apparatus according to claim 216, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

221. An apparatus according to claim 216, further comprising communication means controlled by said control circuits.

222. An apparatus according to claim 216, further comprising a processor for converting the image signal output by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

223. An apparatus according to claim 222, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

224. An apparatus according to claim 216, further comprising drive means for shifting a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

225. An apparatus according to claim 216, further comprising a communication unit, wherein said control circuits controls said communication unit.

226. An apparatus according to claim 216, further comprising a drive unit that shifts a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

227. An information transmitting apparatus comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal surface that extends in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

an end surface disposed at one longitudinal end of said longitudinal surface;

a plurality of light sources disposed on said end surface; and

a longitudinal reflection member arranged along said longitudinal surface, wherein a reflection member normal line that passes through a center of a width of said longitudinal reflection member is shifted, at least at a part of said longitudinal reflection member near said end surface, from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide;

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

(c) transmission means for transmitting the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

228. An apparatus according to claim 227, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

229. An apparatus according to claim 227, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

230. An apparatus according to claim 227, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

231. An apparatus according to claim 227, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

232. An apparatus according to claim 227, further comprising a processor for converting the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

233. An apparatus according to claim 232, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

234. An apparatus according to claim 227, further comprising drive means for shifting a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

235. An information reading apparatus comprising:

(a) an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal surface that extends in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

an end surface disposed at one longitudinal end of said longitudinal surface;

a plurality of light sources disposed on said end surface; and

a longitudinal reflection member arranged along said longitudinal surface, wherein a reflection member normal line that passes through a center of a width of said longitudinal reflection member is shifted, at least at a part of said longitudinal reflection member near said end surface, from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide;

(b) a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

(c) drive means for shifting a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

236. An apparatus according to claim 235, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

237. An apparatus according to claim 235, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

238. An apparatus according to claim 235, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

239. An apparatus according to claim 235, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

240. An apparatus according to claim 235, further comprising a processor that converts the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

241. An apparatus according to claim 240, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

242. An apparatus according to claim 235, wherein said drive means includes a motor.

243. An apparatus according to claim 242, wherein said motor moves an image bearing sheet.

244. An apparatus according to claim 235, further comprising transmission means for transmitting the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

245. An illumination device comprising:

a longitudinal surface that extends in a longitudinal direction of a light guide;

an end surface disposed at one longitudinal end of said longitudinal surface;

a plurality of light sources disposed on the end surface; and

a longitudinal reflection member arranged along the longitudinal surface, a reflection member normal line that passes through a center of a width of said longitudinal reflection member being shifted, at least at a part of said longitudinal reflection member near the end surface, from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources when viewed from a longitudinal direction of said light guide.

246. A device according to claim 245, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

247. A device according to claim 245, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

248. A device according to claim 245, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

249. An elongated light guide for use with a plurality of light sources to illuminate an original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along a main scanning direction of a photoelectric conversion element array of a reading apparatus, said light guide being elongated in the main scanning direction and comprising:

a longitudinal end surface that receives light from the plurality of light sources;

a light emitting surface; and

a reflection part formed on a surface different from said light emitting surface and elongated in the main scanning direction, said reflection part being arranged so that, when said longitudinal end surface is positioned to receive light from the plurality of light sources, in at least a region near the plurality of light sources a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection part deviates from at least one of the plurality of light sources, when viewed from said longitudinal end surface, and light introduced from the plurality of light sources is guided through said light guide in the main scanning direction, dispersed and/or reflected by said reflection part, and guided out of said light emitting surface so as to illuminate the original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of the photoelectric conversion element array.

