Abstract: A method/apparatus receives a user selection of a predetermined standard for scanning sheets of media through a user interface and optically detects marks on the sheets of media using a scanning device to produce electronic images of the sheets of media. The method/apparatus automatically determines if the electronic images comply with the predetermined standard using a processor to classify the electronic images as acceptable electronic images or non-acceptable electronic images. Then, first sheets of media corresponding to the acceptable electronic images are directed into a first sheet storage device and second sheets of media corresponding to the non-acceptable electronic images are directed into a second sheet storage device.

Abstract: When optically scanning a medium, scanning can proceed immediately even if the size of the medium is unknown. Before or when an optical reading device starts scanning to read all of a recording medium, the CPU 40 sets a scan block of a size that can always be scanned based on the output of media edge sensors 47 and the distance from the scanning position of the optical reading device to the detection position of the media edge sensors 47, and then scans the set scan block.

Abstract: A complex apparatus includes a recording device including a recording unit that executes recording on a medium; an image reading device, provided so as to be freely openable/closable with respect to the upper portion of the recording device via a hinge portion, including an image reading unit that reads an image; a first contact portion, provided in the image reading device, that makes contact with a housing of the recording device when the image reading device is in a closed state; a second contact portion, provided in the housing of the recording device, that makes contact with the first contact portion when the image reading device is in a closed state; and a third contact portion, provided in an apparatus frame that holds the recording unit, that makes contact with the housing of the recording device at the lower area of the second contact portion.

Abstract: A device, system and method for incorporating a multipage feeder into a keyboard scanner to allow continuous and sequential feeding of more than one page into a scanner housed in a computer keyboard. A multipage feeder may be for example integrated into or attachable to and detachable from a single page feeder also included in the keyboard housing.

Abstract: The image reading apparatus conveys a reading unit or a document to read the document. Conveyance is implemented by motor control based on a target position trajectory. The reading unit reads the document each time a line start signal is inputted. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the reading operation is invalidated. A conveyance position at a timing to start the first reading operation invalidated is specified as an interrupted position. The object is arranged at a conveyance restart position moved back from the interrupted position. A target position trajectory is newly set. A conveyance time from the conveyance restart position to the interrupted position defined by the target position trajectory is an integral multiple of an output cycle of the line start signal. The motor control based on the target position trajectory is started at a timing coinciding with an output timing of the line start signal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of reading an image recorded on a first surface and a second surface of a sheet, the image processing apparatus comprising a conveying path comprising a first conveying path formed in a substantially plate shape, a second conveying path disposed below the first conveying path and a curved conveying path disposed between the first conveying path and the second conveying path, a conveying mechanism configured to convey the sheet along a conveying direction from the first conveying path to the second conveying path through the curved conveying path, a first image reading section disposed below the first conveying path and comprising a first image sensor which reads the image recorded on the first surface of the sheet conveyed along the first conveying path at a first image reading position, a second image reading section comprising a second image sensor which reads the image recorded on the second surface of the sheet conveyed along the second conveying path from below the s

Abstract: An ergonomic, compact scanner operation is achieved by providing a flatbed scanner and a sheet fed scanner in a space efficient arrangement with optimal access features for users. Documents traverse the sheet fed scanner along a path that allows inclusion of an easily accessible flat bed scanner.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a first scanning unit, a second scanning unit, and a light source corresponding to each of the first scanning unit and the second scanning unit. The light sources are arranged on the same side of the first and second scanning units with respect to the main scanning direction.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first conveying path, a curved conveying path, a second conveying path, a first image reading section facing the first conveying path, a pair of third conveying rollers having a third nip point P1, a pair of second conveying rollers having a second nip point P4, a second image reading section facing the second conveying path, a pair of first conveying rollers having a first nip point P3 and a pair of discharge rollers having a fourth nip point P2. A distance between P1 and P2 is larger than a distance between P3 and P4. P3 and P4 are positioned in a first area defined by imaginary lines extending upward from P1 and P2 respectively.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the high speed digitization of large collections of thin, flexible sheets such as photographic prints. The sheets are inserted into transparent pockets on an elongated belt, and the belt is driven rapidly without stopping past a high speed digital camera. A glare reduction means is employed to avoid glare off the transparent pockets, and motion blur is eliminated through the use of high speed strobe illumination or a high speed shutter. The invention can be commercialized by having a customer load the belt with photographs (or other thin sheets) and deliver the belt to a processing location. Digital images of the sheets may then be provided to the customer, and the original sheets may be left in the pockets on the belt for convenient storage.

