Abstract: A multi-function machine has a jam removing apparatus comprising a first case disposed with respect to a printer unit to form a portion of paper supply path of the printer unit and having a portion of component parts of a scanner unit therein, a second case disposed with respect to the first case to form a portion of document supply path of the scanner unit together with the first case and having the rest of the component parts of the scanner unit therein, a first moving unit to separate the first and second cases apart from the printer unit so as to remove a jammed sheet of paper when the sheet of paper is jammed in the printer unit, and a second moving unit to separate the second case apart from the first case so as to remove a jammed document when the document is jammed in the scanner unit.

Abstract: A method to compensate for imperfect scanner motion in a scanning apparatus having a moveable scanner includes generating an error array by measuring errors in a scanner position at each of a plurality of spaced positions along a direction of travel of the scanner; generating an error compensation array from the error array based on a low frequency component of the error array; and using the error compensation array to adjust at least one parameter associated with the scanning apparatus during a document scanning operation.

Abstract: An original feeding apparatus is located above an image forming portion for recording an image on a recording medium and is constructed to convey an original to an image reading portion slidable in a shift direction relative to the image forming portion. The original feeding apparatus is slidable integrally with the image reading portion relative to the image forming portion and has its barycenter located on the rear end side with respect to the center in the shift direction.

Abstract: A method relating to ascertaining and adjusting friction between media pages in a document feeder. The method includes: detecting slipping of a media page when traversing from a stack of media pages to passing through a path defined by the document feeder; and sending a signal to a fluid-containing cartridge to spray small drops of fluid onto the slipping media page soon after the slipping is detected while the media page passes through the document feeder. A system and apparatus are also associated with the above method.

Abstract: A paper conveying apparatus, having a simple structure, in which variation in a load imposed on paper is reduced to suppress printing irregularities, and also a printer are provided. A pair of rollers of a second conveying apparatus, arranged at a predetermined interval away from a first conveying apparatus, are composed of a rotationally-driven driving roller and a driven roller which is trailingly rotated, with paper being gripped between the driving roller and the driven roller. The pairs of rollers of the second conveying apparatus are arranged in different positions along the paper conveying direction. The paper gripping pressure of the pair of driving rollers arranged on the upstream side along the paper conveying direction is set to be lower than that of the other pairs of driving rollers.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a transport path that is inclined downwardly as advancing from an upstream side to a downstream side, an image reading section disposed in a middle of the transport path, a cover member that is bent to cause downward inclination of a face on the downstream side of the transport path to be larger than an inclination of a face on the upstream side, a support member having a plate form, the support member disposed on a rear face of the cover member and protruding toward the upstream side from a proximity of a position where the cover member is bent in the face on the downstream side, and a pressing member in which another end is supported by the support member to cause one end to be contactable with the image reading section, thereby pressing the transported medium against the image reading section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image creation device loaded in the image forming apparatus in a replaceable manner, an openable and closable cover to be opened and closed when the image creation device is to be replaced with a new one, a new/old discrimination portion that discriminates whether the image creation device is new or old, an image stabilization processing portion that executes image stabilization processing for old image creation devices to maintain image quality with respect to old image creation devices and executes image stabilization processing for brand-new image creation devices including a part of the image stabilization processing for old image creation devices as common-processing to maintain image quality with respect to brand-new image creation devices, and a controller.

Abstract: At step S301, since none of conveyance sensors 114, 116 and 121 detect residual paper, a CPU 203 notifies a CPU 201 that it is in a residual paper check start instruction waiting mode. At step S302, since a conveying path sensor 111 in an optional paper feed unit 101 does not detect residual paper, the CPU 202 notifies the CPU 201 that it is in a residual paper check start instruction waiting mode. At step S303, since an inlet sensor 122 of an optional paper output unit 103 does not detect residual paper, the CPU 204 notifies the CPU 201 that it is in a residual paper check start instruction waiting mode. After confirming that all the units are in the waiting mode, the CPU 201 issues a residual paper check start instruction to all the units simultaneously to improve usability by reducing initializing time.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a pickup roller R1 makes soft contact to an upper surface of a manuscript by being lowered incrementally in four raising-lowering operations S1 to S4 in which, when an electromagnetic clutch connects, the pickup roller is lowered, while being rotated, to approach the upper surface of the top manuscript and, when the electromagnetic clutch disconnects, the pickup roller, while stopping to rotate, is raised away from the upper surface of the top manuscript by an amount smaller than a lowering amount. Between an electromagnetic clutch-side engaging portion and a pickup roller-side engaging portion of a torque limiter, an elastic member is arranged that suppresses drive power load fluctuation produced by disconnection/connection of the electromagnetic clutch and applies a biasing force in a direction to raise the pickup roller when the electromagnetic clutch disconnects.

