Patent ID: 7271881

Claim:
A hybrid illumination system that provides illumination for a platen in a print scanner, comprising: an illumination source array that emits light from a plurality of discrete light sources, wherein said plurality of discrete light sources is divided into at least three groups in at least three respective zones, whereby, the intensity of each group of discrete light sources can be independently controlled relative to other groups such that a flat, uniform illumination is provided to the platen; at least one diffuser; and a collimating lens, each diffuser being disposed between said illumination source array and said collimating lens such that at least a portion of the light emitted from said plurality of discrete light sources passes through each diffuser to said collimating lens as diffuse light, wherein at least a first portion of light that exits said collimating lens falls on the platen as collimated light, and at least a second portion of light that exits said collimating lens falls on the platen as diffuse light.