Desktop scanner, with the lid raised.

An object has been laid on the glass, ready for

scanning.

Scan of the jade rhinoceros seen in the photograph above.

Image scanner
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In computing, a scanner is a device that optically scans images, printed text,

handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital image. Common examples found in
offices are variations of the desktop (or flatbed) scanner where the document is placed on
a glass window for scanning. Hand-held scanners, where the device is moved by hand,
have evolved from text scanning "wands" to 3D scanners used for industrial design,
reverse engineering, test and measurement, orthotics, gaming and other applications.
Mechanically driven scanners that move the document are typically used for large-format
documents, where a flatbed design would be impractical.

Modern scanners typically use a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a Contact Image Sensor
(CIS) as the image sensor, whereas older drum scanners use a photomultiplier tube as the
image sensor. A rotary scanner, used for high-speed document scanning, is another type
of drum scanner, using a CCD array instead of a photomultiplier. Other types of scanners
are planetary scanners, which take photographs of books and documents, and 3D
scanners, for producing three-dimensional models of objects.
Another category of scanner is digital camera scanners, which are based on the concept
of reprographic cameras. Due to increasing resolution and new features such as anti-
shake, digital cameras have become an attractive alternative to regular scanners. While
still having disadvantages compared to traditional scanners (such as distortion,
reflections, shadows, low contrast), digital cameras offer advantages such as speed,
portability, gentle digitizing of thick documents without damaging the book spine. New
scanning technologies are combining 3D scanners with digital cameras to create full-
color, photo-realistic 3D models of objects.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 Historical precedent
• 2 Types
o 2.1 Drum
o 2.2 Flatbed
o 2.3 Film
o 2.4 Hand
• 3 Quality
• 4 Computer connection
o 4.1 Physical Connection to the Computer
o 4.2 Applications Programming Interface
o 4.3 Bundled Applications
• 5 Output data
• 6 Document processing
• 7 Infrared cleaning
• 8 Scanner Music
• 9 See also
• 10 References

• 11 External links

[edit] Historical precedent

Scanners can be considered the successors of early telephotography input devices,
consisting of a rotating drum with a single photodetector at a standard speed of 60 or 120
rpm (later models up to 240 rpm). They send a linear analog AM signal through standard
telephone voice lines to receptors, which synchronously print the proportional intensity
on special paper. This system was in use in press from the 1920s to the mid-1990s. Color
photos were sent as three separated RGB filtered images consecutively, but this was used
only for special events due to transmission costs.

[edit] Types
[edit] Drum

Drum scanners capture image information with photomultiplier tubes (PMT), rather than
the charge-coupled-device (CCD) arrays found in flatbed scanners and inexpensive film
scanners. Reflective and transmissive originals are mounted on an acrylic cylinder, the
scanner drum, which rotates at high speed while it passes the object being scanned in
front of precision optics that deliver image information to the PMTs. Most modern color
drum scanners use 3 matched PMTs, which read red, blue, and green light respectively.
Light from the original artwork is split into separate red, blue, and green beams in the
optical bench of the scanner.

The drum scanner gets its name from the large glass drum on which the original artwork
is mounted for scanning: they usually take 11"x17" documents, but maximum size varies
by manufacturer. One of the unique features of drum scanners is the ability to control
sample area and aperture size independently. The sample size is the area that the scanner
encoder reads to create an individual pixel. The aperture is the actual opening that allows
light into the optical bench of the scanner. The ability to control aperture and sample size
separately is particularly useful for smoothing film grain when scanning black-and white
and color negative originals.

While drum scanners are capable of scanning both reflective and transmissive artwork, a
good-quality flatbed scanner can produce excellent scans from reflective artwork. As a
result, drum scanners are rarely used to scan prints now that high quality inexpensive
flatbed scanners are readily available. Film, however, is where drum scanners continue to
be the tool of choice for high-end applications. Because film can be wet-mounted to the
scanner drum and because of the exceptional sensitivity of the PMTs, drum scanners are
capable of capturing very subtle details in film originals.

