Light source device and device for reading original

A device for reading an original, the device comprising:

• a light source section formed from M light emitting elements each having a different emission spectrum;
• a sensing apparatus dividing, into N color components wherein N<M, light which has been emitted from the light source section and has been transmitted through or reflected by an original which is being read, the sensing apparatus converting the divisional color components into electric signals;
• and
• a controller for controlling overall spectral characteristics of light emitted from the light source section by controlling at least one of lighting and extinguishing of each light emitting element, emission intensity of each light emitting element, and emission time of each light emitting element.

A method for producing light for reading an original, wherein the light is either transmitted through an original to be read or reflected by the original, and thereafter, the light is separated into N color components, and electrical signals are produced, the method comprising the steps of:

• forming a light source section from M light emitting elements each having a different emission spectrum, wherein M>N;
• determining a type of the original, which will be read using emitted light from the light source section;
• selecting desired overall spectral characteristics for light emitted from the light source section based on the type of the original;
• and
• providing overall spectral characteristics for light emitted from the light source section by controlling at least one of whether each of the M light emitting elements is illuminated, emission intensity of each of the M light emitting elements, and emission time of each of the M light emitting elements, in accordance with the selected overall spectral characteristics.