Copyright: Troubleshooting Help
Citation: Copyright (c) 2000 Ulead Systems, Inc. All rights reserved


Troubleshooting & Tips for Digital Cameras and Scanners

Ulead Photo Explorer comes with "push-model" technology that streamlines the acquisition of images from scanners and digital cameras. You can easily launch Ulead Photo Explorer then scan an image and send it directly to the printer with just a push of a button.

Experience is the best teacher for learning how to collect the best images for your Web album and your computer. By experimenting with various camera and scanner settings and techniques, you will learn how to produce high quality images with greater efficiency and ease.

Digital Camera Help

  Digital camera tips and techniques

  Photo shooting tips

  Digital camera frequently asked questions

  Digital camera troubleshooting guide

Scanner Help

  Tips for scanning

  Scanner troubleshooting guide


Use Ulead Photo Explorer to rotate images with no loss of image quality

After downloading images from your digital camera, you may sometimes need to rotate images that maybe upside down or in the wrong layout. When doing this, you have to be care in selecting the right image editing software because you may lose some image quality. Ulead Photo Explorer offers 'JPEG lossless rotation' that can do just what you need. More so, there is also a possibility of losing Exif camera information (e.g. shutter speed) in some cases. Ulead Photo Explorer offers these special functions that eliminates loss of image quality when rotating images and still keep other important camera information.


Use Ulead Photo Explorer to get instant photo information

If you select a digital camera file in Ulead Photo Explorer and use the File: Propeties function, you will see various information about the file. Digital camera files that have been directly transferred to the PC (not using TWAIN technology) have an additional tab group called "Camera Information (Exif)". Here you can see information about the picture, such as the date the picture was taken, the shutter speed and aperture, and various other information from the camera. This information is contained in the JPG file and is retained even if the photos are copied to CD or to other computers. However, you should be aware that this information is often lost when pictures are re-saved in image editors and other software.


What is Exif?

Exif is a standard for extensions to JPEG, used in digital cameras. The files you read from your camera look like regular JPEG (*.JPG) files but contain extra information defined by this standard. Exif also only allows certain types of JPEG options.

The file contains information about the date of the picture, camera settings, color encoding, sounds recorded when the picture was taken, and Global Positioning System (GPS) information (if supported by the hardware).

The Exif standard was developed by the Japanese Electronics Industry Development Association (JEIDA). The current Exif standard version is 2.1.


Use CD-R or CD-RW to backup your data

Many people store traditional photographic negatives for many years so that future generations can look back on family memories or important events. Negatives can be kept for a long time. You can create new prints if the original prints are lost or damaged. So, treat your digital photographs the same way. Unlike traditional photographic materials, the image quality will not degrade over time, but you must be careful to store the file safely. Digital storage devices have limited lifetimes and can fail. Do not keep all your photographs on your computer hard disk. Hard disks can fail and when they do, seldom will you have any chance of recovering data. Backup your files regularly! Tapes and floppy disks can be used but they only last 5-10 years. CD-R (recordable CDs), on the other hand, should last 100 years if stored carefully. CD-RW, do not last as long. It is usually possible to store hundreds of digital camera pictures on one CD, and since it is easy and cheap, you can easily make copies.


Select the right size images for your application

Small images require much less hard disk space and processing time than large ones. Be aware of how much disk space you have on your system when you take your pictures. If your available disk space is limited, you may only be able to copy a few photographs from your camera to the computer.

If you plan to use your pictures on the Web, smaller pictures may be better. Typical digital camera pictures are over 1000 pixels wide and 500K bytes in size. Pictures used on the Web are usually much smaller (say 500 pixels wide and less than 100K). You can use camera settings to take smaller pictures or use Ulead Photo Explorer 6.0 to reduce the size of the pictures.

Some cameras allow you to adjust the photo compression before you take the pictures. By increasing the compression, you will get smaller file sizes. This allows you to collect more images in your camera (like getting a longer roll of film) and copy more to your computer. If you only have a small memory card, you can use a lower resolution setting to take more pictures. However, images with higher compression will not be so sharp or as accurate as images with lower compression.

Some cameras offer very high quality modes for special applications. Use these with care, since the files are large and the image quality is not necessarily better.