Abstract: A first feeder contacts a first surface of a first sheet held in a first tray and feeds the first sheet toward a recording unit. A second feeder contacts a first surface of a second sheet held in a second tray and feeds the second sheet toward the recording unit. An inner member is disposed above a standing plate. An outer member comprises an upstream portion opposing the standing plate, and a downstream portion opposing the inner member. The inner member guides the first surface of the first sheet and the first surface of the second sheet. The standing plate guides the first surface of the second sheet. The upstream portion of the outer member guides a second surface of the second sheet, and the downstream portion guides a second surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the second sheet. The standing plate moves relative to the outer member.

Abstract: A sheet feeder apparatus comprises a roller feeding sheets of media in a process direction, and a transparent platen positioned after the roller in the process direction. A scanner is positioned on the scanner side of the transparent platen, and a calibration strip is positioned on the sheet side of the transparent platen. The roller feeds the sheets of media over the sheet side of the transparent platen and the calibration strip. The calibration strip has a curved end surface having outer ends and a center. The center of the curved end surface is between the outer ends of the curved end surface in a cross-process direction. The cross-process direction is perpendicular to the process direction. The center of the curved end surface extends further in the process direction relative to the outer ends of the curved end surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cover member which is openable and closable with respect to main assembly of the image forming apparatus; and an image reading portion, movable to first and second positions, for reading an image of an original. The cover member is movable to first and second open positions with respect to the main assembly. The image reading portion is initially rested at the first position as the cover member is moved from a closed position to the first open positions, and then is movable from the first position to the second position in interrelation with movement of the cover member from the first open position toward the second open position.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus having a mechanism for adjusting an opening of a sheet passageway includes a first assembly, a second assembly and a driving mechanism. The first assembly is moveably disposed. The second assembly is disposed opposite the first assembly. The driving mechanism drives the first assembly to move in a vertical direction to adjust a distance between the first assembly and the second assembly. The driving mechanism includes a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion. The horizontally extending portion is moveable in a horizontal direction. The vertically extending portion, connected to the horizontally extending portion, pushes against the first assembly. The vertically extending portion drives the first assembly to move in the vertical direction in response to the movement of the horizontally extending portion in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Images from a set of documents may be read by an image reading device by, in one example, carrying the documents one by one. The read data may be stored and errors in an operation in the reading may be detected. When an error is detected, the reading of the documents may be stopped. Additionally, reading of the documents may be restarted when the error is no longer detected. According to one or more aspects, the reading may be restarted such that the read data obtained after restart of reading continues from the read data obtained before detection of the error. According to further aspects, the entire read data of the documents may be converted into a single file having a predetermined format.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a lower unit, an upper unit, a joint piece to connect the upper unit with the lower unit, a flat cable, and a holder piece, which is movable with respect to one of the upper unit and the lower unit when the upper unit is moved with respect to the lower unit. The holder piece includes a first opening, a second opening, and a path connecting the first opening and the second opening to hold the flat cable therein in a curved posture. When the upper unit is vertically moved, the holder member is vertically moved with respect to the one of the upper unit and the lower unit by shifting a range of curvature in the flat cable as the flat cable is pulled out of and withdrawn in the holder member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image reading apparatus that includes: a photoelectric sensor including plural reading pixels aligned in one direction and output an electric signal depending on the amount of light from an image on the document; a read control section that reads a document image with the photoelectric sensor in accordance with a read instruction, and obtains image data; a black correction section that performs a black correction to adjust an output under dark condition of each reading pixel to a value within a predetermined range, the output under dark condition being an electric signal output when the amount of light input is zero; and a black correction execution determining section that determines whether to perform the black correction, when the read interval between each two document sheets of the multi-page document is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a conveying roller that comes in contact with a sheet medium and causes a conveying force to convey the sheet medium in a conveying direction to act on the sheet medium contacting the conveying roller; an imaging unit that captures an image of the sheet medium that has been conveyed; a guide plate that is provided upstream of the imaging unit in the conveying direction, forms a part of a conveying path through which the sheet medium is conveyed, and includes a plurality of slits along a main-scanning direction perpendicular to the conveying direction; and a charging member that is chargeable, provided upstream of the imaging unit in the conveying direction, arranged separate, via the plurality of slits, from the sheet medium that is being conveyed, and charged at least when the sheet medium is being conveyed by the conveying roller.

