Abstract: The system has an optical scanning device formed of a plurality of pixel elements for providing a scan output signal representative of a scanned region of an object. The system has a reflector, an illumination source, a light compensator, and an object positioner. The reflector defines an ellipse. The object positioner disposes the object substantially near the major axis of the ellipse. The illumination source emits and applies light energy to the object disposed at a first focus of the ellipse. The light compensator, which varies the light energy emitted from the illumination source, has one or more dedicated pixels of the optical scanning device. The light compensator also has fiber optical transmitters that receive light transmitted from the illumination source and couple to the dedicated pixels, which are unavailable for receiving reflected light from the scanned region of the object.

Abstract: A photolithographic system wherein optical fiber routing is used to combine two or more ultraviolet light sources for reticle illumination.

Abstract: An exposure unit and method for imaging a photosensitive material includes a source of radiation for exposing the photosensitive material to actinic radiation such that the radiation strikes the photosensitive material at a plurality of angles of incidence, and apparatus for moving the radiation source relative to and in a plane parallel to the photosensitive material. The exposure unit also has a reflector for controlling (1) the proportion of (a) radiation having perpendicular angles of incidence to (b) radiation having non-perpendicular angles of incidence, such that the radiation having non-perpendicular angles is increased, and (2) the distribution of non-perpendicular angles of incidence.

Abstract: A microlithographic projection imaging system has an illuminator optical system and an objective imaging system, and an adjustable profiler or energy distributor in the illuminator optical system varies the numerical aperture of the illuminator, for varying the partial coherence of the projection imager. The adjustable profiler can be a diffuser, a binary optic, a hologram, or a fly's eye lens that is axially movable in a non-collimated region of the illumination path for imposing a predetermined angular profile on each of a multitude of fragments of the illumination. This changes the distribution of the illumination energy at the pupil of the illuminator and thus varies the numerical aperture and the angular energy profile of the illumination arriving at the objective imaging system, which is also preferably made uniform in spatial intensity by a uniformizer in the illuminator upstream of the pupil.

Abstract: An illumination device and a projection exposure apparatus using the same are disclosed, wherein an incoherency imparting optical system serves to amplitude-divide a coherent beam from a radiation source into plural beams and to impart an optical path length difference, not less than a coherent length of the coherent beam, to the divided beams, an optical integrator receives the divided beams to define a secondary light source, a condensing optical system directs a secondary beam from the secondary light source to a surface to be illuminated, an afocal system disposed on a path between the radiation source and the optical integrator has a variable angular magnification, and changing the angular magnification of the afocal system is contributable to changing the section of each of the beams impinging on the optical integrator to thereby adjust the intensity distribution of the secondary light source.

Abstract: Disclosed are an exposure apparatus and process, including a holding unit for holding first and second objects such as a mask and a substrate, a first illumination system for illuminating the first object with an exposure light, a projection optical system for forming an image of a portion such as a pattern portion of the first object illuminated with the exposure light onto the second object and a second illumination system for illuminating a portion such as peripheral portion of the second object held by the holding unit outside of a portion of the second object illuminated with the exposure light from the first illumination system.

Abstract: The invention is an exposure apparatus for directly drawing a pattern on a photoresist layer on a substrate. The apparatus has a movable stage on which the substrate is placed, an array of a plurality of semiconductor lasers held above the movable stage, laminated arrays of optical elements to project a suitably shaped laser beam spot on the substrate from each semiconductor laser and control means for exciting and deexciting the semiconductor lasers each individually while moving the stage such that the substrate passes under the array of semiconductor lasers. The primary merit of this apparatus is a great reduction in the time taken to accomplish exposure of a very large-sized substrate such as, e.g., a substrate of a flat-panel display for a high-definition television set.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus using dry silver salt material includes a photosensitive member having a base material and reducing material, photosensitive silver halide and organic silver salt which are on the base material; optical system for projecting information light onto the photosensitive member; auxiliary exposure optical system for uniformly exposing an entire surface of the photosensitive member; and a heating for uniformly heating the photosensitive member.

