This technical brief provides detailed information on the Image Quality, Performance, and Flexibility of Epson

Scanners.

Image Quality—Factors affecting image quality

When comparing scanners, hardware resolution and color pixel depth are two features often used to gauge
image quality. These two features are important, but there are a number of factors that determine image
quality in a scanner, such as the following: (Many of these elements will be discussed in detail in upcoming
sections of this document.)

Optical resolution and

Precision stepper motor color bit depth Quality of the Analog to Digital con-
for high quality sub-scan verter (ADC); Epson scanners have
resolution optimum performance for minimal
noise and tight color registration.
Dynamic range control
Type of focus method
Type of lamp system used

Optic system Color vs. monochrome CCD

The Epson Expression® and GT series scanners are Epson’s professional series scanners designed for excel-
lence with respect to image quality, speed, usability, versatility, and durability. These scanners include the
highest quality components.
The Epson Perfection® series scanners are designed for home and entry-level corporate and graphics arts
users, and are designed with the highest quality components in their price class.

Image Quality—Resolution

A scanner’s resolution determines the amount of data that is read by the scanner. As resolution increases, so
does the file size. Resolution is measured in a variety of ways.

1. Optical resolution: This is the actual number of pixels read by the CCD (Charge Coupled Device), which
measures the intensity of the light that is reflected from the image to be scanned, and converts it to an
analog voltage. If a scanner has a resolution of 600 x 2400 dpi, its optical resolution is 600 dpi, which
means that it can resolve 600 bits of data per inch.
2. Hardware resolution: Using a precision stepper motor to double-step or
quadruple-step the carriage, the scanner’s sub-scanner resolution can be
1200 dpi
increased. For example, a scanner can have an optical resolution of 1200
2400 dpi

dpi, but a hardware resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi (because it double-steps

the carriage to increase the vertical resolution).

Scanner Technical Brief—Page 1 6/07

 Image Quality—Resolution (cont.)
3. Interpolated resolution: Interpolation is a method to increase the resolution of an image. It uses a
complex algorithm to “add” pixels to an image based on the mathematical probability of surrounding
pixels.
For example, if a scanner has a hardware resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, and a maximum resolution of
9600 x 9600 dpi, the scanning software uses interpolation to create scanned images with resolutions
greater than the hardware resolution.
4. Benefits of higher optical resolution: Higher resolution allows you to scan the following types of im-
ages without using interpolation. Using actual image data instead of interpolated data results in more
accurate images.
Line Art
When scanning black and white line art, image pixels translate exactly
to the printed dots. Therefore, high resolution is required to capture
and print the sharp lines and edges of an image.
2 x 2.5 inch If enlarged to 8 x
image scanned 10 inches, effective
at 1200 dpi resolution: 300 dpi
Enlarging a small original
In order to capture enough detail to enlarge an image, you must
increase the scanned resolution in proportion to the increase in image
size. If you don’t, then you will have to interpolate image data to
maintain the same resolution in the larger image.

Precise pixel editing

Many graphic artists scan images at high resolutions for precise pixel
editing. It is always better to capture the image data when the image
is being scanned and use true image data than to use interpolation if
more data is needed later.

Image Quality—Pixel depth

Pixel depth refers to the number of bits of data captured for each picture element (pixel). Each pixel can
have two states (On or Off); therefore the number of colors or gray scales that a scanner can recognize is
computed by taking the pizel depth as an exponent of two. The following charts lists the number of colors
recognized for each different scan mode.
Scan mode Number of colors recognized
Bi-level (1 bit per pixel) 2 = 2 colors (black and white)
1

8-bit gray scale 28 = 256 shades of gray

10-bit gray scale 210 = 1,024 shades of gray
8-bit color (indexed color) 28 = 256 colors
24-bit RGB (8 bits per pixel, per color) 224 = 16.7 millions colors
36-bit RGB (12 bits per pixel, per color 236 = Over 68 billion colors
48-bit RGB (16 bits per pixel, per color) 248 = Over 250 trillion colors

Scanner Technical Brief—Page 2 6/07

 Image Quality—Pixel depth (cont.)

All Epson scanners have a 42-bit or 48-bit color depth. but some of the models support 24-bit external color
depth, which is the data that is sent from the scanner to the computer. Here are the differences between
output color depth:

Key Differences 42-bit, or 48-bit Internal/ 24-bit External Color 36-bit, 42-bit, or 48-bit Internal and External
Depth Color Depth
How it works The scanner captures 42-, or 48-bit image The scanner captures 36-, 42-, or 48-
data, but “downsamples” an image to bit image data and outputs all data to a
24-bits, keeping the most significant color software aplication that supports 48-bit
data. image files (such as Adobe® Photoshop®).