250. A light guide according to claim 249, wherein said reflection part includes light-reflecting paint.

251. A light guide according to claim 249, wherein said reflection part includes a coarse surface.

252. A light guide according to claim 249, wherein said reflection part includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

253. An illumination device for use with a reading apparatus, to illuminate an original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along a main scanning direction of a line sensor of the reading apparatus, said illumination device comprising:

a plurality of light sources; and

an elongated light guide elongated in the main scanning direction, said elongated light guide comprising;

a longitudinal end surface that receives light from said plurality of light sources;

a light emitting surface; and

a reflection part formed on a surface different from said light emitting surface and elongated in the main scanning direction, said reflection part being arranged so that, when said longitudinal end surface is positioned to receive light from said plurality of light sources, in at least a region near said plurality of light sources a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection part deviates from at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed from said longitudinal end surface, and light introduced from said plurality of light sources is guided through said light guide in the main scanning direction, dispersed and/or reflected by said reflection part, and guided out of said light emitting surface so as to illuminate the original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of the line sensor.

254. An illumination device according to claim 253, wherein said reflection part includes light-reflecting paint.

255. An illumination device according to claim 253, wherein said reflection part includes a coarse surface.

256. An illumination device according to claim 253, wherein said reflection part includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

257. An image reading apparatus comprising:

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

an illumination device that illuminates an original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor, said illumination device comprising;

a plurality of light sources; and

an elongated light guide elongated in the main scanning direction, said elongated light guide comprising;

a longitudinal end surface that receives light from said plurality of light sources;

a light emitting surface; and

a reflection part formed on a surface different from said light emitting surface and elongated in the main scanning direction, said reflection part being arranged so that, when said longitudinal end surface is positioned to receive light from said plurality of light sources, in at least a region near said plurality of light sources a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection part deviates from at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed from said longitudinal end surface, and light introduced from said plurality of light sources is guided through said light guide in the main scanning direction, dispersed and/or reflected by said reflection part, and guided out of said light emitting surface so as to illuminate the original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor.

258. An image reading apparatus according to claim 257, wherein said reflection part includes light-reflecting paint.

259. An image reading apparatus according to claim 257, wherein said reflection part includes a coarse surface.

260. An image reading apparatus according to claim 257, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

261. An image processing system comprising:

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

an illumination device that illuminates an original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor, said illumination device comprising;

a plurality of light sources; and

an elongated light guide elongated in the main scanning direction, said elongated light guide comprising;

a longitudinal end surface that receives light from said plurality of light sources;

a light emitting surface; and

a reflection part formed on a surface different from said light emitting surface and elongated in the main scanning direction, said reflection part being arranged so that, when said longitudinal end surface is positioned to receive light from said plurality of light sources, in at least a region near said plurality of light sources a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection part deviates from at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed from said longitudinal end surface, and light introduced from said plurality of light sources is guided through said light guide in the main scanning direction, dispersed and/or reflected by said reflection part, and guided out of said light emitting surface so as to illuminate the original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor; and

a control circuit that controls said line sensor and said illumination device.

262. An image processing system according to claim 261, wherein said reflection part includes light-reflecting paint.

263. An image processing system according to claim 261, wherein said reflection part includes a coarse surface.

264. An image processing system according to claim 261, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

265. An image processing system according to claim 261, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

266. An image processing system according to claim 261, further comprising:

communication means for communicating with exterior apparatus, wherein said communication means is controlled by said control circuit.

267. An image processing system according to claim 261, further comprising a processor that converts an image signal output by said line sensor into a different electrical signal.

268. An image processing system according to claim 267, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

269. An image processing system according to claim 261, further comprising:

drive means for shifting a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination device and said line sensor.

270. An image processing system according to claim 261, further comprising:

a communication unit that communicates with an exterior apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication unit.

271. An image processing system according to claim 261, further comprising:

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

272. An information communication apparatus comprising:

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

an illumination device that illuminates an original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor, said illumination device comprising;

a plurality of light sources; and

an elongated light guide elongated in the main scanning direction, said elongated light guide comprising;

a longitudinal end surface that receives light from said plurality of light sources;

a light emitting surface; and

a reflection part formed on a surface different from said light emitting surface and elongated in the main scanning direction, said reflection part being arranged so that, when said longitudinal end surface is positioned to receive light from said plurality of light sources, in at least a region near said plurality of light sources a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection part deviates from at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed from said longitudinal end surface, and light introduced from said plurality of light sources is guided through said light guide in the main scanning direction, dispersed and/or reflected by said reflection part, and guided out of said light emitting surface so as to illuminate the original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor; and

communication means for communicating the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

273. An information communication apparatus according to claim 272, wherein said reflection part includes light-reflecting paint.

