Abstract: A laser scanning optical system converts a plurality of beams emitted from the laser diode (LD) into parallel light using a collimator lens, shapes the parallel light using an aperture, and executes exposure of a plurality of lines simultaneously on a photoreceptor drum. To cause a necessary emitting point interval d determined uniquely from the magnification of the optical system to coincide with an emitting point interval of the LD used, the LD is rotated by an angle ? against the main optical axis plane thereof. In this case, a converting device that converts the aspect ratio of a profile of the light beam emitted from the LD is provided. A conversion characteristic of the converting device is adjusted such that the characteristic is matched with a condition within a predetermined region following a characteristic of the optical system.

Abstract: In a beam-spot position compensation method for use in an optical scanning device which scans a surface of a photosensitive medium by a light beam emitted by a light source, a plurality of sections are defined by dividing a scanning region on the scanned surface. An emission timing of the light beam for every section is adjusted so that a spacing between beam-spot positions corresponding to pixels of start and end of each section is changed by a predetermined amount. The sparseness or denseness of beam-spot position spacings of the plurality of sections in the whole scanning region is compensated.

Abstract: An ultraviolet rays emitter for irradiating ultraviolet rays on an ink of an ultraviolet curing type adhered onto a recording medium includes semiconductor light emitting elements for emitting ultraviolet rays and a support member for mutually supporting these semiconductor light emitting elements in a matrix with optical axes thereof in almost parallel, and the row or column of the semiconductor light emitting elements has a structure in which two kinds of semiconductor light emitting elements having different wavelength ranges or more are arranged in order. Alternatively, an ultraviolet rays emitter has a structure in which a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements is mutually supported with a support member in a positional relationship in which the optical axes of the respective elements are mutually inclined in such a manner that the irradiation regions of ultraviolet rays emitted from the semiconductor light emitting elements overlap on a recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that previously rotates a polygonal mirror drive motor before starting a job and forms a latent image by using an optical scanning unit including the polygonal mirror drive motor is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform control such that, in the determination of the presence or absence of each of color toners before a previous rotation is started, if it is determined that any one of the color toners is absent, only the polygonal mirror drive motor corresponding to a black toner is previously rotated.

Abstract: A method for detecting, in-situ, a cross-process linearity error in an image printing system that prints on an image bearing surface movable in the process direction is provided. The method includes placing marking material to form of a row of registration marks on the image bearing surface, detecting a position in a cross-process direction of each registration mark in the row using a linear array sensor that extends in the cross-process direction, and determining a correction function with a processor using the positions of the registration marks as detected by the linear array sensor to compensate for an error in the positions in the cross-process direction of the registration marks. The row of registration marks extends in a cross-process direction transverse to the process direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of creating an image, such as a printed and/or customised graphic element, on a support having regions that can be activated by an activator. A support is used that includes at least a plurality of regions that can reveal a colour under the effect of an activator. These regions are offset in relation to one another when observed from the activator. The colour is only activated in a localised manner on the aforementioned regions.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus of a so-called tandem type which has image forming units in correspondence with colors is provided. In the color image forming apparatus, a color discrepancy amount storage unit stores information of a color discrepancy amount of each of the image forming units, which is measured in advance. A first color discrepancy correcting unit performs color discrepancy correction in a pixel unit by performing coordinate conversion of bitmap data to be printed based on the information of the color discrepancy amount stored in the color discrepancy amount storage unit. A second color discrepancy correcting unit performs color discrepancy correction in less than a pixel unit by performing tone correction of the bitmap data corrected by the first color discrepancy correcting unit based on the information of the color discrepancy amount stored in the color discrepancy amount storage unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a polygon motor that rotates a reflection member; a laser emitting section that emits a laser beam toward a side face of the rotating reflection member; a photoconductor that is scanned by a laser beam reflected from the side face of the reflection member; a beam detecting section that detects a scanning start position of the reflected laser beam, and a scanning final position; and a control section that controls the polygon motor and the laser emitting section, based on detection signals from the beam detecting section, wherein when the detection signal at the scanning start position does not meet a predetermined time-based standard and/or a predetermined output-level standard, the control section controls the polygon motor so that the reflection member rotates in a reverse direction.