Abstract: A document scanner with a light focusing device downward formed on a document support panel is disclosed. The document scanner is provided with a chassis including a light source and an image sensing device. A scanning window made of light-transmitting material is formed in an area of the document support panel. A driving roller is arranged in a document feeder for driving a document to be scanned through the scanning window. Light emitted from the light source transmits through the scanning window toward the document and is reflected by the document toward the image sensing device, The document support panel forms a convex projection on a bottom surface thereof. The projection confronts the light source for focusing the light onto the document. Preferably, the projection includes an extended section from the bottom surface of the document support panel and forming a convex end surface confronting the light source.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a document loading tray that loads a document; a document transport path that transports the document; an image reading unit that is disposed in the document transport path and reads an image of the document; a document output tray into which the document that has been transported on the document transport path is ejected; a recording medium loading tray into which a recording medium is loaded; a recording medium transport path on which the recording medium is transported; an image recording unit that is disposed in the recording medium transport path and records an image on the recording medium; and a recording medium output tray into which the recording medium that has been transported on the recording medium transport path is output. The recording medium loading tray is disposed between the document loading tray and the document output tray.

Abstract: An original transport and reading apparatus includes an original transport apparatus having a transport path, a first image reading unit that reads an image of an original facing the original transport apparatus, and a second image reading unit that is arranged inside the original transport apparatus and reads an image of the original. The second image reading unit includes a light source, a turning mirror, a lens, an image sensor, and a rotation support shaft, and is accommodated and held by a unit casing. The rotation support shaft performs support so as to allow rotation of the second image reading unit centered on a rotational fulcrum that is arranged along a reading light path for reading an image at a second reading position. Furthermore, a curved original guide having a guiding surface that is curved is arranged in a position corresponding to the light source.

Abstract: A paper pressing device disposed on one side of a paper track of a sheet feed scanner, corresponding to a scanning module on the other side of the paper track is provided. The paper pressing device includes two pivot seats, a pressing block, and an elastic element. The two pivot seats are respectively disposed at two lateral edges of the paper track. The pressing block is located across and above the paper track, and is pivotally disposed between the two pivot seats for being rotated and slid. The elastic element, pressing against the pressing block, is used to provide a normal force to push the pressing block to move linearly and rotate. By adjusting the position and angle of the pressing block, the paper is flattened onto the scanning module.

Abstract: A paper feeding mechanism for carrying a paper passing through a scanning station having a scanning module includes a partition, a paper transporting device, and a switching member movably disposed corresponding to one end of the partition. A first paper feeding channel is formed between the partition and the scanning station, and a second paper feeding channel is formed on another side of the partition. The paper transporting device carries the paper passing over the side of the partition through the first paper feeding channel with a first page of the paper facing the scanning module. Then, the paper is flipped for a second page of the paper facing the scanning module. The switching member can be selectively moved for guiding the paper passing through the first paper feeding channel or the second paper feeding channel.

Abstract: A paper pressing device for a scanning apparatus is provided, which include a scanning module and a paper track corresponding to the scanning module, wherein the paper track is provided for a paper sheet passing through. The paper pressing device includes a film and a pressing block. The film is disposed on one side of the paper track opposite to the scanning module. The pressing block is disposed on one side of the film opposite to the scanning module and presses against the film for reducing the height of the paper track above the scanning module. When the paper sheet is passes over the scanning module, the paper pressing device presses the paper sheet for maintaining the paper sheet flat while being scanned.