274. An information communication apparatus according to claim 272, wherein said reflection part includes a coarse surface.

275. An information communication apparatus according to claim 272, wherein said reflection part includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

276. An information communication apparatus according to claim 272, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

277. An information communication apparatus according to claim 272, further comprising:

a processor that converts an image signal formed by said line sensor into a different electrical signal.

278. An information communication apparatus according to claim 277, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

279. An information communication apparatus according to claim 272, further comprising:

drive means for shifting a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination device and said line sensor.

280. An information reading apparatus comprising:

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

an illumination device that illuminates an original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor, said illumination device comprising;

a plurality of light sources; and

an elongated light guide elongated in the main scanning direction, said elongated light guide comprising;

a longitudinal end surface that receives light from said plurality of light sources;

a light emitting surface; and

a reflection part formed on a surface different from said light emitting surface and elongated in the main scanning direction, said reflection part being arranged so that, when said longitudinal end surface is positioned to receive light from said plurality of light sources, in at least a region near said plurality of light sources a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection part deviates from at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed from said longitudinal end surface, and light introduced from said plurality of light sources is guided through said light guide in the main scanning direction, dispersed and/or reflected by said reflection part, and guided out of said light emitting surface so as to illuminate the original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor; and

driving means for shifting a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination device and said line sensor.

281. An information reading apparatus according to claim 280, wherein said reflection part includes light-reflecting paint.

282. An information reading apparatus according to claim 280, wherein said reflection part includes a coarse surface.

283. An information reading apparatus according to claim 280, wherein said reflection part includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

284. An information reading apparatus according to claim 280, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

285. An information reading apparatus according to claim 280, further comprising:

a processor that converts an image signal formed by said line sensor into a different electrical signal.

286. An information reading apparatus according to claim 285, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

287. An information reading apparatus according to claim 280, wherein said drive means includes a motor.

288. An information reading apparatus according to claim 287, wherein said motor moves an image bearing sheet.

289. An information reading apparatus according to claim 280, further comprising:

transmitting means for transmitting an image signal to an external processing apparatus.

290. An information processing apparatus comprising:

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

an illumination device that illuminates an original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor, said illumination device comprising;

a plurality of light sources; and

an elongated light guide elongated in the main scanning direction, said elongated light guide comprising;

a longitudinal end surface that receives light from said plurality of light sources;

a light emitting surface; and

a reflection part formed on a surface different from said light emitting surface and elongated in the main scanning direction, said reflection part being arranged so that, when said longitudinal end surface is positioned to receive light from said plurality of light sources, in at least a region near said plurality of light sources a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection part deviates from at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed from said longitudinal end surface, and light introduced from said plurality of light sources is guided through said light guide in the main scanning direction, dispersed and/or reflected by said reflection part, and guided out of said light emitting surface so as to illuminate the original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor; and

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

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

291. An information reading apparatus according to claim 290, wherein said reflection part includes light-reflecting paint.

292. An information reading apparatus according to claim 290, wherein said reflection part includes a coarse surface.

293. An information reading apparatus according to claim 290, wherein said reflection part includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

294. An information reading apparatus according to claim 290, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

295. An information reading apparatus according to claim 290, further comprising:

communication means for communicating with external apparatus, wherein said communication means is controlled by said control circuit.

296. An information reading apparatus according to claim 290, wherein said processor converts the image signal into a different electrical signal.

297. An information reading apparatus according to claim 296, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

298. An information reading apparatus according to claim 290, further comprising:

drive means for shifting a positional relationship between an original illuminated by said illumination device and said line sensor.

299. An information reading apparatus according to claim 290, further comprising:

a communication unit that communicates with an external apparatus, wherein said control circuit controls said communication unit.

