Abstract: When an image reader is in a stand-by state in which the image reader can read an original, supply of a clock signal from a clock generation circuit to a line sensor is halted. Hence, supply of a clock signal does not need power. As a result of supply of the clock signal to the line sensor being halted, there can be reduced generation of a dark current due to the head developing in the line sensor and generation of Electromagnetic Interference. Consequently, the noise in read image data is reduced, thereby improving the picture quality of a read image. In the stand-by state, supply of only a clock signal to the line sensor is halted. Hence, the time required for warming up the line sensor is nominal. Upon receipt of a reading instruction, the image reader can immediately start reading an original, thus improving operability of the image reader.

Abstract: A solid-state image-sensing device has a photosensitive element that produces an electric signal commensurate with the amount of light incident thereon, a transistor of which the first electrode and the control electrode are connected to one electrode of the photosensitive element, and a resetting portion for resetting the transistor by feeding a predetermined pulse signal to the second electrode of the transistor. The resetting portion resets the transistor in such a way as to inhibit the transistor from operating in a subthreshold region when the amount of light incident on the photosensitive element is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A system for managing information on a carrier, and an image reading apparatus, which enable easy resetting of correction data. When a film carrier is mounted in an image reading apparatus main body, a control section reads the identification number of the film carrier from an EEPROM, and determines whether the identification number corresponds to any of the identification numbers stored in a RAM. When correspondence is not found, it determines that the film carrier is mounted in the main body for the first time, and correction data is read from the EEPROM and stored in the RAM with the identification number. Instead of losing the correction data if the substrate is replaced, the correction data stored in the RAM is read from the control section and written into a new EEPROM, thereby enabling easy resetting of the correction data.

Abstract: A radiation-image data readout apparatus in which the charge transferring time occurring during a readout operation utilizing a line sensor having a broad-width light-receiving portion is shortened is provided. A line sensor having two photodiode portions, each having a width of 100 um, disposed adjacently with a microscopic gap therebetween, and a charge transferring device corresponding to each photodiode portion provided on the exterior side in the width direction of each corresponding photodiode portion, are provided.

Abstract: An image reader (A) includes a plurality of light sources (6) arranged in line, the light from which travels through a channel (14) and irradiates a linear read area (S). The channel (14) is divided into a plurality of sections (14a) by a plurality of partitions (15). Thus, uniform brightness is obtained in the whole part of the linear read area (S), including both ends and the central part.

Abstract: A digitizer having a dual exposure technique is combined with an associated LUT for each exposure. Each LUT may have a transfer function including a logarithmic operator resulting in a digitized image with improved photometric resolution and increased dynamic range. A digitizer utilizing multiple exposures at approximately equal exposure time intervals provides a noise reduction for lower optical density portions of the data medium further contributing to increased dynamic range. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A photosensor assembly has at least one line array of photosensors with a first sensor size, and at least one line array of photosensors with a second sensor size, with the two sizes being different. In an example embodiment, for every band of wavelengths being sensed, there are two line arrays of sensors, with one line array having relatively small sensor areas and the other line array having relatively large sensor areas. The line arrays with relatively small sensor areas are used for high native input sampling rates, and the line arrays with relatively large sensor areas are used for high color accuracy and speed. To minimize cost and circuit area, each line array of sensors having large sensor areas shares a charge shift register with a line array of sensors having small sensor areas. If overflow drains are present, some pairs of sensor line arrays may also share overflow drains.

