Abstract: A document capture arm connected to an imaging device and positionable over a platen for retaining a document on the platen for imaging. The document capture arm holds one or more documents against the platen in a selected position or arrangement. The document capture arm may be configured as an arm that may insert into a receiver. The document capture arm may be easily installed for use and may be easily removed for storage when not needed. Alternately, the document capture arm may include an actuator that is attached to and extends from the arm, projecting beyond the axis of rotation of the platen cover at the hinge. When the platen cover is lifted to an open position, the capture arm actuator is acted upon by the platen cover, lifting the document capture arm to an open position.

Abstract: A locking device for locking a movable module of an electronic apparatus disclosed by the invention mainly includes a control member and a latch connected to the control member. The control member is selectively movable between a first position for locking the movable module and a second position for releasing the movable module. When the latch stops at the first position, it also latches onto an operational interface or a mechanism component so as to prevent the user from electrically or mechanically operating the apparatus.

Abstract: Speed fluctuations at a motor supplied with a two-phase current is reduced by changing the current value ratio at each phase in the drive current to feed a drive motor for an image reader to allow a light source lamp to move, free from speed fluctuations, to scan at a constant scanning speed. The drive motor is supplied with current different in value at each phase from constant current drive circuits, which, in one embodiment, are connected with current regulating variable resistors. An acceleration detector is fixed at the drive motor to detect acceleration fluctuations in rotation of the drive motor to detect speed fluctuations. In some embodiments, thermal control of the motor drive circuit is provided and vibration proofing to isolate the light receptor from the drive motor.

Abstract: A scanner unit has first and second carriages under an original table glass. The first carriage has a first frame extending from a front side to a rear side along the original table, that is, in a main scan direction. Two rails for supporting both end portions of the first frame such that the first frame may slide in a sub-scan direction are provided on the front side and rear side of the scanner unit. A cold cathode fluorescent lamp is mounted on the first frame. In order to make a high-voltage-side harness of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp as short as possible, an inverter circuit board, which is a lighting circuit, is disposed as close as possible to a positive electrode of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp. A weight is attached on a side opposite to the inverter circuit board, thereby to stabilize a weight balance of the first frame in the main scan direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for scanning a bounded scan area within a scanable surface of a scanning device are provided. The present invention includes a plurality of members constructed and arranged to define a scan area on a scanable surface of the scanner, a link for communicating with the control interface of the scanner, and a switch for generating a signal to the control interface to initiate and complete a scan of the bounded scan area defined by the plurality of members. The scanning apparatus and system further provide a method for scanning a bounded scan area, which includes the steps of determining whether the scan area is contained entirely within the enclosed scanable surface, scanning the scanable portion of the scan area if the enclosed scan area is not contained entirely within the scanable surface, and scanning the entire scan area if the scan area is contained entirely within the scanable surface.

Abstract: A drive shaft, which is driven by a drive motor, is held firmly at two points by bearing structures. The bearing structure has a hole in which a bearing member is fit. The bearing member has hole, which is concentric with respect to the hole in which the bearing member is fit. A crimp, which is made of elastic material, having interfering portions that interfere with the bearing member is provided between the bearing member and the hole in the bearing structure in which the bearing member is fit.

