Color Scanners--Scan Masters

Whether drum or flatbed, today's high-tech scanning systems are allowing prepress departments to do more, create more—even charge more. Here's a look at some of the new technologies and creative techniques empowering prepress with high-voltage scans.

BY MARIE RANOIA ALONSO

The scanning market, like those of its prepress counterparts, is continuing to evolve, especially the flatbed component. Interesting, though, how much hype is concentrated around the kings of digital output, such as the thermal platesetter—arguably the most hyped digital output device ever to hit electronic prepress. But what of the content creator—the device that enables color images to be digitized, manipulated, then output? What of the device that tackles any reflective or transmissive piece of art?

What of the poor, little scanner?

Save the pity for some other prepress device. The high-end scanning market is hotter than ever, with drum and flatbed devices combining automated ease-of-use with dynamic scanning, higher resolution ranges and faster speeds.

Scitex America's EverSmart Pro and EverSmart Supreme are prime flatbed examples of the push for operating speeds of 15 scans per hour and greater, with increased optical resolution and greater scanning range. Ever-Smart scanners can scan transmissive originals, positive and negative, as well as reflective artwork, including printed material, of any thickness. Ever-Smart Pro and EverSmart Supreme scanners can also scan halftone films for both copydot and digital descreening workflows—ideal for CTP or digitally imposed workflows.

Scitex is not alone. High-end, automated scanning systems from Agfa, Creo, Heidelberg Prepress, Fujifilm, Howtek, Optronics, Purup-Eskofot, Screen, UMAX and other vendors are further enabling prepress departments to produce CMYK- and RGB-specific scans at higher volumes.

What's new to the market?

Fujifilm recently boosted productivity for its C-550 large-format flatbed scanner with unattended scanning capabilities. The Fujifilm C-550 can now scan unattended so users may focus their attention to additional design responsibilities.

C-Scan Plus also provides automated cropping, via coded copy mounts and one-touch high-resolution scanning.

C-Scan Plus provides linework scanning, a high-res preview for a more accurate cropping and threshold setting, used together with improved algorithms for interpolation when scanning at high resolutions. This is also necessary for copydot use with C-DotSP. The C-550 features 16-bit image capture at optical resolutions of up to 5,000 dpi, which can be interpolated up to 10,000 dpi.

Heidelberg Prepress started shipping the latest version of LinoColor, version 6.0, recently. Along with the addition of RegisterAssistant for Topaz Copix scanners (already available for Heidelberg's Tango drum scanner), the new version includes major changes in its color management structure, which improves the workflow with applications such as Photoshop 5.0 and Quark 4.0, and supports embedded profiles.

LinoColor 6.0 reads and writes embedded ICC profile image data. It also incorporates an ICC profile editor for customer-specific, custom color adaptations. Using the ICC profile editor, it's now possible to individually modify ICC output, monitor and input profiles. LinoColor includes additional improvements including enhanced gray and RGB processing, plus support for importing and displaying external, 16-bit, RGB data.

Creo recently introduced its Renaissance II copydot scanning system, based on the same technology as the Creo Renaissance copydot scanner. Renaissance II is a compact system that scans halftone film separations or reflective copy and generates digital files. These files are completely accurate reproductions of the original separations and are created without introducing moiré or artifacts.

The Renaissance II simplifies print production by eliminating the tedious and error-prone process of film stripping and preparation. Fast, tapeless film mounting and a user-friendly interface make the system easy to use for operators of varying skill levels. Once digitized, separation files can be put into register, cropped, scaled, rotated and previewed on the Renaissance II workstation. Additionally, tools—such as job templates, fully automatic registration and bitmap editing for easy clean-up of defects in the original film images—further reduce file preparation time.

Renaissance II can scan up to 20 8.5x11˝ separations per hour and is designed to run a variety of tasks simultaneously. A wide range of hardware and software features offer maximum performance and flexibility, including support for spot colors, multiple versions and breakouts, variable output resolution and tonal calibration.

"As image quality for flatbed scanners improves, scanning techniques can be borrowed from drum scanners to push image quality to new levels," reports Bill Gillooly, product marketing manager, input systems, at Scitex America.

For example, oil mounting—common in drum scanning—makes scratches invisible, reducing the number of air-film surfaces in the light path and improving contrast and color saturation. "In the past, it was impractical to use oil mounting on a flatbed scanner," Gillooly explains. "When oil mounting, the entire scanner would be tied up, during mounting, scanning and the mandatory cleaning stages—plus the ever-present risk of spilling mounting oil into the scanner itself, with potentially disastrous results."

Recently, Scitex introduced a patent pending, off-line oil mounting station for its EverSmart flatbed family. The station enables users who need the highest quality scans possible to achieve that, via oil mounting. By allowing mounting and cleaning to be done away from the scanner on a separate glass flatbed, the oil mounting station promises to improve productivity, while it eliminates the possibility of spilling oil inside the scanner.