48-bit capture
48-bit capture

24-bit transfer 48-bit transfer

Image quality Because the scanner captures data that With a 48-bit image file, you always have
never could have been read by a 24-bit or access to full image data, which is espe-
30-bit scanner (such as the detail in dark cially important to graphic artists and
areas and slight color transitions), the designers.
scanner delivers more accurate images

A greater color bit depth generally results in more accurate color reproduction, smoother gradations with
fewer sudden shifts in color, and detailed shadows and highlights.

Image Quality—Epson ColorTrue® Imaging System

Epson scanners use the Epson ColorTrue II Imaging System which is made up of three main elements
(hardware, optics, and processing) and result in superior image quality with fast processing speeds.

Precise scan carriage

Simultaneous RGB scanning

High resolution CCD Pixel optimization

Custom glass lenses Custom ASIC

Scanner Technical Brief—Page 3 6/07

 Image Quality—Epson ColorTrue® Imaging System (cont.)

Through a combination of these hardware, optics, and processing features, the Epson ColorTrue Imaging
System and Epson ColorTrue II Imaging System deliver scanned images with:

Smooth gradations Accurate colors

Greater detail in
Smooth edges and
highlights
minimal color fringing

Greater detail in shadows Sharp image quality

without distortion

1. Hardware components: Epson scanners use a precise scan carriage with better motors to achieve subscan
resolutions that are double or quadruple the scanner’s optical resolution. Additionally, Epson scanners
capture Red, Green, and Blue simultaneously, versus other scanners that use one-pass scanning but
alternate Red, Green, and Blue lights for each line of a scan. Epson advantages are:
 Better color registration
 Faster scanning speeds
 Higher quality sub-scan resolutions

Epson Method Single-Pass Alternate RGB Method

(1/2 or 1/4 step carriage movement) (1/2 step carriage movement)
Simultaneous RGB Capture Red Capture
One pass Green Capture
Blue Capture
One pass

2. Optics: Epson scanners use custom lenses that are designed specifically to work with Epson technology
and the scanner’s CCD. These lenses feature:
 Larger “sweet spot” and precision lenses for reduced distortion
 Accurately aligned lens elements to control sharpness
 Glass lenses (versus plastic lenses used by many competitors)
which offer better reflective qualities, providing greater image
quality.
 Better image quality than competitive off-the-shelf lenses
because Epson scanners feature custom-made lenses that Small “sweet spot” Larger “sweet
match the CCD. can allow edge spot” minimizes
distortion distortion

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 Image Quality—Epson ColorTrue® Imaging System (cont.)

3. Processing: Many Epson scanners use a custom ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for fast
scanning. Key features include:
 Line correction captures and processes full RGB color for every pixel and minimizes color fringing in
subscan direction.
 Zoom capability enables smoothest edges along diagonal or curved lines and achieves higher
interpolated resolution
 On-board memory allows for Auto Area Segmentation (AAS) and Text Enhancement Technology (TET)
processing within the scanner—AAS and TET are independent from PC or Macintosh processing,
allowing the scanner to work with better “raw” data.
Epson Method:
Additionally, Epson scanners have a pixel optimization feature
600 dpi
that uses the full resolution of the scanner’s CCD, even scanning
at a lesser resolution. The benefit of this feature is truer image
quality. 300 dpi
Average Average Average
 For example, on one of the Epson 600 dpi Perfection
scanners, when scanning an image at 300 dpi, the scanner Competitive Method:
still uses all 600 pixels per inch to scan the image, then
600 dpi On Off On Off On Off
averages the data to yield the lower resolution image.
 Some competitive models lower resolution by turning off
some pixels to capture less image data. 300 dpi

Image Quality—Color CCD

All Epson scanners use a color CCD which uses a single white light source, instead of a monochrome CCD
and three light sources. The color CCD results in faster scanning speeds and the ability to scan three-
dimensional objects without producing color “ghosts.”

Key Differences Color CCD Monochrome CCD

How it works Red, green, and blue are quickly captured three separate lamps are fired for eachline
in the color CCD illuminated by a single of a scan, slowing the scanning speed.
light source.
Glass
Glass

Red light
source
Monochrome
Color CCD CCD
White light Green light
source source
Blue light
source

Result when Single light source allows precise The three lamps can cause misalignment
scanning three- alignment when scanning non-flat when reflected from non-flat surfaces.
dimensional objects surfaces

Scanner Technical Brief—Page 5 6/07

 Image Quality—Dynamic Range

Dynamic range measures the difference between the lightest highlights and darkest shadows that a scanner
can perceive (on a scale of 3.0 to 4.0). The maximum density rating is referred to as Dmax.
A dynamic range measurement is important for
designers who scan transparent media (such as slides,
transparencies, and negatives) because the media
itself generally has a dynamic range of 3.2. Reflective
media, such as a photograph, generally does not have
a dynamic range greater than 2.0. Superior detail
 A high dynamic range results in scanned images in highlights
with superior detail in highlights and in shadows—
especially when scanning transparent media. Superior detail
in shadows

Image Quality—Focus Method

Epson scanners use a fixed focus system, AutoFocus optics system, or a Dual-Focus mechanism.

