Patent ID: 8730539
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image reading apparatus comprising: a scanning module which reads an image from a paper; and an auto document feeder apparatus which conveys the paper to the scanning module, the auto document feeder apparatus comprising: a simplex path, which is a conveying path for the paper while in a simplex reading mode; a duplex path, which is distinguishable from the simplex path, and conveys a plurality of sheets of the paper simultaneously at different positions along the duplex path in a duplex reading mode; and a path selecting element which opens the simplex path to allow the paper to be conveyed along the simplex path while in the simplex reading mode, and opens the duplex path to allow the plurality of sheets of the paper to be conveyed along the duplex path while in the duplex reading mode, wherein the path selecting element selectively moves to direct the paper in one of a first direction toward the simplex path in the simplex reading mode and a second direction toward the duplex path in the duplex reading mode, at a point upstream of the scanning module before any image is read from the paper, wherein, in the duplex reading mode, the paper is directed by the path selecting element to a bypass path which branches off from the simplex path at a point between a pick-up unit which picks up the paper and the scanning module, the bypass path comprising a storage which temporarily stores the picked up paper prior to any image from the paper being introduced to the scanning module being read and a first flipping element to flip the paper, wherein, in the duplex reading mode, after a first side of the paper is read, the paper is flipped by a second flipping element to a second side and conveyed along the duplex path to the scanning module a second time to read the second side of the paper without moving the path selecting element.