PURPOSE: To obtain a device capable of reading both sides of a document without possessing an inversion mechanism to read both sides of the document.

CONSTITUTION: The document 5 on both sides of which characters and graphics are written is sent on a paper feed roller 7 driven by a motor 6, and it is sent to an ejection port 3 with a paper guide 4. The surface of the document is irradiated with a first light emitting part 8, and reflected light is converted to an electrical signal by a first line sensor 9, and the back plane of the document is irradiated with a second light emitting part 10, and the reflected light is converted to the electrical signal by a second line sensor 11.