Abstract: An aperture has an aperture opening that transmits a predetermined portion of a light beam. A phase optical element changes a phase of a portion of a light beam. A scanning lens focuses the light beam into a beam spot on a scanning surface. The phase optical element has a function of increasing light intensity of a side-lobe of the scanning beam near the scanning surface. The aperture opening is set to satisfy 0.03?(SR?SA)/SR?0.20, where SR and SA are areas of a rectangle circumscribing the aperture opening and the aperture opening, respectively. The function of the phase optical element and the aperture expand a depth allowance of the beam spot.

Abstract: A method of gradation correction for laser scanning exposure is effected, based on measured density values of a test print (TP) including a horizontal stripe test pattern comprised of a plurality of horizontal lines extending in the main scanning direction and a vertical stripe pattern comprised of a plurality of vertical lines extending in the sub scanning direction. The includes the steps of calculating, based on the measured density values, a rising correction amount for main scanning rising correction of adding a rising correction component to one dot after rising of a modulated laser in order to reduce density difference between the horizontal line and the vertical line and calculating, based on the measured density values, a falling correction amount for main scanning falling correction of adding a falling correction component to one dot after rising of the modulated laser in order to reduce the density difference between the horizontal line and the vertical line.

Abstract: A common photodetecting unit detects a plurality of beams scanned by a plurality of polyhedral reflection mirrors provided in a multiple stages with a common rotation axis, and generates a synchronization detection signal based on detected beams. The reflection mirrors make a predetermined angle ?1 in a direction of rotation of the reflection mirrors. When time between two consecutive synchronization detection signals on a time line generated by the common photodetecting unit is ti, where i is a positive integer equal to or smaller than number of split beams, at least one of ti is different from others.

Abstract: Image forming units each form an image of one color, which are superimposed to form a color image, and a pattern used for correcting deviation of the image. A first detector positioned at an image writing starting side, and a second and a third detector each detects the pattern. A first and a second correcting unit having different precisions correct a deviation of an image writing position based on detection by the first, second, and third detectors. A third and a fourth correcting unit having different precisions correct a total-width magnification error based on detections by the first and the third detectors. The fourth correcting unit further corrects a partial magnification error.

Abstract: A disclosed optical scanning apparatus for scanning a scanning surface using a light beam, the optical scanning apparatus comprises: a light source having a plurality of luminous sources; a deflection unit collectively deflecting a plurality of light beams emitted from the plural luminous sources; a light guiding unit guiding at least a portion of each of the plural light beams to a predetermined direction without using the deflection unit; and a photo-detection system receiving the plural guided light beams and the plural deflected light beams and outputting a signal based on the received light beams.

Abstract: A substrate-marking system comprises a substrate-marking apparatus and a substrate which is susceptible, or includes an additive which is susceptible, to changing colour upon irradiation. The apparatus comprises a laser diode for emitting a beam of laser light and a galvanometer for aligning a desired point on the substrate with the laser beam such that the laser beam irradiates the desired point thus causing the additive, in use, to change colour at the point.

Abstract: An optical scanning device is configured in such a manner that, of four light beams for colors corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, the angle of the reflection surface of the last folding mirror disposed in the optical path of a light beam corresponding to an image in black having the lowest brightness and the highest visibility is closest to vertical, and further, the angle of the reflection surface of the last folding mirror disposed in the optical path of a light beam corresponding to an image in yellow having the highest brightness and the lowest visibility is closest to horizontal. It is thus possible to reduce a color shift in the color image caused by reflecting a light beam having passed through the correction lens on the last folding mirror.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes plural light source devices, a deflecting device having deflecting surfaces, an input optical system and a plurality of imaging optical systems, wherein a plurality of scan surfaces are simultaneously scanned by the deflecting device, wherein each of the plurality of imaging optical systems includes at least one transmission type imaging optical element and at least one reflection optical element, wherein each of at least two light beams scanningly deflected by the different deflecting surfaces of the deflecting device passes through the at least one transmission type imaging optical element constituting the imaging optical system and is thereafter reflected by the at least one reflection optical element and, subsequently, it passes again through the transmission type imaging optical element, and wherein, after passing again through the transmission type imaging optical element, the at least two light beams scanningly deflected by the different deflection surfaces of the de

