Abstract: An original reader apparatus for reading an image formed on an original placed on an original table by moving a fluorescent lamp, an optical system, a photoelectric converter and the like disposed on a carriage. The timing of driving a stepping motor for moving the carriage is controlled by use of a 1/n-line synchronization timing signal during both an acceleration operation and a constant speed operation, thereby smoothly moving the carriage along the axis perpendicular to the axis along which the photoelectric converter reads an original, without deviation of the timing when an acceleration operation is changed to a constant speed operation.

Abstract: When originals with their image to be scanned are placed in an original-feeding tray, this placement is sensed by an original placing sensor. In accordance with this result of sensing, a CPU controls drivers to automatically separate the originals placed in the tray. In the meantime, several predetermined input settings can be made. Therefore, when an image scan start instruction is provided, the CPU, without thereafter separating the originals, permits the originals to be immediately sent and scanned.

Abstract: An image scanning section has an optical system for scanning an original in a two-dimensional manner, and a photoelectric converter for converting an optical image obtained by the optical system into an electrical signal. A binary coding section performs simple binary coding of the electrical signal supplied from the photoelectric converter in such a manner as not to accompany pseudo-gray scale coding, and performs pseudo-gray scale binary coding of the electrical signal supplied from the photoelectric converter in such a manner as to accompany pseudo-gray scale coding. An area designating section designates an area on the original. A scanning mode designating section designates image scanning modes within and outside an area designated by the area designating section and has at least a first scanning mode designating section which does not accompany pseudo-gray scale coding and a second scanning mode designating section which accompanies pseudo-gray scale coding.