Abstract: A light source for use in exposing photographic material through a negative. The source includes a plurality of lamps, one appropriate to each emulsion layer of the material to be exposed. Each lamp has a reflector projecting a light stream through a dichroic filter which limits the energy of the stream so that it acts on a single layer. The separate streams are then combined into a single stream which is further treated to eliminate rays exceeding a predetermined angle. Cut off blades may be used to terminate the projection of any one or more of the individual streams for certain definite times depending on the desired exposure of each separate emulsion layer.

Abstract: A light concentrator, preferably for use with a color optical scanning device includes a reflector (34) with parabolic reflecting walls (36). Green LEDs (22), red LEDs (24), and blue LEDs (26) are situated at the base of the reflector (34) and a diffuser (30) is attached to the opposite end thereof. An electric switch (32) controls the LED array. When an input page is scanned, the switch (32) activates one type of LEDs at a time. The reflector (34) concentrates the emitted light at the surface of the diffuser (30). The photodetector array of the xerographic device receives three monochromatic images which are then superimposed to provide a color image.

Abstract: An image input device including an original pedestal for placing an original to be imaged, a camera unit for taking an image of the original, a camera supporting unit for supporting the camera unit at a predetermined position relative to the original pedestal, a light source for illuminating the original and a light source supporting unit for supporting the light source movable between a first position where the light source is used as a reflection illumination light source and a second position where the light source is used as a transmission light source. In addition, an image input device including an original pedestal for an original to be imaged, a camera unit for taking an image of the original, a support unit for supporting the camera unit at a predetermined position relative to the original pedestal and a housing unit for detachably housing a transmission illumination unit in the original pedestal.

Abstract: An illuminating device incorporated in a copier for illuminating the entire image surface of a document laid on a glass platen by a plurality of flash lamps. The voltages to be applied to the flash lamps and, therefore, the quantities of light to issue from the lamps, are controlled to illuminate the image surface of a document in a uniform illuminance distribution. Even when use is made of a document having a fraction of another document adhered thereto, shadows ascribable to the edges of the fraction or patch do not appear.

Abstract: A light beam scanning apparatus includes a light source array composed of a plurality of light sources, which are arrayed in a predetermined direction, a shutter array composed of a plurality of electric shutters, which are arrayed in a direction corresponding to the predetermined direction, and a lens array composed of a plurality of lenses is located at positions corresponding to the positions of the electric shutters of the shutter array. The lenses form images of light beams, which are produced by the plurality of the light sources, as light spots having predetermined diameters on a material. A control circuit controls the timing, with which the light beams are produced by the plurality of the light sources, and the timing, with which the plurality of the electric shutters are opened and closed, such that the material may be scanned with the light spots.

Abstract: A method of controlling exposure prepares basic data and original data, prepares data for correction for determining a correction amount of the original data, obtains first dot image, obtains dot percentage differences .delta..sub.H and .delta..sub.S between dot percentages of a highlight region and a shadow region of the first dot image, respectively, and a desired highlight dot percentage and a shadow dot percentage, obtains a correction amount of the original data based on .delta..sub.H and .delta..sub.S and the data for correction to update the basic data based on the correction amount of the original data, and acquires an exposure amount for obtaining second dot image based on the updated basic data and the original data. An apparatus for implementing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus for recording the image information of a document on the surface of a photosensitive recording medium by irradiating the surface of the document and exposing the surface of the photosensitive recording medium to light reflected from the document is disclosed. A white, translucent film for diffusing light is applied to the upper surface of a contact glass, on which the document is placed, to irradiate the surface of the photosensitive recording medium by both diffused light reflected from the surface of the document and carrying image information, and white light reflected from the surface of the white, translucent film and not carrying any image information. The image recording apparatus records the image information of an image having satisfactory gradation and high definition and not having any pseudocontour.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus for recording an image of an original document on a photosensitive, pressure-sensitive recording medium by exposing the recording medium to imaging light to form a latent image thereon and pressure developing the latent image. The size of the latent image to be formed on the recording medium is detected and a color of a marginal portion surrounding the image portion is specified through an operation unit. An LED array is arranged upstream of an exposure station and in a direction to transverse the recording medium for irradiating light onto the marginal portion of the recording medium so that the marginal portion is reproduced with the color as specified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposure control of images formed by two dimensional light valves allows precise exposure control, high degree of exposure uniformity and immunity from defects in the light valve. The light valve is being imaged onto an object, for example a sheet of light sensitive material, and the image is scanned along the object either by moving the object or the image. The data to be imaged is entered into the first row of the light valve and as the image of the light valve is scanned along the object, the data in the first row is transferred to subsequent rows at a direction and rate that keeps the imaged data stationary relative to the object. By using a large number of rows the exposure of each image point on the object is the sum of many exposures, each exposure contributed by one row. The number of rows each bit of data travels is electronically controlled in order to determine the exposure generated by the data bit.