Abstract: An image reading device which reads a document as an image includes a light source unit, a light receiving unit, a transporting mechanism which relatively transports either one of the light receiving unit or the document, a light reception control unit, and an irradiation control unit which irradiates the light receiving unit with the light from the document during a first light receiving period starting from a beginning point of the charging period and a second light receiving period ending at an ending point of the charging period and which does not irradiate the light receiving unit with the light from the document between the first light receiving period and the second light receiving period.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a mechanism and/or process for scanning a document and generating scan data that reflects the document. The scanning device is configured with a secure scanning mode of operation that allows scan data to be securely transmitted to one or more recipients and also controls physical access to a document. Secure scanning may be initiated manually by a user or initiated automatically based upon an identification or authentication of the user and/or one more recipients of the scan data. The scanning device may also be configured to generate and provide status data to a user that indicates the current status of a scanning operation and/or the successful delivery of scan data to one or more recipients. The device may also be configured to determine the proximity of a user with respect to the device and use the proximity information to provide various notifications.

Abstract: A document reading device includes a movable member and a flexible document holder. The document holder is fixed at a first end to a free end of the movable member. The document holder is also fixed at a second end to the vicinity of a right-side end of a bottom surface of the document reading device. A portion of the document holder positioned immediately below a pivot axis of the movable member is not fixed to the bottom surface. When the movable member is pivoted to expose a portion of a document transport path, the document holder, except for the first and second ends as fixed to the bottom surface, hangs down without being folded.

Abstract: The image reading apparatus of this invention moves the discharge guide to lead documents after passing the contact glass to the discharge tray in order to cope with different functions to improve image reading accuracy demanded for the image reading and to increase stacking capacity of the discharge tray easily. The image reading accuracy is improved when the width of documents to contact the contact glass surface is made wide by making the tilt angle of the discharge guide small to get the documents parallel to the contact glass surface. The stacking capacity of the discharge tray increases when the tilt angle of the discharge guide is made large.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the invention includes: a sensor disposed under an original stand, on which an original is placed, to be in close contact with the original stand; a first light source that irradiates light on a scanning area of the original from a direction obliquely below the original; and a second light source that is disposed in a position opposite to the first light source across the sensor and irradiates light from a direction obliquely below the original opposite to a direction of the light irradiated from the first light source. When the original is not a stuck original, the first light is turned on and, when the original is a stuck original, the first light source and the second light source are turned on. According to the image forming apparatus according to the invention, it is possible to reduce power consumption while preventing occurrence of an original shade of a stuck original in a contact-type optical system.

Abstract: A document reading unit constituting an MFP reciprocates a reading glass holder in a direction of a vertical scanning at a low frequency (18 times per second) with use of a crank mechanism including a motor and gears. A stroke length of the reciprocating motion of a reading glass is 9 mm. This structure can make a line-shaped noise less noticeable, because a length of each portion of a line-shaped noise becomes 2.57 mm and a distance between adjacent portions of the line-shaped noise becomes 7.27 mm when a foreign object having a diameter of 100 ?m adheres to the reading glass.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided with a first image reading unit and a second image reading unit. The first image reading unit reads an image on a first side of a document that is transported in a predetermined direction on a document transport path, at a first image reading position. The second image reading unit reads an image on a second side of the document that is transported in the predetermined direction on the document transport path, at a second image reading position. A transport roller and a bent portion of the document transport path are arranged in this order along the document transport direction upstream of each of the first image reading position and the second image reading position in the document transport direction.

Abstract: An image scanner and image scanning method to reliably image scanned media in an image scanning apparatus with consistent quality. The image scanning apparatus may be included within a printer 10 for printing to the medium. The image scanning apparatus comprises a transportation mechanism for transporting a card C along a transportation path 41 from an insertion opening 41 and an image sensor 44 to image the card on the transportation path 41. Guide walls 54 guide the card C into alignment with the transportation path 41. The transportation mechanism conveys the card C in a forward direction toward the image sensor 44 to a specified indexing position, and then in reverse toward the insertion opening 41a. The image sensor 44 images the card C as the card C is transported in reverse from the indexing position. The card C is then discharged from the card insertion opening 41a.

Abstract: There are provided a light emitting unit in which temperature increase due to heat generated in a light emitting element is suppressed to enhance light emission efficiency, a linear illumination device in which the light emitting unit is incorporated, and a contact-type image sensor and an image scanner in which the linear illumination device is incorporated. A lead frame 23 in the light emitting unit has an extension 29. The extension 29 is folded along a case 12, and a plate-shaped heat dissipater 30 is connected to the extension 29. The connection is carried out by forming holes 29a and 30a in the extension 29 and the heat dissipater 30, respectively, and engaging a protrusion 31 formed on the case 12 in the holes 29a and 30a. The extension 29 thus comes into tight contact with the heat dissipater 30 and is fixed thereto. The heat dissipater 30 is made of a good thermally conductive material, such as copper, and formed separately from the lead frame 23.

