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The Paradigm ImagePro Gx42 HD (high-definition) scanner series.

Paradigm Imaging recently revealed its first scanner, the ImagePro GxT 42 HD series, an OEM version of the Colortrac SmartLF Gx 42.

by Henrik Vestermark

This article is kindly reproduced courtesy of the author, Henrik Vestermark, an independent consultant with professional experience in the wide-format scanner industry since 1988. Previously Contex's Vice President for the Americas his expertise includes all aspects of the wide-format and large-format digital capture market, with experience in development, sales and marketing for a wide-format scanner manufacturer. In 2006, Vestermark started The Other Solutions, a web-based company focusing on delivery of affordable solutions and consultancy to the IT and wide-format markets, specializing in the identification of business needs and justification of solutions. He currently lives in Idaho.

hve@theothersolutions.com
http://www.theothersolutions.com

The Paradigm ImagePro Gx42 HD (high-definition) scanner series.

High-Definition Scanning: The ImagePRO Gx 42

20th March, 2007.
By: Henrik Vestermark
This article first appeared in Geospatial Solutions.
See: http://geospatial-online.com

Paradigm Imaging Group recently revealed its first scanner, the ImagePro Gx42 HD (high-definition) series. Paradigm has been a major scanner distributor in North America for years, selling scanners from Graphtec, Colortrac, and Vidar.

See: http://www.paradigmimaging.com ImagePro Gx42 HD

The new series comprises six different scanner models that fulfill different needs for the CAD, GIS, graphic arts, and reprographic markets. The ImagePRO is not just another scanner. It features new scanning technology, ImageFLOW software, and true scanner configuration flexibility, making it easy to fit individual needs in a cost-effective manner.

All the ImagePRO scanners share the same hardware platform, although there are two variations. The GxT Thick series models can scan materials up to 0.8 inch thick, and the Thin series handles items up to 0.02 inch thick.

The ImagePRO 42-inch-wide scanner fits mainstream needs in the GIS world. In the past, 36-inch-wide scanners were the norm, but with improved technology and lower prices, 42-inch-wide scanners are becoming the default choice. In addition, the high optical resolutions should satisfy the GIS community's demand for geometrical accuracy.

The ImagePRO series includes the ImagePRO scanner, the scanner stand, and the ImageFLOW scan-to-file and scan-to-print software in a bundled solution. Each scanner in the series comes standard with a two-year onsite service warranty within the United States and Canada.

Flexible Configurations

Each scanner model comes in three different configurations:

  • M — 6-ips monochrome-only
  • C — 6-ips monochrome and 0.75-ips color
  • E — 6-ips monochrome and 3-ips color.

If needed, you can upgrade the scanner onsite from basic monochrome to 0.75-ips color or the 3-ips color model, or from the 0.75-ips color model to the 3-ips color model. According to Paradigm, the upgrade price is simply the difference in price between the models.

The ImagePRO scanner uses digital camera units that are miniaturized into black box components about the size of a hard drive.

This is one of the few scanners in the industry that lets you upgrade from a monochrome-only scanner to a color scanner with moderate color speed, and finally to a color scanner with fast color performance, all within one hardware unit. When I attended the ESRI Conference in San Diego last year, I was surprised by how many users still have legacy drawings like maps or aerial photographs in black-and-white or grayscale that must be digitized. Buying one of these scanners with the ability to upgrade ensures that your investment is protected for the future. You can choose to only pay for your current monochrome needs now and when you need to scan in color, just upgrade to color for a fraction of the cost of the original scanner. ImagePro DCU

Digital Camera Unit Technology

In a large-format scanner, digital capturing of the image is done using separate cameras, lenses, filters, and mirrors. With the ImagePRO scanner, Paradigm incorporated these components into a DCU (digital camera unit), which is a single black box component not much larger than a hard drive. The ImagePRO scanner uses five DCU to form a 42" scan line.