Only a few companies continue to manufacture drum scanners. While prices of both new
and used units have come down over the last decade, they still require a considerable
monetary investment when compared to CCD flatbed and film scanners. However, drum
scanners remain in demand due to their capacity to produce scans that are superior in
resolution, color gradation, and value structure. Also, since drum scanners are capable of
resolutions up to 12,000 PPI, their use is generally recommended when a scanned image
is going to be enlarged.

In most graphic-arts operations, very-high-quality flatbed scanners have replaced drum

scanners, being both less expensive and faster. However, drum scanners continue to be
used in high-end applications, such as museum-quality archiving of photographs and
print production of high-quality books and magazine advertisements. In addition, due to
the greater availability of pre-owned units many fine-art photographers are acquiring
drum scanners, which has created a new niche market for the machines.
The first scanned image

The first image scanner ever developed was a drum scanner. It was built in 1957 at the
US National Bureau of Standards by a team led by Russell Kirsch. The first image ever
scanned on this machine was a 5 cm square photograph of Kirsch's then-three-month-old
son, Walden. The black and white image had a resolution of 176 pixels on a side.[1]

[edit] Flatbed

A flatbed scanner is usually composed of a glass pane (or platen), under which there is a
bright light (often xenon or cold cathode fluorescent) which illuminates the pane, and a
moving optical array, whether CCD or CIS. Color scanners typically contain three rows
(arrays) of sensors with red, green, and blue filters. Images to be scanned are placed face
down on the glass, an opaque cover is lowered over it to exclude ambient light, and the
sensor array and light source move across the pane, reading the entire area. An image is
therefore visible to the charge-coupled device only because of the light it reflects.
Transparent images do not work in this way, and require special accessories that
illuminate them from the upper side. Many scanners offer this as an option.

[edit] Film

"Slide" (positive) or negative film can be scanned in equipment specially manufactured

for this purpose. Usually, uncut film strips of up to six frames, or four mounted slides, are
inserted in a carrier, which is moved by a stepper motor across a lens and CCD sensor
inside the scanner. Some models even have adaptors for APS film cassettes. Dedicated
film scanners often offer better resolution than flatbed scanners, partly because they do
not need to scan large areas.

[edit] Hand

Hand scanners come in two forms: document and 3D scanners. Handheld document
scanners are manual devices that are dragged across the surface of the image to be
scanned. Scanning documents in this manner requires a steady hand, as an uneven
scanning rate would produce distorted images - a little light on the scanner would indicate
if the motion was too fast. They typically have a "start" button, which is held by the user
for the duration of the scan; some switches to set the optical resolution; and a roller,
which generates a clock pulse for synchronisation with the computer. Most hand scanners
were monochrome, and produced light from an array of green LEDs to illuminate the
image. A typical hand scanner also had a small window through which the document
being scanned could be viewed. They were popular during the early 1990s and usually
had a proprietary interface module specific to a particular type of computer, usually an
Atari ST or Commodore Amiga.

While popularity for document scanning has waned, use of handheld 3D scanners
remains popular for many applications, including industrial design, reverse engineering,
inspection & analysis, digital manufacturing and medical applications. To compensate for
the uneven motion of the human hand, most 3D scanning systems rely on the placement
of reference markers – typically adhesive reflective tabs that the scanner uses to align
elements and mark positions in space.

[edit] Quality
Scanners typically read red-green-blue color (RGB) data from the array. This data is then
processed with some proprietary algorithm to correct for different exposure conditions
and sent to the computer, via the device's input/output interface (usually SCSI or LPT in
machines pre-dating the USB standard). Color depth varies depending on the scanning
array characteristics, but is usually at least 24 bits. High quality models have 48 bits or
more color depth. The other qualifying parameter for a scanner is its resolution, measured
in pixels per inch (ppi), sometimes more accurately referred to as samples per inch (spi).
Instead of using the scanner's true optical resolution, the only meaningful parameter,
manufacturers like to refer to the interpolated resolution, which is much higher thanks to
software interpolation. As of 2004, a good flatbed scanner has an optical resolution of
1600–3200 ppi, high-end flatbed scanners can scan up to 5400 ppi, and a good drum
scanner has an optical resolution of 8000–14,000 ppi.