"What's really helpful is the emergence of digitally cleaning, expanded and selective color correction with range highlighting mask," says Mike Mello of Optronics, commenting on today's new scanning systems. "What you do is use an eyedropper to find a color. The pixel has a color profile made up of either RGB or CMYK, which is identified in the selective color window, and interacts with a range selector. The software gives the user the ability to shift and change the color over a range. For example, it can take out cyan, add yellow, etc. This adds to a fully functional package, where users are able to perform lots of different color corrections."

Now, to a great degree, Mello adds, most software is RGB. Superior software offers separator packs to convert on-the-fly to CMYK for printing. Advanced packages also can selectively adjust image gray balances and density, and create custom curves and a fingerprint to particular output devices, such as RGB printers and CMYK proofers.

"We are now offering the ability to work in L*a*b and save files in a range of file formats," Mello states.

Optronics' ColorGetter Eagle desktop drum scanner provides an application-specific solution to the diverse, and increasingly rigorous, prepress requirements of service bureaus, color separators, printers, photographers and publishing scanner professionals.

The ColorGetter Eagle scanner has an 11x15˝ scan area and achieves a maximum true resolution of more than 8,000 dpi by relying on high-precision mechanical and optical systems rather than hardware manipulation and software interpolation. The scanner features 36-bit data capture, full dynamic range of 0 to 4.0, and sophisticated optics that combine to deliver the brilliant highlights, fine shadow details, sharpness, rich colors and deep hues from any original. It is equipped with control software that interfaces with Macintosh, PC-compatible and NT workstations.

For color, Optronics' ColorRight and ColorRightPro software solutions enhance the operation, image manipulation and productivity of the ColorGetter Eagle scanner. ColorRight allows the operator to direct the scanner interactively and in real time from a host workstation. ColorRightPro expands the functionality of ColorRight software with superior color correction, management and file formats.

How to select the right scanner? First, it's critical to accurately analyze the type of scanning needed. Scitex's Gillooly leaves Printing Impressions with this parting thought on purchasing smart scanners: Ask yourself smart questions.

• Will I be scanning for a local newspaper or for fine-art production?
• Will I be scanning reflective art, transparencies, negatives—or all three?
• What will be the mix of 35mm, 21⁄4˝, 4x5˝, 8x10˝ and other artwork?
• How many scans per hour, per day, per week do I anticipate?
• Will I have spikes in scan volume?
• How trained do I need my scanning operator to be?
• What will I be using for color management?
• Do I anticipate that most of the originals to be scanned will be in poor condition?

Answering the above questions will help to establish a competent shopping list for the purchase of any high-end scanner, whether flatbed or drum. Keep in mind, as always, color management allows a full-gamut scan to be used for each application—a good thing, when today's brochure design is tomorrow's Internet image.

Digital Cameras: Scanners on a Stick?

Sinar Bron Imaging's Sinarback is a universal digital camera back. Using a color CCD and a piezoelectric stepping system, the Sinarback is able to combine the capabilities of two different types of digital backs, capturing action shots as well as stills. In one-shot mode, the high-speed fiber optic link allows capture as fast as one per second. In four-shot mode, the CCD is moved one pixel in each direction between exposures, providing images with no color inter-polation.

Agfa's StudioCam digital camera for 36-bit image capture at resolutions up to 4,500x3,648 pixels uses a trilinear CCD array. Compatible with all 35mm Nikon lenses. Comes with FotoTune 2.0, FotoLook 2.5 and FotoFlavor color management and image manipulation software, and an interface to Macintosh or PC. ActionCam uses three matrix CCDs to capture 24-bit images in real time at 1,528x1,148 pixels.

The PhotoPC 750Z is Epson's first megapixel, 6X zoom digital camera, featuring Epson's HyPiet image enhancement technology. The PhotoPC 750Z's HyPiet technology allows users to print 8x10˝ images with 1,600x1,200 interpolated pixel resolution or 1.92 million pixels. Comes with 4MB internal memory and an 8MB CompactFlash card from Lexar Media for a total of 12MB.

Kodak Professional has bolstered its DCS 315 digital camera by providing new firmware to enhance color contour and color quality, and new software to improve the overall quality of images. Kodak Professional's DCS digital camera features the Nikon N90 body and lenses, and Kodak digital sensor and electronics. Full-frame CCD imagers with either 1,524x1,012 or 3,060x2,036 pixels for a total resolution of 1.5 or 6 million pixels. Captures 36 bits per pixel.

Nikon's E2s digital camera features a dye-filter CCD array capable of capturing 1,280x1,000 pixels at 24 bits. Supports film speed equivalents of ISO 800 to 1,600, shutter speeds of 0.5 seconds to 0.0005 seconds. Three levels of data compression; 15MB PCMCIA RAM card.

What's So Scan-adelic
About Today's Flatbeds?

AGFA CORP.
AgfaScan T5000 CCD features TwinPlate technology, which optimizes scanning of both reflective and transmissive originals. Input size: transparency up to 9.27x12˝, reflective at 12x17˝. 840x2,500 to 2,500x5,000 ppi optical resolution. Sampling accuracy at 13-bit. Density range at 3.5D, 3.7Dmax. SCSI 2 to Macintosh or Windows PC. Software includes ColorExact application for RGB/CMYK scanning and ColorTune Pro system-wide color management.

