OPENBOOK SCANNER PAGE

Scanner Performance Page
OpenBook Versions 6 and 5.x:

 

Scanner Selection List:
HP ScanJet 5500C  -  added 2/28/03
HP ScanJet 5550C  -  added 2/27/03

Canon LiDE 30  -  added 2/7/03
Canon D1250U2F  -  added 2/7/03
HP ScanJet 7490C  -  added 2/7/03

Scanner Selection List: 
Acer Scanners
Canon Scanners
Epson Scanners
HP Scanners
Microtek Scanners

Plustek Scanners

Umax Scanners

Visioneer Scanners

 

This section describes the results and issues (if any), of all scanners tested with OpenBook.  Scanners chosen to be tested were based upon market availability and cost (under $500.00).  All testing was performed on mid-range PC's (200-400 MHz with 64MB of ram), with minimal software installed (Windows Operating System, MS Office,  scanner-specific drivers, and OpenBook). 


Acer
Acer 1240UT Acer 640U

Canon
Canon CanonScan D646U Canon CanonScan D1250U2F Canon CanoScan LiDE 30 Canon CanoScan N1240U Canon CanoScan N1220U Canon CanoScan N676U Canon CanoScan N670U Canon CanoScan N656U Canon CanoScan N650U Canon CanoScan FB 630UI

Epson
Epson Perfection 2450 Epson Perfection 1660 Epson Perfection 1650 Epson Perfection 1640SU Epson Perfection 1250 Epson Perfection 1240U Epson Perfection 1200U Epson Perfection 636U

HP
HP ScanJet 7490C HP ScanJet 7400C HP ScanJet 7450C HP ScanJet 6350C HP ScanJet 6300C HP ScanJet 6250C HP ScanJet 6200C HP ScanJet 6100C HP ScanJet 5550C HP ScanJet 5490C HP ScanJet 5400C HP ScanJet 5300C HP ScanJet 5200C HP ScanJet 5100C HP ScanJet 4470c HP ScanJet 4400C HP ScanJet IIc HP ScanJet IIcx HP ScanJet IIp HP ScanJet 3c HP ScanJet 3p HP ScanJet 4c HP ScanJet 4p HP ScanJet 5p

Microtek
Microtek ScanMaker 3800 Microtek ScanMaker 5700 Microtek ScanMaker 4800 Microtek ScanMaker 4700 Microtek ScanMaker X12USL Microtek ScanMaker E3 Microtek ScanMaker X6EL Microtek ScanMaker V6UPL Microtek ScanMaker V6USL

Plustek
Plustek OpticPro U12B

Umax
Umax Astra 2400S Umax Astra 4000U Umax Astra 1220P Umax PowerLook III

Visioneer
Visioneer 9650 Visioneer OneTouch 8920 Visioneer OneTouch 8800 Visioneer OneTouch 8700 Visioneer OneTouch 8650 Visioneer OneTouch 8600 Visioneer OneTouch 5300 Visioneer OneTouch 5300 USB Visioneer PaperPort 6100B

Acer 1240UT
  Driver Information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the MiraScan 3.4 installation CD.  MiraScan 4.03 are available, but they will cause an external dialog to display during every scan through OpenBook.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  No.  Using MiraScan 3.4 drivers, when this scanner has been idle for a while, an external dialog will display.  However, the dialog unloads gracefully and returns focus back to OpenBook.  Using the newer MiraSCan 4.03, an external Twain dialog will display during every single scan.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  No.  Without an ADF and only an 11.7 inch scanning area, there is no way to scan legal-sized documents.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Contrast can be altered using OpenBook, except under Windows XP.  This scanner works best under XP while using the WIA drivers.  Using these drivers will not permit manual contrast adjustment.
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled through OpenBook.  In some cases, this scanner may require it's physical scanning process to completely finish before the scan is actually canceled.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can 'scan in the background'.  However, in cases where an external dialog is displayed, the user will need to return focus back to OpenBook and reinitiate the reading process.  When no external dialog is displayed, then background scanning is uninterrupted.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner successfully scanned 500 consecutive pages.
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  This scanner is a bit on the slow side.  Its average scan time with OpenBook's default settings was about 40 seconds.
  Notes:
  • This scanner offers a USB interface.  Acer states that this scanner is supported by Windows 98 and 2000.  However, the stated results were also displayed in Windows ME and XP. 
  • Note the drivers data stated above.
  • Under Windows XP, OpenBook may default to "No Scanner".  Users will want to change this so that OpenBook uses the WIA drivers when scanning.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on he 1240UT at Acer's website.
  

