Microtek ScanWizard Pro Reference Manual For Mac OS X
Copyright © 2002 by Microtek International, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks Microtek®, AritxTM, and ScanWizardTM Pro are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microtek International Inc. Adobe® and Acrobat® are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. Macintosh® and Apple® are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other products or name brands are trademarks of their respective holders.
Contents Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 ScanWizard Pro for Mac OS X: The Interface ................................................................ 2 Launching ScanWizard Pro ............................................................................................. 3 Exiting ScanWizard Pro ................................................................................................... 3 The Preview Window ..............
Invert ....................................................................................................................... 34 Retain Scan Module after Scan ............................................................................... 35 More... ..................................................................................................................... 36 Smoked Glass Background .............................................................................. 37 Working Color Space ..............
Locks .............................................................................................................................. 66 Scan Frame lock ..................................................................................................... 66 Output lock ............................................................................................................. 66 Keep Proportion lock .............................................................................................. 66 Transform .
The Information Window ........................................................................ 110 Elements of the Information window .......................................................................... 110 Color Meter Options .................................................................................................... 112 Creating Color Tag Windows ....................................................................................... 113 The Scan Job Queue Window ...........................
Introduction This Reference manual covers the various commands and features found in the ScanWizard Pro scanning software for the Mac OS X system. The reference information is divided into four major sections, corresponding to the four major windows of the program: • Preview • Settings • Information • Scan Job Queue The Reference manual is part of the comprehensive documentation included with your Microtek scanner package.
ScanWizard Pro for Mac OS X: The Interface ScanWizard Pro consists of four major windows: Preview, Settings, Information, and Scan Job Queue. All four windows appear automatically after ScanWizard Pro is started up the first time. You may hide or show the Scan Job Queue and Information windows by clicking on the Hide / Show toggle commands in the View menu of the Preview window. Settings window contains scanning parameters for image type and, dimensions.
Launching ScanWizard Pro Start ScanWizard Pro from the Applications folder in your Mac OS X system. The first time you launch ScanWizard Pro, you will be prompted to set up color matching for your scanner. If you are not sure about what to do, simply click the OK button to accept the settings. You can always change the settings at a later time. For more information, see the Color Matching Setup section of the manual. You will also see the ScanWizard Pro menu at the top left portion of your desktop.
The Preview Window The Preview window is the prominent window and includes the various commands and tools for controlling the scanner. Elements of the Preview window B. Scan Material pop-up menu C. Overview button D. Prescan button E. Scan button A. Menu bar F. Toolbar G. Unit of measurement H. Rulers I. Preview area J. Auxiliary bar L. Status bar K.
A. Menu bar: This area includes the different menus for controlling and operating the scanner. B. Scan Material pop-up menu: This shows the type of your scan material — Reflective (photos and prints), Positive, or Negative. C. Overview button: This button previews the specified or entire scan bed. D. Prescan button: This button previews one or more detailed images of the area(s) selected by the Scan Frame tool. E. Scan button: This button starts the final scanning process. F.
The File Menu The File Menu lets you do the following: 6 • Create a new context for scanning • Load a previously saved context • Save a context for scanning as an extra copy • Use the SnapTrans™ Templates feature • Show the current context for scanning • Exit ScanWizard Pro Microtek ScanWizard Pro for Mac OS X
The Context Concept The “Context” feature in ScanWizard Pro has to do primarily with setting up scan jobs and customizing your scanning environment for increased scanning efficiency. It is a powerful tool to help you get the most productivity out of your scanner, especially if you do many similar scanning jobs. A “context” is really a Mac OS folder that contains any number of scan job files and a ScanWizard Pro preferences file with information on these scan jobs.
New ScanWizard Context This command creates a new context folder with default settings for scanning. Subsequent scan jobs are then stored in the newly created context folder. The newly created context also becomes the current context. To create a new context: 1. Choose New ScanWizard Context from the File menu. 2. When the browser dialog box appears, create a new folder. Load ScanWizard Context This command loads a previously saved context folder. The loaded context then becomes the current context.
SnapTrans Templates This command lets you choose the particular SnapTrans™ template you wish to use with ScanWizard Pro. The templates are holders designed to secure a variety of films, such as 4"x5" film, 6cm x 9cm film, 35mm filmstrip, and 35mm slide (landscape or portrait orientation). To use the SnapTrans templates: 1. Choose SnapTrans™ Templates from the File menu. The SnapTrans Templates dialog box appears. 2. Choose the correct scan material. 3.
Show Current Context Path This command shows the current context for scanning. By default, the current context folder has the same name as your scanner model (ex. ScanMaker 8700), and is located in the Plug-ins folder of your image-editing software. When you load or create a new context folder, the loaded or newly created folder then becomes the current context. To show the current context: Choose Show Current Context Path from the File menu. Quit This command lets you exit ScanWizard Pro.
The Scanner Menu The Scanner Menu lets you: • Show your scanner model or select a scanner if you have multiple scanners • Get information about your scanner • Get scanner information on the SCSI / USB / FireWire chain • Easily manage the scanners you wish to use with your system • Perform special scanner controls unique to the scanner Reference: The Preview Window 11
Scanner Model The scanner model (and its SCSI, USB, or FireWire ID number) is shown at the top of the scanner. If you have multiple scanners on your system, all the scanners are shown with their respective IDs, and the current scanner is indicated by a check. Only one scanner can be accessed at a time. To switch among various scanners, select the scanner to be used. The scanner displayed with its SCSI, USB, or FireWire ID number.
Scanner Driver Manager The Scanner Driver Manager keeps track of the scanners being used on your system and the bus / ID numbers occupied by the scanners. By keeping a record of this information, the Scanner Driver Manager allows ScanWizard Pro to start up more quickly, as there is no need to look for scanners that are anot available. When ScanWizard Pro is run the first time, all connected scanners are added to the list.
Scanner Driver Manager cont. To remove a scanner: 1. Choose Scanner Driver Manager from the Scanner menu. 2. Choose the scanner you wish to be removed from the list. 3. Click the Remove button. 4. Click the Close button to close the dialog box. To update your scanner list: The Update List button is used to refresh your scanner list. For instance, you may have three scanners on your system, with two of them currently turned off.
Scanner Controls This command lets you use some of the special features of your scanner, such as lamp control. Note: Not all scanner models support these features. If your scanner model is not supported, the Scanner Controls command will be grayed out in the Scanner menu. Lamp Control This the power-saving feature of the scanner lamp to save energy and extend the life cycle of the lamp. By default, the lamp turns off automatically if the scanner is idle for 15 minutes.
The View Menu The View menu lets you: • Select an overview or prescan view of an image 16 • Magnify or reduce (zoom in / zoom out) the Overview image • Resize the Preview window to fit • Bring the Settings window to the front • Show or hide the Info, Scan Job Queue and Tag windows • Show or hide the High and Low Value Markers • Show the ScanWizard Pro splash screen Microtek ScanWizard Pro for Mac OS X
Overview Image and Prescan Image These commands allow you to switch between Overview or Prescan viewing modes. • Overview image: This is an image obtained when you click the Overview button in the Preview window. The image shows you whatever is on your scan bed. • Prescan image: This is a detailed image obtained from selecting an area in the Overview image and then clicking the Prescan button in the Preview window. You can also change the size of the Overview or Prescan image.
Overview & Prescan cont. A. To obtain the Overview image: With the image(s) placed on your scanner, click the Overview button. B. To obtain the Prescan image: 1. Click the Scan Frame tool. 2. Select the area to be prescanned by drawing a frame around the area in the Overview image. 3. Click the Prescan button. The Prescan image will then be available for viewing in the View menu, and a thumbnail of the image will appear in the Scan Job Queue window. C. To obtain multiple Prescan images: 18 1.
Resize Window to Fit This command resizes the Preview window, which you may find helpful to do for conserving space on your desktop monitor (especially after you have enlarged the Preview window). To use this feature: Choose the Resize Window to Fit command. You can also do this by pressing the Apple command + R keys simultaneously.
Bring Settings Window to Front This command brings the Settings window to the forefront, which is useful if you have the Settings window hidden behind other windows or if you have a expanded your Preview window such that it covers the Settings window. Show/Hide... Window commands These commands allow you to switch between showing or hiding the Scan Job Queue window, Information window, and Tag windows on your screen.
The Preferences Menu The Preferences menu lets you: • Choose the correct scan material • Specify color matching parameters • Set up White/black points settings • Show/hide auxiliary cursor lines • Control Ovevew and Prescan settings • Create effects like invert • Activate the smoked glass effect • Set other options, such as specifying a working directory for files Reference: The Preview Window 21
Scan Material This command allows you to select the correct scan material. Scan materials can be classified into three types: • Reflectives, such as photographs or prints. • Positive transparencies, such as slides. • Negative film, such as the negative film you use for your camera. The default scan material depends upon the scanner you are using, and the choices available to you in the Scan Material submenu will also depend on your equipment.
Color Matching Setup Color Matching is an important feature of ScanWizard Pro that ensures consistent color — from the initial input stage when an image is captured by the scanner, to the final output stage when the image is output to your monitor or printer (through either the Kodak CMS or Apple ColorSync™ technology).
Color Matching Setup cont. A. Display using monitor compensation For ColorSync-savvy applications such as Adobe Photoshop 5.0.2 or later, check this box, which pertains to how your monitor displays color, relative to the RGB Destination color space. Checking this box ensures that there are no unexpected color shifts between your selected RGB Destination space and your monitor. Checking or unchecking this box affects only the way the image data is displayed and not the image data itself.
D. Embed ICC destination profile in scan image For ColorSync-savvy applications such as Adobe Photoshop 5.0 or later, check this box. This feature will enable ScanWizard Pro to embed the Destination ICC profile into the image data. The information will then be properly interpreted by Photoshop or any ColorSync-savvy application. For non-ColorSync-savvy applications such as Adobe Photoshop 4.0, uncheck this box if turning it on causes any kind of problem (computer crashes, weird color effects, etc).
White/Black Points Setup This command provides you with advanced controls for setting the clipping points for your white and black points, as well as determining the output levels for the white/black points on your printer. To use this feature: 1. Choose the White/Black Points Setup command from the Preferences menu. 2. As an alternative, you can click this command from the Color Correction Menu.
B. Output Levels The Minimum Output Level lets you set the minimum output level of the black point. The higher the percentage value, the lower the contrast will be. The Maximum Output Level lets you set the output level of the white point. The lower the percentage value, the lower the contrast will be. LCH Color Mode Native Color Mode C. High and Low Value Markers This lets you adjust the settings that define the High Value Marker (shown as a black circle) and the Low Value Marker.
Cursor Auxiliary Lines This command allows you to show or hide cursor auxiliary lines to help you define a scan frame or measurement off the rulers more precisely. The cursor auxiliary lines show only when the Scan Frame tool is selected. To use this feature: 1. Choose the Cursor Auxiliary Lines command in the Preferences menu. From the submenu that appears, select how the cursor lines will appear. 2.
Overview Setup This command lets you set the area you want to overview off the scanner bed and provides some overview options as well. By default, ScanWizard Pro overviews the maximum scan area as determined by your scanner model's bed size. You can, however, customize the overview area so that the scanner consistently overviews only the specific dimensions you have in mind. For example, if your maximum scan area is 8.
Overview Setup cont. B C D A E F G H A. Overview Area This represents the scan bed size. The dimensions of this overview area will depend on the size as stipulated by the Size and the Left/Top/Width/Height settings in the dialog box. B. Size This option lets you choose whether to do an overview of the Maximum area or a Custom area. • Maximum refers to the maximum area that can be overviewed. The dimensions of the maximum area vary, depending on your scanner model.
D. Keep Overview Image After Quit If this box is checked, the overview image will be kept when you quit ScanWizard Pro, and the same overview image will be displayed again when you run ScanWizard Pro the next time. E. Fast Overview If this box is checked, the overview process is speeded up. The trade-off to increased speed is a slightly downgraded overview image. If you do not care about the image quality of the overview image, check this box. F.
Prescan Setup The Prescan Setup command lets you determine the margin surrounding the prescan image and the size of the prescan image. To change the margin or size of the prescan image: 1. Go to the Preferences menu in the Preview window, and choose Prescan Setup. 2. When the Prescan Setup dialog box appears, specify your choices. A. Fast Prescan If this box is checked, the prescan process is speeded up, but the resulting image is grainier.
C. Prescan Image Margin This option allows you to specify how wide or narrow the margin around the scan frame is for the prescan image. Options are: Minimal, Small, Medium, and Large. Smaller margins give you more room to capture the preview image, while larger margins will allow you to have more room to expand your scan frame.
Invert This command inverts images of all scan jobs. Take note that all scan jobs are inverted at the same time; you cannot invert an individual scan job alone. When an image is inverted, the brightness value of each pixel is converted to its inverse value. In the case of 24-bit images, for example, a pixel in a positive image with a value of 255 is changed to 0, and a pixel with a value of 5 is changed to 250.
Retain Scan Module after Scan This command allows you to keep the ScanWizard Pro interface running after scanning is completed and the image delivered to your image-editing software. This way, you do not have to go back to the File-Acquire process to start ScanWizard Pro all over again. Note: This command can be used only in applications that allow you to retain the scan module after a scan is completed. Some applications will not retain the scan module even if this option is enabled.
More... The More... command shows the More Preferences dialog box, where you can specify other options for ScanWizard Pro.
A. Smoked Glass Background This option lets you apply a smoked glass background that makes your scan jobs stand out more clearly and allows you to focus on the scan jobs. This feature can also be used for multiple scan jobs to show their respective image modes (example: one job in color, another in B&W), as well as their imageediting settings. The framed part of the image (inside the marquee) stands out clearly.
More Preferences cont. B. Working Color Space This option lets you choose between the default LCH color space or the Native color space. C. Scan Quality This option allows you to select the image quality by controlling the scanner hardware and the maximum image processing depth. • Speed: Choose this option if your primary concern during scanning is speed. Image data is delivered faster and the image data is processed in 8 bits per channel. • Quality: This is the default setting.
E. Scratch Directory The scratch directory is the folder where ScanWizard Pro creates temporary files, with the temporary files deleted at the end of an operation. You should change to a different folder only if the scratch directory is located in a disk volume that is too small for scanning operations. To specify a new scratch directory, choose Other Directory... from the menu.
The Correction Menu The Correction Menu lets you use the Advanced Image Correction (AIC) features of ScanWizard Pro. The commands in the Correction menu correspond to the AIC buttons in the Settings window. For more information, see the section of the manual on Advanced Image Correction. The Help Menu The Help menu lets you access on-line help for ScanWizard Pro and the Microtek web site. The contents of this menu may vary and will depend on your scanner package.
The Toolbar Scan Frame Zoom Move Tag Windows Reference: The Preview Window 41
Scan Frame tool The Scan Frame tool lets you select the area to be scanned or prescanned. You can have multiple scan frames, but only one scan frame can be current at a time; the current scan frame is indicated by a flashing marquee. Multiple scan frames can be more easily distinguished if you turn on the Smoked Glass Background command (in the Preferences menu). Resize the frame by dragging To use the Scan Frame tool: 42 1. Click the Scan Frame tool. 2.
Zoom tool The Zoom tool lets you zoom in (magnify) and zoom out (reduce) your view of the image. Only your view of the preview image is changed; the actual size of the image remains unaffected. Each click of the zoom tool magnifies or reduces by a factor of 2. Thus, the magnification levels increase from 100% to 200%, to 400%, to 800%, and to the maximum 1600%. When you reach the maximum magnification factor, the center of the Zoom tool will appear empty.
Move tool The Move tool lets you scroll through an overview or prescan image, allowing you to move parts of the image into view quickly without using the scroll bars. You can use the Move tool for scrolling through zoomed-in images that were enlarged through the Zoom tool, or for scrolling through parts of an image not included completely within the frame of the preview window. Zoomed-in image Scrolled image To use the Move tool: 44 1. Click the Move tool. 2.
Tag Windows tool The Tag Windows tool lets you set the shadow (black) point and highlight (white) point of an image. It also creates tag windows, which are used to isolate and identify precise colors in a given image, providing a visible and retrievable record of color values. This way, ScanWizard Pro lets you pinpoint and “tag” the color on the image, showing you the original or “Before” values, as well as the corrected or “After” values following the application of image adjustment controls.
Tag Windows tool cont. To create a tag window Click the Tag Windows tool, then move to any part of the preview image and click. The tag window displays the x/y coordinates of the selected pixel and the color value of that pixel (RGB, CMYK, Lab, etc.), depending on the image mode selected. To close a tag window Click the Close box on the upper left corner of the Tag window. To close all Tag windows, hold down the Option key, then click the Close box of any tag window.