Abstract: An optical scanning device including a housing, a first carriage carrying a light source and a first mirror, a second carriage carrying second and third mirrors, the second carriage cofigured to move in a sub-scanning direction at one-half of a speed of the first carriage, first and second timing pulleys spaced apart in the sub-scanning direction, a timing belt spanned around the first and second timing pulleys to reciprocate the first carriage in the sub-scanning direction, a drive device to drive the first timing pulley, flat pulleys supported by the second carriage and spaced apart in the sub-scanning direction by a moving distance of the second carriage, a flat belt spanned around the flat pulleys to reciprocate the second carriage in the sub-scanning direction, an engaging member engaging the timing and flat belts to the first carriage, and a fixing member fixing the flat belt to the housing.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having an optical system that moves via coated wires wherein the twisting or crisscrossing of the electric wires upon electrically connecting the optical system to the apparatus can be effectively prevented. To this end, an image reading apparatus reads the image of an original document through exposure scanning using the optical system mounted on a first carrier and a second carrier. Feeding cables with one end connected to a lamp of the first carrier and the other end connected to a regulator and a cable accommodating member that displaceably holds a portion of the feeding cables and is capable of sliding in the direction of an external force applied to the feeding cables are provided.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a transparent, media support platen having a first surface portion and a second surface portion; a media clamp mounted in displaceable, overlying relationship with the first surface portion of the platen; and a lid mounted in displaceable overlying relationship with the second surface portion of the platen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image scanning apparatus and more particularly to a dual transmissive/reflective image scanning apparatus with protective apparatus. The present invention includes a housing, an original cover, a tray of a first type, and a tray of a second type. The housing provides a slot, within which the tray of the first type or the tray of the second type may be selectively inserted. The tray of the first type is inserted within the slot for reflective scanning, while on the other hand, the tray of the second type is selectively inserted within the slot for transmissive scanning. In addition, a first device is provided within the housing, and the tray of the first type has a second device for selectively coupling with the first device. The original cover has a third device for selectively coupling with the first device.

Abstract: An image reader apparatus for lighting a manuscript surface of a manuscriptin a line state, and for image-forming a reflection light from a reading part of the manuscript surface lighted in the line state, to an image sensor, by an image forming lens which forms a part of a scaled down optical system so that an image of the manuscript is read, includes an irradiation opening part and an optical element. The irradiation opening part is for irradiating a lighting light to an outside part, which is formed at the light source. The optical element for attenuating a light amount so as to be permeated, which is provided between the irradiation opening part and the manuscript stand.

Abstract: An image-reading device exposes and scans an image of a subject copy by reciprocating a first traveler including an exposure lamp and a mirror, and a second traveler including two mirrors, along a sub scanning direction at a velocity ratio of 2:1. The image-reading device comprises a harness, a flexible cable, and a contact prevention member. The harness supplies power to the exposure lamp. The flexible cable has one end connected to the harness and the other end connected to a power source. The contact prevention member is provided on the first traveler so as to prevent the harness from contacting the second traveler and the mirrors included in the second traveler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning device. The scanning device comprises a document plate for placing a document, at least a sliding guide placed at one side of the document plate, a scanning module which is in front of the document plate for scanning the document along the direction of the sliding guide, a first light source assembled in the scanning module for providing light to scan documents, and a driving module electrically connected to the scanning module for driving the scanning module to perform scanning procedure to the document.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a scanner and an ADF. The scanner includes a housing having an upper surface which is formed of a document table glass and a through-read glass. The housing contains first and second carriages which can slide along rails. In a through-read mode, the first carriage is moved to a reading position below the through-read glass, and the case of the first carriage is magnetically held by a fixing mechanism, and the first carriage is fixed at a reading position. A vibration-absorbing member is interposed between the fixing mechanism and the case.

Abstract: An input scanner for scanning three-dimensional objects, such as books, on a platen. The input scanner includes a light source for illuminating a three-dimensional object, an elongated sensor array for producing a digital representation of the image on the three-dimensional object, a lens array, a moving mirror, and a mirror positioning system, which beneficially includes a mirror motor. The mirror positioning system positions the mirror such that the input scanner's object plane tracks the contour of the three-dimensional object on the platen. Object plane adjustments are performed in response to contour information from a mechanical track guide, from a profile memory, or from a height sensor. Additionally, the input scanner might use a movable lens array, which is beneficially a gradient-index lens array.

Abstract: An input scanner for scanning three-dimensional objects, such as books, on a platen. An elongated raster scanner produces a digital representation of a line image in an object plane that is a fixed distance in front of the raster scanner's input optics. When scanning the three-dimensional object the raster scanner travels along a track guide that is contoured in the Z-direction. That contour is designed to mimic the contour of the three-dimensional object being scanned. When traveling along the track guide the distance between the three-dimensional object and the object plane remains substantially constant.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises a scanner and an ADF. The scanner includes a housing having an upper surface which is formed of a document table glass and a through-read glass. The ADF is provided to cover the document table glass and through-read glass. The housing contains first and second carriages such that they can slide along rails. In a through-read mode, the first carriage is moved to a reading position below the through-read glass, the case of the first carriage is magnetically held by an electromagnet, and the first carriage is fixed at a reading position. A vibration-absorbing member is interposed between the electromagnet and the case, thereby preventing vibration, generated by an ADF driving motor, from being transmitted to the first carriage via the housing.