300. An information reading apparatus according to claim 290, further comprising:

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

301. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and outputs an image signal; and

a controller that controls said illuminating apparatus and said photoelectric converting device,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects light from said light source, and at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

302. A system according to claim 301, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

303. A system according to claim 301, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

304. A system according to claim 302, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

305. A system according to claim 302, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

306. A system according to claim 302, further comprising a light gathering unit that is configured to gather the light to be radiated.

307. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and outputs an image signal; and

a processing unit that processes said image signal in a predetermined manner,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects light from said light source, and at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

308. A system according to claim 307, further comprising a controller that controls said illuminating apparatus, said photoelectric converting device and said processing unit.

309. A system according to claim 308, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

310. A system according to claim 308, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

311. A system according to claim 308, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

312. A system according to claim 308, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

313. A system according to claim 308, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

314. A system according to claim 307, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

315. A system according to claim 307, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

316. A system according to claim 307, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

317. A system according to claim 307, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

318. A system according to claim 307, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

319. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and outputs an image signal;

a moving unit that relatively moves the image and said photoelectric converting device; and

a controller that controls said illuminating apparatus, said photoelectric converting device and said moving unit,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects light from said light source, and at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

320. An apparatus according to claim 319, further comprising a transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external recording medium.

321. A system according to claim 320, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

322. A system according to claim 320, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

323. A system according to claim 320, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

324. A system according to claim 320, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

325. A system according to claim 319, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

326. A system according to claim 319, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

327. A system according to claim 319, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

328. A system according to claim 319, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

329. A system according to claim 319, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

330. A system according to claim 319, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

331. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a light source along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and outputs an image signal;

a transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external recording medium; and

a controller, connected to said transmitter, that controls said illuminating apparatus and said photoelectric converting device,

wherein said light guide includes a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects light from said light source, and at least in a neighborhood of said light source, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of said light source, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

332. A system according to claim 331, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

333. A system according to claim 331, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

334. A system according to claim 331, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

335. A system according to claim 331, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

336. A system according to claim 331, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

337. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and outputs an image signal; and

a controller that controls said illuminating apparatus and said photoelectric converting device,

wherein said light guide includes a reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects light from said plurality of light sources, and

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

338. A system according to claim 337, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

339. A system according to claim 337, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

340. A system according to claim 337, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

341. A system according to claim 337, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

342. A system according to claim 337, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

343. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and outputs an image signal; and

a processing unit that processes said image signal in a predetermined manner,

wherein said light guide includes a reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects light from said plurality of light sources, and

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

344. A system according to claim 343, further comprising a controller that controls said illuminating apparatus, said photoelectric converting device and said processing unit.

345. A system according to claim 344, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

346. A system according to claim 344, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

347. A system according to claim 344, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

348. A system according to claim 344, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

349. A system according to claim 344, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

350. A system according to claim 343, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

351. A system according to claim 343, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

352. A system according to claim 343, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

353. A system according to claim 343, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

354. A system according to claim 343, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

355. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and outputs an image signal;

a moving unit that relatively moves the image and said photoelectric converting device; and

a controller that controls said illuminating apparatus, said photoelectric converting device and said moving unit,

wherein said light guide includes a reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects light from said plurality of light sources, and

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

356. A system according to claim 355, further comprising a transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external recording medium.

357. A system according to claim 356, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

358. A system according to claim 356, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

359. A system according to claim 356, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

360. A system according to claim 356, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

361. A system according to claim 356, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

362. A system according to claim 355, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

363. A system according to claim 355, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

364. A system according to claim 355, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

365. A system according to claim 355, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

366. A system according to claim 355, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

367. An image processing system comprising:

an illuminating apparatus including therein a longitudinal light guide that guides light from a plurality of light sources along a longitudinal direction of said light guide to radiate the light;

a photoelectric converting device that reads an image illuminated by said illuminating apparatus and outputs an image signal;

a transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external recording medium; and

a controller, connected to said transmitter, that controls said illuminating apparatus and said photoelectric converting device,

wherein said light guide includes a reflection member, arranged along the longitudinal direction of said light guide, that reflects light from said plurality of light sources, and

wherein at least in a neighborhood of said plurality of light sources, a thickness of said light guide in a direction parallel to a normal line of said reflection member is different at the position of said reflection member than at the position of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide.