Abstract: The LED array of this invention is constructed of a printed circuit board, a plurality of LED chips disposed linearly on the printed circuit board, each LED chip being capable of radiating a light beam, and a reflection member for reflecting the light beam from the LED chips and guiding the light beam outward of the LED array in the main illumination direction generally parallel to the surface of the board.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of and an apparatus for controlling exposure in halftone photography by calculating a main exposure amount, a bump exposure amount and a flash exposure amount based on basic data peculiar to the combination of a screen and a photosensitive material original data depending on an original in a process camera.

Abstract: An illumination optical system including a plurality of separate laser sources or a plurality of separate secondary light sources defined by the laser beams emerging from the laser sources. On an area to be illuminated, the laser beams emerging from the laser sources or emerging from the secondary light sources are superposed upon one another, whereby uniform exposure and an improved imaging performance are assured.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus which uses one type of photo-sensitive material to transfer an image from a original having a different density scale. The original image is given a primary exposure to the photo-sensitive material and the photo-sensitive material is given a direct exposure as an auxiliary exposure. After a certain amount of auxiliary exposure has been performed, the ratio of the amount of auxiliary exposure with respect to the amount of the total exposure of the part on the photo-sensitive material corresponding to the high density part of the original, is small, but because the ratio with respect to the amount of the total exposure of the part on the photo-sensitive material corresponding to the low density part of the original is large, the apparent .gamma.-characteristics of the photo-sensitive material is lowered, and a favorable image corresponding to the gradation of the original can be obtained.

Abstract: A soft edge mask comprises a panel having an opaque area forming a mask portion and defined by a clearly focussed edge of a predetermined shape, a transparent area forming a clear portion defined by a clearly focussed edge of the same said predetermined shape, and a margin portion extending between the opaque portion and the clear portion, the margin portion having a light transmissability varying progressively from the edge of the mask portion to the edge of the clear portion, and, at each position between the mask portion and the clear portion, being clearly focussed and having the same said predetermined shape.

Abstract: A photosensitive sheet (11) having photohardenable microcapsules is unrolled to be intermittently fed onto the exposure stage (300), and color separated images are projected onto a common area of the photosensitive sheet. A receiver paper (12) having a color coupler layer is overlaid on the photosensitive sheet, and pressed with a press roller mechanism (700), whereby a color image appears on the receiver paper. The receiver paper is separated from the photosensitive sheet, and thermally treated with a heater (820).

Abstract: A light source device with arrayed light emitting elements includes a base board on which a plurality of the light emitting elements are arranged in an array, a convergent rod lens provided parallel to the array of the light emitting elements, and a reflection casing for holding the convergent lens. The convergent lens and the reflection casing are integrally connected with an air-gap formed parallel to the cnvergent lens. The base board is secured upon being inserted into the air-gap. The convergent lens and reflection casing in the light source device with arrayed light emitting elements can integrally and simultaneously be molded by continuous two-color extrusion molding. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the light source device with arrayed light emitting elements at lower cost and which can easily be assembly with a reduced number of parts.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of flash lamps mounted at approximately symmetrical positions are alternately lit for exposure of an original to obtain a copied image on a light sensitive film, distribution of exposures effected by the lamps disposed at the positions is made asymmetrical such that the total amount of exposure at a portion of the original undergone the most intensive exposure by the lamp lit first is minimum, while the total amount of exposure at a portion of the original undergone the least intensive exposure by the lamp lit first is maximum.

Abstract: A numerical value displaying portion comprising mosaic elements for displaying a three digit numerical value is provided on a displaying portion of an operation panel. The number of copies and the copying magnification rate are switched with each other to be displayed on the numerical value displaying portion. All of the three digits are used to display the copying magnification rate. The lower two digits are used to display the number of copies. When the number of copy is displayed, a color selection mode for the copy images is displayed by utilizing the mosaic elements of the highest digit, which is not used. The light emitting state of the element corresponding to the selected mode is made different from the light emitting state of the elements corresponding to the non-selected mode, so that the displayed mode information can be readily distinguished.