Abstract: A transported material transporting device including: a power transmission switching mechanism configured to switch the transmission of the power between the intermediate gear and the cam drive gear between a transmitted state and a blocked state; a detection lever provided in the reversing path and configured to detect the presence or absence of the material to be transported which enters the reversing path; and a blocked-state locking mechanism configured to lock the blocked state of the power transmission switching mechanism when the discharging roller is in the released state, wherein the locked state of the blocked-state locking mechanism is released and the power transmission switching mechanism is switched from the blocked state to the transmitted state upon detection of the position of the trailing end of the material to be transported entering the reversing path by the detection lever.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a tray unit, a recording unit disposed above the tray unit, an outer guide defining a curved path extending from the tray unit to the recording unit, a sheet feeder configured to feed a sheet from the tray unit to the curved path, and a return guide disposed between the recording unit and the tray unit. The return guide pivots about a shaft and guides the sheet having an image recorded thereon back to the curved path. The tray unit includes at least one supporting portion. The return guide includes at least one supported portion. The at least one supporting portion of the tray unit engages the at least one supported portion of the return guide such that the return guide takes a guiding position in which the return guide defines a return path extending to the curved path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanning device and a method for scanning. The scanning device comprises a first frame (4) supporting a first deflector (6), and a second frame (8) supporting a second deflector (10). The first frame is arranged for rotation around a first axis (12), and the second frame is arranged for rotation around a second axis (14). The first frame is rotatably connected to a base (38) for rotation around the first axis and the second frame is arranged for rotation around the first axis. The method for scanning comprises rotating the first frame around the first axis according to a first selected value, and rotating the second frame around the second axis according to a second selected value.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, a white reference member for obtaining a reference value used in shading correction in the reading mechanism and an elastic member for cleaning a surface of the transparent member are provided such that respective positions of the white reference member and the elastic member with respect to the transparent member are variable. A controller controls the positions of these members with respect to the transparent member to alternately achieve movement of the white reference member to a position where the white reference member faces the transparent member and movement of the elastic member to a position where the elastic member faces the transparent member. The controller calculates the above reference value using a plurality of detection values read by the reading mechanism through the above positional control.

Abstract: An imaging station for processing a media includes a media output for outputting a processed media, a first media delivery station having a first media entrance, a second media delivery station having a second media entrance, and a passive urging device. The second media entrance has a width smaller than a width of the first media entrance. The second media entrance is positioned downstream from the media output and upstream from the first media entrance. The passive urging device is positioned downstream from the media output such that the media is urged towards the second media entrance.

Abstract: This invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of smoothly controlling option apparatuses while suppressing power consumed by conveyance, compared to a conventional technique. To achieve this, the control unit of the image forming apparatus issues a control instruction by serial communication via a common communication line to drive not all but two or more option apparatuses at once.

Abstract: An image reader includes: a read frame; a read guide; and a seal mechanism. The seal mechanism covers a gap between the read frame and the read guide. The seal mechanism includes a rib standing in parallel with a sliding direction of the read guide and a flexible dustproof sheet having an end that is in contact with the rib.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including, a sheet feeding device, a sheet feeding section that controls transport of an original document performed by the sheet feeding device, a reading section that outputs image data by reading the original document, a carriage that is equipped with the reading section, a carriage control section that controls movement of the carriage, a buffer that temporarily stores the image data, and a monitoring section that monitors a volume of the image data stored in the buffer. When the monitoring section determines that the volume of the image data is more than a predetermined threshold value, the sheet feeding section decelerates and stops the transport of the original document, and the carriage control section accelerates the carriage in a direction opposite to the transport of the original document during a deceleration period of the transport of the original document.