Canon CanoScan D646U
  Driver Information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the ScanGear 6.01 installation program.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  Not under Windows 98, ME, or 2000.  There are periodic calibration and lamp dialogs that may interrupt speech, but they require no user intervention.  Under Windows XP, these dialogs did not show up.  This is do to the WIA drivers that get installed under Windows XP.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  No.  Without an ADF and only an 11.7 inch scanning area, there is no way to scan legal-sized documents.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  Contrast can be altered through OpenBook under Windows 98, ME, and 2000, but not under Windows XP.  This is do to the WIA drivers that get installed under Windows XP.
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  However there are side effects.  Under Windows 98, ME, or 2000, canceling a scan immediately after initiating a scan will cause the head to sit out of position.  The next scan will result in a Canon error dialog.  Under Windows XP, canceling a scan in the middle of scanning will cancel the page from being recognized in OpenBook but the scanner will continue to scan the the rest of the flatbed. 
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can 'scan in the background'.  However, the periodic dialogs discussed in the first section may interrupt reading while scanning in the background.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to scan 500 consecutive pages.
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  The Canon D646U was very slow, taking up to 55 seconds to scan a page.
  Notes:
  • The Canon D646U is USB only, and is supported under Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.
  • Only scans the first 11” of the 11.7” flatbed.  Any text beyond the first 11” will be missed.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  

Canon CanoScan D1250U2F
  Driver Information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the ScanGear 6.01 installation program.  However, in Windows XP, this scanner was also tested with the Canon-supplied WIA 1.2.0 drivers.  Unlike other Canon models, the WIA drivers are not installed automatically, so note the different results in the Test Results section below.  This may assist you in determining which drivers are best suited for you needs if using this scanner with OpenBook in Windows XP.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  If using the ScanGear 6.01 drivers, then a Lamp Adjustment dialog will display on every scan.  This dialog takes focus away from OpenBook.  However, in Windows XP, users may install the optional WIA drivers.  When using the WIA drivers, the lamp adjustment dialog does not display.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  No.  Without an automatic document feeder (ADF) and only an 11.7 inch scanning area, there is no way to scan legal-sized documents.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  Contrast can be altered through OpenBook if using the ScanGear 6.01 drivers.  However, in Windows XP, users can install the optional WIA drivers.  When using the WIA drivers, manual contrast adjustments cannot be made.
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  If using the ScanGear 6.01 drivers, users should wait for the lamp adjustment dialog to close and then press the Cancel button on OpenBook's Scanning Status dialog.  Canceling the Lamp dialog and then canceling OpenBook will cause OpenBook to hang for a long period, as will canceling OpenBook's scanning status dialog while the lamp dialog is still open.  However, if using the WIA drivers, users can cancel a scan at any time, but the scanner will still physically complete the process before the user is able to scan again.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  If using the ScanGear 6.01 drivers, then previously mentioned lamp dialog will display on every scan, taking focus away from OpenBook and interrupting any reading.  However, if using the WIA drivers (Windows XP only), then users will not receive the lamp dialog and will not be interrupted after successful background scanning.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to scan 500 consecutive pages.
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  The Canon D12560U2F was very slow, taking up to 53 seconds to scan a page.
  Notes:
  • The Canon D12560U2F is USB only, and is supported under Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.
  • OpenBook behavior varies depending on which drivers you install.  See Test Results listed above.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
 
  

Canon CanoScan LiDE 30
  Driver Information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the ScanGear 7.01 installation program.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  No.  Periodic calibration dialogs will display every 80-100 pages, except when the user is running Windows XP.  No interaction is required by the user to close the dialog.  However, in OpenBook 6, focus is taken away from OpenBook on every scan.  Pressing ALT+TAB will not return the focus to OpenBook unless there is actually another application open to send the focus to, so you can toggle the focus back to OpenBook. This problem does not occur in OpenBook 5.x.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  No.  Without an automatic document feeder (ADF) and only an 11.7 inch scanning area, there is no way to scan legal-sized documents.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  Yes.  The contrast can be altered through OpenBook.
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  As stated above, in OpenBook 6, OpenBook loses focus every time this scanner starts to scan.  This means that pressing the spacebar to activate the Cancel button will not work.   Users need to set focus back to OpenBook so that the Cancel button can be pressed.  This requires having another application running so that you can toggle to the second application using ALT+TAB. Press ALT+TAB again to return to OpenBook.  Clicking with the mouse will also work.  This is not a problem for OpenBook 5.x.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  The OpenBook 6 focus problem stated above will will interrupt speech while scanning in the background.  Users will have to start scanning first, then reset the focus back to OpenBook using the method stated above, and then initialize reading.  By that time, scanning has completed.  This is not a problem in OpenBook 5. However, the calibration dialog can still display every 80-100 pages in both versions, interrupting reading.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to scan 500 consecutive pages.
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  The Canon Canoscan LiDE 30 will scan a page using OpenBook's default settings in around 23 seconds.
  Notes:
  • The Canon Canoscan LiDE 30 is USB only, and is supported under Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.  USB powered as well.
  • Only scans the first 11” of the 11.7” flatbed.  Any text beyond the first 11” will be missed.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
 
