Abstract: A document imaging apparatus which is used to illuminate a portion of a document at a scanning line in a scanning plane of the apparatus. First and second light arrays are positioned symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the apparatus, which optical axis is perpendicular to the scanning line. Each of the first and second arrays includes light sources A, B, and C which are arranged in a periodic, repeating sequence ABCA to provide a superposition of light in both spatial and spectral domains at the scanning line. Light emitting diodes, for example, may be used as the light sources.

Abstract: An imaging system employing an apparatus for evenly illuminating objects to be scanned. The apparatus includes first and second elliptical cylindrical sections which comprise an elliptical cylindrical mirror having first and second focal lines. A linear-type lamp is located at the first focal line and the scanning line of the imaging system is located at the second focal line. First and second planar mirrors are positioned in parallel relationship to each other at the top and bottom of the scanning line, and a non-reflecting surface on the second elliptical cylindrical section combines with the first elliptical section to provide an even distribution of light at the scanning line. The optical axis of the imaging system passes between the first and second elliptical cylindrical sections.