To prevent a step from being conspicuous at joints of images read, using the so-called "FL type" CCD.

Before performing predetermined image processing in an image processing means 35, processing for reducing the differential between data corresponding to a joint portion, for example, smoothing processing is applied to an output signal of an FL type CCD 10 by a boundary reduction means 36, thereby obtaining smooth image data wherein a step in the jointing portion is not conspicuous. Thus, proper image processing can be applied to image data which is closer to raw data, without the influence of the step in the stage of performing predetermined image processing. Furthermore, correction processing for the jointing portion can be performed properly, without requiring outputting due to a printer section, by only performing a normal image reading operation in a single image reading apparatus 1.

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