Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading device for reading an original at a reading position; an image determining device for determining whether the original has a black and white image or color image; and an original length determining device for determining a length of the original in a transport direction. The original once read is returned to the reading position through a first circulating path or a second circulating path longer than the first circulating path by a selection device for selecting the first circulating path or the second circulating path according to a result of the determination by the original length determining device.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a reading device for reading an original at a reading position; an image determining device for determining whether the original has a black and white image or color image; and an original length determining device for determining a length of the original in a transport direction. The original once read is returned to the reading position through a first circulating path or a second circulating path longer than the first circulating path by a selection device for selecting the first circulating path or the second circulating path according to a result of the determination by the original length determining device.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder is formed of a sheet mounting portion for receiving a sheet thereon, a rotating member located at the sheet mounting portion, and a pressure device situated at a side opposite to the rotating member. The rotating member rotatably contacts the sheet on the sheet mounting portion and transfers the sheet from the sheet mounting portion. The sheet is supplied onto the sheet mounting portion from an upstream side of a sheet transfer direction so that the sheet is located between the rotating member and the pressure device and is urged onto the rotating member by the pressure device. The feeder further includes a guide member partly covering the rotating member at the upstream side of the sheet transfer direction. The guide member guides the sheet on the sheet mounting portion from the upstream side to a downstream side thereof.