Abstract: The focus controlling system of the present invention can include a calibration paper, an image capturing device, an input interface, and a processing and controlling device. One or more calibration papers can be employed in the focus controlling system. The image capturing device is employed for scanning the calibration paper. The image capturing device has a focus point adjusting mechanism. The input interface is utilized for receiving a location data of a scanning point. The processing and controlling device is responsive to the input interface and the image capturing device to control the focus point adjusting mechanism by evaluating a resolution index. As an example, the image capturing system can be a flatbed scanning system. One of the focus controlling method of the present invention includes the steps as follows. At first, a scanning point is set or detected and the position of an image capturing device is adjusted to scan a selected calibration paper of two or more calibration papers.

Abstract: A digital image system is disclosed having a sensor with an elevated two-color photo-detector for sensing two different color values in combination with a single-color photo-detector for sensing a third color value. Minimal demosaicing is performed to obtain at least one luminance value at each photo-detector location. The sampled chrominance values and sampled and demosaiced luminance values are directly compressed without converting between color spaces and with minimal or no processing required. With a reduced amount of image processing prior to image compression, all of the pre-compression image processing may be performed on the image sensor itself instead of on a separate image processing system.

Abstract: In an analog front end (FE) IC chip having a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) function and an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) function, a clamp circuit for clamping an output signal during a black reference signal period is equipped with a mechanism for suppressing the effect of noises contaminated from a power source, external circuits, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid state image sensor, an image scanner, and an image scanning program which realize substantial shortening of the total scan time of one screen of an original even if a required time for one cycle of processings is not shortened. In order to achieve this object, a solid state image sensor of the present invention includes: two or more linear arrays of photosites in which plural photosites for accumulating charge according to incident light are closely and one-dimensionally arranged in one direction; and a transfer part for transferring array by array the charge accumulated in each of the photosites of these two or more linear arrays, in which the two or more linear arrays of photosites are closely arranged in a direction perpendicular to the one direction in a rectangular region which is long in the one direction.

Abstract: The level of smear charge stored in a CCD is calculated. If the smear level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, exposure is performed using a mechanical shutter in order to suppress smear. If the smear level is less than the threshold value, exposure is controlled utilizing an electronic shutter. Power consumption owing to drive of the mechanical shutter can be reduced while occurrence of smear is suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image scanning module including a first unit, a second unit, and a third unit. The first unit having a light source is used for retrieving a first image. The second unit is used for generating a second image by focusing the first image. The third unit is used for generating an electric signal responsive to the second image. The first unit, the second unit, and the third unit are modules discrete from each other.

Abstract: A noise elimination apparatus and method enable effective elimination of noise on each line in an image captured by a CCD provided with a Bayer-type color filter. A graduation device obtains the quantity of graduation for a target picture element by obtaining the difference between the mean value of the value of the target pixel and the value of a pixel around the target pixel and the value of the target pixel. A high frequency component detector detects the high frequency component of the target pixel using Laplacian filter based upon the target pixel and each of the pixels immediately adjacent to said target pixel are input. A high frequency component can be detected without being influenced by noise on each line by using a filter based upon each of the pixels immediately adjacent to said target pixel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a color image reading device that successively switches three color light sources to irradiate the color original copy and successively reads information on the original using a monochrome image sensor, and which is featured by simple construction and less reading time period. A plurality of image sensor ICs are linearly mounted. A start pulse output terminal of an anterior stage image sensor IC is connected to a start pulse input terminal of a posterior stage image sensor IC, thereby forming an image sensor block. A plurality of those image sensor blocks are provided such that start pulse input terminals of initial stage image sensor ICs in all blocks are connected together. By inputting start pulses to the terminals connected together, image signal outputs are read out simultaneously.

Abstract: An inexpensive image reading apparatus which does not need a delay buffer and which permits image inputting with an image sensor array with reduced color dislocation on character edge etc. Color images are inputted in this process: Line reading circuit 102 reads three color data simultaneously. On the basis of the top and end points of a line of green data obtained by encoders and scanned position detection circuit, offset size deriving circuit 107 works out the top and end scanned positions for the data on the other colors, that is, red and blue. From the top to the end scanned positions for the respective colors, the mapping coordinates deriving circuit 108 works out the coordinates of the picture elements for the read color data. Mapping circuit 109 maps the respective color data on the image memory 110 at the positions corresponding to the coordinates obtained by the mapping coordinates deriving circuit 108.

