DATA CARD ILLUMINATION ARRANGEMENT

A data card illumination arrangement for use within a compact identification card camera system and for providing uniform indirect illumination over the entire information bearing surface of a data card. The arrangement includes a pair of illumination assemblies subtended by a pair of side reflector elements. Each of the illumination assemblies includes a strobe tube, a U-shaped channel member having a comb filter portion, and a planar reflector. One of the assemblies is located adjacent and parallel to the upper surface of the data card while the other is located adjacent and parallel to the lower surface of the data card. Illumination provided by each of the strobe tubes is directed away from the data card. The planar reflectors redirect the illumination toward the data card. This redirected illumination passes through the comb filter portions of the channel members to facilitate uniform indirect illumination of the data card. The side reflector elements are positioned so as to ensure uniform illumination over the right and left hand edges of the data frame. The data card illumination arrangement of the present invention not only provides for uniform illumination of the data card but also fits within the limited area available within a compact identification card camera system.