Microtek Artix Scan1100 Using the Scanner ICC Profiler Program, Introduction, Calibration target

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7 Using the Scanner ICC Profiler Program

1. Introduction

The Scanner ICC Profiler is a scanner calibration and profiling utility program designed exclusively for use with Microtek scanners, including the ArtixScan 1100. The Scanner ICC Profiler lets you calibrate the color attributes of your scanner and lets you create an ICC color profile customized and tailored especially for your Microtek and Artix scanner.

Why do you need the Scanner ICC Profiler?

For each Microtek and Artix scanner, a generic factory-set ICC color profile is built in and included for use with the scanner controller program — in this case, ScanWizard Pro. This factory-set profile delivers high color quality in general. But scanners, like any high-end device, interpret colors differently, resulting in subtle variations and differences in color imaging. In addition, individual scanners may also perform different due to other factors, such as aging of the scanner lamp or ambient temperature.

2. Calibration target

Your Scanner ICC Profiler kit includes two industry- standard IT8 color targets for calibration.

•Kodak Q-60R1: This is a reflective target for calibrating the upper scan bed. Calibrating the upper scan bed ensures color accuracy when you scan reflective materials such as photos and prints.

•Kodak Q-60E1: This is a transparent target for calibrating the lower scan bed. Calibrating the lower scan bed ensures color accuracy when you scan transparent media such as slides and filmstrips.

3. Taking care of the target

The calibration target is very delicate and must be handled carefully. Make sure you follow these rules in caring for the target.

• Gently take the target out of its protective sleeve.

With the Scanner ICC Profiler, such color variations and differences can be minimized or eliminated, as the program calibrates the scanner and compensates for subtle color deviations. The customized color profile resulting from the use of the Scanner ICC Profiler, in effect, delivers more accurate color and contributes to overall improved image quality.

To keep the colors in your scanner consistent over time, it’s recommended that you use the Scanner ICC Profiler regularly. Professional photographers or others who require extremely precise color may wish to use the Profiler every time before they use their scanner, but for most general usage, calibrating twice a month should be sufficient.

•Do not touch the target image with your fingers or with any other object.

•When not in use, keep the target out of light — even interior lighting.

•Always return the target to its protective sleeve immediately after use.

•Store the target away from light in a cool, dry place, since long exposure to heat and light can change the colors on the target.

4. Replacing the target

With proper care, your target should hold its original colors for about a year or so starting from the date of use. After that, it will begin to fade, as is the nature of most photographic materials. The change may be unnoticeable to the naked eye, but even very slight changes in the target decrease the performance of the Scanner ICC Profiler. To maintain color accuracy, Artix recommends that you replace the target once a year, or when you notice a loss of image quality in your scanned images.

ArtixScan 1100 Hardware User’s Guide 25