Q: Why isn't the scanner starting to scan my image?

A: Make sure that you have selected the correct interface port and the settings in your software are correct. You may also want to verify that the interface on your computer is installed properly. Confirm that the termination and SCSI ID are set correctly . If you are using a PC and have other expansion boards installed on your computer, verify that they are not interfering with the interrupt setting of your interface board for your scanner.

Q: What is the difference between optical resolution and interpolated resolution?

A: Optical or "true" resolution, is based on the number of elements in the scanner's CCD, at the point when a scanner turns light into electricity that becomes pixels. Interpolated resolution is based on the number of pixels that are created when the scanner or its software artificially multiplies pixels during scanning.

 
Q: What are the technical advantages of the color CCD's (Charged Coupled Device) over monochrome CCD's?

A: One advantage is speed. With monochrome CCD's, red, green, and blue lights or filters are used in the scanning process, creating a three-step process to transform the image into color form. With our color CCD, the colors are captured by CCD arrays and reflected using a white light source, resulting in a one step scanning process. Another advantage is better image quality. Color images are captured directly into the CCD, as opposed to being converted into color via lights and filters, resulting in better color reproduction and image quality.

Q: What is the AutoFocus system?

A: Most scanners use a fixed focal system where the lens and the CCD are set to focus at one specific point. The Epson GT-12000 scanner uses a unique variable focus lens where through its AutoFocus optics system, the user has control to focus automatically the entire preview area, a specific critical area,  or manually focus using before and after preview windows. The focus point can be set as high as 6mm above the glass of the scanner, or -3mm which creates a "defocused" look to an image. Transparency holders included with the optional transparency unit hold the film 2.5mm above the glass. This system is ideal for scanning 35mm slides, negatives and 3D objects to obtain critical sharpness especially important for enlargements.   

Q: What is the significance of interpolated resolution?

A: It creates estimated data points between measured data points, thus artificially adding information to an image. This artificial information increases image quality to some extent, thus allowing the image enlargement without sacrificing clarity. The Epson GT-12000 scanner provides 6400 x 6400 interpolated resolution.

Q: What is batch scanning?

A: Batch scanning allows the user to choose multiple images at one time, and scan them at the same time without having to leave the scanning utilities software. Each image selected in batch scanning can be set with individual settings to maximize each particular image for quality and final output. The images are either scanned directly into an open application such as Adobe Photoshop or scanned and saved directly to the system's hard drive in order to insure maximum productivity and avoid running out of memory.

Q: After I installed the Transparency Unit the scanners error light is on.

A: Power the scanner off, and check that the red packing screws on the transparency unit have been removed

Q: What is the advantage of being able to output 36-bits?

A: 36-bit scanners obtain image data from a palette of 68 billion colors. Most scanners automatically resample the image down to 24-bit before it reaches the application. With 36-bit output, the user can bring the entire 36-bits of data into the application to allow image adjustments in higher-end image editors supporting 48-bit data modes. This allows the end user the control of selecting the best tonal range possible or they can always let the driver perform the conversion down to 24-bit automatically. The point is that the driver software is working with the full data that the scanner recognizes,  resulting in cleaner scans with smoother color gradations and greater shadow details.

Q: Why are 3-dimensional scans better with the Epson GT-12000 scanner?

A: Monochrome CCD's use 3 separate lamps (red, green, and blue) which create alignment problems when they are reflected from non-flat surfaces. The Epson GT-12000 scanner color CCD uses a single light source, which prevents "ghosting" when scanning 3D objects on the scan bed. In addition to the color CCD, Epson has designed the GT-12000 scanner with an extremely high depth-of-field optics system to capture detail from 3D objects and mounted transparencies.

Q: The scanner driver will not open. What should I do to resolve this?

A: Make sure the scanner is correctly connected to the computer. Also, make sure the scanner's ready light is on. The scanner must be turned on before you start your computer. If you are using a SCSI interface, check for conflicts in your SCSI ID setting. For a PC check for conflicts with the I/O address and the interrupt setting for your SCSI board. Also, check System Device Manager in the Windows Control Panel, or the Adaptec SCSI Interrogator if you're running Windows 3.1. For Windows NT 4.0, check the SCSI Adapters dialog in the Windows Control Panel.

Q: The scanned image is blurred or distorted. Is there anything I can do?

A: Make sure the document is placed flat against the scanner's document table (the glass area). The document may have shifted while scanning, be careful not to move the document or the scanner while it is scanning a document. Ensure that the scanner is on a sturdy surface, not tilted or unstable. If only a part of the image is blurred, part of your document may be wrinkled or warped. Make sure that the document is uniformly flat and comes in contact with the document table.