Large area array of thin film photosensitive elements for image detection
AssigneeOvonic Imaging Systems, Inc.
InventorsRoger W. Pryor, Stephen J. Hudgens, Prem Nath, Ronald G. Mulberger
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Abstract
Apparatus for producing electronic signals which are representative of a detectable condition on an image-bearing surface. The apparatus includes an elongated array of distinct thin film photosensitive elements formed on a common flexible large area substrate. The elongated array of photosensitive elements are fabricated as a large area, photovoltaic structure formed of a plurality of thin film layers, including a first layer of thin film conductive material. The discrete photosensitive elements are defined by patterning of the conductive layer into shaped regions which determine the overall configuration and dimensions of each element.
Claims10
Apparatus for detecting an image comprising:
- a frame including first and second spaced apart frame portions;
- a flexible, elongated, image-bearing sheet of generally rectilinearly shaped material extending between said frame portions;
- said sheet having an image-bearing surface defined by a length dimension and a width dimension;
- an elongated first roller having one end of said sheet connected thereto and rotatably mounted on said first frame portion for dispensing therefrom or receiving thereabout said sheet of material;
- an elongated second roller rotatably mounted on said second frame portion and having the end of said sheet opposite said one end connected thereto for dispensing therefrom and receiving thereabout said sheet of material;
- said image-bearing sheet adapted to move along a substantially linear direction of travel between said first roller and second roller;
- a linear array of at least 200 thin film photosensitive elements mounted between said frame portions and extending transversely relative to the direction of linear movement of said sheet between said rollers, said linear array extending across essentially the entire width dimension of and disposed in close proximity to one side of said sheet;
- each of said photosensitive elements including at least one thin film layer of silicon or germanium alloy material operable to convert light energy emanating from a portion of the image-bearing surface of said sheet and incident upon said photosensitive elements into an electrical signal, said signal corresponding to light energy emanating from said portion of said image-bearing surface over a predetermined time period;
- and
- elongated light means mounted adjacent said linear array for illuminating portions of said image-bearing surface of said sheet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.