For much faster transfers…

Connecting your camera to a computer using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable makes for much faster transfers, about 10 times faster than with RS232 serial cables. Most computers manufactured in the last few years have USB ports (usually on the back) of the computer. Since the connectors are quite small, many users are unaware that they have USB capability. The connectors look like small rectangular holes about one half inch by one quarter (12 x 5mm). To use the USB port, you will need a camera with a USB connector, a special cable (usually supplied with the camera) and Windows 98 or later on your PC.

Note: You can also use USB cable for scanners for much faster transfers.


Be careful when editing JPEG files

Most digital cameras store images as JPEG (*.JPG) files. In these files, the image data is highly compressed. It is easy to lose image quality, even if you open and save a JPEG file without editing it because the data will be recompressed when it is saved. Some loss of image quality occurs each time the image is saved. To avoid overwriting your original files save them as copies in a different folder from the original photographs.


Be careful not to damage the original files

The files you download from your digital camera are the only copies of your photographs. Be careful to keep copies of the originals. Many editing operations can damage the original data, sometimes in subtle ways. Be organized in the way you file and backup data from your camera so that you can keep your memories safe!


Avoid using TWAIN to download from digital cameras

Many cameras offer TWAIN download from digital cameras, and it can be convenient to use. However, in most cases, the JPEG images from the camera will be decompressed and resaved with some loss of image quality. Exif camera information embedded in the file will also be lost. Try to copy images directly from the camera or memory card to your PC, or use the special transfer software that came with your camera. The Ulead Photo Explorer Digital Camera Wizard can be used with many cameras to avoid the problems associated with TWAIN transfers.


Consider using a memory card reader

There are many advantages in using a memory card reader when downloading images from your camera. It is generally much faster than serial connections, and some readers are faster than USB connections. Memory card readers come in two forms – either an adaptor for PCMCIA cards (used with notebook computers) or as stand alone units for Compact Flash or SmartMedia types of cards (sometimes both). All use the power from your computer instead of the camera batteries.


Avoid copying files directly from card readers

It is tempting to drag and drop files from memory card readers. Be aware, though, that the folder structure used by digital cameras is quite complicated, making it easy to select the wrong files or create errors in the structure. When you delete files using some operating systems, the files are not deleted but instead placed in a special ‘trash’ folder. Since they are still on the card (in the trash) the space is not freed-up. This situation is very hard to rectify later when the card is back in the camera, because most cameras do not recognize the trash folder. Use the Digital Camera Wizard in Ulead Photo Explorer 6.0 to avoid these problems.


Avoid formatting digital camera memory cards on your computer

It is not advisable to format digital camera flash memory cards on your computer. Some cameras have trouble reading cards formatted in this way. All cameras have functions that will format and clear the cards, and it is best to use them when you buy a new memory card.

The problems arise because the computer selects different default sizes for disk blocks and directory sizes. Computers can read flexible layouts while the cameras don't.


Do not delete files until you are sure that they are downloaded to your computer

It is easy to make mistakes when copying files from the camera to your computer. Make sure to check that the files are copied correctly before you clear the camera or memory card.


Try using your camera as a scanner!

Digital cameras with over 1M pixel sensors can capture a page of text from a book, magazine or newspaper, and much more quickly than a scanner. They can also be used to capture other similar things, such as whiteboards in meeting rooms.

1.	If you want to try this, select a high-resolution capture mode in your camera.

2.	Also try to ensure the lighting on the document is even and there are no shadows on the document or whiteboard. It is usually best to turn off the flash in the camera and use better room lighting or daylight.

3.	Select close-up mode if your camera offers it (the button sometimes has a picture of a small flower on it).

4.	Hold the camera straight and directly above the document.

5.	Use a medium zoom setting, not wide angle or telephoto, to minimize barrel distortion. Note that the optical viewfinders of some cameras do not work well for close-ups so use the LCD display on the camera to set it up if you can.

6.	After taking the pictures, use the Turn Background into White function in Ulead Photo Explorer 6.0 to clean up the shots, especially if you want to print them.


Try printing your photos

If you use a 1M pixel or better digital camera, try printing the photos on special photo printers, or use photo printing services that specialize in digital prints. The results can be very good and, although the cost per print can be higher than conventional photography, you can get higher quality prints with a more select number of photos.


Try sharing your photos online

Ulead Photo Explorer 6.0 contains special features for uploading your photographs to the iMira.com photo sharing Web site. This can be an easy and cheap way to share pictures with distant family members or friends.


Try making image panoramas in Ulead COOL 360!

