An apparatus is provided to effectively reduce the non-active detection
gap between sensor elements of an optical sensor. Reducing the non-active
gap can subsequently reduce the time delay between sensor elements,
mitigating the image degrading effects of a composite element time delay.
While applicable to use with a wide range of optical sensors, the
invention may be used for detecting aspects of a variable-rate dynamic
colorful object using a matrix sensor or a tri-linear color CCD sensor.
In one variation, optical fibers extend from a first fiber optic
faceplate to a second fiber optic faceplate. The optical fibers can be
oriented toward or directly mounted to the sensor elements. A spacer may
be used to separate the optical fibers for alignment with the sensor
elements and the other end of the optical fibers are attached to each
other.