Abstract: A light source device for a color enlarger, in which at least six planar light sources are used, two each to serve as a red light source, a green light source, and a blue light source, respectively, are disclosed. In the device, the planar light source serving as a red light source are two cold cathode red light grids arranged perpendicular to an optical axis of the work. The other four grids, two serving as green and two serving as blue light sources, respectively, are arranged in stacked, substantially parallel and horizontal relationship with the red light grids, with one green light grid adjacent the two red light grids, and the remaining blue and green grids alternating thereupon.

Abstract: An erase bar for a xerographic printer, copier or the like has a row of light emitting diodes for illuminating a row of pixels across the photosensitive medium of the printer. Each LED is located in the bottom of a cavity. Next to the bottom of the cavity are concave reflective walls which reflect light emitted transversely from the LED toward an open end of the cavity. Reflective walls of the cavity provide multiple bounces of some of the light. Absorptive walls nearer the open end of the cavity absorb some of the light. These features combine to illuminate a pixel of desired shape and with approximately uniform intensity of illumination. Additional uniformity may be provided by passing the illumination through a window that is at least partly absorbing for smoothing out differences in intensity.

Abstract: A copying apparatus operable with an original having an image-bearing surface on which images to be reproduced are supported. A radiation reflected by the image bearing surface is focused on a photosensitive paper, by a self-focusing lens array, so that latent images corresponding to the images on the image-bearing surface are formed on the photosensitive paper. The latent images are developed into visible images by a developing device such as a device adapted to apply a pressure to the photosensitive paper. The photosensitive paper may be a self-activated type having a photosensitive material and a developer material which chemically react with each other in the developing process. Alternatively, a separate developer paper having a developer material is superposed on a photosensitive paper having only a photosensitive material.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a resin molded product provided with engaging projections to be engaged with engaging members, which have been previously formed in side walls of a frame member, and wing members to be in contact with top portions of the side walls of the frame member alternately formed on the side walls thereof is used as a rod lens of the linear light source. Thus, a curvature of the rod lens can be optionally selected and the linear light source is superior also in assembling. In addition, in the case where this rod lens is composed of a lens surface covering a width of opening of the frame member and an almost flat counter surface positioned opposite to this lens surface, a light-scattering effect is brought about in the counter surface of the rod lens by taking a refractive index or a thickness of this rod lens into consideration, whereby a width of illumination can be increased.

Abstract: An illuminating system for a photocopier utilizing plural lamps. The photocopier utilizes a single slit system with a single photoconductive element. A reflector carries a plurality of pairs of lamps along the longitudinal direction of the reflector. The corresponding lamps of each pair are connected in two lamp circuits which are separately controlled. the controller controls each circuit to be either off or have a controlled voltage applied to the circuit, where the voltage is variable in a number of steps.

Abstract: A light source device for use in a color copying machine comprises a plurality of light source lamps having different efficiencies respectively and means for lighting any number of light source lamp or lamps among said plural light source lamps depending on the luminous energy of the respective blue, green and red spectrums and/or the spectral sensitivity of the photosensitive member for said respective spectrums.

Abstract: An image forming method which enables switching between a frame sequential system and a dot sequential system, thereby providing a color recording system of reduced cost and which is capable of an increased speed of recording operation. Three separate light-emitting elements are provided emitting light in three primary colors. Simultaneous three-color exposure or sequential monochromatic exposure of a photosensitive material is selected in reseponse to a three-color light signal derived from an original document or the like, and the light-emitting elements are then driven either simultaneously or separately.

Abstract: For obtaining a required amount of exposure on a light sensitive film in an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of flash lamps disposed in opposition to the original are lit for exposure of the original to form a copied image on a light sensitive film, the individual flash lamps are alternately lit a plurality of times, respectively, even when the requisite quantity of light can be obtained by lighting alternately only once each of the flash lamps, to thereby prevent nonuniformity of exposure of the film due to the reciprocity law failure.

