Patent ID: 8610044

Claim:
A method for producing multiple outputs for a linear array image sensor, the method comprising: providing a first plurality of output channels on one side of a linear array of photodetectors, wherein the output channels in the first plurality of output channels are each connected to a distinct sub-array of photodetectors in the linear array of photodetectors; providing a second plurality of output channels on another side of the linear array of photodetectors, wherein the output channels in the second plurality of output channels are each connected to a distinct sub-array of photodetectors in the linear array of photodetectors, and wherein each successive output channel in the first and second plurality of output channels is disposed on an alternate side of the linear array and each output channel in the first and second plurality of output channels includes a horizontal shift register and an output structure connected to an end of the horizontal shift register in a linear arrangement such that a path of charge transfer through the horizontal shift register and the output structure is substantially linear; providing one or more additional shift register elements in each horizontal shift register; and providing a dark reference pixel electrically connected to each additional shift register element, each dark reference pixel being spaced from the linear array of photodetectors.