Abstract: A lighting unit is incorporated in an LC display. The lighting unit includes a light guide and a light source adjacent to the light guide. The light guide includes a rear surface facing an LC panel, a front surface opposite to the rear surface, a first side surface between the rear and the front surfaces, and a second side surface spaced widthwise from the first side surface. The light from the light source travels into the light guide, and from the first toward the second side surfaces. A reflector for reflecting the light incident on the second side surface toward the first side surface is formed on the second side surface. The front surface of the light guide is formed with first and second slant portions. Each first slant portion reflects the light, traveling from the first toward the second side surfaces, toward the rear surface of the light guide. Each second slant portion reflects the light, traveling from the second toward the first side surfaces, toward the rear surface of the light guide.

Abstract: A wall-mounting image processing apparatus (A) includes a machine housing (90) mounted on a substantially vertical wall surface (H), and an image reading/writing head (X) disposed in the machine housing. The image reading/writing head (X) includes a substrate (4) having one surface (4A) on which a plurality of light receiving elements (4a) are arranged in a row. Part of said one surface (4A) forms an excess surface (49) projecting laterally from a head case (1), and the printing elements (4b) are arranged on the excess surface (49).

Abstract: An image sensor module A1 includes a case 300, a photoelectric converter 400 positioned within the case 300, and first and second optical units 100, 200 for forming an image of a subject on the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric converter 400. Imaging of the subject using the first optical unit 100, or imaging of the subject using the second optical unit 200, can be selected. It is possible to conduct a plurality of types of imaging each having a different view angle, while restricting increases in size and cost.

Abstract: A linear light source (A) including an insulating substrate (1), a plurality of light emitting elements (3) arranged in columns on the substrate (1), a wiring pattern (2) connected with the light emitting elements (3) and co formed on the substrate (1) so as to divide the light emitting elements (3) into a plurality of groups (B1 to Bn), and first and second terminal units (23a, 23b) in continuity with the wiring pattern (2). The plurality of light emitting elements (3) define a plurality of clearances (P1 to P2?1) between adjacent light emitting elements, the clearances (P P1 to P2?1) being adjusted so as to have different lengths.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus (B) includes an integrated image-reading/writing head (A), platen rollers (P1, P2) for a document and a recording paper, and data processor (7) performing data processing necessary for copying an image on the document. The integrated image-reading/writing head (A), a plurality of light receiving elements (20) and a plurality of printing elements (8) are mounted on the same surface of a substrate (4). If the document (D) and the recording paper (K) are fed in the same direction, when the image on the document is copied, the pixel data outputted for the printing are arranged in the order of first to n-th. If the document (D) and the recording paper (K) are fed in opposite directions to each other, the pixel data outputted for the printing are arranged in the order of n-th to first.

Abstract: The integrated image reading/writing head (X) includes a substrate (4) having a surface (40) provided with a reading circuit including a plurality of light receiving elements (20), a plurality of printing elements (60) and a writing circuit for controlling the printing elements (60). The substrate (4) is fitted with a connector (8) for electrical wiring. The connector (8) is electrically connected with each of the reading circuit, the printing elements and the writing circuit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image read/write head providing an image read line and including an image sensor for reading a document at the image read line, the image read/write head further including a substrate carrying a row of heating elements, a document transfer mechanism for transferring the document across the image read line, a recording paper transfer mechanism for transferring a recording paper across the row of heating elements, and an ink ribbon transfer mechanism for transferring an ink ribbon from a first winding core to a second winding core across the row of heating elements. The ink ribbon is sandwiched between the heating elements and the recording paper in passing across the row of heating elements. The first winding core is arranged on one side of the image read/write head thicknesswise of the substrate, the second winding core being arranged on an opposite side of the image read/write head thicknesswise of the substrate.

Abstract: An integrated image-reading/writing head A comprises an oblong rectangular substrate (4) having a first longitudinal edge portion (4c), a second longitudinal edge portion (4d) and a surface (4a) mounted with an array of light receiving elements (2) and an array of drive IC's (80). The surface (4a) of the substrate (4) is fitted with an oblong case (1) enclosing therein the light receiving elements (2) and the drive IC's (80). The first longitudinal edge portion (4c) of the substrate (4) is extended out of the case by a predetermined width. The surface (4a) of the substrate (4) is further mounted with a light source (3) enclosed within the case (1). A plurality of heating elements (8) are mounted on a region of the surface (4a) of the substrate (4) extended out of the case (1).

Abstract: A color image sensor is provided which includes a generally sector-shaped prism having a shorter edge surface facing a white light emitting surface of a white light emitting diode, a longer edge facing a read surface of the document, a front and a rear surfaces spaced from each other in the thickness direction of the prism. The front and rear surfaces are so curved as to collect white light emitted from the white light emitting diode onto the read surface of a document. The sensor further includes a semiconductor color sensor having a plurality of red light receiving elements, a plurality of blue light receiving elements and a plurality of green light receiving elements for receiving light reflected on the read surface at the respective light receiving elements for simultaneously outputting red, blue and green image signals, and a rod lens array for forming a non-magnified erect image on the light receiving elements of the, semiconductor color sensor in accordance with light reflected on the read surface.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first and a second substrates (1, 2) disposed in parallel to each other, a liquid crystal layer (3) disposed between the two substrates (1, 2) and filled with liquid crystal, and a reflective electrode (13) having a reflective surface (13a) on which light rays coming from the outside through the first substrate (1) and the liquid crystal layer (3) are reflected towards the first substrate (1). The reflective surface (13a) of the reflective electrode (13) is undulated. The reflective surface (13a) of the reflective electrode (13) is provided with an alignment film (14B) for twisting liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer (3). The height of the undulation on the reflective surface (13a) of the reflective electrode (13) is smaller than at least the thickness of the alignment film (14B) at a concave portion of the undulated reflective surface (13a).

