Selecting An Image Type - Microtek ScanMaker 4700 User Manual

Basic Scanning Concepts
Color
Color images contain the most complex information. To capture color
images, scanners use a process based on the RGB (Red, Green and Blue)
color model, where every color is composed of a varying amount of the
three colors. In the RGB model, the absence of white light creates black,
the complete saturation of light creates white (100% if red, green, and
blue), and equal amounts of red, green, and blue create intermediate
shades of gray.
Depending on the type of scanner you have, your scanner can record 24
bits for the three RGB channels. This means your scanner can record and
reproduce an enormous amount of color information - anywhere from 16.7
millions colors for 24-bit scanners.

Selecting an image type

Depending on the scanner you have, you will be able to scan different
types of images according to your needs. You can scan an image and
output it in its original form, or you can output it in another form and get
some interesting effects.
For instance, you can scan a color photo and output it in its original form
as a color photo, or you can output it as a gray to create a new look.
Whatever you do, however, keep in mind that the quality of the original is
very important in determining the quality of the final scanned image.
Text Scanning
Aside from scanning images, your scanner can scan text and deliver it into
your word processor, eliminating the need for retyping. This is done
through the use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software, which
converts scans to text and retains text formats through the software's
ability to recognize the shapes, shades and lines that make up individual
characters.
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