 

Canon CanoScan  N670U, N676U, or N1240U
  Driver Information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the ScanGear 6.22 installation program.
  Test Results:
  Notes:
  • These scanners are USB powered, and are supported under Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.
  • Due to the these scanner's design, the 'depth field' is not as high as other scanners.  For example, a book has pages on both sides that meet at the binding.  When placed on the scanner's flatbed, the binding is somewhat raised up from the glass plate.  In some cases, depending on the book and text margins, the scan may not pick up text that is written too close to the binding.
  • These scanners connect with a single USB cable, and are small enough to fit in a briefcase.  
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
 
  

Canon CanoScan N650U, N656U, or N1220U
  Driver Information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the ScanGear 5.70d installation program.
  Test Results:
  Notes:
  • These scanners are USB powered, and are supported under Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.
  • Due to the these scanner's design, the 'depth field' is not as high as other scanners.  For example, a book has pages on both sides that meet at the binding.  When placed on the scanner's flatbed, the binding is somewhat raised up from the glass plate.  In some cases, depending on the book and text margins, the scan may not pick up text that is written too close to the binding.
  • These scanners connect with just a single USB cable, and are small enough to fit in a briefcase.  
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  

Epson Perfection 2450
  Driver information:
  •  This scanner was tested using the Epson Twain driver v5.5.  This driver can be found on Epson's 2450 series distribution CD. 
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  No.  If this scanner has been idle for a while, then an external Twain dialog will appear stating that the scanner is warming up.  This temporarily takes focus away from Openbook.  However, Openbook will regain focus, and any subsequent scans will not display the dialog.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  No.  Without an ADF, and only an 11.7 inch scanning area, there is no way to scan legal-sized documents.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Contrast can be altered using OpenBook.
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled easily through OpenBook.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can 'scan in the background'.  However, as stated above, an external Twain dialog may appear if the scanner has been idle for a while.  If this happens while scanning in the background, and reading a document at the same time,  then speech will be interrupted.  Focus will be returned and reading can then be resumed normally.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to handle the stress of continuous scanning.
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  When connected via USB, this scanner's average scan time with OpenBook's default settings was about 20 seconds.
  Notes:
  • The Perfection 2450 provides an IEEE 1394 (firewire) and a USB interface.  Note that user may be required to install an IEEE 1394 PCI expansion card in order to use the firewire interface.
  • This scanner is supported under Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.
  • Under Windows XP, OpenBook did not immediately recognize this scanner.  Attempting to scan will cause initialization failure.  It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on the 2450 at Epson's website.
  

Epson Perfection 1660
  Driver information:
  •  This was tested using Epson Twain 5 (v5.60).
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  No.  An external “Scanner is warming up” dialog will display if this scanner has been idle for a while.  Once the scanner is in use, this dialog will no longer display.  This is harmless.  If a background scan were attempted, a user would have to reinitiate the reading process one time.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  No.  Without an ADF, and only an 11.7 inch scanning area, there is no way to scan legal-sized documents.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Contrast can be altered using OpenBook.
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled easily through OpenBook.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can 'scan in the background'.  However, as stated above, an external Twain dialog may appear if the scanner has been idle for a while.  If this happens while scanning in the background, and reading a document at the same time,  then speech will be interrupted.  Focus will be returned and reading can then be resumed normally.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to handle the stress of continuous scanning.
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  This scanner's average scan time with OpenBook's default settings was about 13 seconds.
  Notes:
  • The Perfection 1660 provides a USB interface and supports Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on the 1660 at Epson's website.
  