Choosing the White & Black Points of an image There are two ways to choose the white and black points of an image: A. By using the Tag Windows tool in the Toolbar. 1) To choose the highlight (white) point in an image, click the Tag Windows tool, press the Apple Command key, and click on a white point in the image. 2) To choose the shadow (black) point in an image, click the Tag Windows tool, press the Option key, and click on a black point in the image. B. By using the Magic Diamonds.
Using the Magic Diamonds The Magic Diamonds is another way of setting the white (highlight) and black (shadow) point in an image. The Magic Diamonds can also be used to add or remove a color cast. • To set the shadow (black) point on the image: Click the Tag Windows tool, then click a black point in the image. When the tag window appears, click the Black Magic Diamond. • To set the highlight (white) point on the image: Click the Tag Windows tool, then click a white point in the image.
To restore original settings Do either of the following: 1. Select No Correction from the White/Black points menu in the Settings window. 2. Click the Default button in the Settings window. To display color information for a pixel or an averaged area 1. Click the Tag Windows tool. 2. As you pass over a point in the image, see the Information window — the values will be displayed in the Input and Output area of the Information window. These values are based on the sample size you selected.
Overview, Prescan, Scan The Overview button previews the image on the scan bed. By default, the entire scan bed is previewed when you click the Overview button. To change the area to be previewed, specify the dimensions in the Overview Setup command (in the Preferences menu). The Prescan button previews in high resolution the area selected by the scan frame tool.
Rulers, Unit of Measurement The rulers on the top and left sides of the Preview window help you with measurement and alignment, marking off measurement according to the selected unit (inch, pica, pixel, etc.). The rulers change when dimensions are altered in the preview area of the Overview Setup command (in the Preferences menu). For example, if you change the preview area size from 5" x 8" to 6" x 9", the rulers will change accordingly.
Preview Area The preview area is where the overview or prescan image appears. You can increase the size of the preview area to see more detail in your image. Take note of the following: • When you perform an overview, the overview image size is determined by the current preview area dimension. The bigger the preview area, the higher the preview resolution. • When you perform a prescan, the prescan image deteail is determined by the settings in the Prescan Setup dialog box.
Auxiliary information and Handy buttons Resolution for Overview or Prescan image Zoom scale Zoom out Flasher for High and Low Value Markers Zoom in Preview image resolution This shows the image resolution for the Overview or Prescan image. The preview image resolution will change, according to the size of the preview window and the amount of available memory. To resize preview window, drag any side or corner of the window.
The Settings Window The Settings window contains the parameters for outputting your scanned image for the current scan job and includes the advanced image correction tools of the program. Elements of the Settings window A. Scan Job B. Scanner ICC Profile C. Type D. Resolution settings F. Unit of measurement E. Scan Frame options G. Image Size H. Transform I. Image Category J. Advanced Image Correction (AIC) tools K. Custom options L.
A. Scan Job: This shows the current scan job as indicated by the Scan Job Queue window and by the selected image in the Preview window. B. Scanner ICC Input Profile: This lets you select from different ICC scanner profiles for your scan job. C. Type: This shows the image type of the current scan job. D.
Scan Job The Scan Job box shows the currently selected scan job, which is also shown in the Scan Job Queue window and the Preview window. There is always at least one scan job in existence (by default). If you have multiple scan jobs, not only are these reflected as multiple entries in the Scan Job Queue window and as multiple images in the Preview window, they will also be shown as multiple entries in the Job box of the Settings window.
Scanner ICC Input Profile The Scanner ICC Input Profile is a feature that lets you select different ICC scanner profiles for your scan job. In ScanWizard Pro, a default scanner profile is always selected (provided with your scanner model). In the example below, the Microtek ScanMaker 8700/Reflective profile is the default scanner profile selection for the ScanMaker 8700. Default scanner profile selection To select a scanner profile: 1.
Type The Type box shows you the image type of the current scan job. ScanWizard Pro allows direct scanning in the following color spaces described below. A. RGB: RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) images use three colors to reproduce up to 68.7 billion colors. Because scanners and monitors are RGB devices, the RGB color space is the most commonly used space for capturing and displaying images.
F. 256 Colors (Default) / 256 Colors (Custom): These are single-channel images (8 bits per pixel) that use a color lookup table containing up to 256 colors. The file size is smaller for images in this mode. As an initial setting, selecting 256 Colors (Default) uses an Adaptive palette with Diffusion. If the 256 Colors (Custom) option is selected, the dialog box below appears. • Palette: The Palette option lets you choose the method for creating the color palette table.
Resolution settings The settings related to resolution include the resolution box, the resolution list box, and the resolution unit. Resolution is the sampling of image pixels per measurement unit or the amount of pixel information stored in an image. Together, the image resolution and dimensions determine the file size of the image, which is measured in kilobytes (KB) or megabytes (MB). The resolution of an image is important in determining the quality of the output image.
C. Resolution unit The unit of measurement for resolution is in ppi (pixels per inch) or lpi (lines per inch). Take note that lpi settings are dimmed if the ruler unit is in pixels. To select your resolution unit: • Choose ppi if your scanned images are intended for on-screen display. In this case, you need not go higher than the target resolution of your monitor (usually 72 dpi for Macintosh and 96 dpi for Windows).
Scan Frame and related settings These settings allow you to adjust the various factors that affect your image, including the width and height of your image when it is first scanned (Scan Frame settings), the Scaling factor (how big or how small the resulting scanned image will be), and the dimensions of the image when it is output (Output settings). Locks Scan Frame settings Output settings Scaling The Scan Frame settings, Scaling, and Output Settings work closely with the Locks beside them.
A. Scan Frame settings The Scan Frame settings (width and height) represent the area on the scan bed that you wish to scan. To specify your settings, enter the dimensions manually in the width and height edit boxes; or use the Scan Frame tool to define or resize your scan frame. Changes made in the Preview window are automatically displayed in the Scan Frame setting edit boxes. If you wish, you can also choose from a menu of predefined Scan Frame settings.
B. Output settings The Output settings (width and height) represent the dimensions of the image when it is output to either the monitor or the printer. If the size of the image to be output is different from the size of the original source image, adjust the scaling percentage, or manually increase / decrease the output values accordingly. If you wish, you can also choose from a menu of predefined Output settings.
C. Scaling Scaling lets you create larger or smaller images from the original source image. Take note of the following: • Keep the scaling at 100% if you are outputting at the same size (e.g., a 4” x 5” original to be output at the same size). • Reduce the scaling if you are outputting your image at a smaller size (e.g., a 4” x 5” original to be output to 2” x 2.5”). Increase the scaling if outputting at a larger size.
Locks The Locks control the behavior of the Scan Frame settings and the Output settings. A third Lock lets you keep the proportion for image width and height. C. Keep Proportion lock A. Scan Frame lock B. Output lock A. Scan Frame lock This lets you lock in the settings of your scan frame, so that the width and height dimensions of the frame are always preserved no matter where you move the frame in your preview image. Note: The Scan Frame Lock and Output Lock are each mutually exclusive.
Transform The Transform command allows you to rotate and / or flip the image in increments of 90 degrees. The effects of the Transform command will be seen in the Prescan image or are after you click the Scan button and scan the image in; the Transform effect is not shown in the Overview viewing mode. To use the Transform command: 1. Click the Transform button in the Settings window. 2. From the options that appear, choose the degree of rotation you wish. 3. Click the Scan button in the Preview window.
Image Category The image category function in ScanWizard Pro applies predefined settings to your image and brings out characteristics specific to that image type. This is helpful in providing a more accurate output image. To select the correct image category, go to the Settings window and choose the option you wish from the Image Category menu. Select the image category that corresponds most closely to the image characterstics of your original. 68 • None: No image category conversion.
• High Keys: Used for images with broad highlight tonal variation but with less shadow detail. Examples: Snow-covered landscapes; wedding gowns. • Low Keys: Used for images with broad shadow tonal variation but with less highlight detail. Examples: Nighttime scenery; dark suits and clothing. • Underexposed: Used for images with compressed tonal variation particularly in the shadow areas, characterized by an overall dark appearance typical of underexposed positive film.
Advanced Image Correction Tools The Advanced Image Correction (AIC) tools form an integral part of ScanWizard Pro. With the AIC tools, you can adjust or enhance images right from within ScanWizard Pro and preview the changes to your image even before you scan. Before we go to the use of the AIC tools, we will briefly discuss the LCH color model, which is important for working with images in ScanWizard Pro.
The LCH Color Model One of ScanWizard Pro’s strengths is its ability to let you work in the LCH color space. Unlike the RGB color model, which corresponds to the color space as defined in monitors and printers, the LCH color model is a more intuitive way of working with colors, based on the values of Lightness (the “L” in LCH), Chroma (C), and Hue (H).
AIC Tools in LCH vs. Native Color Mode All the AIC tools are available when you work in the default LCH color space, but a different set of tools is available when you choose to work in the Native color space. As discussed in an earlier section of the manual, you can select the color space of your choice in the Preferences menu | More... command in the Preview window.
AIC Tools and your Image Type The AIC tools do not apply to all image types. See the table below to determine which AIC tool can be used for a particular image type.
Workflow for Optimizing Images To prepare and optimize your images for the final scan, we recommend the use of the Advanced Image Correction tools in the sequence that they appear in the Settings window. Following this order will significantly influence the overall quality of your images.
The sequence is the same if you are working in Native color mode. However, the Gradation, Color Cast, Saturation, and Selective Color tools (#3 to #6) will not be available. The Brightness / Contrast and Color Correction tools are offered in their place.
Accessing the AIC Tools 1. To access an AIC tool, click a particular tool in the Settings window or choose its counterpart in the Correction menu in the Preview window. 2. After clicking a tool, the AIC dialog box appears. The elements of the AIC dialog box are explained in the next section.
Elements of the Advanced Image Corrrection screen 1 2 3 6 4 7 8 5 9 1. Left thumbnail: This shows the image before enhancements are applied. 2. Right thumbnail: This shows the image after enhancements are applied. 3. Preview option: If checked, changes or enhancements are applied immediately to the Preview window image (for both Overview and Prescan images). If unchecked, changes are seen only after you close the AIC dialog box. 4.
The Action Buttons The Action Buttons in the AIC dialog box let you accept, cancel, or control the application of AIC settings. The Action Buttons Default button This button restores all settings to their default ScanWizard Pro values. Revert button This button cancels out the changes that were made with the current imageenhancement tool.
Custom Settings When you click on each AIC setting in the Settings window, a drop-down menu will show options for adding, removing, or loading custom settings. These custom settings are settings that you define yourself for your scan jobs. For instance, if you wish to apply a certain filter (such as sharpen) to an image and then save that filter setting for future jobs, you can add the filter as a custom setting.
Custom Settings cont. A. Adding custom settings To add a custom setting for an AIC tool, click the Add New Custom Setting... in that tool's pop-up menu. When a dialog box comes up, enter the name of the new custom setting to be added. For instance, the added setting can be called "Debbie's Custom Setting," as shown below. B. Removing custom settings To remove a custom setting for an AIC tool, click the Remove Custom Setting...in that tool's pop-up menu.
