An input and output controller transmits timing signals respectively to sensor modules based on unit conveyance distances of the respective sensor modules and a predetermined order of the sensor module. The sensor modules reads, in response to the timing signals, identification information included in an object and respectively generates read data and. The input and output controller acquires the read data respectively generated by the sensor modules and respectively outputs the read data in the predetermined order.

An image forming apparatus includes a line sensor capable of reading a sheet being conveyed. A signal processing circuit generates, based on respective analog picture signals of pixels and in order of sequence of the pixels, detection signals each indicating whether or not a reflecting object has been read. A first counting circuit measures a duration time which is a time during which the detection signals maintain a level indicating that the reflecting object has been read. When the duration time reaches or exceeds a first specified time, the first counting circuit changes a level of a first detection result signal to a level indicating necessity of cleaning. A unit control circuit determines, based on the level of the first detection result signal, whether or not cleaning is necessary.

An image forming apparatus includes a line sensor capable of reading a sheet being conveyed. A signal processing circuit generates, based on respective analog picture signals of pixels and in order of sequence of the pixels, detection signals each indicating whether or not a reflecting object has been read. A first counting circuit measures a duration time which is a time during which the detection signals maintain a level indicating that the reflecting object has been read. When the duration time reaches or exceeds a first specified time, the first counting circuit changes a level of a first detection result signal to a level indicating necessity of cleaning. A unit control circuit determines, based on the level of the first detection result signal, whether or not cleaning is necessary.

An input and output controller transmits timing signals respectively to sensor modules based on unit conveyance distances of the respective sensor modules and a predetermined order of the sensor module. The sensor modules reads, in response to the timing signals, identification information included in an object and respectively generates read data and. The input and output controller acquires the read data respectively generated by the sensor modules and respectively outputs the read data in the predetermined order.

A sensor array assembly including a first sensor array, a second sensor array and a mounting substrate. The first sensor array includes a first process direction width and a first photosite, while the second sensor array includes a second process direction width and a second photosite. The first and second sensor arrays are separately secured on the mounting substrate. The first photosite is in precision alignment with the second photosite.

A photodetector array of a stacked film comprises, a plurality of first electrodes formed on a substrate and extending in parallel in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in parallel in a second direction crossing the first electrodes, a first organic thin film diode and a second organic thin film diode disposed between each of the first electrodes and each of the second electrodes, and an intermediate connection electrode layer serving as a common anode or a common cathode. The intermediate connection electrode layer connects the first organic thin film diode and the second organic thin film diode by backward-diode connection. At least either the first electrodes or the second electrodes are transparent with light passing therethrough, the first organic thin film diode is a photoresponsive organic diode, and the second organic thin film diode is an organic rectifier diode.

An optical information reader includes a reflective member that reflects illumination light emitted from an illuminant toward a reading surface, and an image former ensured to present an imaging target held over the reading surface within an imaging region of an imager. The imaging region includes a first imaging region defined between the image former and the reading surface, and a second imaging region defined between the reading surface and the reflective member so as to be continuous to the first imaging region when light is internally reflected on the reading surface inside the housing. The reflective member is arranged outside the first imaging region, while the illuminant, the imager and the image former are arranged outside the second imaging region. The illuminant emits illumination light toward a reflecting surface of the reflective member in the second imaging region.

A photoelectric conversion device includes: a photoelectric conversion block including two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric converters, each photoelectric converter including a color filter and a photoelectric conversion element configured to perform photoelectric conversion in response to incident light; a signal processing block configured to process data output from the photoelectric conversion block; and a plurality of electrode pads disposed in the signal processing block. The electrode pads are configured to supply power to the photoelectric conversion block and the signal processing block.

An image scanner including a two-dimensional matrix sensor, a scanning plane defined by the axes, an optical system, an optical axis perpendicular to the scanning plane and coinciding with an axis, a lighting system including at least four light sources that have its own main axis and are positioned so that each light source is adjacent to one side of the scanning plane and illuminates it from a different direction. Each light source is arranged with its own main axis in a plane parallel to a facing mirror-reflecting surface above said facing mirror-reflecting surface and is oriented so as to radiate the scanning plane by specularly reflecting its light beams on the respective mirror-reflecting surface situated on the opposite side of the scanning plane with respect to the light source.

A sensor device includes a data line, a current source connected to the data line, a current sink connected to the data line, and a charge integrator connected to the data line, receiving a sensing current from the data line and outputting a sensing voltage. The sensing current is a summation of a current from the current source to the charge integrator and a current from the current sink to the charge integrator.