Abstract: An imaging lens comprises a first, a second, a third, and a fourth lens group from an object toward an image. The first lens group includes a first lens that is a convex meniscus lens with a convex surface on the object side. The second lens group includes a second lens having a positive refractive power, and a third lens bonded to the second lens and having a negative refractive power. The third lens group includes a fourth lens having a negative refractive power, and a fifth lens bonded to the fourth lens and having a positive refractive power. The fourth lens group includes a sixth lens having a positive refractive power.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and devices for reading out an image sensor with reduced delay times between the reading out of different lines. The method of a first embodiment reads out each line of an image sensor in at least two overlapping sequences, whereby each sequence comprises a succession of blanking times and pixel readout periods. The timing of the sequences is such that the readout periods of different sequences are interleaved. The method of a second embodiment provides a high-speed column readout by discharging a column bus by a load current modulated in amplitude and time. The method of a third embodiment provides a high-speed column readout by pre-charging a column bus by a load current provided by connecting the column bus to a DC potential. Devices corresponding to each of the methods are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an image pickup apparatus including a pixel including a photoelectric conversion element and an amplification element for amplifying and outputting a signal generated at the photoelectric conversion element, a load transistor for controlling an electric current flowing at the amplification element, and a potential control element for suppressing potential fluctuation in a first main electrode region of the load transistor which is an output side of the amplification element.

Abstract: A contact area sensor which is small, thin, and light, and can withstand a shock is provided. A contact area sensor provided with sensor portions arranged in a matrix form on a substrate which transmits light is formed, the sensor portions comprising a thin film transistor (TFT) and a photodiode. LEDs are used as a light source, and the driving method of image reading is RGB light source switching. Further, the contact area sensor is structured to be capable of dividedly reading a large area image and connecting the divided images on a software, and is structured to organize read letters as a data.

Abstract: The present invention describes in detail the construction and operation of a CMOS Active Pixel Image Sensor that consists of pixels formed by only two transistors. The sensor can be fabricated with very small pixels sizes, which have only two metal contacts in them, have in-pixel offset non-uniformity correction, and bootstrapped reset lines. These features are achieved by employing the transistor body effect as the main photo-generated charge sensing means. The bootstrapped reset lines allow the sensor to operate at low bias voltages.

Abstract: In an image pick-up apparatus having an alternate repetitive configuration of a pixel row having green and magenta pixels alternately and repetitively disposed and a pixel row having cyan and yellow pixels alternately and repetitively disposed, pixel addition is performed for charges accumulated in the green pixel and charges accumulated in the cyan or yellow pixel, and also pixel addition is performed for charges accumulated in the magenta pixel and charges accumulated in the yellow or cyan pixel and generating a signal unit. The roles of the yellow and cyan pixels are exchanged in respective sets of two rows. The solid state image pick-up apparatus having a number of complementary color pixels disposed in a honeycomb configuration is provided which can suppress reduction of a resolution, generation of a false color and reduction of a color S/N ratio even if the sensitivity of the apparatus is increased through pixel addition.

Abstract: A method for storing a full Red, Green, Blue (RGB) data set. A full RGB data set is three-color image data captured with an imager array formed on a semiconductor substrate and comprising a plurality of vertical-color-filter detector groups. Each of the vertical color detector groups comprises three detector layers each configured to collect photo-generated carriers of a first polarity, separated by intervening reference layers configured to collect and conduct away photo-generated carriers of opposite polarity, the three detector layers being disposed substantially in vertical alignment with respect to one another and having different spectral sensitivities. The three-color image data is then stored as digital data in a digital storage device without performing interpolation on the three-color image data.

Abstract: A circular optical reflection apparatus to be used in an optical image capturing device for receiving light ray from a light source and reflecting the light ray at least twice inside the apparatus then projecting the light ray to a lens set for forming an image on an image forming device. The apparatus includes a cylindrical optical member which has its outside surface coating with a reflective material and has an axial cutaway section to serve as a light inlet and a light outlet. Light ray enters through the light inlet into the cylindrical optical member and reflects inside at least twice then emits out through the light outlet. It may obtain an optical path needed for image forming with less number of reflection mirrors. It is smaller size and may be produced and assembled with less time and cost. It can also eliminate accumulated reflection angle tolerance that might otherwise happen to the conventional ones that use reflection mirrors.