368. A system according to claim 367, wherein said reflection member includes a light-reflecting paint.

369. A system according to claim 367, wherein said reflection member includes a rough surface.

370. A system according to claim 367, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped surface.

371. A system according to claim 367, wherein said reflection member is arranged at a convex portion of said light guide.

372. A system according to claim 367, further comprising a light gathering unit that gathers the light to be radiated.

373. An information transmitting apparatus comprising:

an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a light source and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects light from said light source, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said light source, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of said light source, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

a transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

374. An apparatus according to claim 373, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

375. An apparatus according to claim 373, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

376. An apparatus according to claim 373, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

377. An apparatus according to claim 373, wherein said light source includes a light-emitting diode.

378. An apparatus according to claim 373, further comprising a processor that converts the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

379. An apparatus according to claim 378, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

380. An apparatus according to claim 373, further comprising a drive unit that shifts a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

381. An information reading apparatus comprising:

an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a light source and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said light source, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said light source, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of said light source, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

a drive unit that shifts a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

382. An apparatus according to claim 381, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

383. An apparatus according to claim 381, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

384. An apparatus according to claim 381, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

385. An apparatus according to claim 381, wherein said light source includes a light-emitting diode.

386. An apparatus according to claim 381, further comprising a processor that converts the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

387. An apparatus according to claim 386, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

388. An apparatus according to claim 381, wherein said drive unit includes a motor.

389. An apparatus according to claim 388, wherein said motor moves an image bearing sheet.

390. An apparatus according to claim 381, further comprising a transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

391. An information transmitting apparatus comprising:

an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said plurality of light sources, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

392. An apparatus according to claim 391, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

393. An apparatus according to claim 391, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

394. An apparatus according to claim 391, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

395. An apparatus according to claim 391, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

396. An apparatus according to claim 391, further comprising a processor that converts the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

397. An apparatus according to claim 396, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

398. An apparatus according to claim 391, further comprising a drive unit that shifts a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

399. An information reading apparatus comprising:

an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal reflection member, arranged along said light guide, that reflects the light from said plurality of light sources, wherein, at least at a part of said reflection member near said plurality of light sources, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection member is shifted from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

a drive unit that shifts a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

400. An apparatus according to claim 399, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

401. An apparatus according to claim 399, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

402. An apparatus according to claim 399, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

403. An apparatus according to claim 399, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

404. An apparatus according to claim 399, further comprising a processor that converts the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

405. An apparatus according to claim 404, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

406. An apparatus according to claim 399, wherein said drive unit includes a motor.

407. An apparatus according to claim 406, wherein said motor moves an image bearing sheet.

408. An apparatus according to claim 399, further comprising a transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

409. An information transmitting apparatus comprising:

an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal surface that extends in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

an end surface disposed at one longitudinal end of said longitudinal surface;

a plurality of light sources disposed on said end surface; and

a longitudinal reflection member arranged along said longitudinal surface, wherein a reflection member normal line that passes through a center of a width of said longitudinal reflection member is shifted, at least at a part of said longitudinal reflection member near said end surface, from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

a transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

410. An apparatus according to claim 409, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

411. An apparatus according to claim 409, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

412. An apparatus according to claim 409, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

413. An apparatus according to claim 409, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

414. An apparatus according to claim 409, further comprising a processor that converts the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

415. An apparatus according to claim 414, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

416. An apparatus according to claim 409, further comprising a drive unit that shifts a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

417. An information reading apparatus comprising:

an illumination device provided with a longitudinal light guide that guides light introduced from a plurality of light sources and emits the light along a longitudinal side thereof, having a longitudinal surface that extends in a longitudinal direction of said light guide;

an end surface disposed at one longitudinal end of said longitudinal surface;

a plurality of light sources disposed on said end surface; and

a longitudinal reflection member arranged along said longitudinal surface, wherein a reflection member normal line that passes through a center of a width of said longitudinal reflection member is shifted, at least at a part of said longitudinal reflection member near said end surface, from a center of at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of said light guide;

a photoelectric converting device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that read an image illuminated by said illumination device and form an image signal; and

a drive unit that shifts a positional relationship between the image illuminated by said illumination device and said photoelectric converting device.

