Patent ID: 7551331

Claim:
An image reading apparatus for reading an image on an original, comprising: a platen for placing the original, reading means arranged at a predetermined reading position under the platen for reading the original placed on the platen to obtain image data in one of a first reading mode and a second reading mode; transport means disposed adjacent to the platen for transporting the original and being capable of returning the original to the platen; detection means electrically connected to the reading means for determining whether the image data read by the reading means is a first kind of data corresponding to a monotone image or a binary scale image, or a second kind of data corresponding to a color image or a multiple scale image; and control means electrically connected to the reading means, the transport means and the detection means, said control means operating the transport means for ejecting the original and outputting the image data read in the first reading mode for reading the monotone image or the binary scale image when the detection means determines the image data to be the first kind, and operating the transport means to return the original to the platen and actuating the reading means to read in the second reading mode for reading the color image or the multiple scale image when the detection means determines the image data to be the second kind.