1. Fixed Focus: With this type of focus system, the lens is set to record everything sharply from a fixed
distance—from the lens to the glass scanning bed. The Epson Perfection and GT series scanners use a
fixed focus optics system. The newest Epson scanners have a fixed focal point just above the surface of the
glass for optimized film scanning.
Epson automatic/manual focus
2. AutoFocus optics system: Epson highest-end graphic
arts scanners use an AutoFocus optics system that can
be used in AutoFocus mode or manual mode. This
system offers these benefits:
 The Epson manual/automatic focus optics system
gives you precised sharpness control, especially
when scanning three-dimensional objects and
Standard fixed focus
transparencies.
 With three-dimensional images, you can pick
your point of focus so that background items are
captured with sharp detail, as shown in the glove
and towel in the images to the right.
 For super sharpness when scanning transparencies
or slides mounted in holders, you can set the focus
to compensate for the 2.5mm distance between the
glass and the slide.
3. Dual-Focus mechanism: One of the Epson Expression series scanners uses a
Dual-Focus mechanism. When using the scanner’s custom film holders to scan
transparent media, you can set the scanner’s focal distance to compensate for the
2.5mm distance between the glass and the media. This method eliminates the
“Newton Ring” problem that plagues less sophisticated scanners. Newton Rings are the circular rainbow-
colored patterns that appear in a scanned image, caused by surface tension. This effect is similar to the
rainbows that appear in soap bubbles.

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 Image Quality—Dual Lens System
Dual Lens System offers
A unique Dual Lens System, available on some Epson two lenses for two
scanners, automatically selects from two lenses for different resolutions.
the desired scan resolution.

High Resolution lens

Some Epson Perfection scanners
offers 4800 dpi optical resolution
with the High Resolution lens. High resolution lens

Document (8.5”)
Film Area Guide (8”)

Super Resolution lens

For a higher resolution of 6400 dpi,
the Super Resolution Lens can scan
slides and film with the bundled film
holders with a scanning width of 5.9
inches.

Super resolution lens

Film Holder (5.9”)

Image Quality—High-Pass Optics

Epson High Pass Optics includes anti-reflection optical coatings and a high reflection mirror.
 There is typically a small percentage of unwanted reflection with standard CCD glass which can
cause abnormal ghost images. The anti-reflection optical coating on the CCD cover glass minimizes
this reflection and reduces ghost images.
 With a higher reflection rate, film scanning speed is faster.

Improved
Ghost image
image quality

Scanned with normal CCD glass Scanned with anti-reflection

optical coating

Scanner Technical Brief—Page 7 6/07

 Performance—High-Performance Interfaces

In general, Epson scanners targeted to home and small office users have a USB interface for maximum ease
of use. Epson scanners targeted to corporate and graphic arts uses have USB and/or SCSI-2 interfaces for
maximum performance. An optional interface for some scanners is the IEEE-1394 (FireWire®) interface.
The key differences between the scanner interfaces are:

Key Differences USB 1.1/2.0 SCSI-2 narrow/wide FireWire

Macintosh Direct connection to Direct connection to SCSI Direct connection to FireWire-
connection USB-ready Macintosh port or installed Fast SCSI ready Power Macintosh comput-
computers PCI interface card ers and to any PCI Macintosh
with an Apple® FireWire Kit
PC connection Direct connection to Requires Fast SCSI PCI in- Direct connection to FireWire
USB port terface card port or an installed FireWire card
Daisy chaining Yes, up to 127 devices Yes, up to 8 devices Yes, up to 63 devices
via USB hub
Hot plugging* Yes No Yes
Performance Up to 1.5/60 MBps Up to 10/20 MBps Up to 50 MBps

* Hot plugging allows you to attach or detach the cable without powering off/on the scanner or computer.
Most Epson scanners that include a USB port offer the newer USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed USB).
 Hi-Speed USB is backward compatible with USB 1.1, so if you have an older computer with a USB
port, it will work with a new Epson scanner.
 You will see only the highest speeds on your scanner if you have a Hi-Speed USB port on both your
computer and your scanner.