Digital cameras are ideal for taking panoramic images. You can, for instance, take a series of shots of a large landscape scene and then use special software to stitch the images together into a much larger picture. The results can be very impressive. To do this you will need software such as Ulead’s COOL 360 to perform the stitching functions. Learn more about this on Ulead’s Web site at http://www.ulead.com/cool360/runme.htm.


Digital Camera Tips and Techniques

  Use Ulead Photo Explorer to rotate images with no loss of image quality

  Use Ulead Photo Explorer to get instant photo information

  What is Exif?

  Use CD-R or CD-RW to backup your data

  Select the right size images for your application

  For much faster transfers…

  Be careful when editing JPEG files

  Be careful not to damage the original files

  Avoid using TWAIN to download from digital cameras

  Consider using a memory card reader

  Avoid copying files directly from card readers

  Avoid formatting digital camera memory cards on your computer

  Do not delete files until you are sure that they are downloaded to your computer

  Try using your camera as a scanner!

  Try printing your photos

  Try sharing your photos online

  Try making image panoramas in Ulead Cool 360!


Photo Shooting Tips

  Treat your digital camera carefully

  Learn how your camera works

  Keep plenty of batteries and memory cards with you

  Learn to take more pictures

  Learn to take better pictures

  Make sure you have adequate lighting

  Taking pictures using a flash

  Focusing your camera


Treat your digital camera carefully

Because digital cameras have extremely small and complex optical and electronic systems, they need to be treated carefully. Avoid using your camera in wet or dusty conditions – you should be very careful on the beach for example. If your camera does get wet, absorb excess moisture with tissue paper and then dry the camera out carefully in a warm dry place before turning it on again.

Although the lenses are small, they can get dirty, clean them with special brushes and cloths available at photo stores.


Learn how your camera works

Many digital cameras contain a range of features to help you take great pictures. This is especially important when taking pictures in poor lighting conditions or taking pictures of fast moving objects. Read the instructions that came with your camera and experiment to find out how to take the best pictures. There are many differences between film and digital cameras, so even if you are used to using a film camera, you may find it useful to learn about these differences.


Keep plenty of batteries and memory cards with you

When using a digital camera, make sure you have enough batteries. Digital cameras use a lot of power, especially if you frequently use the display. Make sure you have spare batteries with you, and recharge the rechargeable batteries before going out. Also, make sure you have enough memory cards to store your photos. If you use a card reader to read the files into your computer, check that you have put the card back in the camera before you go and take more pictures!


Learn digital photography by taking a large number of pictures

The cost of taking pictures with a digital camera is low compared to conventional photography. If you have enough batteries and memory card space, then you can learn photography by taking many pictures. You can take more daring and experimental shots, too. The ones that do not work out can be quickly deleted later.


Learn to take better pictures

Good photographs are important for both technical and aesthetic reasons. While the aesthetic issues are a matter of personal taste, many otherwise great photos are spoiled by poor technique. Here are some things to keep in mind when taking pictures:

1.	Get closer Most amateurs frame the picture too far away from their subjects. Look through the viewfinder! This is especially important when photographing people. Professionals typically use long lenses (85-105mm) for portraits. Most point and shoot cameras, on the other hand, have 35mm lenses.

2.	Include people in your shots The addition of people to pictures add atmosphere and context. It makes the subject easier to relate to and sometimes gives a sense of scale for small or large objects.

3.	Capture a natural pose Keep the people moving and try to ‘catch the moment’ instead of having them pose.

4.	Simplify the composition Simple compositions are easier to understand. Uncluttered backgrounds offer less to distract the viewer and allow them to focus on the subject material

5.	Put the subject off-center Try to place the main subject off-center in the picture. Professionals use a ‘rule-of-thirds’ and place the main subject one third of the way across the frame. Why this works is not well understood, but it can be very effective.

6.	Vary the angle Taking pictures at unusual angles can add humor and drama. Typical snapshots are taken from eye-level, but there are many other possibilities.

7.	Put the foreground into the scene Foreground detail gives depth to the shot and adds interest and context. It can also be used to frame the subject.

8.	Pay attention to lighting Where is the sun? Direct sunlight can give too much contrast but not enough light. This leads to poor images and possibly camera shake. Light alone can ‘make the shot’.

9.	Use a flash A flash can be used to improve the lighting, even outdoors on overcast days. But be aware that the effective range is very limited. Adding natural light to a room will make the effect look more natural.

10.	Hold still Camera movement can spoil potentially great shots, making the resulting photo appear out of focus. Hold the camera steady by bracing against objects or use a tripod. You can also use a flash to capture a subject in situations where motion is inevitable.


Make sure you have adequate lighting

Just like with normal photography, lighting plays an important role in digital photography. If your subject is too dark for your regular camera, it may be too dark for the digital one also. And unlike regular cameras, most digital cameras do not allow you to change shutter speeds directly. Digital cameras usually select shutter speed automatically – be aware when your camera selects a speed that is too slow to hold by hand and use a tripod. Digital cameras can also compensate for low lighting conditions by increasing the gain on internal electronics (it is like using a faster ASA film). But the increased gain will lead to increase in noise and poorer color performance.


Taking pictures using a flash
Taking pictures using the flash

Flash photography is pretty easy using today's modern cameras. Still, there are a few tricks you can learn to take the best possible photographs.

  Avoid "Red Eye" "Red Eye" occurs when your subject's eyes have trouble adjusting to the change in lighting caused by a camera's flash. There are a couple ways to correct this. First, if your camera has a "no red eye" flash setting, use it when you take flash photographs. This causes the flash to blink rapidly before the camera takes the picture, thus enabling your subject's eyes to adjust to the light. If your camera does not have this feature, use an image editing program to fix the problem after you take the picture.

  Avoid washed out pictures Most professional photographers try to avoid taking pictures with the flash pointed directly at the subject. This is because the flash often creates unwanted shadows and washes out details of the photograph. By supplementing the flash with other light sources, and by diffusing the light through large screens, you can prevent this problem from occurring. But for most of us, this is an expensive and complicated procedure.

  Shoot through glass If the subject is behind a glass or other reflective surface, try not to point the flash head on. The light from your flash will most likely make your subject appear unclear, and will certainly fill your picture with an unwanted bright spot. You can avoid this by shooting these types of pictures at an angle. For best results, try shooting at greater than 60-degrees.


Focusing your camera

Many digital cameras have advanced auto-focus features to help you capture the best possible photo with the least difficulty. But sometimes the lighting or other conditions make it difficult for your camera to focus effectively. Here are some ways to make sure that the subjects of your pictures are as clear as possible:

  Focus between the people This often happens when you take a picture of two people. The camera will focus on a piece of background that is at the center of the picture between the two people. Try to focus on one person first and then frame the shot.

  Low contrast, strong backlight, or bright reflections If any of these conditions exist, focus on another subject that is about the same distance from you and lock the focus on that subject. Then return to your subject to take the picture. (See your camera's user manual for how to lock the focus.)

  Multiple distances If the subjects of your photo are at different distances from you, focus on the most important subject. If you focus on a subject in between your primary subjects, chances are that both subjects will be out of focus.

  Too dark for the auto-focus to work Some auto-focus systems do not work in low lighting conditions. When they cannot get focus lock, they stop the camera from shooting.


Digital Camera Troubleshooting Guide

  If your camera doesn't work...

  The batteries are OK, but the camera still won't shoot...

  I cannot see the pictures on my memory card when it is plugged into an adaptor and placed in a notebook PCMCIA port


If your camera doesn't work…
If your camera doesn't work...

Chances are, it is just a small oversight that is preventing your camera from working properly. Check the following to make sure everything is OK:

1.	Are your batteries installed properly and charged? Check and replace them if necessary. It is always a good idea to have a spare set of fully charged batteries handy when you use your camera. (Note: Always replace all the batteries with a fully charged set. Only replacing some of the batteries results in a group of batteries with different charge levels. This can lead to unstable camera operation and shorter battery life.)

2.	Are you using the correct kinds of batteries? Check your camera's user manual to make sure the batteries in your camera are the right type.

3.	Are the contacts between the batteries and the camera dirty? Remove the batteries and, using a clean, dry cloth, carefully wipe the batteries and the camera contacts to remove dirt and other foreign particles. Then replace the batteries in the compartment.


The batteries are OK, but the camera still doesn't take pictures…
The batteries are OK, but the camera still doesn't take pictures...

Take a moment to make sure your camera is set properly to take pictures:

1.	Make sure your lens cover is open.

2.	Check to see if your storage device is properly inserted into the camera.

3.	Make sure you have enough space available in the storage device for another picture. (It is always a good idea to keep at least one extra storage device with you at all times.)