Abstract: A full-color direct disc labeling method that solves the monochromatic limitation associated with current direct disc labeling techniques. The techniques disclosed herein provide a unique, cost-effective method of implementing full-color direct disc labeling in the emerging class of blue laser optical drive recorders, known by trade names such as Blu-ray and HD DVD.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a light source, a pre-deflection optical system, a polygon mirror, and a scanning optical system. The pre-deflection optical system includes a coupling lens and a diffraction lens. A light output surface of the coupling lens is a phase shifting surface, while a light output surface of the diffraction lens is a diffractive surface. The absolute value of the focal length of the diffraction lens is longer than the absolute focal length of the coupling lens.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus, which includes an image-forming section to form a multicolor image on a recording medium by recording the unicolor images in such a manner that the unicolor images overlap each other, based on printing image data sets of them, and a controlling section that determines at least a sub-scanning velocity in a sub-scanning direction relative to the recording medium, corresponding to a printing magnification factor, so as to adjust an output-start timing in the sub-scanning direction for every printing image data set, in response to the sub-scanning velocity determined in advance. Further, the controlling section also determines a main-scanning velocity in a main-scanning direction, corresponding to the printing magnification factor, so as to adjust output-start timings in both the main-scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction for every printing image data set, in response to the main-scanning velocity and the sub-scanning velocity, both determined in advance.

Abstract: Many xerographic machines have a motor polygon assembly (MPA), which is a rotating polygonal mirror. As the MPA rotates, it reflects a modulated light beam to produce scan lines on a photoreceptor. Inconsistencies in the MPA can cause inconsistencies in the scan lines, and therefore banding in a printed document. Misalignment, improper mounting, improper manufacture, or sources can cause the MPA inconsistencies. The banding is periodic, can be measured and can be compensated for. Although the modulated light beam can be modulated by many sources, further modulation using a compensation source can reduce banding.

Abstract: A common photodetecting unit detects a plurality of beams scanned by a plurality of polyhedral reflection mirrors provided in a multiple stages with a common rotation axis, and generates a synchronization detection signal based on detected beams. The reflection mirrors make a predetermined angle ?1 in a direction of rotation of the reflection mirrors. When time between two consecutive synchronization detection signals on a time line generated by the common photodetecting unit is ti, where i is a positive integer equal to or smaller than number of split beams, at least one of ti is different from others.

Abstract: The image display device of the present invention includes: a display layer that comprises a photochromic compound and whose regions, which have been irradiated with visible light, can be optically rewritten in a color corresponding to the color of visible light irradiated thereon; a light-emitting layer in which multiple luminescent elements are arranged in a matrix pattern, the elements irradiating visible light to each different region of the display layer by emitting light; and a drive unit provided with an obtaining unit that obtains image data. Based on image data obtained with the obtaining unit, the drive unit drives each luminescent element corresponding to each pixel of an image according to the image data to irradiate the visible light of a color corresponding to each pixel of the image of the image data.

Abstract: A record carrier (10) and a method of recording an image on a record carrier (10) are provided. On top of a colored pixel pattern layer (14) a mask layer (18) is arranged, the optical transparency of which can be changed by applying heat by a laser beam (24). In order to protect the colored pixel pattern layer (14) against the heat applied by the laser beam (24), a thermal barrier layer (16) is provided between the colored pixel pattern layer (14) and the mask layer.

Abstract: A first optical scanning device for scanning image data of colors (yellow, magenta, cyan and black) which serve as the basic for formation of color image employs an optical system having optical characteristic stable to changes in temperature in common, the optical system being incorporated in a single optical box. Inexpensive resin material is employed for its lens in a second optical scanning device for scanning image data of pale color or a special color having a large tolerance amount to color deviation or spot diameter. Further, an inexpensive second optical scanning device saving space is formed by reducing the optical path length.

Abstract: Positioning displacement characteristics of each of scanning beams are obtained in advance. The positioning displacement characteristics is indicative of a relation between temperature and a displacement amount by which each of the scanning beams is displaced in a sub-scanning direction. A displacement control is performed based on the positioning displacement characteristics by shifting the positioning displacement characteristics in a direction opposite to that of a trend of the positioning displacement characteristics within a pixel pitch.

Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module has a laser assembly for emitting a plurality of laser beams of different wavelengths, an optical assembly for focusing and nearly collinearly arranging the laser beams to form a composite beam, a scanner for sweeping the composite beam in a pattern of scan lines, each scan line having a number of pixels, and a controller for causing selected pixels to be illuminated, and rendered visible, by the composite beam to produce the image. An aperture stop located between the laser assembly and the scanner, limits a cross-sectional dimension of at least one of the laser beams to below a prescribed level to preserve color fidelity over the image.

Abstract: A printing press has at least one ink carrier. A printing substance, such as ink is applied to the ink carrier and at least some of that ink is transferred to a substrate at a separation location. A light-hydraulic effect is used to accomplish this separation. Radiation energy that is transferred to the printing substance stimulates this transfer of the print substance to the substrate to be printed. The transport of the radiation energy takes place by the use of at least two energy beams of different wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical scanning device deflects, by a common optical deflecting part, a plurality of groups of light beams emitted from a plurality of light sources and directs, by a scanning and imaging optical system, the groups of deflected light beams to respective scan surfaces so as to optically scan the scan surfaces. Each of the groups of light beams deflected by the optical deflecting part passes through at least two scanning lenses while being directed to a corresponding one of the scan surfaces. A first scanning lens arranged nearest to the optical deflecting part among the scanning lenses transmits the groups of light beams directed to the respective scan surfaces and satisfies Pm>0.gtoreq.Ps, where Pm is a power in a main scanning direction and Ps is a power in a sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: A device is provided for setting up, adjusting, and/or controlling an apparatus that cyclically processes printed products. The device includes a lighting unit having at least one light source directed toward a processing area of the apparatus. The light source is controllable to selectively generate a continuous light or a flashing light synchronized with a processing cycle of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for printing a halftone digital image on both a printing press and a color proofer using the same binary digital data which comprises making a printing plate from the binary digital data; making a press sheet using a press with the printing plate; sending the binary digital data to a dot-gain processor for conditioning the binary digital data to introduce a predetermined level of dot-gain; transmitting the conditioned binary digital data to the color proofer; and printing a halftone color proof on the color proofer.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an optical scanning apparatus that employs a short wave light source to constantly maintain a spot having a tiny diameter, even when an environmental temperature change occurs, by employing a lens and/or a diffractive optical element.

Abstract: An exposure system is provided with an exposure head formed of a red organic EL element which emits light in a red region and another organic EL element which emits light in a predetermined wavelength range shorter than the red region. The exposure system exposes a color photosensitive body containing therein at least a red silver-salt photosensitive material sensitive to the light in the red region and another silver-salt photosensitive material sensitive to the light in the predetermined wavelength range. An optical filter cuts the wavelength components which are shorter than the predetermined wavelength range and included in a sensitive range of the red silver-salt photosensitive material.

Abstract: A printing apparatus (100) for printing digital images onto a photosensitive medium (140) employing, for exposure energy, a light source (20) that uses various arrays of LEDs (32). The printing apparatus (100) may form the print image using sequential modulation, one color at a time, or by applying all colors simultaneously. Arrangements of discrete LEDs (32) may include high-intensity devices configured with collector cones (41) arranged as a multicone structure (141), with parabolic reflectors (65), or collimating lenses (36). Large area LEDs (46) may alternately be used, arranged on an angled mounting surface (64), for example.

Abstract: A CPU (91) of an image forming apparatus includes a beam detecting part (911) that detects each of laser beams scanning by a predetermined number (e.g., four) of polygon mirrors (332) at a preset position (where a beam sensor (335) is disposed), a reference phase setting part (912) that sets a reference phase that is a phase to be a reference of the predetermined number of rotation phases of the polygon mirrors (332) based on a result of detection by the beam detecting part (911), and a phase control part (913) that controls polygon motor (330) so that predetermined number of rotation phases of the polygon mirrors (332) match the reference phase.

