Automatic document imaging mode selection system

In a document handler for an imaging station with image scanning means, said document handler having plural different operating modes, and said document handler having plural different document inputs for the placement of documents in said document handler to be imaged at said imaging station;

• said plural document inputs including:
• means for opening said document handler for manual placement of a document on said imaging station, a document stacking tray of an automatic document separator/feeder for placement of documents therein, and a semi-automatic document feeding input slot;
• the improvement comprising automatic mode selection means for the automatic selection of one of said plural operating modes of said document handler;
• said automatic mode selection means being controlled by a pre-programmed response to the combinations of the presence of absence of plural control signal inputs from, respectively:
• first sensor means for sensing the input of a document to said stacking tray of said automatic document separator/feeder,
• second sensor means for sensing the input of a document to said semi-automatic document feeding input slot,
• third sensor means for detecting said opening of said document handler;
• user input means for manually selecting additional user-selectable document modes and providing respective said control signals therefore,
• memory means for retaining said signal from said third sensor means and providing another said control signal input to said automatic mode selection means indicating that said third sensor means has not been actuated by the operating of said document handler since the last operation of said image scanning means;
• and selectable means for optically detecting the absence of a document at said imaging station with said scanning means;
• said selectable means for optically detecting the absence of a document at said imaging station with said scanning means only being activated in response to a limited number of said combinations of said input signals in said automatic mode selection means;
• said automatic mode selection means further including pre-programmed mode priority selections for resolving mode selection conflict where more than one said sensor means is simultaneously activated.