IMAGE READING UNIT

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading unit capable of easily obtaining clear image information surely. SOLUTION: A first polarization filter 10 is arranged at the image reading unit. By covering a manuscript table 5 on which a manuscript 3 is laid, only components of one direction of light irradiated on a manuscript table 5 penetrate the filter 10. Thereby, only the components of one direction of light irradiated to the direction of the manuscript table 5 from the outside of the image reading unit 1 can penetrate. In addition, a second polarization filter 18 is arranged between the manuscript table 5 and a camera 20 so that only the components of a direction perpendicular to a direction of a component of light mirror-reflected on the manuscript 3 penetrate the filter 18. Thereby, light penetrating the first polarization filter 10 and mirror-reflected on the manuscript 3 cannot reach the camera 20. On the other hand, since light penetrating the first polarization filter and diffuse-reflected on the manuscript 3 can penetrate the second polarization filter, the manuscript can be photographed by the camera 20. According to this arrangement, the manuscript 3 can be photographed easily using light irradiated from the outside of the image reading unit 1 without installing a lighting means as a light source. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT