A compact image input apparatus is operable under low power consumption, while
omitting a buffer memory for storing image data, which is originally required to
transfer image data between this image input apparatus and a personal computer.
The image input apparatus is arranged by an image sensor for optically sensing
an image of an object to produce an analog image signal; an A/D (analog-to-digital)
converter for A/D-converting the analog image signal derived from the image sensor
into a digital image signal; an interface control unit for converting the digital
image signal derived from the A/D converter into image data; an image sensor driving
unit for driving the image sensor; an A/D converter driving unit for driving the
A/D converter; a clock oscillator for oscillating a clock signal; a clock switching
control unit for controlling a supply of the clock signal to the image sensor driving
unit and the A/D converter driving unit in response to the clock signal produced
from the clock oscillator, and both a transfer starting signal and a transfer clock
signal supplied from the interface control unit; and a personal computer for receiving
the image data converted by the interface control unit and for supplying the transfer
starting signal to the interface control unit. The clock switching control unit
includes drive means for supplying the clock signal produced form the clock oscillator
to the image sensor, and also for not supplying the clock signal to the A/D converter
driving unit within a preset time period after the transfer starting signal is received.