Abstract: The present invention realizes an image reading apparatus having an optical system that moves by means of coated electric wires wherein the twisting or crisscrossing of the electric wires upon electrically connecting the optical system to the apparatus can be effectively prevented. To this end, an image reading apparatus reads the image of an original document through exposure scanning using the optical system mounted on a first carrier and a second carrier. Feeding cables with one end connected to a lamp of the first carrier and the other end connected to a regulator and a cable accommodating member that displaceably holds a portion of said feeding cables and is capable of sliding in the direction of an external force applied to the feeding cables are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first positioning assembly and a second positioning assembly respectively mounted on the bottom housing of the scanner. The first positioning assembly defines a first clamping groove, and the second positioning assembly defines a second clamping groove. A toothed belt is used to drive the chassis of the scanner to move reciprocally. The toothed belt includes a first end and a second end respectively locked in the first clamping groove of the first positioning assembly and the second clamping groove of the second positioning assembly. The toothed belt can be mounted directly, without having to additionally perform a working process, thereby reducing the machining processes, and thereby decreasing the cost of fabrication.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, method, and computer program product including a carriage for carrying an image reading device; a white plate arranged above a track of the carriage, and read by the image reading device for adjusting a reading level; a home position sensor to detect the position of the carriage; and a controller to control the movement of the carriage. The controller is configured to determine the direction of movement of the carriage based on the output of the home position sensor, and to perform a tentative homing operating when the home position sensor changes its output after the carriage is moved.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a feeding cable which connects a voltage applying part and a light source, and includes a conductive cable with an outer circumference covered with an insulating film. A first portion at one end side of the feeding cable is held by a first feeding cable holding member fixedly arranged in a vicinity of the voltage applying part. A second portion at the other end side of the feeding cable is held by a second feeding cable holding member attached to a first moving carriage that carries a light source and a first mirror. A portion of the feeding cable between the first and second feeding cable holding members is wound around a pulley in a U-shape. The pulley moves integrally with a second moving carriage that carries second and third mirrors.

Abstract: A drive shaft, which is driven by a drive motor, is held firmly at two points by bearing structures. The bearing structure has a hole in which a bearing member is fit. The bearing member has hole, which is concentric with respect to the hole in which the bearing member is fit. A crimp, which is made of elastic material, having interfering portions that interfere with the bearing member is provided between the bearing member and the hole in the bearing structure in which the bearing member is fit.

Abstract: An optical scanning device including a housing, a first carriage carrying a light source and a first mirror, a second carriage carrying second and third mirrors, the second carriage configured to move in a sub-scanning direction at one-half of a speed of the first carriage, first and second timing pulleys spaced apart in the sub-scanning direction, a timing belt spanned around the first and second timing pulleys to reciprocate the first carriage in the sub-scanning direction, a drive device to drive the first timing pulley, flat pulleys supported by the second carriage and spaced apart in the sub-scanning direction by a moving distance of the second carriage, a flat belt spanned around the flat pulleys to reciprocate the second carriage in the sub-scanning direction, an engaging member engaging the timing and flat belts to the first carriage, and a fixing member fixing the flat belt to the housing.

Abstract: An image-reading device exposes and scans an image of a subject copy by reciprocating a first traveler including an exposure lamp and a mirror, and a second traveler including two mirrors, along a sub scanning direction at a velocity ratio of 2:1. The image-reading device comprises a harness, a flexible cable, and a contact prevention member. The harness supplies power to the exposure lamp. The flexible cable has one end connected to the harness and the other end connected to a power source. The contact prevention member is provided on the first traveler so as to prevent the harness from contacting the second traveler and the mirrors included in the second traveler.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a feeding cable which connects a voltage applying part and a light source, and includes a conductive cable with an outer circumference covered with an insulating film. A first portion at one end side of the feeding cable is held by a first feeding cable holding member fixedly arranged in a vicinity of the voltage applying part. A second portion at the other end side of the feeding cable is held by a second feeding cable holding member attached to a first moving carriage that carries a light source and a first mirror. A portion of the feeding cable between the first and second feeding cable holding members is wound around a pulley in a U-shape. The pulley moves integrally with a second moving carriage that carries second and third mirrors.