418. An apparatus according to claim 417, wherein said reflection member includes light-reflecting paint.

419. An apparatus according to claim 417, wherein said reflection member includes a coarse surface.

420. An apparatus according to claim 417, wherein said reflection member includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

421. An apparatus according to claim 417, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

422. An apparatus according to claim 417, further comprising a processor that converts the image signal formed by said photoelectric converting device into a different electrical signal.

423. An apparatus according to claim 422, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

424. An apparatus according to claim 417, wherein said drive unit includes a motor.

425. An apparatus according to claim 424, wherein said motor moves an image bearing sheet.

426. An apparatus according to claim 417, further comprising a transmitter that transmits the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

427. An information communication apparatus comprising:

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

an illumination device that illuminates an original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor, said illumination device comprising;

a plurality of light sources; and

an elongated light guide elongated in the main scanning direction, said elongated light guide comprising;

a longitudinal end surface that receives light from said plurality of light sources;

a light emitting surface; and

a reflection part formed on a surface different from said light emitting surface and elongated in the main scanning direction, said reflection part being arranged so that, when said longitudinal end surface is positioned to receive light from said plurality of light sources, in at least a region near said plurality of light sources, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection part deviates from at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed from said longitudinal end surface, and light introduced from said plurality of light sources is guided through said light guide in the main scanning direction, dispersed and/or reflected by said reflection part, and guided out of said light emitting surface so as to illuminate the original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor; and

communication unit that is configured to communicate the image signal to an external processing apparatus for processing the image signal.

428. An information communication apparatus according to claim 427, wherein said reflection part includes light-reflecting paint.

429. An information communication apparatus according to claim 427, wherein said reflection part includes a coarse surface.

430. An information communication apparatus according to claim 427, wherein said reflection part includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

431. An information communication apparatus according to claim 427, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

432. An information communication apparatus according to claim 427, further comprising:

a processor that converts an image signal formed by said line sensor into a different electrical signal.

433. An information communication apparatus according to claim 432, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

434. An information communication apparatus according to claim 427, further comprising:

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

435. An information reading apparatus comprising:

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

an illumination device that illuminates an original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor, said illumination device comprising;

a plurality of light sources; and

an elongated light guide elongated in the main scanning direction, said elongated light guide comprising;

a longitudinal end surface that receives light from said plurality of light sources;

a light emitting surface; and

a reflection part formed on a surface different from said light emitting surface and elongated in the main scanning direction, said reflection part being arranged so that, when said longitudinal end surface is positioned to receive light from said plurality of light sources, in at least a region near said plurality of light sources, a normal line passing through a center of a width of said reflection part deviates from at least one of said plurality of light sources, when viewed from said longitudinal end surface, and light introduced from said plurality of light sources is guided through said light guide in the main scanning direction, dispersed and/or reflected by said reflection part, and guided out of said light emitting surface so as to illuminate the original with a light beam having a line-shape cross-section extending along the main scanning direction of said line sensor; and

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

436. An information reading apparatus according to claim 435, wherein said reflection part includes light-reflecting paint.

437. An information reading apparatus according to claim 435, wherein said reflection part includes a coarse surface.

438. An information reading apparatus according to claim 435, wherein said reflection part includes a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface.

439. An information reading apparatus according to claim 435, wherein said plurality of light sources includes a light-emitting diode.

440. An information reading apparatus according to claim 435, further comprising:

a processor that converts an image signal formed by said line sensor into a different electrical signal.

441. An information reading apparatus according to claim 440, wherein the different electrical signal is adapted for recording.

442. An information reading apparatus according to claim 435, wherein said drive unit includes a motor.

443. An information reading apparatus according to claim 442, wherein said motor moves an image bearing sheet.

444. An information reading apparatus according to claim 435, further comprising:

a transmitter that transmits an image signal to an external processing apparatus.