Abstract: An integrated image module for a document scanner includes a one piece die cast housing having a datum element and a support element. An imaging sensor array is enclosed in the housing. An array bias element urges the imaging sensor array against the datum element to provide accurate placement of the sensor array relative to the housing. A transport mechanism is attached to the housing so that the position of the transport mechanism accurately corresponds to the position of the imaging sensor array. The lens and the lamp for illumination are also attached to the housing so that the primary components of the imaging portion of the scanner are contained in a single module.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image reading apparatus which enables high-speed reading of an image transmitted through a transparent material such as a photographic film or an image reflected by a reflective material. In the image reading apparatus, a transparent material such as a photographic film is first conveyed in a conveying direction thereof, and an image frame to be read is positioned at a reading position. After the image frame is positioned, light emitted from a lamp is made into slit light by a light diffusion box, a longitudinal direction of the slit light coinciding with the conveying direction of the photographic film, and the slit light is irradiated on a portion (line) to be read of the photographic film. Light transmitted through the portion of the photographic film is imaged by a lens unit onto a light-receiving surface of a line CCD (a reading sensor) which is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the photographic film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for fast finding the best resolution of an optical scanning device during assembling steps. The present invention improves the graphics of the calibration device. Accompanying with calculation of an adjustment device, the present invention generates a referencing parameters. The parameters represent the resolution of the optical scanning device; and further is able to show the balance of horizontal resolution and the balance of vertical resolution. In this case, technicians can optimize the best position of the lens in order to build an optical scanning with precision and narrow the misalignment during assembly.

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 document scanner for producing any combination of color or grayscale or bi-tonal document images having a selectable range of resolutions is provided that maximizes image production speed by minimizing the processing required to produce the particular type of images selected. The scanner includes an imaging camera including a high-resolution grayscale CCD sensor in combination with lower resolution red, green, and blue CCD sensors. The scanner further includes an image processing circuit for processing data generated by the grayscale and color CCD sensors into any combination of color, grayscale, or bi-tonal document images having high or low resolution. High-resolution color images are produced by superimposing the high-resolution grayscale image generated by the grayscale sensor with the lower resolution color images generated by the color CCD sensors. The image processing circuit may also produce high or low resolution, color, grayscale or bi-tonal images when selected at respectively lower bandwidths.

Abstract: An image reading unit which is attached onto an image reading apparatus includes a first unit having a photoelectric conversion device for photoelectrically converting the image information of an original, and a second unit which can be engaged with the first unit, wherein the first unit is engaged with the second unit, and after a first plane portion provided in the first unit and a second plane portion provided in the second unit are brought in close contact with each other, the first unit is fixed to the second unit with an adhesive, and wherein a groove into which the adhesive is poured is formed in at least one of the regions where the first plane portion and the second plane portion are adhered to each other.

Abstract: When a monochromatic original is read, a control is effected to transfer a charge accumulated in a monochromatic photodiode array to a rear stage, and not to accumulate charges in respective color photodiode arrays. When a color original is read, a control is effected to transfer charges accumulated in the respective photodiode arrays and not to accumulate a charge in the monochromatic photodiode array.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a housing, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), and a light emitting diode (LED), a photosensor for detecting light that is emitted from the CCFL and the LED and then by way of a document, and a control circuit for controlling operations of the scanning device. The LED can be used to perform scans while the CCFL is heating.

Abstract: The image reader according to the present invention is able to set the accurate threshold level free of influence of dirt and dust even when the reference “white” level is requested for shading correction during the acceleration while the carriage is being accelerated without increasing the averaging frequency when the reflected light from the white board is read for shading correction.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading apparatus having an image sensor unit. The image sensor unit may include a number of photodiode arrays. The photodiode arrays may have different qualities and the output of the photodiode arrays may be processed differently. Output of the photodiode arrays may be mixed to improve image qualities.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes image sensor chips and control chips for controlling the operation of the image sensor chips. Each image sensor chip, including a plurality of photoelectric converters, performs the outputting and resetting of accumulated electric charge due to light detection. Each control chip includes resolution data input terminals for inputting resolution data to specify resolution, and also a reset signal generator for generating a reset signal for performing the resetting of the accumulated electric charge. The reset signal is generated in a selected one of the cycles that corresponds to the resolution data inputted into the terminals.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for scanning a target moving relatively to a scanner to obtain an image involves scanning at an oblique angle to the direction of motion and oversampling. The image is then created by rearranging the scanned pixels. Blur in the scan optics and other distortions are removed by a deconvolution process which is adapted for the oblique angle scanning.

Abstract: In an image sensor having a plurality of photodiodes, subsets of photodiodes share a common node for signals to be sent to an amplifier. Within each subset, each individual photodiode is selected for sending signals to the amplifier by an associated selection device. The selection device is a MOS device operating in a linear region. The subset of photodiodes share a common “fill and spill” or “bucket brigade” transfer circuit to the amplifier, the transfer circuit including at least one MOS device which operates in a subthreshold region.

