Patent ID: 7378644
Filing Date: 2008-05-27
Classification: G01N,H04N

Abstract:
1. An image reading apparatus comprising: an apparatus frame, a stage for placing a specimen movably supported on the apparatus frame, said stage moving between a setting position for placing and removing the specimen and a reading position for reading the specimen, a light source disposed adjacent to the stage for irradiating light onto the specimen on the stage, photoelectric conversion means having an elongated shape for photo-electrically converting the light reflected from the specimen, optical means disposed adjacent to the photoelectric conversion means for guiding the light from the specimen to the photoelectric conversion means, a carriage for mounting the optical means movably supported on the apparatus frame, said carriage moving along the stage substantially same as a moving direction of the stage, and a drive motor for moving the stage, said carriage moving above the stage, said drive motor being arranged below a moving region of the carriage so that at least a portion of the drive motor overlaps the moving region of the carriage in a vertical direction.