This invention provides an image processing apparatus which simplifies the circuit arrangement required for edge emphasis correction. The single coil sensors have one electrical coil to both excite the magnetrostrictive circuit and detect changes in the permeability of the circuit arising from forces applied to the circuit or induced to strain a portion of the circuit, The sensor may be instructed to sense either or both compressive or tensile forces applied to the magnetostrictive circuit. Functionality is enhanced by providing various real-time output information. The preferred material for forming the matrix or support structure is a biocompatible synthetic polymer which degrades in a controlled manner by hydrolysis into harmless metabolites, for example, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, or copolymers thereof. At least some of the carbon from the environment may be transferred to the electrode. The conductive traces are directly coupled to the via contacts through some of the openings of the first conductive layer.