4.	If you are taking indoor photos using a flash, make sure that the flash is fully charged. Most cameras have a flash indicator that tells when the flash is ready and when it is recharging.

5.	Make sure you are in the right mode before taking a picture. (Most cameras have a "Take picture" and a "Display picture" mode that you need to set.)


I cannot see the pictures on my memory card when it is plugged into an adaptor and placed in a notebook PCMCIA port

Some older models of computer and earlier operating systems have trouble reading flash memory cards from digital cameras. It sometimes looks as if there are no images on the card.

Finding a general solution for these problems is difficult, but possible solutions include:

  Using memory cards from different manufacturers

  Upgrading the PCMCIA card drivers

  Upgrading the computer’s operating system

  Using a USB based card reader


Digital Camera Frequently Asked Questions

  What can I do to make the batteries last longer in my camera?

  Why does my digital camera have a 6-15mm lens and my film camera have a 28-72mm lens?

  Can I use Ulead Photo Explorer to transfer photos from my computer to my camera?

  Can I use Ulead Photo Explorer to look at pictures while they are still in my camera?

  How will I know if all the pictures are transferred correctly?

  Does my camera have to be on to transfer pictures?

  What does lossless JPEG rotation mean?

  How does the Digital Camera Wizard know where the files are on the memory card?


What can I do to make the batteries last longer in my camera?

  Most of the power used by a digital camera is used to run the LCD display on the back of the camera. If you can, avoid or limit the use of LCD display. The batteries will last a lot longer.

  Using a memory card reader will also help to save your batteries, especially if you use a slow connection like RS232 serial.

  Some brands of batteries do not work well in the high-drain conditions of a digital camera and will seem to be dead after a short period of use (ironically they can then be used to power children’s toys or other devices for a long time!). Use batteries that are designed for use in high-drain devices or special ‘photo batteries’. Battery manufactures are aware of these problems and change their designs for these applications.

  Some cameras can use rechargeable batteries. Although they are expensive, they can save a lot of money in the long run if you take a lot of pictures.

  Low temperatures affect the performance of some batteries. If you plan to take pictures in sub-zero conditions, try to keep the camera (and hence the batteries) warm, perhaps by keeping it in your pocket.


Why does my digital camera have a 6-15mm lens and my film camera have a 28-72mm lens?

These values refer to the focal length of the camera lens at different zoom settings. Lower numbers are wide angle while higher numbers are telephoto. They are often marked on the lens. Since the CCD (the device used to collect the light) in the digital camera is much smaller than a film camera, all the lenses and their focal lengths are smaller too. A digital camera with a 6-15mm lens and a certain size of CCD has exactly the same range as a regular film camera with a 28-72mm zoom lens. To further complicate the issue, the sizes of CCDs used in cameras are not standard. To make it easier, some manufacturers quote their zoom lenses in “35mm equivalent” sizes, which is more convenient (note that in this case, the 35mm refers to the size of traditional film!). The following shows how this works:

Conventional 35mm	Typical digital	Range
film camera	camera

< 20mm	< 4.3mm	Very wide angle

21-35mm	4.5-7.5mm	Wide angle

50mm	10.7mm	Normal - similar

to what your eye

would see

70-200mm	15-43mm	Telephoto

or more

Different zoom settings have different effect on perspective in the picture. Wide-angle lenses distort pictures of people faces and tend to make them look fatter with larger noses!

Sometimes lenses are quoted as 2X or 3X. This refers to the range, so a 25-50mm would be 2X and 25-75mm would be 3X. This measurement is used more often for video cameras. When buying a camera, keep in mind that X values cannot be compared. You should also look at the range covered; a 70-140mm lens would be 2X, but would not be able to photograph close subjects, a 35-70mm lens is also 2X but would offer very different results.


Can I use Ulead Photo Explorer to transfer photos from my computer to my camera?

Some cameras allow you to transfer images to the camera and all card readers allow you to write images to memory cards. If you want to do this, be careful! There are restrictions on the size, type and name of files that your camera can accept and display. In general, you should only put images that were taken using the camera back on the camera. Cameras, unlike computers, are very limited in the types and sizes of JPG files they can display. Cameras typically follow strict naming and numbering conventions for images and are unable to recognize images with other names. You are not likely to damage the camera if you make a mistake.


Can I use Ulead Photo Explorer to look at pictures while they are still in my camera?

