Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for automatically starting an image-pickup apparatus having an upper cover and a scanning flat for putting an object to be scanned thereon. The apparatus includes: (a) a detector generating a triggering signal in response to a closing operation of the upper cover; and (b) a recognition device detecting the presence of the object on the scanning flat in response to the triggering signal to generate an actuating signal to have the image-pickup apparatus perform a pickup operation of an image of the object.