Abstract: Charges are transferred from vertical charge transfer devices of a solid-state image sensing device to horizontal charge transfer device via buffer storage cells. Charges obtained from a unessential area out of the transferred charges are discarded by operating the horizontal charge transfer device, and charges obtained from a specific area out of the transferred charges are normally read out by operating the horizontal charge transfer device. When there is a remaining charge in the horizontal charge transfer device after reading charges from the specific area, charges are transferred from the vertical charge transfer devices to the horizontal charge transfer device so that the remaining charge is added only to a charge obtained from the unessential area. Further, charges are transferred in the vertical charge transfer devices in the vertical direction while discarding unessential charges.

Abstract: The present invention is an image sensor having a pixel array, which arranges pixels having photoelectric conversion circuits in rows and columns; and a pixel selecting circuit for selecting each pixel, wherein the pixel selecting circuit selects pixels of all rows and/or pixels of all columns, and selects a pixel signal at every plural pixels among the selected pixel signals, and pixels selected from a pixel block of a plurality of rows and columns within the pixel array are dispersed within this pixel block.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided with a light sensing unit including a first light sensor including a plurality of light sensing elements provided at specified positions and a second light sensor provided adjacent to the first light sensor and including a group of light sensing elements other than those of the first light sensor; an exposure period setter for setting a first exposure period, and a second and a third exposure periods obtained by dividing the first exposure period; an image generator for generating a first image signal from electric charges accumulated in the respective light sensing elements during the first exposure period in the first light sensor, generating a second image signal from electronic charges accumulated in the respective light sensing elements during the second exposure period in the second light sensor, and generating a third image signal from electric charges accumulated in the respective light sensing elements during the third exposure period in the second light sensor;

Abstract: In a photosensitive apparatus having photodiodes, such as a photosensor chip used in digital office equipment, a “fat zero” initial bias is injected on the photodiode. With every cycle of operation, a first fat zero is placed on the photodiode and then sampled. Then, a second fat zero is placed on the photodiode just before the integration of a light signal from an image being recorded. The light signal plus the second fat zero is transferred out of the photodiode and the sampled signal is subtracted therefrom, leaving only the light signal. The system obviates both fixed-pattern and some thermal noise within the apparatus.

Abstract: Inputs and outputs to/from the outside can be performed in a lump by a single connecting medium having connecting terminals for connecting to a plurality of input/output terminals of a sensor board, and connecting terminals for connecting to a lead frame package as a part of a light source.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: a sensor including a plurality of pixels each including a light receiving element, and a scanning circuit for reading out signals in time sequence from the plurality of pixels; and a drive circuit which supplies pulses for driving the scanning circuit, wherein the drive circuit is so arranged to output at least a first pulse and a second pulse smaller than the first pulse, the drive circuit supplying the first pulse to the scanning circuit when a first resolution is selected, and supplying the first pulse and the second pulse to the scanning circuit when a second resolution lower than the first resolution is selected.

Abstract: The solid-state image pickup device permitting parallel readout having an image pickup section partitioned into strip blocks and a readout amplifier for each block further has: an input source; and a marker signal generation section for generating marker signals for correction of outputs of the readout amplifiers. The marker signal generation section has a marker charge storage portion made of capacitors for respectively storing an amount of charge corresponding to the potential at the input source. The marker signals having a same charge amount generated in the marker signal generation section are read through vertical CCDs of two adjacent blocks and corresponding horizontal CCDs and readout amplifiers sequentially.

