Disclosed are embodiments of document scanner, a method and a program storage device wherein the scan mode is automatically adjusted to fall within standards established to prevent vision damage and/or discomfort and to still allow for high-resolution scanning. Specifically, the platen cover of the document scanner can be operatively connected to the scan carriage such that the mode at which the scan carriage operates depends upon the detected position of the platen cover. When the platen cover is closed, the scan carriage can automatically illuminate the document being scanned at a relatively high light intensity level and can move at a relatively fast speed. When the platen cover is opened, the scan carriage can automatically illuminate the document being scanned at a lower light intensity level and, optionally, can move at a slower speed to compensate for the lower light intensity level.