The Default button The Default button in the Settings window brings up a dialog box where you can specify the AIC settings to be reset to their default values. To reset any or a combination of settings, check the boxes next to the targeted settings. Checks on these boxes indicate that these AIC settings will be restored to their default values.
Dynamic Range tool (LCH & Native color mode) The Dynamic Range tool is used to set the density capture range of the scanner and displays the density distribution (histogram) of the image to be scanned. The Auto range (default) feature automatically determines the Dmin (minimum density, lighest tone) and Dmax (maximum density, darkest tone) of the image, and sets the scanner capture range.
You can use the Black and White Eyedropper tools to define the Dmax (darkest tone) and the Dmin (lightest tone) settings, r espectively. To do this: Click the Eyedropper tools in the Dynamic Range dialog box. Then move to the thumbnail image in the dialog box or to the preview image in the Preview window, and choose your Dmax / Dmin point. • To define the Dmax (darkest tone) setting, use the Black Eyedropper tool.
White & Black Points tool (LCH color mode) The White & Black Points tool is used to change the shadow and highlight points of an image. (See note on next page for additional descriptions.) By using this tool, you can manipulate an image to either bring out the highlights in a very dark image, or bring out more of the shadows in a very light image. The White & Black Points tool can also be used to neutralize the color cast in the highlight and shadow regions.
You can use the Black and White Eyedropper tools to define the Shadow and Highlight points. To do this: Click the Eyedropper tools in the White & Black Points dialog box. Then move to the thumbnail image in the dialog box or to the preview image in the Preview window, and choose your Black / White Point.
The W&B Points dialog box in Native color mode Channel box Edit boxes for shadow & highlight values Sliders In Native color mode, the White & Black Points dialog box allows you to modify the histogram in your RGB, CMYK, or Lab channel. Channels can be modified individually or collectively (when you select "All") in the Channel box. Following the selection of your channel, you can move the black and white sliders below the histogram to set the shadow and highlight values, respectively.
Gradation tool (LCH color mode) The Gradation tool lets you adjust the midtones (the mid-level grays) of the lightness channel “L” of an image without altering the color itself. This is because even with changes to the luminance or lightness value, the chroma and hue values are kept constant. To prevent color images from losing saturation when adjusting the lightness, ScanWizard Pro provides a Saturation Range option.
Gradation tool cont. Coordinates of cursor position within the grid Choose the method you wish to display the gradation curve. Select from Curve, Line, or Gamma Click Auto to let ScanWizard Pro calculate the Gradation setting automatically Click to create handles from which to drag and manipulate a portion of the curve . The more handles are created, the easier and smoother it is to manipulate the curve. To remove a handle, drag it off the graph or the grid Check to enable the Saturation Range option.
Appearance of curve if Method chosen is "Line" Appearance of curve if Method chosen is "Gamma" Instead of dragging the Gamma handle, you can also directly enter the appropriate Gamma value in the edit box. Dragging points on the curve to a Gamma value above 1.00, will lighten the dark tones. Dragging points on the curve to a Gamma value below 1.
Gradation tool cont. You can also use the Black and White Eyedropper tools to define the Saturation Range. To do this: Click the Eyedropper tools in the Gradation dialog box. Then move to the thumbnail image in the dialog box or to the preview image in the Preview window, and choose the setting for your high chr oma and low chroma range. • Use the Black Eyedropper tool to define your low chroma range setting. • Use the White Eyedropper tool to define your high chr oma range setting.
Color Cast tool (LCH color mode) The Color Cast tool is used to eliminate any unwanted color casts in an image, as well as to add a color cast without altering the lightness channel “L” values. Color Cast Eyedropper Select whether to add or remove a color cast.
Color Cast tool cont. It is more convenient to use the Color Cast Eyedropper tool in removing or a adding color cast. Click the Color Cast Eyedropper in the Color Cast dialog box. Then move to the thumbnail in the dialog box or the pr eview image in the Preview window, and pick the color cast to be added or r emoved. Note: You can also use the Tag Windows Magic Diamonds to add or remove a color cast. For more details, see “Using the Magic Diamonds” under the Tag Windows tool section.
Saturation tool (LCH color mode) The Saturation Curve tool lets you increase or decrease the color intensity (chroma or saturation) of an image without altering its hue and lightness values. Select Saturation method. "Curve" is the default Select Saturation Range. "All" is the default. Other selections let you change the saturation for Highlights only, Midtones only, or Shadows only Drag the curve above the default diagonal line to increase saturation.
Selective Color tool (LCH color mode) The Selective Color tool is used to perform color correction to a specific color range without altering the other colors in an image. This is done either to increase the visual impact of a color or to completely change the relationship of the targeted color to the other colors in the image. Eyedropper tools This sector represents the values of the "From" color ∆LCH values expand or reduce the affected color area.
How to use the Selective Color tool 1. Define a From color setting with the following steps: A. Click the New button. For the first color to be changed, this step need not be per formed. Each subsequent color to be changed, however, requires this step. B. Select the color to be altered with any of the following methods: 1) Click the round eyedropper tool in the AIC screen, then go to your prescan image in the Preview window and pinpoint the color to be altered.
Selective Color tool cont. 2. Drag the “From” color slider of the lightness bar to the desired tone range. As an alternative, you can also click the triangular eyedropper, which lets you add or expand the range of the From color. With the eyedropper, go to the Prescan image and click on a range of colors similar to your chosen From color. As you click, you will see the sector in the color wheel expand or reduce to reflect the chosen range of colors. 3.
More Tips on using the Selective Color tool To move the From color sector without changing the hollow dot position, press the Shift key and click inside the sector. When the pointer changes to a hollow cross, drag the sector to a new position. You will see that the sector can only be expanded or contracted in a limited fashion, as it is constrained by the position of the hollow dot.