Abstract: An image plane includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel comprises a photodiode and two transistors, and each pixel is connected by a signal bus to a respective storage node located off the image plane. Each storage node comprises two capacitors and associated switches. One of the transistors applies a reset pulse to the pixel, and the other transistor connects the pixel to a given conductor of the signal bus, which is then connected to the storage node. The pixel transistors can be operated simultaneously, and the sensed values can subsequently be transferred from the storage nodes sequentially.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes at least one recording head, in which a plurality of solid-state recording elements are arranged, for performing image recording by causing each of the plurality of solid-state recording elements to record a pixel, a storage unit for storing correction data for correcting image data in accordance with a recording characteristic of each of the plurality of solid-state recording elements so as to correspond to the corresponding one of the plurality of solid-state recording elements. Each of the plurality of solid-state recording elements is driven in accordance with input image data and the correction data stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A solid-state image-sensing device has a photosensitive element that produces an electric signal commensurate with the amount of light incident thereon, a transistor of which the first electrode and the control electrode are connected to one electrode of the photosensitive element, and a resetting portion for resetting the transistor by feeding a predetermined pulse signal to the second electrode of the transistor. The resetting portion resets the transistor in such a way as to inhibit the transistor from operating in a subthreshold region when the amount of light incident on the photosensitive element is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: This invention provides an image pickup device comprising a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion unit, a semiconductor area to which a signal from the photoelectric conversion unit is transferred, a transfer switch for transferring the signal from the photoelectric conversion unit to the semiconductor area, and a read unit for reading out the signal from the semiconductor area, and a drive circuit for outputting a first level at which the transfer switch is set in an OFF state, a second level at which the transfer switch is set in an ON state, and a third level between the first level and the second level, wherein the drive circuit controls to hold the third level for a predetermined time while the transfer switch is changing from the ON state to the OFF state.

Abstract: Photographic capturing device for the capturing of photographic image information from photographic media, with a light integrator which receives light emitted from LED chips with a respectively LED chip specific color, homogenizes the light and emits it from an output opening, in order to illuminate a photographic medium carrying photographic image information, and a detection means for detecting the light modulated by the photographic medium according to the image information, whereby a multitude of LED chips of equal emission color are provided for at least three different colors, which LED chips are mounted on at least one heat conducting substrate and in heat conducting contact therewith.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading apparatus having a plurality of illuminating packages and an optical guide member for guiding lights from the plurality of illuminating packages and reflecting in the direction of an object, thereby irradiating the object in a line shape, wherein three or more illuminating packages are arranged at positions in the optical guide member which are symmetrical for a reflecting portion of the optical guide member and an image can be read at a high picture quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing a color image by reducing the amount of color information initially acquired. The color information can later be restored by interpolation from other portions of the image where the color information is available. This not only reduces the amount of data that needs to be stored, but improves the scanning time for an image scanner by reducing the amount of time needed to scan the image. In a preferred embodiment, both the scanning time and the amount of data can be cut in half.

Abstract: A color imaging system in which the lamp spectrum is tuned so that, in the charge coupled device, the signal to noise ratio is maximized for all three RGB channels equally. This result is obtained by a process wherein the fluorescent lamp output is adjusted by alteration of the relative amounts of red, green and blue phosphors which coat the inside surface of the lamp. In this manner, when the lamp spectrum is tuned so that the RGB channels of the CCD have equal levels when scanning a white background, the signal to noise ratio can be maximized for all three channels equally. Thus, it is possible to scan a white paper without saturating and all three colors can be scanned simultaneously, since the lamp brightness can be set at a level which maximizes signal strength for all three color signals. That is, the lamp output spectrum and the RGB response of the CCD are tuned to provide balanced system response.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source for irradiating a document sheet with light, a row of red light receiving elements arranged in a primary scanning direction for detecting a red component of the light reflected on the document sheet, a row of green light receiving elements arranged in the primary scanning direction for detecting a green component of the reflected light, and a row of blue light receiving elements arranged in the primary scanning direction for detecting a blue component of the reflected light. The row of red light receiving elements, the row of green light receiving elements and the row of blue light receiving elements are displaced from each other in a secondary scanning direction which is perpendicular to the primary scanning direction.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a multi-chip image sensor, and an imaging system having a multi-chip sensor that includes color correction factors generated by such a method. The image sensor is successively controlled to image three different test targets. After imaging each target, a set of correction factors is generated and used to correct image signals generated when imaging the next test target. A first set of correction factors corrects for pixel-to-pixel variations between imaging elements in the array. The second set of correction factors corrects for chip-to-chip variations between chips in the array. The third set of correction factors corrects for array-wide variations compared to a standard color chart.

