Uneven-surface data detection apparatus

An uneven-surface data detection apparatus, e.g. for detecting fingerprints, comprising at least: a transparent plate (1) having an uneven-surface contact portion (1 a) against which an uneven surfaced (7) to be detected is pressed; a light source (2) for illuminating the uneven-surface contact portion (1a) through the transparent plate (1); an uneven-surface image-drawing-out optical element (31) for drawing out light (17), reflected from projection-facing portions of the uneven-surface contact portion, from the transparent plate - (1); and a detector (4) for detecting the light (17) drawn out from the transparent plate (1) by the optical element (31). Light (17) reflected by a projection (9)-facing portion of the uneven surface contact portion (1a) to be introduced into the detector (4) is diverged from a propagation direction of light reflected by a recess (5)-facing portion of the uneven surface contact portion (1a). The optical element (31) is arranged to guide the light reflected by the projection-facing portion into the detector (4). -->