Selective Color tool cont. E. If you are not satisfied with the resulting preview image, you can always go back to redefine your From color settings. To go back temporarily to the From color setting environment, pr ess the Option key and perform the From color adjustment. Release the Option key and the To color setting is again enabled.
F. Use CMYK or RGB values asFrom and To Selective colors. This can be done in one of the following ways: • Define such requirement in the CMS Setup dialog box. • Click on the expansion arrow provided in the Selective Color dialog box. Then proceed to set the From and To settings as they are done under the LCH mode. Note that changes to LCH settings remain visible as you manipulate colors in CMYK/RGB mode.
Tone Curve tool (LCH & Native color mode) The Tone Curve tool is used to adjust the tonal distribution of each channel of an image. It functions very much like the Gradation tool, except that it provides additional functions to allow separate adjustments of the tones in each RGB or CMYK channel, depending on the image type. This tool is especially useful for correcting the “ink percentage” distribution (i.e., dot gain correction) in CMYK images.
Appearance of curve if Method chosen is "Line" Use the Curve Move tool to scroll through the curve if the curve has been zoomed in. This curve tool can be used only if the curve has been zoomed in with the Curve Zoom Frame button (left). Otherwise, the Curve Panel tool will be dimmed Use the Curve Pointer tool to define points in the curve that will be modified. When you click on any point in the curve, a black handle appears to mark your position. To remove the handle, drag it off the graph.
Filter tool (LCH & Native color mode) The Filter tool is used to apply special effects to your images. Several filters are provided in ScanWizard Pro, including Blur / Blur More, Sharpen / Sharpen More, Emboss, Edge Enhancement, Gaussian Blur, and Unsharp Masking. In using most of the Filters (except Unsharp Masking), the image you obtain in the preview window may differ from the way the image appears when you finally scan it in.
A. Blur: The Blur filters eliminate noise in the parts of the image where significant color transitions occur. These filters decrease the contrast between adjacent pixels, making the image appear hazy and out of focus. Blur smooths out the transitions by lightening pixels next to the hard edges of defined lines and shaded areas. Blur More produces an effect three or four times stronger than Blur. B.
Filter tool cont. E. Unsharp Masking: The Unsharp Masking filter adjusts the contrast of edge detail and creates the illusion of more image sharpness. This filter can be useful for refocusing an image that has become blurry from interpolation or scanning. The dialog box below appears when you choose Unsharp Masking from the Filters menu. This parameter determines the depth of surrounding pixels that will be affected.
F. Gaussian Blur: The Gaussian Blur is used to defocus an area of the image where significant color transitions occur or where noise exists, and the filter produces a hazy effect. "Gaussian" refers to the bell-shaped curve that is generated when this filter adjusts the color values of the affected pixels. The dialog box below appears when you choose Gaussian Blur from the Filters menu. This parameter determines the depth of the surrounding pixels that will be affected.
Brightness & Contrast tool (Native color mode) The Brightness & Contrast tool lets you control the brightness and contrast levels of the entire image. Increasing the brightness makes all tones in the image lighter. Contrast, on the other hand, is the range between the darkest and lightest shades in the image, and increasing the contrast makes greater separation between the darkest and lightest areas of the image. Note: Individual channel adjustments for brightness and contrast are not suppor ted.
Color Correction tool (Native Color Mode only) The Color Correction tool changes the hue and saturation of an image. You can also add a color cast to an image by simply moving the pointer to a particular place on the Wheel, or you can r emove an unwanted color cast by moving the pointer to a complementary color to balance out the tones. For instance, to remove a greenish cast from your image, move the pointer in the Wheel to the "red" portion to neutralize the greenish hue of the image.
Threshold tool (Line Art images only) For Line Art images, the only AIC tool available is the Threshold tool. Threshold is the dividing line between black and white; the range is 0 to 255, and the default is 128. Thus, gray levels below the Threshold are converted to black, while gray levels equal to or above the Threshold are converted to white, resulting in a high-contrast, black-and-white representation of the image.
Descreen The Descreen tool lets you remove moiré patterns in the scan process. Moirés occur when you scan a screened original (mostly reflective materials, such as pictures from a newspaper or magazine), and these patterns appear to the naked eye like a series of cross-hatching lines, as shown in the example below. Before Descreen After Descreen To use Descreen: 1. Click the Descreen pop-up menu. 2. When the Descreen menu comes up, select the scr een for your needs.
The Information Window The Information window displays color information as you move the cursor over the preview image in the Preview window (or the thumbnail in the Advanced Image Correction dialog box if it is open). You can choose to show or hide the Information window in ScanWizard Pro. To do this click the Show / Hide Info window toggle command under the View menu in the Preview window.
C. Color Output Meter: This displays the output values of the selected pixel at the specific x/y location. Take note of the following: • The left part of the fraction is the Before value, or the pixel value before image correction. • The right part of the fraction is the After value, or the pixel value of the final output image after all image corrections.
Color Meter Options The Color Meter options also let you choose the size of your sample display area. For instance, if you choose 5 x 5 as your sample area, this means your RGB values will represent color information for a 5-pixel by 5-pixel area. If you choose 1 x 1 (the default), the color information pertains to a single pixel — the pixel in the middle of the sample area.
Creating Color Tag Windows Tag windows are used to isolate and identify precise colors in a given image, providing a visible and retrievable record of color values. With the use of the Tag Windows tool, ScanWizard Pro lets you pinpoint and “tag” the color on the image, showing you the original or Before values, as well as the corrected or After values following the application of image adjustment controls.