Some cameras support the ability to browse the images while they are still in the camera. You have to locate the drive letter or folder that your camera uses to communicate with your computer. The internal folder structure of the camera is also quite complicated in some cases. Performance can also be slow because the image data has to be transferred across the cable to your computer. In general, the easiest way is to first transfer all the images from the camera to your PC and then to view them.


How will I know if all the pictures are transferred correctly?

First, run the software to transfer your images to your computer. If no error messages are displayed, then use Ulead Photo Explorer 6.0 to visually check that all the images are there. You need to look for the folder where the images were transferred. If you use Ulead Photo Explorer’s Digital Camera Wizard you will be taken directly to that folder.


Does my camera have to be turned on to transfer pictures?

If you are transferring from camera to PC, use a USB or RS232 cable. Then, your camera needs to be turned on. It will usually need to be set to a special computer transfer mode. Check the instructions that came with your camera to find out how to do this.


What does lossless JPEG rotation mean?

If you open a JPEG file in a conventional image editor, rotate it, and then save it again there will some loss of image quality. This occurs when the image is re-saved to the JPEG file. No matter what setting you use to re-save the image, there will be some loss. The loss may be difficult to see, and may not be visible until you open the file again. Each time you save the image will degrade a little.

The lossless JPEG rotation used in Ulead Photo Explorer 6.0 can avoid this problem as long as the rotation is 90, 180 or 270 degrees. The program re-arranges the compressed JPEG file so that the image is rotated without recompressing the data.

Note that although this works fine for digital camera pictures, you may notice slight changes to the image for other JPEG files if the width and height are not a multiple of 8. A few pixels may be lost from the edge of the image. Very advanced users may also notice some rearrangement of the internal tag information in the JPEG file. In almost all applications, this does not matter.


How does the Digital Camera Wizard know where the files are on the memory card?

Most cameras conform to a standard called JEIDA DCF, which explains the layout and naming rules for the camera files. This makes it easy for the Digital Camera Wizard in Ulead Photo Explorer to locate and transfer the files. Even if the layout does not conform, the Wizard will often be able to find the files without a problem.


Limit the image size when possible

Small images require much less hard disk space and processing time than large ones. Before you start scanning, note the estimated file size in KB (kilobytes) and compare it to your available hard disk space. If the expected file size for the scanned image will be greater than the available disk space, your scan will be faulty. To control file size, make sure to select only the area you want to keep before you start scanning. Here are some other things you might try to limit the file size:

1.	If your scanner supports sharpening, try scanning at a lower resolution with sharpening.

2.	Save True Color or Grayscale images as JPEG (*.JPG) files.

   Other scanning tips


Scan in the same color mode as the output device

For most accurate reproduction, scan your images using the same data type as that of the final intended output device. This may also help you control file size. Here are some examples:

  	OCR Text Black and white.

  	Line art Black and white.

  	Laser printer Grayscale.

  	Monitor High Color/True Color.

  	Post production True color (CMYK).

   Other scanning tips


Scan good quality images and text

You always lose some image information when you scan. But by carefully choosing your images and settings, you can minimize problems. For example, don't try to scan extremely light or dark images or those with very low contrast.

   Other scanning tips


Scan photographs instead of printed pictures

Images from magazines or books are composed of tiny dots. The typical resolution for color typesetting is 180 or 300 dpi, so scanning at higher resolution does not produce better result. As a matter of fact, they may even be worse.

The scanner often sees white dots in between the printed color dots. To preserve accurate toning details, scan photographs instead of printed materials.

   Other scanning tips


Highest resolution is not always the best solution

High resolution images take enormous amounts of disk space. If the image is scanned at higher resolution than what it is displayed at, that does not mean the result is going to be better. The standard color typesetting resolution is 180 dpi and a standard photograph ranges from 400 to 600 dpi. Similarly, exceeding the resolution capabilities of your output device or monitor will not result in higher image quality. A standard VGA monitor display resolution in Windows is 72 dpi (Windows large fonts) or 96 dpi (Windows small fonts).

   Other scanning tips


Experiment with different settings

Scan images using different settings. Compare the results on your screen to select the one that suits your needs. Some image editing programs have many functions to help you enhance your scanned images until you are satisfied with the results.

   Other scanning tips


If you have trouble in getting your scanner to work…
If you have trouble in getting your scanner to work...

