Document illumination system

The invention discloses a document illumination assembly which combines the functions of enhanced document illumination and illumination level control. A reflector assembly is modified by introducing a light collecting mechanism within the reflector interior, the light collector being in association with a photosensing means. The reflector performs the normal function of reflecting a portion of the incident light toward the document to enhance illumination efficiency. The reflector also enables the additional function of monitoring the axial illumination of the illumination source by permitting an axial-located radiation band of illumination to enter the reflector body and propagate along the light collecting mechanism where it is sensed by the detector. The detector generates an output signal which can be used to control the output of the illumination source.