The AgfaScan XY-15 CCD flatbed scanner is Agfa's top-of-the-line scanning solution capable of scanning both reflective and transmissive originals. Input size: transparency up to 13.8x17.9˝, reflective at 13.8x18.5˝. 5,000x5,000 ppi optical resolution. Sampling accuracy at 13-bit.

PURUP-ESKOFOT
EskoScan family of scanners for true copydot, as well as RGB, CMYK, line work, pre-screened halftone separations and artwork. Three sizes: 20x24˝, 26x36˝ and 36x48˝; resolutions to 2,540 dpi. Outputs TIFF, EPS, DCS1 and DCS2 file formats. EskoScans range from the latest model Vincent (13x18˝) to the 3648 (36x48˝). JPS Software 7.0 for automatic registration with preview and automatic registration based on image details. Preview facility allows the operator to correct any mistakes prior to the final scan. EskoColor color management software package enables the creation of ICC profiles and the accurate handling of each stage of the color scanning process, including the calibration of output devices. Perfection software enables the user to edit bitmap files.

HEIDELBERG PREPRESS
TOPAZ combines the ease of use of a Macintosh running LinoColor with professional quality and high productivity. Scans all types of originals, from 35mm slides to 12x18˝ reflective art, even small 3D objects. TOPAZ Copix incorporates three procedures—CopyDot, Descreen and MixedMode—for integrating separated films into digital production environments. CopyDot produces a digital copy of the screened films, which can be integrated directly into the page layout. TOPAZ iX offers high quality copydot and descreening capabilities in a one-pass-scanning process. The unit employs Heidelberg's Dual CCD Technology using both an 8,000 CCD array for color scanning and 12,000 CCD for Copix and line art. Includes a booster board for faster scanning times. Includes the benefit of LinoColor software. TOPAZ iX Copix: Flatbed scanner with Dual CCD Technology redigitizes screened and separated films.

SCREEN (USA)
Cézanne desktop flatbed scanner. Optical resolution of up to 5,300 dpi across its entire 13.4x20.8˝ scanning area. Intelligent setup function allows any operator to select from intuitive keywords, while Cézanne does the rest: sets highlights, shadow, USM, tone, etc. XYzoom function can be utilized anywhere on the scanning bed, achieving resolution to 12,000 dpi.

HEIDELBERG CPS
Heidelberg Color Publishing Solutions offers CIRCON for 35mm transparencies through large-format images, with high resolution and 3.7 density range. Includes EverSharp function for automated, optimum sharpness. A3 CIRCON employs CCD technology and high-speed throughput via Single-Pass Scanning. OPAL Ultra scanner: Large format, high resolution and intelligent scanning software. Integrated color management; scans originals as small as 35mm or as large as a full two-page spread. Also, SAPHIR HiRes is a single-page format. Features vibration-free MovingPlate design (the scan bed moves and the optics stay put) and DoubleLens system (select the resolution that best suits your original's size).

SCITEX AMERICA
EverSmart, EverSmartPro and Ever-Smart Supreme. Format size: 120x170 (reflective and transmissive); max. operating speed: 15 scans/hr. (EverSmart), 40 scans/hr. (EverSmartPro) and 50+ scans/hr. (EverSmart Supreme); resolution range: 2,540x6,400 dpi optical(EverSmart), 3,175x8,200 dpi optical (EverSmartPro) and 5,600x14,000 dpi optical (EverSmart Supreme). All interface with Power Macintosh or Windows NT PC. Offer XYStitch technology, which allows any size original to be scanned at any resolution.

UMAX TECHNOLOGIES
PowerLook 3000: 3,048 dpi, dual-lens color scanner that features a moving flatbed system, enabling users to scan originals on an automatically moving glass tray. By using reverse design, PowerLook 3000's single carriage, which consists of light sources, optics and CCD sensor, stays still while the original document moves. Scans reflective and transparent originals up to 8.5x11.7˝ in standard resolution mode of 1,220x3,048 dpi.

FUJIFILM
C-550 CCD flatbed scanner utilizes XY technology. The A3+ format has a zoom capability. The flush mounted platen can accommodate a wide variety of originals including transparencies, negatives, large-format artwork and thick reflective copy. Optical resolution: 5,000 dpi.

CREO PRODUCTS
Renaissance II is a high-res, high-throughput copydot scanner using PMT scanning technology and an internal, transparent drum. Features include automatic registration, on-screen bitmap editing, tapeless film mounting, selectable speed/quality modes and multi-point tonal calibration.. Throughput of up to 20 8.5x11˝ separations per hour.

EPSON AMERICA
Perfection 636 and Perfection 636U provide scans with a maximum resolution of 600x2,400 dpi using Epson's advanced Micro Step drive technology. Targeted toward SOHO users, Perfection 636 features a robust software bundle, including LaserSoft's Perfection 636 scan software for added flexibility.