Abstract: Shifting of data out of at least one image sensor is controlled by a programmable sequencer table. Sampling of the shifted data is also controlled by the sequencer table. The sequencer table is programmed with at least one pattern for controlling shifting of data out of the image sensor and sampling of the shifted data. The pattern programmed into the sequencer table depends upon the image sensor. Output of the pattern from the sequencer table is controlled by a sequencer control block. The sequencer table and the sequencer control block may be included in a single application specific integrated circuit which may be implemented in, e.g., a scanner. This provides flexibility in the selection of image sensors, without requiring different circuits for controlling shifting of data out of the image sensors.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading apparatus having an image sensor unit. The image sensor unit may include a number of photodiode arrays. The photodiode arrays may have different qualities and the output of the photodiode arrays may be processed differently. Output of the photodiode arrays may be mixed to improve image qualities.

Abstract: A flat bed image scanner uses a contact image sensor to scan a document. The distance between the contact image sensor and the glass window, over which the document is placed, is minimized and held constant by inserting a lubricating element between the contact image sensor and the glass window. The lubricating element may comprise two pads placed at the two ends of the contact image sensor. The lubricating element can also be integrated structurally with the contact image sensor. The material of the lubricating element can be nylon or some other kinds of plastic. The lubricating element may also comprise two guide rails placed at the two edges of the scan window.

Abstract: An image-reading device includes a platen glass for supporting a document, an end glass adjacent to the platen glass, a sheet member that connects bottom surfaces of the platen glass and the end glass, a feeder for feeding a document to the image-reading device, a carriage that includes a sliding member, a rod lens array mounted on the carriage, and a photoelectric transfer device for reading an image of the original document formed by the rod lens array. The carriage is biased against the platen glass and the end glass through the sliding member and moves relative to them. A controller drives the carriage at different speeds, one less than half the other, so that the carriage is moving slowly when the sliding member contacts the sheet member, thereby avoiding problems of wear of the sliding member and loss of synchronism of the motor that drives the carriage.

Abstract: An image of a document is divided into a plurality of areas, and a reliability is obtained for each area for a case where an image of the area is used in orientation detection. The reliability is obtained from characteristics of the shape of a histogram generated from image data of the area, as follows. The histogram is divided into a plurality of sections, and an MTF value is calculated for each section by dividing a difference of the max and min values of the section by the sum of the max and min values. A mean value of the MTF values calculated for all of the sections of the histogram is set as the reliability of the area. The orientation detection processing is performed on the area whose reliability is the highest, and an orientation result obtained through the orientation detection processing is judged as the orientation of the image of the document.

Abstract: Every time signal charges, which are generated in pixels “1”, “3”, “5”, . . . of one 1a of pixel rows 1a and 1b spaced from each other by a distance D, are transferred to a final stage 4a of an analog shift register 3a to be fed to a charge detecting part 5 in synchronism with a transfer clock &PHgr;1B, a reset pulse RS is generated to discharge the signal charges to a reset drain 8. Signal charges, which are generated in pixels “2”, “4”, “6”, . . . of the other pixel row 1b, are transferred to a final stage 4b of an analog shift register 3b, and then, stored in a capacity 6 of the charge detecting part 5 in synchronism with a transfer clock &PHgr;2B. Then, the quantity of the stored signal charges is read out, and the stored signal charges are outputted from an output circuit 9 as an output signal OS.

Abstract: All electric charges accumulated in a line sensor are transferred via a first shift gate to a first analog shift register. By controlling the width of a shift pulse signal to be supplied to a second shift gate, the amount of an electric charge transfer when the electric charges on the first analog shift register are transferred to a second shift register is controlled. As a result, the amount of the electric charges on the first analog shift register is controlled to a desired value. Accordingly, the amplitude of an image signal outputted from the first analog shift register can be easily adjusted. Further, the sensitivity of a CCD line sensor and variation of light amount of a light source can be corrected.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus according to the invention, the switching frequency of a switching power supply is set to a value equal to integral multiples of a reading frequency corresponding to each line, thereby correcting, for example, uneven image density due to ripples in a power supply voltage. Further, the switching of the switching power supply is synchronized with a horizontal synchronizing signal output from a scanner, thereby causing the positions of the ripples to correspond between lines for correcting, for example, uneven image density.

