Patent ID: 7349129

Claim:
A multiple resolution sensing apparatus comprising: a plurality of first photosensor elements coupled together to form a first linear array and having a first length and a first resolution; a plurality of second photosensor elements coupled together to form a second linear array and having a second length and a second resolution; a coupler having a switch, an output, and an output amplifier, said coupler coupled to said first linear array and to said second linear array; and a controller coupled to said coupler and providing a control signal to said switch such that said output is coupled to said first linear array when said first resolution is employed and such that said output is coupled to said second linear array, instead of said first linear array, when said second resolution is employed; the output amplifier being operative to amplify signals provided by the first linear array only when the first resolution is being employed and to amplify signals provided by the second linear array only when the second resolution is being employed.