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source for illuminating an image reading region extending in the primary scanning direction, and a plurality of lenses for focusing light reflected on the image reading region and for producing reduced images. Each of the lenses has an optical axis which intersects a predetermined portion of the image reading region. The image reading apparatus further includes a plurality of light receiving elements for output of image signals based on the light focused by the lenses and a light conductor for leading the light emitted by the light source toward the image reading region. The light conductor leads the emitted light so that the predetermined portion of the image reading region is illuminated more brightly than the adjacent portions.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source for illuminating an image reading region extending in the primary scanning direction, and a plurality of lenses for focusing light reflected on the image reading region and for producing reduced images. Each of the lenses has an optical axis which intersects a predetermined portion of the image reading region. The image reading apparatus further includes a plurality of light receiving elements for output of image signals based on the light focused by the lenses and a light conductor for leading the light emitted by the light source toward the image reading region. The light conductor leads the emitted light so that the predetermined portion of the image reading region is illuminated more brightly than the adjacent portions.

Abstract: A lens array unit includes first and second lens arrays cooperative with each other. The first lens array is provided with a plurality of first convex lenses and a first transparent holder formed integral with the first lenses. Each of the first lenses has first and second lens surfaces. The second lens array is provided with a plurality of second convex lenses and a second transparent holder formed integral with the second lenses Each of the second lenses has third and fourth lens surfaces. The second lens array is attached to the first lens array so that the third lens surfaces face the second lens surfaces. The lens array unit further includes a light shield mounted on the first lens array. The light shield is formed with a plurality of through-holes each facing the relevant one of the first lens surfaces.

Abstract: A lens array unit (U1) comprises a first and a second lens arrays (1, 2). The first and the second lens arrays (1, 2) include respectively a plurality of lenses (11, 21), each serving as a convex lens, for formation of a non-inverted, non-magnified image. In each of the lens arrays, the lenses (11, 21) and supports (10, 20) which hold the lenses are formed integrally of a translucent resin. Therefore, manufacture of the lens array is easy.

Abstract: A lighting unit is incorporated in an LC display. The lighting unit includes a light guide and a light source adjacent to the light guide. The light guide includes a rear surface facing an LC panel, a front surface opposite to the rear surface, a first side surface between the rear and the front surfaces, and a second side surface spaced widthwise from the first side surface. The light from the light source travels into the light guide, and from the first toward the second side surfaces. A reflector for reflecting the light incident on the second side surface toward the first side surface is formed on the second side surface. The front surface of the light guide is formed with first and second slant portions. Each first slant portion reflects the light, traveling from the first toward the second side surfaces, toward the rear surface of the light guide. Each second slant portion reflects the light, traveling from the second toward the first side surfaces, toward the rear surface of the light guide.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first and a second substrates (1, 2) disposed in parallel to each other, a liquid crystal layer (3) disposed between the two substrates (1, 2) and filled with liquid crystal, and a reflective electrode (13) having a reflective surface (13a) on which light rays coming from the outside through the first substrate (1) and the liquid crystal layer (3) are reflected towards the first substrate (1). The reflective surface (13a) of the reflective electrode (13) is undulated. The reflective surface (13a) of the reflective electrode (13) is provided with an alignment film (14B) for twisting liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer (3). The height of the undulation on the reflective surface (13a) of the reflective electrode (13) is smaller than at least the thickness of the alignment film (14B) at a concave portion of the undulated reflective surface (13a).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal layer, a holding assembly for internally holding the liquid crystal layer, and a diffusion mollifying layer that reduces the diffusion of light entering into the assembly. The holding assembly includes a plate having a rugged surface resulting from a surface-roughening process. The rugged surface is covered by the diffusion mollifying layer to reduce the frequency of light diffusion.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided for reading out images printed on a document. The apparatus includes a casing elongated in the primary scanning direction and a transparent cover supported by the casing. In image-reading operation, the cover is held in sliding contact with a document at an image reading line. The apparatus further includes an insulating substrate attached to the casing, light sources for illuminating the image reading line, light sensors for receiving reflected light coming from the image reading line and a luminosity adjuster supported by the casing for equalizing luminosity along the image reading line.

Abstract: An image read/write head (A) includes: a substrate (4) having a first widthwise side portion (4c), a second widthwise side portion (4d), and an upper surface carrying a row of light-receiving elements (2) longitudinally of the substrate; an elongate case (1) mounted to the upper surface of the substrate (4) to enclose the light-receiving elements (2); a transparent cover (19) mounted to an upper surface of the case (1) for contact with a document to be fed; a light source (3) disposed in the case for illuminating the document; a lens (5) disposed in the case for causing an image of the document (D) illuminated by the light source (3) to be formed on the light-receiving elements (2); and a row of printing elements (8) carried by the an upper surface of the substrate at an excess portion which is provided by extending the first side portion (4c) beyond a lower edge of the case (1) by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method of making a lens array includes a first step of forming a resin-molded piece, a second step of applying a coating to the resin-molded piece, a third step of melting the applied coating and a fourth step of solidifying the melted coating. The resin-molded piece formed in the first step includes a plurality of lenses each having a convex lens surface, and a holder portion for holding the plurality of lenses. In the second step, the coating is applied to the holder portion so as to surround each lens surface.