Abstract: A flow sensor detects a flow rate of cooling air from a compressor, and a determination is made as to whether or not the detected flow rate is abnormal. A determination is made by a diaphragm position sensor as to whether or not a diaphragm is located at such a critical position that a quantity of light illuminated onto a photographic film is large, possibly resulting in degeneration of a photographic film. A lamp is turned off if the diaphragm is located at the critical position and the flow rate of the cooling air is abnormal.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of taking full advantage of each device function and adjusting it even if each device function varies depending on respective machines. The image reading apparatus includes an illumination unit directing light toward an original document, a transducer unit transducing the light directed toward the original document and reflected therefrom to an electric signal, and a controller controlling the amount of light from the illumination unit according to a saturation characteristic and a frequency characteristic of the transducer unit.

Abstract: An image reading device including an image sensor for optically reading a document and outputting an electric signal, a period control circuit for controlling the period of a horizontal synchronizing signal in order to change a time period during which charge is stored in the image sensor, and a scanning speed control circuit for controlling the scanning speed of the document to be a speed conforming to the period of the horizontal synchronizing signal. The horizontal synchronizing signal and the scanning speed are variably set to values corresponding to an image reading mode, for example.

Abstract: An image reader of the present invention comprises a fluctuation detector that can be connected to the external equipment by means of an image data input-output section, and can subject image data, continuous in a first direction and outputted as image information on a test chart is photoelectrically converted by means of a CCD sensor when a mirror set or the test chart is moved in the first direction, to Fourier conversion, thereby obtaining the frequency of a fluctuation of the obtained image data and a maximum value of the amplitude thereof. If the obtained maximum value of the fluctuation amplitude is greater than a given value, the fluctuation detector is used to compare the frequency of the fluctuation and the natural frequency of a drive motor for generating driving force for moving the mirror set or the image. If the fluctuation frequency and the natural frequency are not equal, the value of current supplied to the drive motor is increased.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a CCD which photoelectrically converts optical information and outputs an image signal in an analog form, a PGA which receives an output from the CCD, amplifies the output with a programmable gain, and outputs the output, an ADC which receives an output from the PGA, A/D-converts the output, and outputs an image signal in a digital form, and a CPU which calculates a gain which makes an output from the ADC match a reference value by using an output from the ADC and the reference value, thereby setting a gain for the PGA. This arrangement makes it possible to set a gain in a short period of time and shorten the first copy time in an image forming apparatus or MFP system using the image reading device of this invention.

Abstract: An image reader comprises a light source illuminating an original, an optical guide system configured to guide a light beam reflected from the original and conveying information about an image on the original, a light-receiving unit configured to receive the light beam guided by the optical guide system and to convert the information about the image into electric signals, a stay member holding the light-receiving unit, a balance weight configured to act on the stay member and to reduce oscillation of the light-receiving unit, and a balance-weight holding structure configured to hold the balance weight in an unrestrained state with respect to the stay member.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a carriage on which an image sensor is mounted, a motor that drives the carriage, and servo-control-containing printed matter provided in one or more detection areas of the image sensor or one or more independently provided optical sensors. The servo control information is used for speed control and initial position detection of the carriage. A servo controller performs the servo control on the motor via a motor driver based on the read servo control information. The printed matter is provided on a rear or underside surface of a support structure in areas irradiated by a light source for the image sensor. Printed matter for speed control may be provided in one area and printed matter for initial position detection in another. Servo control information on the printed matter may be read using a dummy pixel region of the image sensor.

Abstract: An optical lens device of image scanner includes a diaphragm and plural lenses. The plural lenses, diaphragm, and image induction element are linearly arranged for defining an optical path between the document and the image induction element. Wherein, among the plural lenses, the one that is most close to the manuscript is called the first lens, and the other one that is most close to the image induction element is called the last lens, and the distance between the last lens and the image induction element is called BFL, and the length of the image induction element is called image height, and the total optical length between the document and the image induction element is called TT, and the effective focus length of the optical lens device is called EFL. If the optical lens device fulfills following conditions: the diameter of the last lens/the diameter of the first lens>1; EFL/image height<0.9; and BFL/TT<0.

