Patent ID: 6028299
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A linear image sensor device comprising:a first linear sensor section including a plurality of first pixels, said first linear sensor section outputting first electric signals each of which corresponds to a quantity of incident light coming from an object, and further having a first sensitivity to said incident light; anda second linear sensor section disposed adjacent to said first linear sensor section, said second linear sensor section including a plurality of section pixels and outputting second electric signals each of which is equivalent to said incident light, said second linear sensor section having a second sensitivity higher than said first sensitivity;wherein said first linear sensor section precedes said second linear sensor section in subscanning said object, and said device further includes a delay circuit to delay the outputting of one of said first and second electric signals, and wherein a selector selects the second electric signals as a primary output signal of said device and selects the first electric signals when the second electric signals are at or above a saturation level.