Abstract: A scanning device for simplex and duplex scanning. The device may include a scan head for capturing content appearing on a page; a substantially C-shaped first scan path for simplex scanning, the first scan path adapted to guide the page relative to the scan head for scanning a first side of the page; a second scan path for duplex scanning, the second scan path adapted to guide the page relative to the scan head for scanning a first side of the page and a second side of the page; a path diverter, the path diverter adapted to direct the page to the first path or the second path; and a controller for controlling the first and second scan paths and the diverter. The second scan path forms a loop for moving the first and second sides of the page so that each is temporarily disposed adjacent the scan head.

Abstract: An optical reading device of a scanning apparatus includes two light sources and a movable lens. The first light source emits a first light when the optical reading device is operated in a flatbed scanning mode. The second light source emits a second light when the optical reading device is operated in a sheetfed scanning mode. The movable mirror is selected to allow for passing the first light without being obstructed by the movable mirror in the flatbed scanning mode or allow for reflecting the second light coming from the second mirror in the sheetfed scanning mode. Due to the special design, the overall volume of the scanning module is reduced.

Abstract: A scanner, including a contact image sensor module and an elasticity-providing element, is provided. When scanning, the elasticity-providing element is capable of avoiding vertical shift of contact image sensor module resulting from mechanical friction or other unexpected. Therefore, the contact image sensor module can retrieve clear images all the time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image input apparatus. The image input apparatus includes a board having an image sensor; a supporting member having a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion; a first fastening member; and a second fastening member. The image input apparatus is characterized in that the board is rigidly secured on the first supporting portion of the supporting member with the first fastening member installed in the first supporting portion, and the board is movably supported on the second supporting portion of the supporting member by the second fastening member installed in the second supporting portion.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a platen for placing the original, a reading device for reading the original placed on the platen to obtain image data in a first reading mode or a second reading mode; a transport device for transporting the original to be capable of returning the original to the platen; and a detection device for determining whether the image data read by the reading device is a first kind of data or a second kind of data. A control device operates the transport device for ejecting the original and outputting the image data read in the first reading mode when the image data is the first kind, and operates the transport device to return the original to the platen and actuates the reading device to read in the second reading mode when the image data is the second kind.

Abstract: An image reading device which is capable of enhancing productivity in reading bound originals, such as a book, a magazine, or a document. A sheet-scanner device implementing the image reading device includes a sheet scanner as a reader part for reading an image on an original. The sheet scanner comprises a sheet-like substrate formed thereon with a light-emitting layer that can emit light spontaneously, and a light-receiving layer on which a plurality of reading pixels are arranged. The sheet scanner is mounted in the sheet-scanner device such that the sheet scanner can be drawn out onto and in from the original.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image reading apparatus including: a document feeding unit that feeds a document along a feeding path; a read-out sensor that reads out an image from the document fed by the document feeding unit without stopping the feed; a control unit that causes the read-out sensor to stay on standby in a predetermined retracted position at a distance from the feeding path when it is not necessary to read out the image of the document, and causes the read-out sensor, when it is necessary to read out the image of the document, to move to a predetermined document reading position and to read out the image from the fed document; and an output unit that outputs the image data read out by the read-out sensor.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a read table on which a source document is mounted, a document cover openably/closably held on the read table, a detection section detecting state of the document cover, a switching section switching between a continuous read mode where the source document is read when the detection section detects a closed state of the document cover after detecting an opened state and an ordinary read mode where the source document is read according to an instruction by a user regardless of the state of the document cover, a timer section measuring elapsed time since switching to the continuous read mode, and a reset section resetting the elapsed time when the detection section detects the closed state in the continuous read mode, wherein the switching section switches from the continuous read mode to the ordinary read mode when the elapsed time reaches a first predetermined time.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus form images efficiently using toner. The method, which is performed in an image forming apparatus to form images using toner, includes: rendering image data; deciding an amount of data of an image to be formed on a sheet using rendered results; and deciding a sheet feeding time point of a next sheet using a decided amount of data of the image. Accordingly, in contrast to a conventional image forming method, in which sheet feeding intervals are always constant when sheets of the same size are used, sheet feeding intervals may vary. Also, the amount of data of an image to be formed on a page is decided, and a sheet feeding time point of the next sheet may be variably set based on the decided amount of data, so that the next sheet having a smaller image-data-amount may be fed earlier. Therefore, a number of formed pages per minute may be increased, and images may be formed at high speed.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus (X) includes a light source, a case (2) for accommodating the light source, and a substrate (8) mounted to the case (8). A plurality of sensor IC chips (7) for detecting the light traveling from an image reading region are mounted on the substrate (8). The sensor IC chips (7) are arranged at positions closer to a second side edge (8b) than to a first side edge (8a) of the substrate. A predetermined wiring pattern is formed on the substrate (8). The sensor IC chips (7) are electrically connected to the wiring pattern via wires (W). The wires (W) are connected to the wiring pattern by extending from the upper surface of the sensor IC chips (7) toward the first side edge (8a) of the substrate.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a scanner which has a document table for loading a document on the upper part of a main body, detects optical image information reflected from the document, and reads the document image, a support member for surrounding the main body, a plurality of cushioning members installed between the main body and the support member at the position for supporting the load of the main body for preventing transfer of vibration from the support member to the main body, and at least one adjustable bracket which is mounted on the main body, can adjust the support height of the main body to the support member, and supports the cushioning members.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading an image on a medium to be read using a light emitting device and a light receiving device is disclosed in which a determination is made that at least one of the light emitting device and the light receiving device malfunctions in the presence of a substantial coincidence between a consecutive number of abnormal pixels adjacent to each other and a reference value.