Manufacturers often claim interpolated resolutions as high as 19,200 ppi; but such
numbers carry little meaningful value, because the number of possible interpolated pixels
is unlimited.

The higher the resolution, the larger the file. In most cases, there is a trade-off between
manageable file size and level of detail.

The third important parameter for a scanner is its density range. A high density range
means that the scanner is able to reproduce shadow details and brightness details in one
scan.

By combining full-color imagery with 3D models, modern hand-held scanners are able to
completely reproduce objects electronically. The addition of 3D color printers enables
accurate miniaturization of these objects, with applications across many industries and
professions.
[edit] Computer connection
Scanning the document is only one part of the process. For the scanned image to be
useful, it must be transferred from the scanner to an application running on the computer.
There are two basic issues: (1) how the scanner is physically connected to the computer
and (2) how the application retrieves the information from the scanner.

[edit] Physical Connection to the Computer

The amount of data generated by a scanner can be very large: a 600 DPI 9"x11" (slightly
larger than A4 paper) uncompressed 24-bit image consumes about 100 megabytes of
uncompressed data in transfer and storage on the host computer. Recent scanners can
generate this volume of data in a matter of seconds, making a fast connection desirable.

There are four common connections used by scanners:

• Parallel - Connecting through a parallel port is the slowest common transfer

method. Early scanners had parallel port connections that could not transfer data
faster than 70 kilobytes/second. The primary advantage of the parallel port
connection was economy -- it avoided adding an interface card to the computer.

• Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), which is supported by most

computers only via an additional SCSI interface card. Some SCSI scanners are
supplied together with a dedicated SCSI card for a PC, although any SCSI
controller can be used. During the evolution of the SCSI standard speeds
increased, with backwards compatibility; a SCSI connection can transfer data at
the highest speed which both the controller and the device support. SCSI has been
largely replaced by USB and Firewire, one or both of which are directly supported
by most computers, and which are easier to set up than SCSI.

• Universal Serial Bus (USB) scanners can transfer data quickly, and they are
easier to use and cheaper than SCSI devices. The early USB 1.1 standard could
transfer data at only 1.5 megabytes per second (slower than SCSI), but the later
USB 2.0 standard can theoretically transfer up to 60 megabytes per second
(although everyday rates are much lower), resulting in faster operation.

• FireWire is an interface that is much faster than USB 1.1 and comparable to USB
2.0. FireWire speeds are 25, 50, and 100, 400 and 800 megabits per second (but a
device may not support all speeds).

[edit] Applications Programming Interface

An application such as Adobe Photoshop must communicate with the scanner. There are
many different scanners, and many of those scanners use different protocols. In order to
simplify applications programming, some Applications Programming Interfaces ("API")
were developed. The API presents a uniform interface to the scanner. This means that the
application does not need to know the specific details of the scanner in order to access it
directly. For example, Adobe Photoshop supports the TWAIN standard; consequently, (in
an ideal world) Photoshop can acquire an image from any scanner that also supports
TWAIN.

In practice, there are often problems with an application communicating with a scanner.
Either the application or the scanner manufacturer (or both) may have faults in their
implementation of the API.

Typically, the API is implemented as a dynamically linked library. Each scanner

manufacturer provides software that translates the API procedure calls into primitive
commands that are issued to a hardware controller (such as the SCSI, USB, or FireWire
controller). The manufacturer's part of the API is commonly called a device driver, but
that designation is not strictly accurate: the API does not run in kernel mode and does not
directly access the device.

Some scanner manufacturers will offer more than one API.

Most scanners use the TWAIN API. The TWAIN API, originally used for low-end and
home-use equipment, is now widely used for large-volume scanning.

Other scanner API's are

ISIS, created by Pixel Translations, which still uses SCSI-II for performance reasons, is
used by large, departmental-scale, machines.

SANE (Scanner Access Now Easy) is a free/open source API for accessing scanners.
Originally developed for Unix and Linux operating systems, it has been ported to OS/2,
Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows. Unlike TWAIN, SANE does not handle the user
interface. This allows batch scans and transparent network access without any special
support from the device driver.

Windows Image Acquisition ("WIA") is an API provided by Microsoft.

[edit] Bundled Applications

In addition to the API, many scanners come bundled with other software. Typically, a
scanning utility, some type of image-editing application (such as Photoshop), and OCR
software. OCR, or optical character recognition, software makes possible the conversion
of graphical images of text into standard text that can be edited using common word-
processing and text-editing software. OCR utilises an averaging algorithm to determine
the character shape, then matches that shape to a corresponding letter or number.

[edit] Output data

The scanned result is a non-compressed RGB image, which can be transferred to a
computer's memory. Some scanners compress and clean up the image using embedded
firmware. Once on the computer, the image can be processed with a raster graphics
program (such as Photoshop or the GIMP) and saved on a storage device (such as a hard
disk).

In common use, images are stored on a computer's hard disk. Pictures are normally stored
in image formats such as JPEG, TIFF, Bitmap, and PNG. Documents are usually stored
in TIFF or PDF format. Some scanners can also be used to capture editable text, so long
as the text can be read by the computer in a discernible font. This process is called
Optical Character Recognition (OCR).

[edit] Document processing

The scanning or digitization of paper documents for storage makes different requirements
of the scanning equipment used than scanning of pictures for reproduction. While
documents can be scanned on general-purpose scanners, it is more efficiently performed
on dedicated document scanners manufactured by Atiz Innovation, Böwe Bell & Howell,
Canon, Epson, Fujitsu, HP, Kodak and other companies.

When scanning large quantities of documents, speed and paper-handling is very

important, but the resolution of the scan will normally be much lower than for good
reproduction of pictures.

Document scanners have document feeders, usually larger than those sometimes found on
copiers or all-purpose scanners. Scans are made at high speed, perhaps 20 to 150 pages
per minute, often in grayscale, although many scanners support color. Many scanners can
scan both sides of double-sided originals (duplex operation). Sophisticated document
scanners have firmware of software that cleans up scans of text as they are produced,
eliminating accidental marks and sharpening type; this would be unacceptable for
photographic work, where marks cannot reliably be distinguished from desired fine
detail. Files created are compressed as they are made.

The resolution used is usually from 150 to 300 dpi, although the hardware may be
capable of somewhat higher resolution; this produces images of text good enough to read
and for optical character recognition (OCR), without the higher demands on storage
space required by higher-resolution images.

Document scans are often processed using OCR technology to create editable and
searchable files. Most scanners use ISIS or Twain device drivers to scan documents into
TIFF format so that the scanned pages can be fed into a document management system
that will handle the archiving and retrieval of the scanned pages. Lossy JPEG
compression, which is very efficient for pictures, is undesirable for text documents, as
slanted straight edges take on a jagged appearance, and solid black (or other color) text
on a light background compresses well with lossless compression formats.
While paper feeding and scanning can be done automatically and quickly, preparation
and indexing are necessary and require much work by humans. Preparation involves
manually inspecting the papers to be scanned and making sure that they are in order,
unfolded, without staples or anything else that might jam the scanner. Additionally, some
industries such as legal and medical may require documents to have Bates Numbering or
some other mark giving a document identification number and date/time of the document
scan.

Indexing involves associating keywords to files so that they can be retrieved by content.
This process can sometimes be automated to some extent, but is likely to involve manual
labour. One common practice is the use of barcode-recognition technology: during
preparation, barcode sheets with folder names are inserted into the document files,
folders, and document groups. Using automatic batch scanning, the documents are saved
into the appropriate folders, and an index is created for integration into document-
management software systems.

A specialized form of document scanning is book scanning. Technical difficulties arise

from the books usually being bound and sometimes fragile and irreplaceable, but some
manufacturers have developed specialized machinery to deal with this. For instance, Atiz
DIY scanner uses a V-shaped cradle and a V-shaped transparent platen to handle brittle
books. Often special robotic mechanisms are used to automate the page turning and
scanning process.