Abstract: There is provided an image reader capable of reading a good image free from the influence of foreign matter such as dust. This image reader includes an ADF, a reader section, a dust correcting section, and a CPU. The CPU controls the ADF and the reader section according to the detection result of the dust correcting section so as to selectively execute one of a first moving original reading mode and a second moving original reading mode. In the first moving original reading mode, the reader section is fixed at a predetermined position to read the images while the originals are fed at a first sheet-to-sheet interval. In the second moving original reading mode, the reader section is fixed at a predetermined position to read the images while the originals are fed at a second sheet-to-sheet interval longer than the first sheet-to-sheet interval.

Abstract: Provided is a traveling unit driving apparatus where a driving belt of the traveling unit is manufactured with ease, and concurrently therewith, can be coupled reliably to the unit in a state with high durability. A driving belt extended between a pair of pulleys is formed using a belt with ends and teeth, and a belt fixing means is comprised of a first and second engagement portions provided in the traveling unit, a concave recess portion disposed between the portions, and a lock fixing member that is fitted into the concave recess portion. Then, the first and second engagement portions and the concave recess portion are provided with a first and second mount surfaces for bending and supporting the belt opposite end portions, the lock fixing member is fitted into the concave recess portion, and the belt opposite end portions are thereby sandwiched and held in a bent state.

Abstract: An image-capturing system includes: a stage that has mounted and fixed thereon a glass slide on which at least one sample is placed and that circulates in an endless-track shape; a line sensor that scans only a part of the sample; an imaging driving mechanism that moves a relative position of the line sensor and the stage in a direction perpendicular to a scanning direction of the line sensor; and an optical system that focuses an image of the sample on the line sensor.

Abstract: A cover-type apparatus with a simplified locking structure includes a first body, a second body and an interlocking mechanism for fastening the second body and the first body together. The interlocking mechanism includes a hook disposed on the first body, and an elastic member disposed on the second body and being engageable with the hook. The elastic member deforms elastically in response to a force exerted thereon by the hook.

Abstract: A aspect of the invention is an image scanning apparatus including: a document feeder configured to sequentially feed document sheets stacked in the document feeder; an image scanning unit configured to scan the document sheets fed by the document feeder and to output image data thereof; a memory configured to store therein the image data; a detector configured to detect a failure of feeding the document sheets by the document feeder; a notifier configured to report the feeding failure when the detector detects the feeding failure; and a display unit configured to display the image data stored in the memory, upon detection of the feeding failure.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus that improves reading productivity during simultaneous double-sided reading without leading to increases in the size and cost of the apparatus and a method for controlling the image reading apparatus are provided. To accomplish this, the image reading apparatus, in the case of a single-sided reading mode, controls the scanning speed of a first image reading unit to a first scanning speed and controls the distance between original document sheets to a first distance between original document sheets. On the other hand, in the case of a double-sided reading mode, the image reading apparatus controls the scanning speed of the first image reading unit to a second scanning speed that is the scanning speed of a second image reading unit and that is slower than the first scanning speed, and controls the distance to a second distance that is shorter than the first distance.

Abstract: A scanner is disclosed. The scanner has a flatbed glass and an ADF glass mounted to a top cover with a gap formed between the two glass pieces. The scanner has a scanner module that has an ADF scan position underneath the ADF glass and a flatbed scan position underneath the flatbed glass. When the scanner module is in the flatbed scan position the scanner module references the flatbed glass. The scanner module crosses the gap between the two glass pieces when the scanner module moves from the flatbed scan position to the ADF scan position. The scanner module is lowered away from the flatbed glass as the scanner module approaches and moves across the gap between the two glass pieces.

Abstract: An original is read by an original reading unit configured to read image data, at least one of the original reading unit and the original is driven by a driving motor in a sub-scan direction, and, when an amount of the image data stored by the image data storing unit becomes equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the rotational speed of the driving motor is reduced according to driving control data provided for each of current rotation angles of the driving motor for finally stopping the driving motor at a predetermined rotation angle, and a speed in a sub-scan direction at which the original reading unit reads the original is reduced. Then, main scan line data are thinned out from the image data according to thin-out data provided for each driving control data, and image data of the original are restored.