Abstract: A scanner unit has first and second carriages under an original table glass. The first carriage has a first frame extending from a front side to a rear side along the original table, that is, in a main scan direction. Two rails for supporting both end portions of the first frame such that the first frame may slide in a sub-scan direction are provided on the front side and rear side of the scanner unit. A cold cathode fluorescent lamp is mounted on the first frame. In order to make a high-voltage-side harness of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp as short as possible, an inverter circuit board, which is a lighting circuit, is disposed as close as possible to a positive electrode of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp. A weight is attached on a side opposite to the inverter circuit board, thereby to stabilize a weight balance of the first frame in the main scan direction.

Abstract: A first slidable assembly provided in an image reading unit of a digital copier has the slider pieces attached to the frame of the slidable assembly body thereof so that the slider pieces will move sliding over the guide elements. The upper part of the slider piece is an insert portion which is fitted through a passage hole formed in the frame and has engaging portions that pass through the passage hole as being deformed and become engaged with the rim of the passage hole.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a space portion for stacking sheets thereon, and is constituted of an image forming portion and an image reading portion including first and second scanning optical systems therein. In the image forming apparatus, the image reading portion is loaded on three points that correspond both corners on the scanning start position side and one corner on the apparatus rear side. This configuration allows the first and second scanning optical systems to compensate for each other's misalignment, thereby obtaining stable output images.

Abstract: An optical reader and the driving motor of a scanner are integrally mounted on a movable module, which can slide back and forth along a track to scan an image. The driving motor exerts a force on a fixed rack attached to the frame of the scanner through a pinion. The reaction to the force causes the movable module to slide. The rack and pinion mechanism can be replaced with a friction tape and roller combination, or a steel wire wrapped around a wheel attached to the movable module.

Abstract: In a reflection type image reader having a stage glass on which an original is placed with its image facing downward to be read out by a photoelectric image reading head from the lower side so as to be converted into an electric signal, in order to make it, easy to position the original relative to the stage glass, an original positioning sheet, bearing an original positioning reference mark is placed on the stage glass in a fixed positional relationship thereto, with the original being placed between the stage glass and the original positioning sheet with its image facing downward, while a light source for original positioning is provided below the stage glass to illuminate the original from its front side, so that the image observable by the light passed through the original is referred to against the reference mark of the original positioning sheet.

Abstract: A type of platen type scanner driving mechanism (1), comprising mainly an optical module, an elastic component, a carrier table, a fixed lever, a wire and a driving unit that are located within a scanning device composed of an upper casing and a lower casing, driving the optical module to move and perform scanning operation, to save the driving force of the driving unit, and to reduce the turning distance.

Abstract: A platen type scanner driving mechanism has a supporting structure which includes an upper casing and a lower casing. A fixed lever extends longitudinally with respect to the support structure between the upper casing and the lower casing. An optical module is slidable along the fixed lever and extends transversely to the fixed lever. A single pulling wire is fixed by two spaced apart locations proximal to the center of the optical module, and a driving unit which drives the single pulling wire. The single pulling wire drives the optical module which is in parallel motion with respect to the fixed lever. The relative disposition of the single pulling wire, driving unit, and the optical module, prevents the optical module from being swung during displacement, reduces loads applied to the driving mechanism and optimizes the driving unit's force.

Abstract: A drive control mechanism for an image reader having a controller, to control a drive current impressed to a connected stepping motor such that the impression of the drive current is carried out in a prescribed number of steps, and a changer, to change a largest value of a drive current in response to a scanning speed of a reading device of the image reader. Consequently, smooth rotation with little torque ripple may be obtained through microstep driving, and by changing a largest drive current, control of a drive torque becomes easier, thus making it possible to maintain an even balance between load torque and drive vibration when a high-torque motor is used to eliminate slider vibration.

