Image reading apparatus and method of reading image

An image reading apparatus that includes an original document reading section that scans an original document to read the image of an original document in response to a read command, and that is connected to an external apparatus that transmits the read command via a network to the image reading apparatus, the image reading apparatus comprising:

• an inputting section through which a user inputs his authentication information;
• a memory that stores the authentication information inputted through said inputting section;
• a status setting section that causes the image reading apparatus to enter a user log-in mode when the user inputs his authentication information through said inputting section;
• and
• a decision section that makes a decision based on the authentication information stored in the memory and the information received from the external apparatus to determine whether the read command should be executed, the decision being made after the image reading apparatus has entered the user log-in mode.

A method for an original reading section to read the image of an original document placed on an image reading apparatus in response to a read command received from an external apparatus, the method comprising:

• inputting authentication information on a user;
• storing the inputted authentication information;
• entering a user log-in mode upon receiving the authentication information;
• and
• making a decision to determine whether the image of the original document should be read, the decision being made based on the stored authentication information and information received form the external apparatus.