This innovative approach is new for the industry. Each DCU is a modularized mini-assembly of mirrors, a charge-coupled device, micro lenses with coated optics, and an infrared filter. Each is capable of image capture at 1200 X 600 dpi optical resolutions — significantly higher than other scanners — in both 48-bit color and 16-bit panchromatic monochrome. It saves the 1200 X 600 dpi optical input resolution as a maximum 600 X 600 dpi optical resolution output.

The unit is considerably less vulnerable to the outside torsion forces that make most other scanners go out of alignment. This problem frequently happens when scanners are moved around or are exposed to temperature changes. The ImagePRO scanner uses five of these DCU units at fixed positions across the scan width of the scanner, and a 250-line buffer for digital alignment.

Setting Up Your GxT42

The scanner arrives in two cardboard crates; one contains the scanner and the other holds the stand. The stand is easy to assemble, even if you're alone on the job. The assembly instructions are clear and easy to understand. The hardest part of the assembly process is hoisting the scanner onto the stand. Since it weighs in at 108 pounds, two people should work together to lift and secure it.

Install Drivers and Utilities

Each scanner comes with three software programs. First, install the ImagePRO scanner driver to install the USB drivers. Then install the GX utility, the scanner utility used to calibrate the scanner, and finally ImageFLOW, the company's scanner and printer all-in-one software package. ImagePRO supports Windows image acquisition so that third-party software packages can acquire images from the scanner.

Scanner Calibration

For optimal scans, you must calibrate your new scanner before use. The ImagePRO scanner comes with scanner calibration software and a calibration sheet that automates the process. The ImagePRO is a five-DCU scanner, and the first step in the calibration process is to ensure that all five DCUs are aligned correctly. Although the DCUs are fixed, the firmware automatically stitches the camera electronically, creating a smooth transition between the DCUs. The next step is to normalize the scanner and calibrate the black and white points and the DCU-to-DCU calibration. The normalization process, the fastest I've found in the industry, took me less than five minutes.

ImageFLOW ImageFLOW software

ImageFLOW software offers a user-friendly interface for the novice, plus excellent tools for all users.

The ImageFLOW software is Paradigm's new all-in-one package that helps you scan, preview, print, and copy images. It's included with all ImagePRO scanners at no additional charge. ImageFLOW software truly enhances the experience for the operator. All the buttons are logically placed with a left-side view, plus a preview, and the right-hand side lists controls. At the lower-right corner are the three main functions for scanning, printing, and copying.

ImageFLOW also supports scan-to-print operations for more than 550 printers. Printing is organized around a RIP system so you can create sets and manipulate the print queue. Another nice feature is that you can integrate prints from other software packages into the ImageFLOW printing queue, yielding a comprehensive company-wide ripping, queuing, and printing system.

Scanning in ImageFLOW

Scanning with ImageFLOW is simple:

  • Select the scanning mode (color, grayscale, or black-and-white).
  • Next, select one of the eight presets, or click the Edit button to customize a scan setting.
  • Click the Size buttons for selections on scanning sizes.
  • Finally, click the Scan button and select file format and destination file.

Scanning Modes

For all scanning modes, first set the scan modes to color, graytone, or black-and-white, and then adjust the scanning resolution. You can either set the black and white points manually or let the software choose for you. Finally, set the contrast and brightness for all scan modes.

There are also a few individual parameters to set. For example, edge sharpening for grayscale, auto-despeckle for black and white, and 24-bit or 8-bit color.

Scan Size Settings ImageFLOW software

In the Document Size dialog box you can set your scanning size from either ISO, ANSI, or ARCH preset sizes or you can set your own sizes. ImageFLOW tracks recent sizes you've used so you can quickly choose it again to save time.

In the Document Size dialog box you can also use the automatic settings in the upper right so that ImageFLOW determines the actual document size. This feature is very handy when performing uninterrupted batch scanning where drawings vary in the batch. If you select Automatic Deskew, the program automatically straightens tilted images and improves your scanning productivity. ImageFLOW software

Once everything's prepared, you activate scanning by opening the Scan dialog box and specifying a file name and where you want the file saved. ImageFLOW supports single and multiple page TIFF, PDF, and Postscript files, so you can batch scan drawings into the same file. This is a very welcome and convenient feature that I haven't seen in any other scanning software.