Abstract: An original document exposure device utilizes a bump exposure to control contrast by reducing the contrast in a reproduction image of the original document. The bump exposure is achieved by covering a portion of the field of view of the focusing system of an exposure lamp with a diffuse reflector. A portion of the exposure light is thus diffusely reflected into the focusing system and onto the photosensitive media. The degree of bump achieved is controlled by position adjustment of the reflector.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus is provided with at least two illumination lamps selectively placed in a printing path for printing an image of an original on a photographic material and a lamp detector for detecting which illumination lamp is in the printing path, and then sending a signal to a controller. The controller excites the lamp detected in the printing path and designates a data channel of a memory corresponding to the detected lamp in order to read out lamp data such as a lamp slope coefficient and lamp balance therefrom and then determine an exposure time. The lamp detector effects the detection of the lamp and generates a signal when the lamp in use is broken and is replaced with a spare.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing imagewise exposure of a light-sensitive material whose spectral sensitivity is dependent on wavelength, uses a light source that emits light at a wavelength in the neighborhood of a narrow wavelength range and which is compensated for variations in its optical output level and wavelength on account of the change in the temperature of the light source. A drop in the exposure sensitivity of the light-sensitive material is prevented and a high-quality image is produced by electrically compensating for variations in the optical output level of the light source on the basis of the sensitivity vs. wavelength characteristics of the light-sensitive material and the wavelength vs. temperature characteristics of the light source so that the light source will produce a constant optical output in spite of the variations in wavelength due to the changes in its temperature.

Abstract: A slit exposure type illuminating device mainly applicable to a color electrophotographic copier and using a plurality of lamps includes a single reflector which is provided with a plurality of openings for inserting the lamps. The lamps are arranged in an array along the length of the reflector. One of the lamps is positioned on an optical axis which extends through the center of the reflector with respect to the lengthwise direction of the reflector. The lamps are divided into a first and a second lamp groups in each of which they are arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis and individually spaced by predetermined distances from the optical axis. Current is fed either independently or simultaneously to the two different lamp groups. The openings of the reflector are each so adjustable in position and dimension as to prevent the bulb of each lamp from intercepting light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to quickly and efficiently photograph highly reflective items utilizing a copy camera. Light reflection off, and shadows from the object to be photographed, the surfaces of the copy camera, and nearby, photentially interfering objects are reduced to obtain reflection free photographs. A shadow box is placed around the object and covers are placed over the camera parts and between the lights and the object.

Abstract: A light source or lamphouse wherein light from lamps 16 of different colors, as obtained by filters 18, is projected into a full diffusing chamber 20 with diffusing reflective internal surfaces where the light is premixed. The diffusing chamber is disposed adjacent to a specular dispersing chamber 22 of greater volume than the diffusing chamber where the light is further mixed and dispersed to provide uniform illumination at an outlet; the use of both types of chambers providing efficient mixing in a limited volume so that the source can be movably mounted on the column of an enlarger or printer.

Abstract: This invention provides a light emitter for generating light having a predetermined effective level of illuminance distribution over a defined region of a given size. The light emitter comprises a light emitting diode having a specified overall length for generating the predetermined effective level of illuminance distribution, including a central array of LED chips equally spaced from each other at a first interval, an end array of LED chips equally spaced from each other at a second interval smaller than the first interval. The light emitter also comprises a gap where there are no chips, the gap being larger than the first interval between the central array and the end array for alternatively maintaining the predetermined effective level of illuminance distribution and increasing the size of the defined region, and maintaining the size of the defined region and decreasing the overall length of the diode. The light emitter comprises a circuit board for supporting the light emitting diode.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive element for half tone color proofing adapted to be exposed by scanning with four independently modulated sources of radiation emitting at different wavelengths within the range 550 to 900 nm, the element comprising a substrate bearing at least four separate imaging media coated thereon, said imaging media including:(1) an imaging medium capable of forming a yellow image upon imagewise exposure and processing,(2) an imaging medium capable of forming a magenta image upon imagewise exposure and processing,(3) an imaging medium capable of forming a cyan image upon imagewise exposure and processing, and(4) an imaging medium capable of forming a black or a balancing black image upon imagewise exposure and processing,each imaging medium having a maximum spectral sensitivity at a wavelength different from that of the maximum sensitivity of the other imaging media such that after exposure and processing super-imposed yellow, magenta, cyan and black or balancing black images are formed, each image

Abstract: A lamp system which erases selected portions of an electrically charged photoconductive member. The lamp has a transparent housing defining a chamber filled with a gaseous medium. A charge is induced across a selected region of the gaseous medium. This causes the gaseous medium to ionize in the selected region so as to emit light rays thereat. The light rays illuminate the electrically charged photoconductive member in the selected region to discharge the charge thereat.