[edit] Infrared cleaning

Main article: Infrared cleaning

Infrared cleaning is a technique used to remove dust and scratches from film, and most
modern scanners incorporate this feature. It works by scanning the film with infrared
light. From this, it is possible to detect dust and scratches that cut off the infrared light;
and they can then be automatically removed, by considering their position, size, shape,
and surroundings.

Scanner manufacturers usually have their own name attached to this technique. For
example, Epson, Nikon, Microtek, and others use Digital ICE, while Canon uses its own
Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement system.[2]

[edit] Scanner Music

Flatbed scanners are capable of synthesising simple musical scores, due to the variable
speed (and tone) of their stepper motors. This property can be applied for hardware
diagnostics: for example the HP Scanjet 5 plays Ode to Joy if powered on with SCSI ID
set to zero. Windows- and Linux-based software is available for several brands and types
of flatbed scanners to play MIDI files for fun purposes.[3]
[edit] Resolution claims

scanned image of a parrot feather

My HP PCS 1610 All-in One is advertised as 1200 x 4800 optical dpi, 19,200
interpolated for scanning. It does not perform that way on my Mac. I don't mind that if I
select 19,200 it replicates pixels instead of interpolating. What I mind is that it never
actually scans at more than 600 dpi.

This scanned image of a feather shows the lack of depth of field (a problem when
scanning books) and lighter areas around dark features. Blurring to eliminate the
sharpening artifacts indicates an actual overall resolution of around 300 dpi.

So a more honest description is "300 dpi optical (with a sufficiently flat original) and 600
dpi digitally enhanced." David R. Ingham 03:35, 6 September 2006 (UTC)

== What exactly does this speed mean? SCAN SPEED: REFLECTIVE DOCUMENT
(1200dpi)- 2.7 msec/line (Line Art), 8.0 msec/line (colour) REFLECTIVE DOCUMENT
(2400dpi)- 5.3 msec/line (Line Art), 16.0 msec/line (colour) Can a description of it be
included in the article as it speed and quality are features relevent to the page.

[edit] document scanning

I promoted it to a class 2 head, but what it really needs is a separate article. I'm working
on some of the publishing pages, such a ebook, and it seems strange there is no specific
article. If no objection, I'll use (or modify) the section here as a lead, but I do not have the
knowledge to develop the page much further; perhaps someone else would do it better, or
has another suggestion.DGG 04:23, 12 October 2006 (UTC)

I plan to do it this week if no objectionsDGG 20:24, 15 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] book scanners
I was under the impression that Google were using a new device. My knowledge on the
subject is mainly derived from previous work with JStor , who do things differently. If
you do know about the various current devices, it would be a great help if you could
expand it. There seem to be relatively few people here who have an exact knowledge of
modern printing technology (as distinct from computer technology).DGG 06:56, 26
October 2006 (UTC)

Printing technology? I think you mean scanning technology. In order to not create
a conflict of interest, I refrained so far from doing substantial edits to this and a
couple of related articles. I only do edits if there are obvious mistakes, but I don't
go in depth. If I did, sooner or later someone would find out and reveal that I am
deeply involved in the subject and would try to construct an abuse case out if it.
The scanner market is, after all, highly competitive and margins begin to dwindle.
Nerves are quite blank at a couple of manufacturers. --Pmkpmk 10:01, 26 October
2006 (UTC)

[edit] book scanners

I will reword my question: does anyone know enough about the Google device for
scanning books to say anything? (I mean the physical devices which holds the book and
scans the pages, not the related computer programs)DGG 04:19, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

according to Univ. of Michigan, the scanners as a group (unknown how many) are
capable of scanning over 3000 books a day. They're proprietary; no public access
is allowed. In short, to answer your question, no. 69.35.100.6 15:04, 6 November
2006 (UTC)

[edit] A3 Scanners
I can't believe this article doesn't even mention A3 scanners. —The preceding unsigned
comment was added by Lumarine (talk • contribs) 12:37, 2 March 2007 (UTC).

[edit] Is it "SCSI-II" or SCSI-2"?

This article mentions SCSI-II. The article on SCSI (or is it SCSI controller) discusses
SCSI-2. Which is it? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 212.214.10.2 (talk) 11:04, 22
March 2007 (UTC).