Scan Previews

ImageFLOW supports previewing and cropping of scans, making it easy to tweak the scanning process to get an acceptable scan.

ImageFLOW makes reviewing and cropping easy ImageFLOW software

You can print files either previously scanned or already on the system through the Print button in the main page of ImageFLOW. In the Print dialog box, find files using the standard browser, select the printing device with a preset printer paper profile, set the scaling and the number of copies to make, and choose Print.

You can also hold a printing job in the queue for later release. By clicking the Sets button, you can create, rearrange, and manage print sets.

The Scanner for the GIS Market

The ImagePRO scanner represents an excellent value for customers. The midrange-priced bundle includes a stand, the ImageFLOW software, and two years of onsite service in the United States and Canada at no additional charge. The support for both the scan-to-print and scan-to-file environment, the 42-inch-wide scanning capability, and the flexible configuration make this a solution I recommend for the GIS community.

GIS Applications for Wide-Format Scanning

Pros and Cons for ImagePRO scanner and ImageFLOW software

Wide-format scanning is used in a variety of ways in GIS, including reusing legacy paper maps, quick map reproduction, and bringing maps into software programs for future use.

Scan-to-File. Scan-to-file is the classic application for wide-format scanners. It originated in the CAD world and offers GIS users a way to reuse legacy paper maps by scanning them into an electronic format or directly into the GIS system. This allows businesses to recoup invested intellectual property from legacy maps.

Typically, two approaches exist for this process. The first is to convert maps on demand, and the second is to convert all legacy maps into an electronic map archive. The latter reduces the amount of storage space needed and prevents further deterioration of maps, which can justify the financial output for an office-wide scan-to-file process. Disaster recovery is another application for scan-to-file. A city engineering department, for example, can use a scanner to make electronic copies of drawings of bridges, utility lines, buildings, and the like and store them in a safe, fireproof location.

There are two viable options for the scan-to-file approach:

  • Outsource the scanning to a third-party scanning service.
  • Invest in a solution so you can do the scanning in-house.

Scan-to-Print

Scan-to-print, or S2P, was first used following the introduction of wide-format color scanners in the late 1990s. These devices enabled the GIS community to expand their service offerings to include color map and other wide-document reproduction. The scan-to-print workstation was created using a wide-format scanner as the front end to a wide-format printer. In the GIS community, making quick map reproductions from legacy maps was seen as a quick way to expand the service offering. Many county, state, and federal organizations were the first to jump into this new concept. For example, in the case of emergency response, map reproduction is crucial for faster response time

Scan-to-Application

Scan-to-application, an innovative use of scanner technology, has popped up in recent years, propelling wide-format scanners into new niche markets. For example, you can scan legacy maps such as geologic, contour, and property and use ESRI ARCInfo to compare with current maps. You can develop more accurate maps by registering the older maps with the new coordinated system. Using the ArcScan extension, you can scan contour maps at around 600 dpi. Ensure that the contour lines overlay the a new images correctly, and you can edit images and vectorize the contour lines in the old map and convert it into a GIS Shape file or geodatabase. This is just one example of how an innovative company has found a new way to capitalize on wide-format scanning technology for GIS users.

This article was written by Henrik Vestermark of The Other Solutions, Inc.

hve@theothersolutions.com
http://www.theothersolutions.com

For comments, discussion or consultancy don’t hesitate to contact:

Henrik Vestermark,
The Other Solutions,
866 E Tuweep St,
Meridian, ID 83642
USA
Phone: +1 208 887 4780
Cell: +1 571 276 4050
Email: hve@theothersolutions.com
Web: www.theothersolutions.com
Skype: henrikvestermark

© Henrik Vestermark 2007.