Abstract: A video transfer stand generates a video signal from a front-illuminated image on a semi-transparent or translucent original, especially a photographic print. The video system, including the transfer stand and a video display connected to the stand, produces output video contrast as a function of the transfer characteristic (gamma) of the video system as it interacts with the contrast exhibited by the reflection density of the print. This interaction produces high contrast that blocks out details especially in shadow areas of the video display. Such undesirably high contrast is moderated--releasing shadow detail--by variably backlighting the print in the transfer stand. The rear illumination, which is adjusted in view of the display, produces inherently lower contrast than the reflected illumination and, in combination therewith, optimizes the video display contrast.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing internegatives includes a slide holder for positioning the slide from which the internegative is to made, a primary photoflash unit for back-illuminating the slide and projecting the image thereof into a camera, a secondary photoflash unit for directing a contrast correction exposure into the camera via a reflecting plate, and a stored programmed controlled processor for controlling the time duration of the primary exposure, the contrast correction exposure, and the operation of the camera so as to properly exposure the film in the camera. A back-illuminated light screen is provided to allow the operator to evaluate the brightness of the slide so as to control the duration of the primary exposure and the contrast correction to consistently produce properly exposed internegatives. In a second embodiment, a single photoflash unit, in cooperating with a movably mounted neutral density filter, is used to effect both the primary and contrast correcting exposures.

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus of the type which employs an alignment light of the same wavelength as an exposure light and includes an optical system subjected to correction of chromatic aberration for the exposure light so as to simultaneously observe an alignment area on a reticle and an alignment area on a photosensitive substrate to bring the reticle and the photosensitive substrate into alignment. The apparatus includes light source means for emitting light of a wavelength different from that of the exposure light and capable of sensitizing the photosensitive substrate, and optical means for introducing the light source means into the optical system to project it on to the alignment area on the photosensitive substrate through the alignment area on the reticle.

Abstract: A copying machine having a first plurality of individual light emitting elements can be selectively illuminated depending on the copy size desired. Corresponding second array of light emitting elements can define an erasing apparatus positioned adjacent a photosensitvie member. An operator can designate the area to be copied. Control apparatus can control the individual light emitting elements based on the set predetermined copying conditions.

Abstract: A microfilming camera for taking an microimage of a document on a film. The microfilming camera comprises a main mirror disposed beneath a transparent document support for the support thereon of a document to be microfilmed, which main mirror is used to deflect the optical path of a photo-taking system, a side mirror disposed on each side of the space delimited between the document support and the main mirror, and illuminating sources positioned exteriorly of the optical path and disposed in face-to-face relationship with the respective side mirrors.

Abstract: An illumination system according to the invention has three radiating units along each longitudinal side and two radiating units along each transverse side of the illumination system. The radiating units are arranged symmetrical to the imaginary center lines in longitudinal and transverse directions of the illumination system. Each individual radiator unit at the transverse side includes a radiating source surrounded by three heat-protection filters while, in each of the three radiator units along the longitudinal side, one of the heat-protection filters is substituted by a reflector plate. The reflector plates of the left-hand and right-hand radiating sources are beveled rectangles, while the reflector plate of the middle radiating source is a rectangle without a beveled upper edge. Along the longitudinal and transverse sides of the illumination system are arranged reflectors, which consists of two reflector parts, which are detachable from each other at a separating point.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus provided with a blank exposure device. The blank exposure device includes a plurality of light sources, each of which exhibits a light directivity. The light emitted from the directive portion is effective to electrically discharge the non-imaging area of the image bearing surface. Only adjacent to that side of each of the light emitting sources, such as light emitting diodes, which is nearer to the imaging area of the image bearing member, there is provided a light blocking member to block the light emitted from the marginal portion of the light-directive portion of the light emitting element.