Patent ID: 6493459
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An image reading apparatus comprising:at least one laser stimulating ray source for emitting a laser beam, a base made of transparent material and bearing thereon an image carrier which carries a fluorescence image formed by a fluorescent substance which can be excited and can release a fluorescent light in response to irradiation by the laser beam, a laser beam scanning means for upwardly scanning a bottom surface of the image carrier borne on the base with the laser beam emitted from the laser stimulating ray source through the transparent material of the base, light detecting means provided below the base for photoelectrically detecting fluorescent light released from the image carrier, and an image carrier receiving portion provided on the base and containing a substance having a refractive index larger than that of air and closer to that of the image carrier than that of air, the substance filling gaps between the image carrier and the base.