Patent ID: 6989915
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image reading apparatus comprising: a transportation path for transporting a sheetlike recording medium, the transportation path having a reading position through which the recording medium passes; a reading unit for optically reading image information recorded on the recording medium, the reading unit including a light source for applying light to the reading position and a light sensor for receiving reflected light from the reading position and converting the received light into an electrical output signal to be outputted; and a correcting mechanism for correcting the output signal of the light sensor in accordance with a reference level, the correcting mechanism including a reference element having a reference surface for setting the reference level, the reference element being lockable between a first position in which the reference element is advanced to scan the reference surface and a second position in which the reference element is retreated from the reading position, and a drive mechanism including a rotating member interlocked with the reference element and capable of continuously rotating the rotating member in one direction, thereby rocking the reference element between the first and second positions.