Patent ID: 6252645
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: G03B

Abstract:
An image reading apparatus comprising:a reading device for reading an image;a density detection unit for detecting a density level of the image, and determining in which one of three pre-determined density level ranges the detected density level is included;first and second exposure adjustment units for adjusting exposure when said reading device reads the image; anda control unit for causing said first exposure adjustment unit to adjust the exposure when the detected density level is included in a second density level range, and causing said second exposure adjustment unit to adjust the exposure when the detected density level is included in either a first or a third density level range, said first and third density level ranges sandwiching the second density level range therebetween,wherein the pre-determined three density level ranges are of density levels capable of being detected by said density detection unit, andthe first density level range is for an image having lower density level than a predetermined first density value, the second density level range is for an image having higher density level than the predetermined first density value and having lower density level than a predetermined second density value, and the third density level range is for an image having higher density level than the predetermined second density value.