Abstract: In a linear image sensor, a shutter structure includes: a shutter gate electrode provided between photodiode arrays; and a shutter drain provided below the shutter gate electrode. With this construction, a layout area is reduced and the number of scanning operations performed in the auxiliary scanning direction necessary to obtain image data for one line is reduced. As a result, the capacity of a memory used is reduced and the influence of color drift is suppressed.

Abstract: This invention uses a 4-line color CCD sensor including four line sensors Y, R, G, and B. In a low-speed color read mode, outputs from these sensors are processed by A/D converters and subsequent processing units provided in one-to-one correspondence with the sensors. In a high-speed monochromatic read mode, an output from the Y sensor is divisionally processed by using A/D converters and subsequent processing units provided in one-to-one correspondence not only with the Y sensor but also with the other R, G, and B sensors. This provides an image reading apparatus usable in both the high-speed monochromatic mode and the low-speed color mode and capable of achieving high speed, high accuracy, and low cost.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a contact image sensor of a scanning system includes a supporting shaft and an elastic element. The supporting shaft is set through a holder and contact the contact image sensor. The elastic element contains a spring. The spring is positioned outside the holder and provides a force to the supporting shaft for pushing the contact image sensor upwardly. In this case, the contact image sensor stays close to a document plate to conduct scanning processes. Since the spring is outside the holder, the variation of holder due to manufacturing would not affect the force from the spring. Thus balanced forces are generated by the springs, further avoiding the situation of the contact image sensor jammed during scanning processes.

Abstract: An additional motion is introduced into a scanning operation. This additional motion is in addition to the motion that is inherent in any document scanning operation. For example, in a flatbed scanner a linear array of scanning devices is positioned across the document in a first or “x” direction and this array is moved across the document in a perpendicular or “y” direction. In a flatbed scanner the position of the scanning devices are fixed in the “x” direction. In a drum scanner a light beam moves across the document in an “x” direction and the document is moved in the “y” direction. The light reflected from the document is directed to a fixed photoreceptor. With the present invention an additional vibratory motion is introduced into the scanning process. With a flatbed scanner the array of detector devices is moved or vibrated. The vibratory motion can for example be in the “x” direction.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus in which a pixel area including arrangement of a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion portion and a common output portion for sequentially amplifying and outputting signals from the plurality of pixels included in the pixel area are formed on a single semiconductor substrate, comprises a power supply unit for effecting power supply control of the common output portion independently of control on power supply to the pixel area, and a control circuit for effecting control to supply no power to the common output portion in a predetermined period after starting photo charge accumulation in the photoelectric conversion portion and supply the power to the common output portion before the end of a photo charge accumulation period in the photoelectric conversion portion.

Abstract: An interpolation arithmetic method and an image reader are provided which, in reading a film image using an area CCD sensor in which reading elements are arranged in a hound's tooth check form, is capable of making full use of excellent characteristics of the area CCD sensor. The interpolation arithmetic method and the image reader can be realized by interpolating first image signals of the neighboring two or more reading elements to allocate the second image signals and outputting the interpolated second image signals or the first and second image signals in a square check form, and by providing a light source section; an area image sensor; an imaging optical system; and at least one of pixel shifting device of the area image sensor, and an interpolation arithmetic section for rearranging the second image signals of pixels in the square check form by performing interpolation arithmetic of first image signals outputted from respective reading elements of the area image sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a member mounting structure and a member mounting apparatus for mounting a member such as a solid state image input unit in which mounting of the solid state image input unit can be achieved with high accuracy after positioning adjustment along five axes, yield of production can be increased, and at the same time, decrease of fixing force of the solid state image input unit after production (after adhesive material has been hardened) does not occur by means that positioning adjustment of the solid state image input unit along five axes is easily performed before adhering and fixing of the solid state image input unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a document end detecting unit which detects a front-end of a moving document with reliability. In a document reading unit equipped with a document end detecting unit, on the surface of a back member which is on the opposite side to a light-receiving section and a light source when viewed from a reference position, a slot which is substantially parallel to a moving direction of a document is formed. A detecting section detects a shade of a document front-end appearing at the slot based on data of the reflected light amount from light-receiving elements in the light-receiving section which receive light reflected from the slot of the back member, and detects timing when the document front-end reaches the reference position based on a result of detecting the shade. This allows a document front-end to be detected with reliability.