Performance—Batch Scanning

Epson scanning software supports batch

scanning:
Place originals on
 Without batch scanning, you must scan the scanning bed
each image separately.
 With batch scanning you can define
customized settings for each framed
original, then capture each one as a
separate file—all with one scan. Select and define frames in
the scanner driver, and scan!

Flexibility—Intelligent Negative Scanning Negative Positive

With a transparency unit attached, Epson scanners can

scan color negatives (such as 35mm negative strips) and
convert them directly to positive images.
 Some other scanners can only scan positive
transparent media, such as color transparencies
and slides.
to

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 Flexibility—Network Scanning
Newer networkable Epson scanners offer the ability to connect to the network as a device (through a
network card) and don’t have to connect through a specific scan server.
Some other Epson scanners can be shared over a network, using the following procedure:
 Attach the scanner to a single computer on the network.
 Install Epson Scan Server (Windows only) on that computer.
 Install the Epson TWAIN Pro Network scanner driver on all computers that will access the scanner
over the network.

Flexibility—Epson Scan with Epson Easy Photo Fix™ Scanning Software

Epson Easy Photo Fix technology is a combination of powerful elements included in the latest Epson Scan
driver:

 Epson exclusive One-

touch Color Restoration
instantly (with just one
click!) restores faded and
discolored photographs,
slides and negatives.

Original Color corrected

 Epson Dust Removal instantly

cleans up slides and negatives
— with just one click!

Original Dust removed and color corrected

 Epson Scan Grain Reduction smooths the grain that is sometimes evident at high scanning resolutions.
When you scan a slide or film at a high resolution, the scanner is sensitive enough to pick up the slight
shadows created by the individual crystal structures in the emulsion. When you choose Grain Reduction
in the Epson Scan driver, the driver uses a slight blur effect to smooth out the grain.

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 Flexibility—Epson Scan
Epson Scan software differs slightly by scanner model. Different scanners offer three of these four distinct
scan modes to meet the needs of novice, intermediate, advanced, and business users.

 Full Auto Mode:

For the novice user—Epson Scan automatically previews the images and recognizes the document
source and type. This mode then automatically crops, uses the auto-exposure settings to optimize
images, and scans the image.

 Home Mode:
For the intermediate user—allowing adjustments of the basic image settings. Icons represent
common scan settings. Available options include automatic sizing, one-touch color restoration,
brightness and contrast adjustment, and destination/resolution choices. This mode allows the
advanced amateur to select the best of automated features and user-controlled settings.

 Professional Mode:
For the advanced user—many options are available to give you greater control over your scanning.
This mode allows the advanced user to have complete control over many sophisticated elements of
pre-scanning. These elements include the Densitometer (a tool that allows a user to hit a specific
color via numerical data), Multiple Marquee (for batch scanning), and Histogram (to correct tonal
distribution).

 Office Mode:
For the business user—the Office Mode is helpful when you need to scan a large number of
documents with the same size, using the optional Automatic Document Feeder. You can scan
documents easily and quickly without preview in this mode.

Flexibility—DIGITAL ICE™ technology from Applied Science Fiction™

DIGITAL ICE technology
from Applied Science
Fiction(ASF™) is a scanner Scratch
feature that combines
hardware and software to
remove dust and scratches
on film and remove tears,
folds, creases, and deep
scratches on photos. This Fold
feature is not available on
all Epson scanners.

Color photo before DIGITAL ICE Color photo after DIGITAL ICE

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 Flexibility—Epson Smart Panel™ software

Epson Smart Panel allows you to scan and send data directly to an assigned application or to the Epson
photo-sharing site. You can also obtain photos and documents in digital form quickly and easily.

This version of the Epson Smart Panel

includes the following features:
 RePrint Photos
 Scan and Save
 Copy Center
 Edit Text
 Business Card
 Scan for Creativity
 Scan to Application
 Scan to E-mail
 Epson Photo Site

Flexibility—Fluid Mount Accessory

In cases where film holders are not the best solutions for film Scanned
scanning, the fluid mount accessory offers: on the
document
 Scratch removal from film not supported by DIGITAL glass, this
ICE™ technology such as black and white film image shows
Newton rings
 Easy scanning of film that won’t fit into standard film and scratches.
holders
 Reduction of grain and Scanned
prevention of Newton rings using the
from curved film fluid mount
accessory, the
scratches and
Newton rings
are reduced.
Fluid Mount Accessory

EPSON is a registered trademark and Exceed Your Vision is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Epson Expression, Epson Perfection, and ColorTrue are
registered trademarks and Micro Step Drive, Easy Photo Fix, Epson Smart Panel, are trademarks of Epson America, Inc. All other products and brands are
trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in those marks. DIGITAL ICE is a trademark of
Eastman Kodak Company.
©2007 Epson America, Inc.

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