Abstract: A supporting mechanism for scanning module comprises a supporting bracket for mounting a scanning module thereof Two end portions of the top surface of the supporting bracket are provided with a roller respectively. When the supporting bracket moves longitudinally, the rollers rolls along a bottom surface of a glass plate when a biasing force is exerted to the supporting bracket. The supporting mechanism further includes a biasing device moveably supported by a supporting runway at one end. The biasing device provides a horizontal and a vertical biasing force to the supporting bracket respectively. The supporting bracket is in close contact with a longitudinal reference surface due to the horizontal biasing force exerted thereon as the supporting bracket moves longitudinally. The clearance between the scanning module and the bottom surface of the glass plate is kept substantial constant by the vertical biasing force exerted to the supporting bracket when it moves longitudinally.

Abstract: The image reading device providing a scanning unit provided with a slider pulled by a wire driven by a motor, the image reading device being provided with bilateral direct movement guides which bilaterally support the bilateral ends of the slider so as to be reciprocally movable, and a drive wire fixedly attached to the slider to pull the slider, and wherein the anchoring position of the wire on the slider is the center of gravity position of the slider or is on a straight line coincident to the moment of lateral force of a lateral friction generated between the slider and lateral movement guides during driving.

Abstract: An optical variable power module has a movable lens unit slidably mounted on a chassis, such that the lens unit is moved along an optical axis defined thereby, and a movable mirror unit slidably mounted on the chassis, such that the mirror unit is moved along the optical axis of the lens unit. The movable mirror unit has a frame, a pair of supporting plates shiftably attached to the frame, and at least one mirror supported by the supporting plates. The chassis has a pair of abutment faces formed thereon such that the supporting plates can be abutted against the abutment faces. The abutment faces define a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit, whereby the supporting plates are shifted with respect to the frame such that the longitudinal axis of the mirror supported by the supporting plates is perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens unit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes one or more sliders which carry optical parts and can linearly reciprocate in a predetermined direction. The apparatus optically scans and thereby reads an image on an original document located at a predetermined position. The image reading apparatus includes a magnetic encoder for detecting positions of the sliders.

Abstract: A multiple beam scanning system for an imaging device, such as a photoplotter and scanner, includes a plurality of scanning assemblies slidably coupled to a spar that extends the length and parallel to the longitudinal axis of a scanning surface of an internal drum. The scanning assemblies simultaneously reflect a plurality of optical beam to or from a plate of media disposed on the scanning surface. A photoplotter includes a plurality of independently controlled optical beam generators that emit an optical beam to a corresponding scanning assembly which then reflects the optical beams to the media. A scanner includes a plurality of optical beam receivers that generate imaging signals indicative of the optical beam reflected from the media by each corresponding scanning assembly. The optical beam generators and receivers may be disposed at one end of the internal drum.

Abstract: A black sheet is interposed between a manuscript and a porous resin and the manuscript face is irradiated by a linear light source moving along the manuscript face under a laminated state. By this process, the total face of the manuscript is irradiated, and a stamp face is formed by heat generation of the black sheet in accordance with a stamp pattern of the manuscript.

Abstract: A carriage positioning structure includes a carriage pivoted to a longitudinal guide rod and reciprocated along a longitudinal sliding rail inside a scanner between a bottom shell and a flat glass plate, an image pick-up mechanism carried on the carriage and moved with the carriage to pick up the image of an object placed on the flat glass plate, a bottom guide wheel mounted on the carriage at the bottom and supported on the longitudinal sliding rail to guide reciprocating movement of the carriage along the longitudinal sliding rail, and a top guide wheel mounted on the carriage at the top and spaced below the flat glass plate by a gap, the top guide wheel being forced into contact with the flat glass plate by the gravity weight of the carriage when the scanner is turned upside down, permitting the carriage to be reciprocated on the flat glass plate along the longitudinal guide rod so that the image pick-up mechanism can pick up the image of a 3-D document placed below the scanner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new information reading apparatus which employs a CIS module for reading the image information from a sheet. The invention is characterized by using a single guiding device for guiding and supporting a CIS carriage in balance while contacting tightly with the bottom surface side of the sheet table. Since the space between the CIS module and the sheet table can be controlled this way, we can assure the sheet in focus. Consequently, the picture quality of the images generated by the CIS scanner can be improved.