[edit] so-called "Keyboard scanner"

Is it good or is it whack? I'm tempted to clear this everywhere I see it.
(Livingston Li 08:48, 5 August 2007 (UTC))

May I ask why? or suggestion for improvement. The keyboard scanner concept is a
novelty even according to the USPTO. Thanks, Li

Patent Schmatent. [1]

It's a really interesting gadget, but I don't think it warrants a section on this page. As I see
it, it is a sheet scanner (probably like a fax machine) integrated within a keyboard with
some, either on-board or in PC software, OCR. This is a nice integration but not a proper
type of image scanner, which is the subject of the article.

Look at this version. [2] There is no mention of any original scanning mechanism, just :

• specs for some model (usb2, etc)

• irrelevant office productivity claims
• a patent application which supports my view

What if I integrate a scanner in my laptop, or in a cash register. Should there be a section

for it?

Thus I remove the section. Address this argument before re-adding it, or let someone else
do it.

Kl4m 08:49, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] It has been suggested that article on keyboard

scanner to be merged with Image_scanner#Drum.
(Discuss)
(10:18, 5 August 2007 (UTC)) There is a major difference between the keyboard scanner
and other drum scanner wherein the head moves and is mainly CCD technology. On the
keyboard scanner the document moves and its a CIS based

Yes sorry that didn't make any sense. Kl4m 08:17, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Image scanning

Should we merge these two, perhaps simply by redirecting that article here? Richard001
(talk) 01:05, 2 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Suitability of Image

Why is there are image of a 3D object being scanned and its result? Primary purpose of
the 2D image scanner as described in the article is not scanning 3D objects. If required I
can generate an image of a scanner scanning a photograph (can be one of my original
work w/ a suitable license) and the result.

203.173.13.68 (talk) 14:01, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Scanned rhino object

I need a scanner that can scan 3d objects and was wondering what make of scanner it was
that scanned the rhino.It would be very hepful to me if i could find this out. —Preceding
unsigned comment added by 82.23.16.70 (talk) 21:48, 6 July 2008 (UTC)

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Image_scanner"

Scanners

Computer scanners have become an important part of the home and offices in the
last few years.They can be used in many ways. Scanners is a computing device that
analyses image like photograph and printed text then coverts them into digital
images. When buying computer scanners, pay attention to the specifications, such as
resolution, bit depth, type of sensor, interface and optical density. Look for computer
scanners with at least 300 dpi; the higher the pixels, the better the image. There are
different types of scanners, such as drum, desktop flatbed, handheld, sheet-fed,
rotary, fingerprint, planetary and 3D scanners. Drum Scanners are the oldest of all
the computer scanners. Make sure your computer scanner the best software needed
for your jobs. Most scanners come equipped with basic,but generally weak—image-
editing software. Upgrading to a more advanced program may be necessary to
enhance your capabilities.

Function

Flatbed scanners are also called desktop scanners. These are the most commonly
used scanners. Sheet-fed scanners are similar to flatbed scanners with the exception
that the document is moved and the scanner is immobile. The handheld scanner uses
the same basics as a flatbed scanner, but rely on the user to move them instead.
Drum scanners are mainly used by the publishing industry to capture detailed
images. You can also find scanners that are also a printer, it is concerned a all-in-
one.

Computer scanners may interpret symbols as letters or punctuation, and will not be
able to
understand the text within them. But for digital still pictures, from scanners or digital
cameras, there is just one image recorded.

Flatbed or Sheetfed
The two main types of scanners are the flatbed scanner and the sheetfed scanner. The
flatbed scanner has a lid that opens to reveal a glass platen where the item to be scanned
is placed. Most flatbed scanners can scan paper documents, books, photographs, and
other flat objects such as leaves or pieces of fabric. Some flatbed scanners can
accommodate photographic slides with the addition of a slide attachment. A sheetfed
scanner differs in that it has a slot where a sheet of paper can be fed into the scanner. A
sheetfed scanner can accommodate only flat pieces of paper such as paper documents,
newspaper and magazine clippings, and photographs. While the scanner itself is a piece
of hardware, it is accompanied by software that allows the hardware to communicate with
the computer.