Abstract: An office machine includes a pedestal having an image-handling unit disposed in a top thereof and a passage guider, and an automatic document feeder capable of rotating between an open position exposing the image-handling unit and a closed position covering the image-handling unit. The automatic document feeder defines a passage for transmitting a document from upstream to downstream therethrough. A substantial middle part of the passage is opened to cooperate with the image-handling unit. A magnetic component is mounted to the automatic document feeder. The passage guider is pivoted to the top of the pedestal and near to a downstream side of the image-handling unit. The passage guider will rotate upward by the magnetic component to make a free end thereof for guiding the document when the cover is at the closed position.

Abstract: An image sensor reads an image from a document sheet disposed on a document holding portion of a platen glass while the image sensor is moving along the platen glass in a predetermined direction or reads an image from a document sheet fed by a document feeder while the image sensor is stopped at the image reading position. A discharge guide member guides a document sheet which has passed the image reading position in a direction downstream from the platen glass. A sliding mechanism slides a first plate that faces the document holding portion selectively between a first position and a second position along the platen glass in a sliding direction parallel to the predetermined direction. The image reading position is within the document holding portion. The first plate, when in the first position, covers the image reading position, and the first plate, when in the second position, is separated from the image reading position.

Abstract: An image scanning device comprises a white reference board having a uniform white color; an irradiation device including a light source unit having a light source, the light source unit configured to irradiate a reflection side of the white reference board from only one oblique direction; an image sensor configured to detect reflected light from the white reference board; and a determination device configured to determine if an attached substance exists on the white reference board based on the reflected light detected by the image sensor. The irradiation device includes a reflection board configured to rotate and to focus the light from the light source by its rotation and reflect the focused light onto a manuscript.

Abstract: An image scanning device includes a housing, a scanning carriage, and a first guide groove and a second guide groove. The housing includes a bottom chassis and a side wall member, and defines a document tray. A scanning carriage is movably arranged in the housing. The first guide groove and the second guide groove are arranged at the side wall members of the housing, and guide the scanning carriage in a scanning direction.

Abstract: A document scanner (10) includes an input tray (30) for holding documents (20) prior to imaging; an output tray (150) for holding documents after the documents exit the scanner; an output image capture device (140) for capturing images of the output tray; an image processor for determining characteristics of the output tray or characteristic of the documents after the documents exit the scanner; and scanner functions are modified based on the output tray characteristics or the document characteristics.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that forms images on sheets by using input image data, the apparatus including: a detection unit that detects a blank area outside of an image forming area formed on a sheet; a setting unit that, when a sum of a length in a conveyance direction of a blank area on a trailing edge side in the conveyance direction of a sheet and a length in the conveyance direction of a blank area on a leading edge side in the conveyance direction of a sheet conveyed following the sheet is a reference value or less, sets a sheet conveyance interval to the reference value, and when the sum is greater than the reference value, sets the conveyance interval to be less than the reference value; and a conveying unit that conveys the sheets at the conveyance interval set by the setting unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are an automatic document feeder capable of moving a pickup device between a standby position and a pickup position and carrying out a document pickup operation by using a single driving source, an image reading device having the same and an image forming apparatus having the same. The automatic document feeder includes a pickup device, a lifting device and a pickup driving device. The pickup device includes a pickup roller to pick up a document sheet. The lifting device moves the pickup device between a standby position and a pickup position. The pickup driving device includes a pickup motor to rotate in a first direction and a second direction. The pickup motor drives the pickup roller by rotating in the first direction, and drives the lifting device by rotating in the second direction.

Abstract: An image reader includes a light source, a light reception element, an optical member, and a hold body. The light source applies light to a document. The light reception element receives reflected light reflected by the document. The optical member introduces the reflected light into the light reception element. The hold body has an entry part which is disposed in a portion not contributing to image formation of the reflected light on the light reception element through the optical member. The hold body holds the optical member.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including a sheet conveyance unit that conveys the sheet via a conveyance path; a reading unit, which is movable within a reading area; an image data generation control unit that is configured to control: the reading unit to read the sheet at the reading position while conveying the sheet through the reading position so as to generate an entire image data of the sheet; and generate an entire image data of the sheet; a determination data generation control unit that is configured to: control the reading unit to read the sheet by the image data generation control unit; and generate a partial image data of the sheet including the leading end portion as a determination data; and a determination unit that determines whether or not a state of conveyance of the sheet is normal based on the determination data.