Abstract: In an image scanning device, an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) frame accommodating an ADF is provided openable and closable on an upper surface of a device main body via a hinge member. In the hinge member, a frame supporting part fixed on one end part of the ADF frame and a base part fixed on the device main body are mounted in a manner capable of being swung. A rear side edge of the ADF frame is supported by the frame supporting part of the hinge member. The ADF frame is provided openable and closable so as to expose a bottom surface of the ADF frame to a front side.

Abstract: A first-side reflected-light detector includes a first light-receiving unit that receives a first light emitted from a first light-emitting unit and reflected on a first side of a recording medium. A second-side reflected-light detector includes a second light-receiving unit that receives a second light emitted from a second light-emitting unit and reflected on a second side of the recording medium. The first-side reflected-light detector and the second-side reflected-light detector are arranged in such a manner that the first light-receiving unit is fixed at a position off from an extension line from the second light-emitting unit in an emitting direction of the second light, and the second light-receiving unit is fixed at a position off from an extension line from the first light-emitting unit in an emitting direction of the first light.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus includes a body, a transparent plate, a scanning module, and a color reference slice. A paper-feeding track is formed within the body, and a scanning window is formed at a side wall of the paper-feeding track. A coupling groove is formed at an edge of the scanning window. Both the transparent plate and the color reference slice have an edge being inserted into the coupling groove, such that the transparent plate covers the scanning window while the color reference slice leans against a side surface of the transparent plate facing the paper-feeding track. The scanning module is disposed within the body corresponding to the scanning window, such that a paper to be scanned and the color reference slice are located in the same plane, and the color reference slice and the paper are scanned under the same optical conditions.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus which can read a transparent original and reflection original, a white background is formed like a sheet. The image reading apparatus is arranged to be movable by a pair of rollers which rotate using, e.g., the driving source of an original feeder. To read a transparent original, the white sheet is moved by the pair of rollers to a position where a transparent original reading illumination unit is exposed. This makes it possible to eliminate trouble in detaching the white background mounted on the back of an original platen in accordance with the type of an original to be read.

Abstract: An optical path device composed of four pieces of reflected mirrors is disclosed. In the optical path device, after being reflected many times between a set of two parallel mirrors, an incident light not perpendicular to the surface of the original document is turned by an optical path turning mirror to enter the parallel mirrors set again and reflected many times, and then the incident light is reflected into a lens and is imaged on a charge coupled device (CCD). The optical path device can limit the optical path between the parallel mirrors set effectively, thereby decreasing the volume of a chassis.

