Compaq DOC-FB4B User Manual

ImageReader Express

Compact Color Flatbed Scanner

User’s Guide

P/N DOC-FB4B

799250

Info 580 Division Street Campbell CA, 95008 Phone (408) 538-2500 • Fax (408) 538-2599

The material in this document is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document, nor any damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

Info and ImageReader Express are trademarks of Info Peripherals. Any other trademarks, registration marks, or brand names mentioned within this publication are the property of their respective owners.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Introduction ..................................... 1 - 1

Welcome ........................................ 1 - 1

Using this manual ............................ 1 - 1

Assistance ................................. 1 - 1

What is TWAIN? ................................... 1 - 1

A note about application s o f t w a r e ................ 1 - 2

Package contents ................................. 1 - 3

System requirements ............................... 1 - 3

Chapter 2

Scanner Installation and Info Technician ............... 2 - 1

Installation ....................................... 2 - 1

Connecting the scanner ....................... 2 - 1

Using the pass-through ........................ 2 - 1

The Info Technician ................................. 2 - 2

Installing the device driver ...................... 2 - 2

Installing the application software ....................... 2 - 2

Chapter 3

Using your scanner ............................... 3 - 1

Scanning features and controls ........................ 3 - 1

Hardware features ........................... 3 - 1

Software controls ............................ 3 - 2

Scanning images .................................. 3 - 6

Select the TWAIN source ...................... 3 - 8

The scanning process ......................... 3 - 9

Other scanning features ....................... 3 - 9

Appendix A

General Scanning Tips................................................................A-1

Troubleshooting ................................. A-1

Printer Problems................................................................A-2

Error Messages...................................................................A-3

Scanner care ............................... A-5

FCC radio frequency interference statement ............... A-5

Limited two year warranty ............................ A-6

iii

Chapter 1 Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the Info ImageReader Express Scanner. This product is the result of our efforts to develop high technology computer peripherals that are easy to use, affordably priced, and that enhance your computing experience.

this

manual

italics,

and commands

Using

This manual includes complete instructions for scanner installation, use, and maintenance. Note that “use,” in this context, refers to scanner operation independent of the task performed with the application software. This guide is organized in a “do as you read” format. For best results, perform the tasks as they are presented.

This manual assumes that you have a basic understanding of the DOS and Windows operating system. As a convention, this guide presents all references to guide names or sections in you must type at a command line are presented in a different typeface.

Assistance

If you experience difficulties and cannot find solutions within this guide, please contact Info’s Technical Support Department at (800) 777-3280, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Pacific time. If you wish, you may fax questions to (408) 538-2577, or email questions to tech@infoconnection.com. Provide a fax number or email address for return contact. We maintain a BBS at (408) 5382580 that contains the latest updates to our software, as well as a web site at www.infoconnection.com, and fax back system at (408) 538-2585.

What is TWAIN?

TWAIN is the interface that links the scanner with scanning software applications. TWAIN is an industry standard that enables you to use the ImageReader with any TWAIN-compliant software application.

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With the introduction of Windows 95, the TWAIN specification has been overhauled to take advantage of the 32-bit architecture. When you install our scanner driver under Windows 95, you will have two TWAIN sources — one for 16-bit applications and one for 32-bit applications. Use the following as a guide to select the appropriate source.

16-bit applications are legacy Windows 3.x programs that you are running under Windows 95. InfoCenter and Image Pals 2 GO! image editor are 16-bit applications.

32-bit applications are programs specifically designed for Windows 95, to take advantage of performance enhancements provided by the new architecture.

You may experience scanning problems if you do not use the appropriate source before scanning.

There is no change to the TWAIN source for Windows 3.x users. Only the 16-bit TWAIN source is installed.

A note

The scanner hardware by itself is not very useful. It takes a combination of the scanner hardware and application software to perform any task. Before you begin scanning, you need to choose the appropriate application to use for the task at hand. Please read this section to gain an understanding of the types of scanning software there are.

Scanning software generally falls into two groups, Graphics (image editing), or OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Each type has specific features designed to address the technical challenges faced in the scanning of graphics or of text.

Graphics: Software provides the user with image editing tools for performing extensive modifications to art, photographs, or other continuous tone images. While having the ability to scan text, unlike OCR software it is not designed to specifically identify individual characters. Any image scanned using a graphics program can only be saved in a graphics file format (i.e. TIFF or JPEG). It cannot be saved as an editable text file. Your scanner package contains Image Pals 2GO! image editing software to facilitate your image editing requirements.

1-2

about

application software

OCR: Software in this category is designed to recognize alphanumeric characters in preparation for export to word processing and desktop publishing applications. In other terms, it creates text files. OCR software will not provide image editing capabilities. If there is no intention of editing a given piece of text (with or without graphics), it may be simpler to scan and save it as a graphic. OCR is one of many scanning control features included in the InfoCenter application software.

Additional types of applications are available that offer solutions for special or unique tasks. These include document storage, form scanning, fax utilities, copy utilities, custom screen saver creation, photo album creation, and so on. If applications are intended to link directly to the scanning device, look for the TWAIN-compliant specification. If compliant, they are compatible with Info ImageReader scanners.

Package

Verify that all materials have been received before setting up and using your scanner. This package contains:

System

System requirements are largely dependent on the “work” performed. By work, we are referring to the task or operation performed using the scanner in conjunction with application software.

contents

• ImageReader Express scanner

• Interface cable

• Power adapter

• Quick Start Guide

• This User’s Guide

• Info’s System Software CD-ROM including installation and application software

• Scanner registration card

requirements

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Because scanners are capable of inputting large amounts of data in relatively short periods of time, they commonly push computer systems to the limits of their capabilities. Before beginning any scanning task or operation, carefully consider your system’s processing capabilities, especially processor speed, RAM, and available hard disk space. OCR processes, fax operations, and the processing of simple black & white graphics are least demanding. High resolution scanning of large images in full color creates an extreme demand for processor time and memory.

When you are scanning with the TWAIN interface, the number labeled image size (calculated in bytes) provides the working file size that is the result of the selected scanning mode, resolution, and image size. Take careful note of this information.

Minimum and recommended system requirements are:

• 486 processor or 100% compatible

• DOS 5.0 or later with Windows 3.1x, or higher

• CD-ROM drive

• 8 MB RAM minimum; 16 MB RAM recommended

• 10 MB available hard disk space; 50 MB recommended

• VGA/SVGA monitor with at least 256 color capability, 24 Bit True Color recommended

• Enhanced Parallel port

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Chapter 2 Scanner Installation and Info Technician

Installation

Installation of the scanner is comprised of few steps and designed to be as easy as possible. The following instructions walk you through connecting the scanner and cable. It is important to note that both the scanning hardware and its supporting software (e.g. Info Technician and the included applications) must be installed in order for the scanner to operate.

Connecting the scanner

Attach the female connector of the interface cable to the port on the scanner labeled Host. Place the scanner unit in the desired location, and route the interface cable to the computer in such a way as to assure it is safe from possible damage due to pinching or crimping. Insert the male connector on the cable into the parallel port on your computer. The cable can only be inserted one way — do not force a connection.

Important: The scanner will not function until the device driver is installed. This is loaded when you run the Info Technician, described later in this chapter.

Using the pass-through

This scanner is equipped with an additional port for connecting your printer or other parallel device. This way, two devices can share the parallel port, and you won’t be inconvenienced by having to switch cables when you want to use one or the other.

To use the pass-through port, connect the printer’s cable to the port labeled Printer on the back of the scanner. Both the scanner and the printer are now sharing the parallel port and can be used at any time, except in tandem.

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