The Scan Job Queue Window The Scan Job Queue window provides several functions for managing your scan jobs. By definition, a scan job contains the following elements: a set of scanning parameters (shown in the Settings window); a scan frame (shown in the Preview window); and one or several scan job items (shown in the Scan Job Queue window).
A. Image type display: This shows the image type of the scan job (e.g., RGB, CMYK, Grayscale, etc.). B. Thumbnail of prescan image: A thumbnail appears for the selected scan job after you click the Prescan button in the Pr eview window. This means a prescan image is available for that scan job. To see the prescan image, double-click the scan frame or go to the View menu in the Preview window and switch to prescan image viewing mode. C. Title of scan job: The title of each scan job is shown.
Selecting Multiple Scan Jobs The Duplicate, Delete, and Check buttons at the bottom of the Scan Job Queue window can be used for multiple job selections. For example, you can select multiple scan jobs, and then click the Delete button to remove all the jobs simultaneously. To select multiple scan jobs, press the Shift key and click on the jobs to be selected. Editing Multiple Scan Jobs ScanWizard Pro lets you edit multiple scan jobs at the same time, increasing your efficiency in using the software.
Adding a New Scan Job 1. Click the New button. 2. When a text box appears, accept the default name or enter a name for the new scan job. Use unique names for your scan jobs, as duplicate names are not accepted. 3. Define the scan frame in the Preview window for the new scan job. 4. In the Settings window, specify the settings for the new scan job. With the creation of a new scan job, the new scan job becomes the current scan job. Duplicating a Scan Job 1.
Image Using the Scan Job Manager button The Scan Job Manager button lets you add, save, or delete scan jobs easily to and from folders. To use this feature: 1. Click the Manager button in the Scan Job Queue window. 2. When a dialog box appears, use the Function Buttons to do the following: • To create a new folder for saving scan jobs, click the New Folder button.
Appendix A: More Color Matching Information This section contains supplementary information on further steps you need to take to achieve color matching across your devices. Calibrating your monitor Calibrating your monitor to obtain the proper monitor profile is important for achieving higher precision in color matching. ICC profiles for your monitor may be created specifically by profiling your monitor through the following utilities: • The Calibrate function under System Preferences...Displays.
Appendix B: Kodak Color Management System This appendix is copyrighted by, and licensed from, Eastman Kodak Company. KCMS Overview: Background Information Everyone perceives colors differently. Even the same person’s perception can be affected by different lighting conditions. Different devices (input, display, and output) also interpret and define color differently and simply can’t create the same gamut (or “range”) of colors.
How Color Management Works The aim of color management is to preserve true color information by making up for the differences in the way devices communicate color.
When you print the image, the CMS again translates the image data from the monitor’s RGB color space to the printer’s CMYK color space—using the information about both devices as stored in their Color Profiles. So, although all of the devices in this example use different device dependent color spaces, the CMS is able to translate between them and produce accurate, predictable color. What are Device Color Profiles Color Management Systems use Device Color Profiles to interpret color data between devices.
an image, you want it to appear on your monitor. So the source is your scanner, and its related Color Profile, and the destination is your monitor, using its Color Profile. Likewise, when you open a Photo CD image, the source is the Photo CD, plus the Color Profile that relates the color data to the PCS, and the destination is the monitor, plus the Color Profile that relates the PCS to the monitor’s color space.
Controlling UCR & GCR Controlling UCR and GCR with Professional CMYK Profiles In the final stages of color prepress production, the issues change: And your role changes with them. You become that of a professional separator. And it becomes a question of how skilled you are at making good films, films that run correctly on press, avoiding downtime, rework, and expense. Kodak Digital Science Professional CMYK Profiles helps you with your separations.
Advantages & Disadvantages to UCR Undercolor removal within a TAC constraint reduces the problem of printing four solid layers of ink, one on top of the other, while each previous layer is still wet. Reducing the ink coverage, TAC, improves the ability of the paper to firmly hold each layer of wet ink. Less ink means better control, and faster drying times. Also, replacing cmy ink with the less expensive black ink has proven more cost efficient on long runs that use more ink.
Advantages & Problems of GCR The main advantage of GCR is it reduces the effects of variations on press, so when ink coverage varies, the colors become slightly lighter or darker, rather than changing hue. Increased amounts of GCR also allows your printing company to use a somewhat higher proportion of black ink, thus reducing cost — which saves you money. High levels of GCR and/or UCR expand the overall gamut, so darker and more saturated colors are achievable.
EUROPEAN PRINTING STANDARDS: Filename Profile Description GCR Maximum TAC eucmyk02.pf Light GCR 260 UCR CMYK Euro Positive Proofing Light 260% eucmyk04.pf Light GCR 280 UCR CMYK Euro Positive Proofing Light 280% eucmyk06.pf Light GCR 300 UCR CMYK Euro Positive Proofing Light 300% eucmyk08.pf Light GCR 320 UCR CMYK Euro Positive Proofing Light 320% eucmyk10.pf Light GCR 340 UCR CMYK Euro Positive Proofing Light 340% eucmyk50.
JAPANESE PRINTING STANDARDS: Filename Profile Description GCR Maximum TAC jpcmyk02.pf Light GCR 260 UCR CMYK Japan Std. Proofing Light 260% jpcmyk04.pf Light GCR 280 UCR CMYK Japan Std. Proofing Light 280% jpcmyk06.pf Light GCR 300 UCR CMYK Japan Std. Proofing Light 300% jpcmyk08.pf Light GCR 320 UCR CMYK Japan Std. Proofing Light 320% jpcmyk10.pf Light GCR 340 UCR CMYK Japan Std. Proofing Light 340% jpcmyk50.pf Light GCR 360 UCR CMYK Japan Std.