Abstract: An image reading method and apparatus. A reader is mounted and reads one side of an original document being conveyed at a reading position. A contact glass includes a surface contacting the original document. A reference is disposed at a side of the contact glass opposite to the surface and movable between the reading position and a standby position. The reference includes a surface facing the reader which has a predetermined color for providing shading data used for a shading correction. A carrier moves the reference to the reading position. The reader obtains the shading data by reading the predetermined color on the surface of the reference at the reading position.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus is provided for scanning documents, each of which has first and second pages of data. The image capturing apparatus includes first and second image sensors for reading the first and second pages of data of the documents. The method of capturing images includes scanning the m-th document and registering the first and the second image data in the first and second memories of one memory set and outputting the image data, wherein the value m has an initial value of 1; and increasing m by an increment of 1 when in the first and the second memories of at least one memory set are stored no image data or the first and the second image data are being completely output, and repeating the step of scanning the m-th document until the image capturing of all the documents is completed.

Abstract: A duplex scanner comprising a first scanning module, a second scanning module, a transmission mechanism, a power source and a control processing unit is provided. The first scanning module scans a front side of a to-be-scanned document and captures a front side image of the to-be-scanned document. The second scanning module scans a back side of the to-be-scanned document and captures a back side image of the to-be-scanned document. The transmission mechanism moves the to-be-scanned document relatively to the first scanning module and the second scanning module. The power source outputs at least a feedback signal while driving the transmission mechanism. The control processing unit receives a scan command and accordingly controls the power source to drive the transmission mechanism. The control processing unit receives the feedback signal and accordingly controls the first scanning module and the second scanning module to proceed duplex scan.

Abstract: A digital copying device, which serves as an image reading apparatus for improving processing speed by adjusting the timing of various operations when reading is performed using a sheet-through system, causes a first traveling body to move beneath a white reference plate in order to read the white reference plate, and then performs an ADF shading operation to move the first traveling body beneath a sheet-through contact glass. The sheet-through contact glass is then subjected to a dirt detection operation by reading a dirt detection reference plate, whereupon an original is conveyed onto the sheet-through contact glass by an ADF to perform a sheet-through reading operation whereby an image of the original is read.

Abstract: A scanner is provided with an illumination lamp for emitting light to a first side of a document from one side of a transfer path and a CCD image sensor for receiving light reflected from the first side of the document, and a CIS provided in a document feeder is provided with an LED for emitting light to a second side of the document from the other side of the transfer path and a line sensor for receiving light reflected from the second side of the document. The illumination lamp is a xenon lamp, and the LED is a white LED having emission characteristics different from those of the xenon lamp. To the CIS, a filter is attached, which brings emission characteristics of light emitted from the LED onto a document closer to those of light emitted from the illumination lamp onto the document.

Abstract: A calibration mechanism of a scanner includes a second light source, a calibration element having an opening, a first light source and a scanning module. The second light source is assembled with the calibration element, and the first light source is disposed at a position opposite to the calibration element. During the shading correction, the calibration element is rotated by an angle so that the first light source illuminates on a surface of the calibration element, and the reflected light enters the scanning module. When a transmissive original is being scanned, the light of the second light source passes through the opening of the calibration element and the transmissive original, and then enters the scanning module.

Abstract: An image scanning device including: a conveyance path which conveys originals; a first scanning means and a second scanning means which are placed such that they sandwich the conveyance path; and a white reference member used for adjusting the white levels of the scanning means; wherein at least one of the first scanning means, the second scanning means and the white reference member is movable; the first scanning means and the second scanning means can scan the same surface of said white reference member since the first scanning means or the second scanning means is moved or the white reference member is moved.

Abstract: A document handler, such as used in a digital copier, includes an input tray and an output tray, connected by a paper path. Along the paper path are disposed two scan heads, one to record image data from each side of the sheet. The two scan heads are separated from each other along the paper path by a pitch length longer than a sheet to be scanned. The arrangement allows an image on each side of the sheet to be scanned at an exclusive time. For long sheets, a recirculation path, associated with the paper path, is used to allow the sheet to re-enter the paper path: in this way, one side of the sheet is scanned with one scan head, and then the other side is scanned with the other scan head.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is equipped with an optical unit. Just prior to shifting to a low power-consumption mode, the optical unit is shifted to a low power-consumption position that is different from a home position.