When using Ulead Photo Explorer to acquire an image, make sure that your TWAIN driver, (provided by the scanner vendor), is correctly installed. The TWAIN driver is activated through the Acquire command in your software application, and it processes the scanned data to be transferred to the program. Also, you need to select the data source first before starting the scanning process. There may be more than one device attached to your computer and you need to specify which one to use. These steps will help you get started.

1.	Check if the scanner power switch is on.

2.	Check if there are any loose connections between your computer and the scanner. Try scanning again.

3.	If it still doesn't work, choose "TWAIN Acquire: Select Source" from Ulead Photo Explorer's File menu.

4.	Check if your scanner's model name is on the data source list. If not, install the TWAIN driver to later OS versions tool and then repeat step 3 to check if it was installed correctly. (If you still can't find your scanner's model name, please contact your scanner vendor for more information on how to correctly install the TWAIN driver in later OS versions tool.)

5.	Specify the file type and the file name pattern to save for the acquired image. All images are saved in the current folder.

6.	From the File menu, choose "TWAIN Acquire: Acquire Now."

7.	Click Acquire to start scanning.

   Other common scanning problems


If you get a "TWAIN error" message...

There are three systems that interact with each other when you capture an image: the TWAIN-compatible input device, the TWAIN driver, and the TWAIN-compatible application. Each has its own set of conditions that must be met before you can successfully scan an image. Most of the time, the TWAIN-driver is not properly installed and this is what's causing the problem. Try the following before contacting your vendor about a problem.

1.	Make sure power for your camera or scanner is available.

2.	Check the connection between your computer and the camera or scanner and then try again.

3.	From the File menu, choose "TWAIN Acquire: Select Source" to see if your data source name is listed. If it is, select it. Otherwise, install your TWAIN driver and try again.

4.	If it still doesn't work, please contact your vendor for information on how to install the TWAIN driver in later OS versions tool and how to avoid hardware conflict with the interface adapter.

   Other common scanning problems

   Other common digital camera problems


If your scanned image quality is poor and filled with horizontal lines...

Chances are your scanner is not calibrated. Calibration is the process of correcting the scanner to account for differences between the monitor, scanner, and the printer. Try the following:

  	Check your scanner calibration test image and software routines that are provided by most scanner vendors. Make sure that this is correctly set.

  	For hand-held scanners, try scanning at a slower and steadier pace. Make sure that the image to scan is placed on a flat surface.

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image is spotty...

Images that require a lot of colors need to be scanned at a higher resolution so that colors blend more smoothly.

1.	Check your scanner resolution. Your settings may be low for your output device.

2.	Check your monitor display settings. If you are at 256-Color mode setting, change it to High Color mode (16-bit) or True Color mode (24-bit) for 16.7 million colors.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image's colors are incorrect...

Most desktop color scanners scan images by using red, green, and blue light sources, but most color printers generate images by using cyan, yellow, magenta, and black inks. As the image data is translated from one device to another, the resulting colors may shift and become unacceptable. Even when working with monochrome images, details visible in the shadows and highlights may be lost when printed out. Check your scanner calibration test image and software routines that are provided by most scanner vendors. Make sure that you have the correct settings.

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image has jagged edges and lacks details...

Scanning at very low resolutions commonly causes this problem. Since scanning results in a loss of image data, lower resolution settings will detect even less image data. Check the resolution settings, they may need to be set higher.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


If your scanned image display is too large or too small on the screen...

Images displayed on the screen are related to the monitor's resolution settings. To change your display resolution:

1.	Right click on an empty space on your desktop.

2.	From the Windows Display Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab.

3.	From the Desktop area, drag the slider to a higher resolution for small sized images or lower resolution for larger ones.

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


If patterns appear on your scanned image...

They are caused by scanning halftoned images or changing the size of a scanned image in an application. Try the following suggestions:

  	Avoid sharpening when scanning halftoned images.

  	Scan halftoned images in the right direction to avoid rotating after scanning.

  	Select halftone diffusion to scan halftoned images when using a desktop printer as an output device.

  	Lower the resolution by a small amount when scanning grayscale or color images.

  	Place one or more sheet protectors on the scanner glass when scanning original artwork. Put the image face down on top of the sheet protectors.

  	Try using scaling in your scanner to change the image size before bringing it into an application.

   Other common scanning problems


If an image takes too long to scan...