Abstract: Prior to reading an original image, whether to read the original image in a monochrome image mode in which the image reading apparatus reads the original image in use of the monochrome line sensor or a multi color image mode in which the image reading apparatus reads the original image in use of the multi color line sensor is predicted. Preparation of reading an original image based on parameters corresponding to the predicted mode is completed before the start of reading the original image. This arrangement reduces a time loss arising from switching of a color mode associated with a user color setting at the start of a job, and thus shortens the FCOT. This arrangement can shorten the time until the first copy is output after designating the start of copying when reading an original image based on different parameters.

Abstract: A plurality of LED circuits are each configured having white LEDs serially connected therein, and the white LEDs are arranged in alternate main scanning direction positions for each of the LED circuits. When any of these LED circuits has failed, an output light power of white LEDs of LED circuits that have not failed is increased by a light power control section, thereby compensating an extinguished amount of the failed LED circuit.

Abstract: In an image-reading device, when the reading unit generates the set of image data, the top side is generated at first and the bottom side is generated subsequently to the top side. The scanned image includes a document image corresponding to the document. The specifying unit, when the reading unit scans and reads a part of the document and generates a part of the set of image data including a part of the document image, specifies a target vertex that is positioned at topmost among at least one vertex of the part of document image. The estimating unit defines a reference position in the scanned image corresponding to a center of the conveying path in the width direction, and estimates a size of the document based on a length in the second direction between the target vertex and the reference position.

Abstract: A document feeder includes: a conveyance unit that separates one document from among documents placed on a document tray, and conveys the document; a first width-determining unit that determines a width of one of the documents; a second width-determining unit that determines a width of the conveyed document; a first length-determining unit that determines a length of one of the documents; a second length-determining unit that determines a length of the conveyed document; and a controller that if an inconsistency occurs between the width determined by the first width-determining unit and the width determined by the second width-determining unit, causes a display unit to display an operation guide including first content, and if an inconsistency occurs between the length determined by the first length-determining unit and the length determined by the second length-determining unit, causes the display unit to display an operation guide including second content.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus body; an image carrier unit that includes: a support member; and an image carrier that is rotatably supported by the support member and directly or indirectly carries images; a positioning part that is provided at the apparatus body and positions the image carrier unit by being abutted against the support member; a plurality of rotating bodies which are provided in the apparatus body; and a control unit that controls driving states of the plurality of rotating bodies, wherein the control unit controls the rotating bodies so that a resultant force of forces applied to the image carrier unit from the plurality of rotating bodies is always applied in a normal direction where the support member is abutted against the positioning part, in a period where the plurality of rotating bodies moves to a normal rotation state from a stopped state.

Abstract: A calibration mechanism is positioned in a scanning device having a scanning module for scanning a document. The scanning module defines a scanning line perpendicular to a scanned area of the document. The calibration mechanism includes a calibration unit, a supporting unit supporting the calibration unit, and a driving unit. The calibration unit is positioned to face the scanning module and aligned with the scanning line. The driving unit drives the calibration unit to move close to the scanning module and away from the scanning module along the scanning line. The scanning module obtains great brightness value by scanning the calibration unit, if the calibration unit is close to the scanning module. The scanning module obtains small brightness value by scanning the calibration unit, if the calibration unit is far from the scanning module.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an illuminating device that is disposed in an image-reading apparatus and image-forming equipment, including a light-source portion on one side; a light-source portion on the other side; and a long translucent light-guiding member having a light-discharging face long in a longitudinal direction thereof, and guiding light derived from the one light-source portion from one end face in the longitudinal direction, and light derived from the other light-source portion from the other end face in the longitudinal direction so that the guided light is irradiated to an object through the long light-discharging face; wherein the one and the other light-source portions are arranged such that positions of optical axes thereof differ from each other in a direction that is parallel to a light-irradiated face of the object and in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light-guiding member.