Image pickup device having electrode matrix coupling

Abstract

An impage pickup device for reading documents without the use of a separate optical system and in which complex wiring connections are provided upon the same substrate as the photosensitive reading elements. Parallel individual electrodes arranged in groups are disposed upon one surface of an insulating substrate with each electrode within each of the groups being of a different length. A layer of photoconductive material is disposed over first parallel end portions of the individual electrodes with common electrodes, one of which is provided for each of the groups, disposed over the photoconductive layer opposite corresponding groups of individual electrodes. A layer of insulating material is disposed over second staggered end portions of the individual electrodes with parallel common conductors perpendicular to the individual electrodes arrayed upon the upper surface of the insulating layer. Each of the common conductors is coupled through apertures in the insulating layer to a corresponding single individual electrode from each of the groups. Preferably, at least one of the individual electrode and common electrode is transparent.