Abstract: In order to perform addition of the electric charges obtained from adjacent pixels in the same sensor row with a multiplexing structure type of solid-state image pick-up apparatus, a solid-state image pick-up apparatus of the present invention comprises: a first CCD register 10 that transfers electric charges acquired by a first light-receiving pixel row; a second CCD register 20 that transfers electric charges acquired by a second light-receiving pixel row; a multiplex section 30 that transfers the respective electric charges, transferred by the first CCD register 10 and second CCD register 20 toward a floating diffusion amplifier FD; and signal generator 3 that in the case of alternately-output mode, applies signals in opposite phase to each other to a final stage of the first CCD register 10 and a final stage of the second CCD register 20, respectively, and, in the case of an add-and-output mode, applies to the final stage of the second CCD register 20 a signal for accumulating the electric charge until a

Abstract: There is provided a method of driving a solid-state image sensor, including the steps, in sequence, of (a) converting a light into a plurality of electric charges, (b) selectively reading out the thus converted electric charges in every predetermined number of vertical pixel lines by a first number which is smaller than the predetermined number, into a vertical charge coupled device, (c) repeating the step (b) by the desired number of times, (d) vertically transferring the thus read out electric charges towards a horizontal charge coupled device, (e) adding one of the electric charges read out in the step (b) to associated one of the electric charges read out in the step (c) in the horizontal charge coupled device by vertically transferring electric charges by the predetermined number of vertical pixel lines in the vertical charge coupled device in a horizontal blanking period, and (f) horizontally transferring the thus added electrical charges through the horizontal charge coupled device.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus employing a white fluorescent lamp, such as a xenon lamp, as an illuminating unit reduces variations in RGB output level caused by differences in persistence characteristics of phosphors, and also reduces color blurs at document edges in a vertical scanning direction. The lamp is turned on a plurality of times within one storage time of a CCD line sensor, and a lamp-on phase is shifted 180 or 90 degrees for each storage cycle or for each reading line. The lamp is not turned on at a timing when charges are transferred from a photoelectric converting element of the line sensor. Furthermore, a time from the moment when the lamp turns on last within the storage time to the timing at which the charges are transferred is set to be longer than a shortest afterglow time (B or blue) of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A color image reading apparatus comprises at least three line sensors arranged at regular intervals along the main scanning direction, an imaging optical system for focussing a light beam on the line sensors, and a diffraction grating for separating a light beam coming from a color image into a plurality of light beams having respective wavelengths different from each other. The imaging optical system includes at least one lens and the optical axis of the lens is eccentrically disposed relative to that of the optical system as a whole so as for the plurality of light beams to be focussed on the respective line sensors.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus capable of automatically powering on is disclosed. The scanning apparatus includes a main body, a lid, a carriage inside the main body, and a scanner board. The lid is hinged to the main body. The scanner board includes a scanner frame and a glass plate mounted in the scanner frame and extending under the scanner frame. The scanner board further includes an opening on the scanner frame. The opening exposes the glass plate thereunder and the opening is substantially above the start point of the carriage. Therefore, the auto power on scanning apparatus has the advantage of preventing dust from dropping into the interior of the main body. Also, extra care and cost paid to the fragile projected pattern can be eliminated.

Abstract: An image sensor according to the present invention includes a casing (4), a light source disposed in the casing (4) for emitting light toward an object (K) to be read, and an image sensor board (6) provided, on an obverse surface thereof, with a plurality of light receiving elements (52) for generating image signals upon receiving light reflected by the object (K). The image sensor board (6) is disposed so that the obverse surface thereof is directed inwardly of the casing (4). The substrate (6) is provided with a light shielding layer (61) for covering the reverse surface of the substrate at least entirely over a portion of the obverse surface where the plurality of light receiving elements (52) are mounted, so that disturbing external light is prevented from entering inside the casing (4).