Abstract: A printer has a laser emitter for emitting a laser beam to irradiate a surface of a photosensitive member; a reflector, disposed at a position on a laser beam path defined by the laser emitter and the photosensitive member, for reflecting the laser beam emitted by the laser emitter to direct the reflected laser beam to a target position on the surface of the photosensitive member; a reflective mirror driver for reciprocating the reflector in such a manner that the laser beam travels along a scanning line on the surface of the photosensitive member in a direction for scanning; and an emission controller for controlling the laser emitter to selectively emit the laser beam along the scanning line in the forward direction or the backward direction defined by the movement of the reflector driven by the reflective mirror driver.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus according to the present invention; an image reading apparatus for reading a color original includes: plural light sources of different colors; a monochrome image sensor configured to detect reflected light from the color original; an image generating unit configured to generate plural image data corresponding to the colors of the plural light sources from a reading signal outputted from the monochrome image sensor; and a control unit configured to turn on the light sources one by one and cause the image generating unit to generate, one by one, the image data corresponding to the colors of the light sources. With the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, good image quality can be realized even in the case of reading a color original as a color image by using one monochrome image sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for printing a multibit per pixel image (10) from a halftone binary digital bitmap having pixels having a multibit per pixel image memory for receiving the multibit per pixel image; a lookup table (16) external to the memory disposed in a programmable gate array (18) for converting the multibit per pixel image to a base duty cycle (20) wherein the base duty cycle is disposed in the programmable gate array and is adapted for creating a modulated drive signal (22) from the base duty cycle to modulate an exposure (24) for each pixel in the multibit per pixel image; and a printer (28) adapted for using the modulated exposure to print an image, having a dpi greater than 1400, further comprising a drum (32) capable of spinning, and an encoder (34) disposed on the drum for providing a home signal (36) and a pixel rate (38).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which can prevent degradation of image quality in a case where dot patterns for preventing the formation of image stripes are superimposed on respective developed images corresponding to image signals. Developed images are formed on a photosensitive drum using developers of respective different colors based on image information. The developed images formed on the photosensitive drum are transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt. For each of the developed images of the respective colors, a number of dot developed images which are minute dot-shaped images formed in a dispersed manner are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt.

Abstract: An overfilled optical scanning apparatus has an incidence optical system for converging a light beam onto a deflection surface of a light deflector which has a plurality of deflection surfaces, and an imaging optical system for imaging the deflected light beam onto a surface to be scanned. The imaging optical system satisfies a relationship among its focal length in a main scanning direction, the distance in the main scanning section from the rear principal plane position to an imaging point of the converged light beam, angles in the main scanning section formed by the optical axis of the imaging optical system and the principal ray of the light beams incident on the light deflector, the unevenness of distances in the main scanning section from the rotation center of the light deflector, and the number of pixels per inch in the main scanning direction on the surface to be scanned.

Abstract: A light beam scanner irradiates surfaces of respective of different image carriers with respective of plural light beams having been subjected to constant angular velocity deflection by a deflecting member and constant velocity deflection by a transformation member. Any one of the plural light beams except a light beam incident on the deflecting member at a widest incident angle corresponds with an image formed of a color material which is lowest in lightness.

Abstract: Tone reproduction curves for calibrating a marking system are obtained using a test pattern with a plurality of patches, preferably a plurality of first test patches extending in a first direction and at least one second test patch extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. Reflectance values are obtained from the first and second test patches. A set of gray balanced tone reproduction curves are obtained based on the reflectance values of the first test patches, and a set of spatial gray balanced tone reproduction curves are obtained based on the reflectance values of the second test patches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for digitally generating images on photosensitive material comprising a light source, a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit and imaging optics. According to the invention, the LCD unit and the imaging optics are mounted in the same lens tube.

Abstract: An optical multi-beam scanning device has a plurality of pre-deflection optical units, an optical path synthesizing member and an excessive light processing member. The excessive light processing member processes excessive light emitted from an excessive light emitting surface with is not an incident surface nor an emitting surface of the optical path synthesizing member. The excessive light processing member has a multi-stage taper constitution with a plurality of taper surfaces having different tilt angles.