Abstract: In a CMOS-based photosensor chip, the area between the last photosensor in a linear array of photosensors and the edge of the chip can be a source of unintended charge generation affecting the last photosensor. A guardring, in the form of a biased diffusion area, prevents the unwanted leakage of charge from the edge area to the end photosensor.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging element includes a color filter which selectively transmits an optical image in color components, and in which a plurality of colors are arranged as one group in a sequential plural group configuration, a photoelectric converter for receiving an optical image that has passed through the color filter and for converting the received optical image to electric signals, and combining circuitry for combining at least two of the electric signals correlating to the colors of one group of the color filter converted by the photoelectric converter. In a dot-sequential type color linear sensor, shift gates that are independent for each color respectively are provided in pixel units on both sides of a dot-sequentially arranged light sensitive image element array on which image elements of first, second and third colors are arranged.

Abstract: An image input and output system for scanning an image of a color original and processing data of the scanned image has a color line sensor for picking up the image of the original. The system also includes a memory for sequentially storing three types of data respectively representing the three primary colors and which are outputted from the color line sensor, in the order in which the data are outputted. An output control circuit calculates an address to read out the data stored in the memory such that a series of three data respectively representing the three primary colors and composing a first pixel partially overlaps with a series of three data respectively representing the three primary colors and composing a second pixel next to the first pixel, and for reading out, from the memory in accordance with the calculated address, a series of three data respectively representing the three primary colors to produce image data of the three primary colors for one pixel.

Abstract: In a three-line linear sensor, a first linear sensor (10) without electronic shutter structure and second and third linear sensors (20), (30) with electronic shutter structures (28), (38) being disposed in an axial symmetry fashion are combined and a line spacing (D1) between the first and second linear sensors (10), (20) can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the omitted electronic shutter structure. Also, since the second and third linear sensors (20), (30) are disposed in an axial symmetry fashion, a line spacing (D2) between the second and third linear sensors (20), (30) can be reduced and set to be substantially equal to the above-mentioned line spacing (D1).

Abstract: A scanner has a sensor assembly having a sensor to receive light from an image, and which assembly generates an image signal corresponding to the image, which image signal has a plurality of color channel components representative of different spectral regions. A media holder holds a media carrying the image. An illuminator to illuminate the image of a held media such that light from the image falls on the sensor. The illuminator has a plurality of sets of light emitting elements to provide illumination in all of the spectral regions, each set having a different spectral output with at least a first set having plural sub-sets of different spectral output within a first one of the spectral region represented by the color channels, the number of different spectral output elements being greater than the number of color channels. The illuminator also has an integrator between the array and the media holder so as to improve uniformity of the illumination from the illuminator which illuminates the image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a color linear sensor of a simple structure which can accurately measure a degree of a color mixture in a sensor section. In a color linear sensor having a dot-sequential sensor array (1), only one pixel of a predetermined color (R) in a reference pixel region (3) is allowed to receive an incident light. Then, a degree of color mixture is estimated by calculating a level difference between a signal output of this pixel and a signal output of a pixel of the same color as that of the former pixel in an effective pixel region (2). Also, the present invention is to provide a color linear sensor which can prevent sensors from being displaced from each other in position, simplify a configuration of an external circuit and which can prevent a color mixture from being caused by signal charges deteriorated after they are transferred by a transfer register.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to reduce the line distance between light receiving elements for three colors of RGB of a color linear image sensor to reduce the required storage capacity for an external memory. The color linear image sensor is constructed such that a charge transfer element is disposed between each two adjacent light receiving elements of three rows and a charge read-out element is disposed between each charge transfer element and each of the light receiving elements on the opposite sides of the charge transfer element such that, when signal charges from the light receiving elements for different colors are to be transferred, each of the character transfer elements is used commonly and time divisionally by the centrally located light receiving elements and the light receiving elements on each of the opposite sides of the centrally located light receiving elements.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion circuit for reading an original image by photoelectric-converting and for outputting an image signal, wherein the photoelectric conversion circuit is a dual channel register type separately outputting the image signal for odd numbered pixels and even numbered pixels; an analog-to-digital conversion circuit for converting the image signal to the image data which includes odd numbered pixel data for the odd numbered pixel and even numbered pixel data for the even numbered pixel; an image separation circuit for generating an odd numbered line data and an even numbered line data from the odd numbered pixel data and the even numbered pixel data, wherein the image separation circuit includes four line memories, and the odd numbered pixel data and the even numbered pixel data are synthesized to the odd numbered line data and an even numbered line data after the odd numbered pixel data and the even numbered pixel data are stored to each of the four lin

Abstract: A charge-coupled device (CCD) scanning apparatus which consists of a plurality of nonsquare crystals is disclosured. By modulating a radio of vertical width to lateral width in the nonsquare crystal, the improved CCD scanning, apparatus can decrease the sample width, increase the sample frequency, therefore, it can reduce distortion and improve the quality of the image.

