Microtek Artix Scan1100 - Manual (Page 29)

ArtixScan 1100 Hardware User’s Guide 25
English
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.
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.
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.
• 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.