Image reading apparatus and image density correction method

An image reading apparatus comprising:

• plural image reading means arranged at different positions from each other in a sub-scanning direction and for reading reflected light from a reading target surface, guided by a scanning optical system that moves in the sub-scanning direction;
• and
• reading control means for controlling image reading timing in each image reading means so that, when reading a predetermined white reference board by the plural image reading means in order to perform shading correction, the plural image reading means have substantially the same reading area on the white reference board.

An image density correction method for an image reading apparatus that has plural line sensors arranged at different positions from each other in a sub-scanning direction and configured to read reflected light from a reading target surface, guided by a scanning optical system that moves in the sub-scanning direction, the method comprising the steps of:

• controlling image reading timing in each line sensor so that, when reading a predetermined white reference board by the plural line sensors in order to perform shading correction, the plural line sensors have substantially the same reading area on the white reference board;
• and
• executing shading correction based on information acquired as a result of reading the white reference board by the plural line sensors, in accordance with the control of reading.