A device for imaging a relief object without illuminating a platen is disclosed. The device includes a
single electrode electroluminescent device, which may be inorganic or organic, and a
current source. The
current source is coupled to the
single electrode of the electroluminescent device and to the relief object to be imaged. The valleys and ridges of the relief object couple current to the electroluminescent device at different magnitudes which causes the electroluminescent device to generate light at different intensities that correspond to the ridges and valleys of the relief object. The generated light forms an image of the relief object which may be focused by optical elements onto a
sensor array for capture and
image processing. In another embodiment of the invention, a one-to-one
sensor array is located
proximate the electroluminescent device to capture the image. In an embodiment of the invention which insulates the relief object from current, the electroluminescent device is covered with a
variable resistance layer and the
variable resistance layer is covered with a flexible
electrode. One lead from the
current source is coupled to the flexible
electrode and another lead is coupled to the
single electrode. When a relief object is brought in contact with the flexible
electrode, a localized pressures generated by the ridges of the relief object form conductive paths through the
variable resistance layer which are lower in electrical resistance than those formed by pressure in the areas adjacent the valleys of the relief object. The different magnitudes of current delivered through the conductive paths to the electroluminescent device cause the electroluminescent device to generate an image of the relief object without exposing the relief object to
electrical current.