The scanning process time depends on the produced file size of the image being scanned, scanner settings, and your computer configuration, such as the RAM, CPU, hard drive, and bus speed. Try the following steps to control the speed without changing your computer configuration:

1.	Check the file size of the pre-scanned image. Larger files take longer processing time.

2.	Select only the portion needed.

3.	Choose the best resolution settings.

4.	Close some running applications to free up some space/memory.

  Limit the image size when possible

  How to calculate resolution for output devices

  How much resolution is enough

   Other common scanning problems


How much resolution is enough?

When scanning, the relationship between your scanner and the output device is important in determining the resolution. The following suggestions may be helpful in deciding:

  	Scan for the intended output device. For monitors, use 72 dpi (Windows large fonts), 96 dpi (Windows small fonts), laser printers 300-600 dpi, and photo-quality 1200-2400 dpi.

  	Scan at higher resolution (2x the original) when doing extensive image processing to work with as much information as possible.

  	Scan at higher resolution when enlarging the image to scan.

  	Scan at 1.5 to 2x the intended halftone screen's lines per inch when sending the file to a post production house to create halftones.

   Other scanning tips


If your scanned image is too light or too dark...

1.	Check if your scanner has a brightness control feature. If it does, use it to adjust the brightness. If your scanner does not have this or if after adjusting you're still not satisfied with the result, continue with the next step.

2.	Check your scanner calibration to adjust the color differences between your scanner and the output devices.

3.	Use the scanner calibration test image and software routines that are provided by most scanner vendors.

   Other common scanning problems


How to calculate the resolution for output devices?

The relationship between your scanner and output device is important in choosing the right resolution. Scanners reproduce grayscale and color variations by increasing the amount of data for each pixel (or dot) in a picture. Printers however, simulate grayscale and color variations by arranging dots into larger ones called halftone cells. Desktop laser printers generate 53 halftone cells per inch, whereas high-resolution image setters print up to 133 halftone cells per inch. While printer dots are typically measured in dots per inch (dpi), halftone cells are measured in lines per inch (lpi). Use this formula in calculating the resolution to use in scanning grayscale and color images for your output device.

1.	Multiply the lpi (lines per inch) setting of your output device by one and a half.

2.	Set the result to be the dpi setting for the scanner. For example, if your final output device is a desktop laser printer, that will be 53 x 1.5 to get the dpi setting for the scanner. In this example, the appropriate dpi is 80. (Round off decimals.)

   Other scanning tips


Benefits of a 36-bit internal scanner (vs. 24-bit)

Some scanners provide a 36-bit scanning capability for color images, and 16-bit scanning capability for grayscale images. This feature allows you to capture more image data when scanning.

  	The additional data captured results in better image quality. However, most software applications support only 24-bit files. Ulead Photo Explorer, PhotoImpact and Photo Express support 48-bit True Color image and 16-bit Grayscale. These two data types mean that you can now capture and save high quality images. Currently, only *.TIF file format supports saving over 24-bit image.

  	Better shadow detail appears in the scanned image. This is useful when scanning darker images. It also improves the results when the original image is poorly exposed.

Gaps resulting from the tone mapping process are minimized.

   Other scanning tips


In scanning, the tones of the original image are mapped to the modified tones in the scanned image. When the range of input tones is smaller than the output tones, this results in gaps in the mapping of the scanned image. Gaps cause color problems in the scanned image and are most apparent in grayscale images. A 36-bit internal scanner's range of input tones exceeds the range of output tones, thus eliminating gaps in the mapping process, resulting in more continuous and high-resolution tones in the scanned image.


If your image to scan is too big for your scanner…

When scanning an image that doesn't fit in your scanner, try splitting it into portions and then use an image editing program to join them together.

   Other common scanning problems


Scanner Troubleshooting Guide

  If you have trouble in getting your scanner to work…

  If you get a "TWAIN error" message...

  If your image to scan is too big for your scanner...

  If your scanned image display is too large or too small on the screen...

  If your scanned image is too light or too dark...

  If your scanned image's colors are incorrect...

  If your scanned image is spotty...

  If your scanned image quality is poor and filled with horizontal lines...

  If your scanned image has jagged edges and lacks details...

  If patterns appear on your scanned image...

  If an image takes too long to scan...


Tips for Scanning

  Scan in the same color mode as the output device

  Scan good quality images and text

  Scan photographs instead of printed pictures

  Limit the image size when possible

  Highest resolution is not always the best solution

  How much resolution is enough?

  How to calculate resolution for output devices?

  Experiment with different settings

  Benefits of a 36-bit internal scanner (vs. 24-bit)