Patent ID: 7015449

Claim:
A linear image sensor having a plurality of linear image sensor ICs mounted linearly thereon, each of the linear image sensor ICs comprising: a light receiving element circuit array having a plurality of light receiving elements for outputting output signals in accordance with an amount of light received, the light receiving elements being arranged according to a preselected resolution level; a reset circuit element array for initializing the light receiving element circuit array; an array of switch elements interconnecting output terminals of adjacent two or more of the light receiving elements for switching between the preselected resolution level of the light receiving elements and at least one other resolution level constituting a fraction of the preselected resolution level; a first amplifier circuit array connected to output terminals of the light receiving elements; a sample and hold circuit array for temporarily holding an output of the first amplifier circuit array; a second amplifier circuit array connected to output terminals of the sample and hold circuit array; a reading switch element array for reading an output of the second amplifier circuit array; a scanning circuit array for controlling the reading switch element array; and a dummy switch element connected to an output terminal of a first one of the light receiving elements.