Abstract: An electrophotographic device comprises a printhead having at least one laser associated with a corresponding photoconductive surface. Where multiple laser beams are associated with the same photoconductive surface, the laser beams are spaced a predetermined distance from one another in a process direction, which is orthogonal to a scan direction in which the laser beams are swept. The electrophotographic device operates at one of at least two image transfer rates. A controller in the electrophotographic device selectively directs image data to the printhead based, at least in part, upon the selected image transfer rate, the facet resolution, and/or the desired output image resolution. The print speed can thus be adjusted over a relatively wide range.

Abstract: A method is described for overcoming the adverse visual effect of misregistered ink planes in multiple ink color prints. Color separations are initially made in a normal fashion. The separation carrying the greatest object detail is then chosen as a luminance or achromatic channel. This may be used as is or preferably it is sharpened using a high pass filter. Normally this separation will be black. However, it may be a surrogate color for black, particularly if only two or three separations are made. Object detail in all other separations (chrominance separations) is degraded, usually by a low pass filter such as a Gaussian blur. The printed image formed when the separations are recombined in a conventional manner is remarkably visually tolerant of misregistration of the various ink planes in the image.

Abstract: A method for printing multiple binary bitmaps (10) with an original density level (12a) and a color (18), wherein the color (18) is the same for all the multiple binary bitmaps (10), by combining “n” number of binary bitmaps into “p” bits of a multibit image forming a “p” bit image (20), identifying at least one overprint (24a), predicting an overprint density (26a) for each overprint, calculating a set of exposures (28) needed to image each overprint density (24a) and original density (12a), setting a maximum exposure level (30) that is a number greater than or equal to the maximum of the set of exposures (28), calculating pulse width modulation levels (30) for the set of exposures (28) using the set maximum exposure level (30), and printing the color (28) at the set maximum exposure level (30) using the pulse width modulation levels (30) for each level of the “p” bit image (20) in a single pass.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus using an exposure unit of a solid-scanning type such as an LED head, reads out linear distortion correction data of an LED unit, then, calculates an amount of correcting color deviation based on the read-out data, and after that, carries out address control for color deviation correction memory. Based on this control, the apparatus creates a reference resist patterns, calculates an amount of correcting the color deviation, and writes the calculated amount in the color deviation correction memory. After that, the apparatus reads out the linear distortion correction data, and adds the amount of correcting the color deviation that is determined by sensors, and the amount of the color correction based on the linear distortion correction data, thereby carries out address controls for the color deviation correction memory.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical scanning apparatus for repeatedly optically scanning a plurality of surfaces to be scanned, including: a plurality of light sources; an optical deflector for deflecting and reflecting a plurality of light beams emitted from the plurality of light sources; and at least one scanning optical system for guiding the plurality of light beams which are deflected and reflected by the optical deflector to the different surfaces to be scanned. In the optical scanning apparatus, the plurality of light beams incident on the optical deflector are incident on a deflection surface of the optical deflector at different angles to a normal of the deflection surface, the scanning optical system is commonly used for the plurality of light beams, and the scanning optical system includes a first optical element that satisfies 0?|?1s|<0.001 where ?1s represents optical power of the scanning optical system within a sub scanning section.

Abstract: Photographic prints are produced from a virtual negative image on photographic paper. An image formation device coupled with a source of virtual negative images and a displacement actuator coupled with the image formation device are provided. The image formation device is positioned in a first position. A group of pixels on the image formation device that correspond to a portion of the virtual negative image is illuminated. The photographic paper is exposed to the group of pixels by directing a light beam from a lamp along an optical path. Relative motion is provided between the image formation device and an exposure target. A group of pixels on the image formation device that corresponds to a portion of the virtual negative image is illuminated. The photographic paper is exposed to the group of pixels by directing the light beam from the lamp along the optical path.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus in which streaks in an image or unevenness in density of an image caused by influences of dusts, scratches and toner etc on the surface of a reflecting member are unlikely to occur and excellent images can be always obtained and an image forming apparatus equipped with such an optical scanning apparatus are to be achieved. The apparatus comprises a first optical system for guiding a light beam emitted from light source unit to deflecting unit, the deflecting unit for reflecting and deflecting the light beam from the first optical system, a second optical system for guiding the light beam reflected and deflected by the deflecting unit onto a surface to be scanned through reflecting unit including n (n is an integer equal to or larger than 1) reflecting members.