Operating Instructions
The most popular scanner today is the flatbed scanner. There are many manufacturers that
create flatbed scanners, and there are also many companies that develop scanner
software. This means the computer world has to accommodate an ever-increasing number
of combinations of scanners and software. Instructions on using scanners are very
hardware/software specific due to the many different manufacturers involved. I will try to
give you information that explains the concept of scanning so that you can apply it to
your own brand of scanner.

Some scanners operate automatically. Once you have placed the document or article to be
scanned on (or in) the scanner, the scanner engages, and the software starts. Other
scanners begin the scanning process only when the Start or Scan button is pressed. In
other cases, the computer user must initiate the scan through the software. This means
clicking on the scanner software icon on the desktop or clicking on Start, then Programs,
then clicking on the icon that starts the scanner application. Once the software is running,
the scan can usually be initiated by clicking on a scan icon. In the absence of such an
icon, try choosing File from the menu at the top of the screen. Once in the File menu, the
most common choice to start the scan is the menu choice Acquire. (In some software, you
will choose File, then Scanner or File, then Import). If you don't see any of these options,
check the manual that came with the scanner or try the menu choice that seems most
fitting.

Previewing
Once the scan window is showing, most scanners give you the option of previewing the
item to be scanned before the actual scan occurs. The preview is a quick scan of the
image that will show you the position of the object to be scanned on the glass platen. The
area to be scanned will be shown by a dotted line. Look at the preview and rotate or
reposition the object on the glass, if necessary. You can also use your mouse to move the
dotted line (click your mouse on the line and drag it) to resize or change the perimeter of
the scan. Just click your mouse on the line and drag it to reposition it to scan more or less
of the object. Use the dotted line to encompass only the area that you want to scan.

Resolution
Before initiating the scan, you will also want to set the scanning resolution. Resolution is
measured in dpi (dots per inch). Try using a dpi between 100 and 200 to start. The higher
the resolution or dpi, the more detailed the image. However, the higher the resolution, the
larger the file, and the more room it will take up on your hard drive. Images scanned at a
very high resolution can be massive; so don't use a higher resolution than you need.

Think about how you will use the image before you set the scan resolution. You don't
need a high resolution for images that will only be seen on a low-resolution device like a
computer screen. 100 dpi might be adequate for viewing on the computer. However, you
probably won't be happy with a 100 dpi resolution when the image is printed on a high-
resolution ink jet printer. Try 200 dpi or higher for images that you will print.

Types of Scans
Other decisions to be made when you are scanning regard the type of scan. Some
scanners have preset options that are easy to recognize. Other scanners use more obscure
choices like: Color (sometimes referred to as Millions of Colors), Gray Scale, Line Art,
and/or Halftones. If you are faced with these choices, use Color or Millions of Colors for
photographs and color images. Use Gray Scale for black and white photos and charcoal
drawings. Use Line Art for non-color printed text. Halftone images often appear in
magazines and newspapers, but are not ordinarily used otherwise. They do not work well
for images to be shown on a screen.
To scan in black text, use a pre-chosen setting for that, if your scanner has one. If not, use
Line Art or Black and White at 300 dpi.

TWAIN & OCR

Here are a few other terms you should know when scanning.

TWAIN:This is the industry standard used to obtain scan information and transfer that
information between scanner and computer. Nearly every scanner made today is TWAIN
compatible. If you are curious about what TWAIN stands for, it is known in computer
circles as the Technology Without An Interesting Name, but others in the know say it
doesn't stand for anything.

OCR: A scanner simply takes a picture of the text on a page. In order to use a word
processing program to work with text that you have scanned, you need to convert the
picture of the text into a format that will be understood by a word processing program.
An OCR (Optical Character Recognition) program will make the necessary conversion.
Most scanners come with at least the lite version of an OCR program. If you will be
scanning in a lot of text, you may want to upgrade to the full version.

Don't be afraid to play with the various scan settings. If you don't like the results of a
scan, discard it and try again. Experiment with the various settings to see the difference,
and you'll be learning about your scanner while having a little fun as well.

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