Apparatus for optically writing information

The apparatus for optically detecting information comprising:

• at least one row of sensor array chips arranged as spaced from each other along said at least one row, each array chip including a plurality of light emitting diodes constantly spaced along said at least one row;
• an image surface arranged in facing relation to said at least one row of sensor array chips in parallel thereto, said image surface providing an overall effective width divided into unit array width portions which correspond in number to said sensor array chips and are constantly spaced from each other, each unit width portion containing picture element width portions which are arranged at a constant pitch and correspond in number to the light receiving elements of the corresponding sensor array chip, said pitch being equal to the spacing between said unit width portions;
• and
• a lens system disposed between said image surface and said at least one row of sensor array chips, said lens system including a row of convex lens elements arranged in corresponding relation to said at least one row of sensor array chips, the distance between said row of convex lens elements and said at least one row of sensor array chips being larger than the focal length (f) of each lens element but less than double the focal length, each lens element functioning to provide image reduction and inversion so that the distance between the farthest picture element width portions within the corresponding unit array width portion exactly corresponds to the distance between the farthest light receiving elements within the corresponding sensor array chip.