Abstract: The compact document imager and display apparatus has a two-dimensional image sensor array, a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and processing electronics. An illumination source can be added to illuminate the document on the sensor array and to provide backlight for the LCD. Color imaging may be achieved by providing three sequential illumination pulses of appropriate colors. A document is placed in close contact with the sensor array. The document is illuminated and an electronic image is captured and stored in the processing electronics. The captured image can be displayed on the LCD by the processing electronics. The document, such as a single sheet of paper or a transparency, can be illuminated by the room light to perform image capture. The compact document imager can be used as a facsimile machines by providing telephone connections. Documents can be scanned using the sensor array and sent to other devices. Documents can be received from other sources and displayed on the LCD.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading apparatus comprising plural line sensors for converting light from an object into image signals, charge transfer unit for transferring the image signals, converted by the line sensors, mutually among the line sensors, correction unit for correcting signal levels of the image signals and control unit for effecting control so as to vary a manner of correction by the correction unit, according to a direction of transfer of the image signals by the charge transfer means among the line sensors.

Abstract: A color image processor that corrects a color image signal for the disagreement of images caused by the vibration of the image sensor when scanning a manuscript. The image sensor delivers an image signal that includes three signals, each one representing the level of brightness of one of the primary colors contained on the scanned image. Each signal includes a discrete value for each pixel reading the sensor and hence, comprises the brightness levels for a plurality of pixels. One of the three signals is called a standard color signal; the other two are called non-standard color signals. Each of the brightness levels of a non-standard color signal is sequentially stored in a register array. Individual levels of the pixels in the register array are examined to determine whether a pixel exists at an edge portion of a letter image. A pixel that exists at an edge portion is called a correction objective pixel.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for scanning an original in different directions is constructed by a light receiving unit to receive a reflection light from the original a transfer unit to transfer charges of the light received by the light receiving unit by using a transfer unit in accordance with the scanning direction a correction unit to correct an image signal outputted from the transfer unit and a control unit to control the correction in the correction unit in accordance with the scanning direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a light emitting unit having a plurality of light emitting elements each having a different spectral characteristic, a light source having a plurality of light emitting means disposed on a substrate, and a photoelectric conversion unit for converting light from an object applied with light from the light source into an image signal, wherein the light emitting unit has at least two light emitting elements having a peak wavelength difference less than 30 nm.

Abstract: An image input apparatus capable of reliably reducing random noise and switching noise arising during a dummy pixel period using a simple circuit configuration and providing a high-quality video signal without horizontal lines. The image input apparatus is provided with a clamping circuit made up of a capacitor for feeding an analog image signal supplied from a CCD solid-state image pickup element via a first amplifier to a second amplifier through an alternating-current link, a reference voltage source for generating a predetermined reference voltage VR, and a first switch for effecting switching during the dummy pixel period of the CCD solid-state image pickup element. The clamping circuit is further provided with a resistor disposed between the capacitor and the second amplifier, and a second switch for selectively bridging across the resistor 152. This second switch is complimentarily activated in relation to the operation of the first switch.

Abstract: A color linear image sensor includes a sensor pixel linear array with a plural number of color filters laid and bonded thereover, a readout circuit and an output processing circuit. The sensor pixel linear array consists of repeat patterns of color pixels linearly arrayed in a preset color order, the repeat patterns being symmetrical with respect to the midpoint of the sensor pixel linear array. The readout circuit reads out image signals line by line from the sensor pixel linear array. The output processing circuit distributes the readout signals into a plural number of color image signal routes, and outputs the readout signals of separated colors. The color linear image sensor thus constructed may be incorporated into an image processing system. The midpoint of the sensor pixel linear array is coincident with the optical axis of a lens of the optical system of the image processing system.