Patent ID: 7206102

Claim:
An image reading apparatus comprising: a transparent cover for providing a linear image reading region that has a first length; a light source for generating light directed toward the linear image reading region on the transparent cover; a plurality of light-receiving elements that output image signals corresponding to received light; an array of lenses that focuses light onto the light-receiving elements, the array of lenses having a second length that is greater than the first length; and a light-shielding member; wherein all of the light-receiving elements are arranged in a single line having a first extremity and a second extremity, the first extremity extending beyond the first length of the image reading region by a first amount, the second extremity extending beyond the first length of the image reading region by a second amount which is smaller than the first amount, the light-shielding member covering at least one light-receiving element disposed at the first extremity outside the first length of the linear reading region but inside the second length of the lens array.