Abstract: An optical scanner utilizes a simplified driving device for providing stable light path for improving the qualities of images. With the concern of high resolution and simple structure, the invention includes an illuminating carriage, a photoelectric converting device, a pair of lead screws and support, and a driving device. The illuminating carriage is mounted on first lead screw and support for providing light source. The photoelectric converting device disposed below the illuminating carriage is mounted on second lead screw and support. When scanning, the driving device rotates first lead screw and second lead screw to drive the illuminating carriage and the photoelectric converting device in different directions and in synchronism.

Abstract: An exposure device in an image-forming machine, in which an optical lens unit is able to reciprocatingly move in the direction of the optical axis, and the image of a document is exposed to the photosensitive surface of a photosensitive material through the optical lens unit. The optical lens unit includes a lens-holding plate which is able to reciprocatingly move in the direction of the optical axis, a lens center-adjusting plate which is disposed on the lens-holding plate so as to pivot on a positioning vertical shaft and so as to be secured, a lens mounted on the lens center-adjusting plate, and a light quantity correction plate which is mounted on the lens center-adjusting plate so as to move in the radial direction relative to the center of the lens. A guide member is provided for moving the light quantity correction plate in the radial direction relative to the center of the lens with the reciprocating motion of the lens-holding plate in the direction of optical axis.

Abstract: A light source drive controlling device for use in an image forming apparatus is provided for controlling a light source for illuminating a surface of a document wherein the light amount of the light source is adjusted in accordance with a level of drive voltage supplied thereto by a light source driving device for supplying a drive voltage of a specified level to the light source. A scanning mechanism for moving the light source to and from a home position and a return position whereat scanning is completed moves the light source through an image reading start position whereat scanning an image of the document begins. A drive voltage supply timing controller varies a drive voltage supply start timing for applying the drive voltage to the light source in accordance with the level of drive voltage such that the light amount of the light source reaches a predetermined level when the light source reaches the image reading start position.

Abstract: An original scanning apparatus having a fixed light source which can be applied to image forming apparatus and original reading apparatus. In this apparatus, side reflectors opposed to each other confine light from the light source within a space therebetween in order to efficiently utilize light. A drive assembly for shifting a scanning assembly is arranged to be outside said space between the side reflectors in order to prevent contaminants, oil, or the like of the drive assembly from adhering to reflecting surfaces of the side reflector. Thus nonuniformity in illuminance can be prevented. Also, in order to minimize clearances, which light comes through, between the scanning assembly and the side reflectors, spacers for keeping the clearances constant are provided. Furthermore, in order to prevent nonuniformity in illuminance caused by contaminants, oil, and the like, cleaning members for cleaning the side reflectors are provided.

Abstract: A document-exposing and -scanning apparatus designed so that air is blown to act on air-receiving surfaces of an exposing and scanning device through an air duct device placed opposite thereto, to subject the exposing and scanning device to low-friction reciprocating motion in a levitated state, while directing the blown air to the optical scanning section to cool the entire document-exposing and -scanning apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides a flat-bed scanner capable of scanning a thick book without any distortion at the protruding binding edge. The scanning window forms an obtuse angle with the frame of the scanner supporting the scanning window. The obtuse angle allows the binding edge of the book to rest snugly over the window. The slanted structure of the frame also makes room for the image reading head to scan to the very edge of the page of the document.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for detecting the position of a head attached to a linear motor, the detection device comprises an extension member for guiding and directing flux therein. A moving coil disposed on the extension member which coil, when energized, moves along the extension for positioning the head. A magnet positioned in a spaced apart relationship with the coil for inducing a drive flux which assists in imparting the motion to the coil when the coil is energized. A first wall is positioned adjacent the linear motor. A second wall is positioned in a spaced apart relationship with the first wall.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus providing separate fixed object focal planes for transmissive and reflective original documents to be scanned, wherein a scan carriage containing illumination, sensor, and optical elements is moved together to scan an original document and to obtain a digitized representation thereof. The movable scan carriage has an illumination source disposed between the reflective and transmissive object focal planes, with the object focal plane to be used selected by changing the position of one or more optical elements within the scan carriage. The scan carriage is suspended along an axis substantially parallel to a scan line of a scanned original document and passing through a point substantially coincident with the scan line, thereby minimizing variations in lighting conditions due to vibration of the scan carriage.