Epson Perfection 1650
  Driver information:
  •  This scanner was tested using the Epson Twain driver v5.0.  This driver can be found on Epson's 1650 series distribution CD. 
  • Note:  XP drivers were used when testing this scanner under Windows XP.  They are available at Epson's website.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  No.  If this scanner has been idle for a while, then an external Twain dialog will appear stating that the scanner is warming up  This temporarily takes focus away from Openbook.  However, Openbook will regain focus, and any subsequent scans will not display the dialog.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  No.  Without an ADF, and only an 11.7 inch scanning area, there is no way to scan legal-sized documents.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Contrast can be altered using OpenBook.
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled easily through OpenBook.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can 'scan in the background'.  However, as stated above, an external Twain dialog may appear if the scanner has been idle for a while.  If this happens while scanning in the background, and reading a document at the same time,  then speech will be interrupted.  Focus will be returned and reading can then be resumed normally.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to handle the stress of continuous scanning.
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  This scanner's average scan time with OpenBook's default settings was about 21 seconds.
  Notes:
  • The Perfection 1650 provides a USB interface and supports Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.
  • Under Windows XP, it is recommended that users download and install the XP drivers from Epson's website, for optimal OpenBook performance.
  • Under Windows XP, OpenBook did not immediately recognize this scanner.  Attempting to scan will cause initialization failure.  It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on the 1650 at Epson's website.
  

Epson Perfection 1640SU
  Driver information:
  •  This scanner was tested using the Epson Twain driver v5.0 that came with the scanner.  This scanner also works with Epson's latest Twain driver, v5.53, which includes XP support.
  Test Results:
  Notes:
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on the 1640SU at Epson's website.
  

Epson Perfection 1250
  Driver information:
  •  This scanner was tested using the Epson Twain driver v5.0.  This driver can be found on Epson's 1250 series distribution CD.  This scanner also works with Epson's latest Twain driver, v5.54, which includes XP support.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  No.  If this scanner has been idle for a while, then an external Twain dialog will appear stating that the scanner is warming up  This temporarily takes focus away from Openbook  However, Openbook will regain focus, and any subsequent scans will not display the dialog.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  No.  Without an ADF, and only an 11.7 inch scanning area, there is no way to scan legal-sized documents.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Contrast can be altered using OpenBook.
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled easily through OpenBook.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can 'scan in the background'.  However, as stated above, an external Twain dialog may appear if the scanner has been idle for a while.  If this happens while scanning in the background, and reading a document at the same time,  then speech will be interrupted.  Focus will be returned and reading can then be resumed normally.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to handle the stress of continuous scanning.
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  This scanner's average scan time with OpenBook's default settings was about 47 seconds.
  Notes:
  • The Perfection 1250 provides a USB interface and supports Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.
  • Under Windows XP, it is recommended that users download and install the XP drivers from Epson's website, for optimal OpenBook performance.
  • Under Windows XP, OpenBook did not immediately recognize this scanner.  Attempting to scan will cause initialization failure.  It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • This scanner is exceptionally slow with OpenBook's default settings.  (Approximately 47 seconds)
  • When an Exact View is enabled and displayed, a horizontal line may be visible.  This does not effect OCR recognition.
  • More information can be found on the 1250 at Epson's website.
  

Epson Perfection 1240U
  Driver information:
  •  This scanner was tested using the Epson Twain driver v5.0.  This scanner also works with Epson's latest Twain driver, v5.53, which includes XP support.
  Test Results:
  Notes:
  • The Epson Perfection 1240U is a fast and reliable scanner.  It offers a USB interface, so only Windows 98, Windows Millennium, Windows 2000, and Windows XP operating systems are supported.  
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on this scanner at Epson's website.
  

HP ScanJet 7490C
  Driver information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the HP PrecisionScan Pro v3.02 installation program that shipped with this scanner. 
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  If a screen reader is running, then it will detect the HP interface, even though no dialogs are visible on the screen (view the Support Notice on this). If no screen reader is in use, then there are no external dialogs that interfere with scanning. Also, attempting to use the WIA drivers in Windows ME will cause a transfer status dialog to display on every scan. OpenBook cannot recognize text when using the WIA drivers in Windows ME.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  Yes.  The scanning area is 14 inches long.  An optional automatic document feeder (ADF) is also available.  
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  No.  Contrast cannot be changed for this scanner within OpenBook.  Test results also show that this scanner works best when contrast is set to automatic.  See the Notes section for more details.  
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled easily through OpenBook.  However, the physical scanning process will still finish the cycle before the user can perform the next scan.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can scan in the background.  However, when this scanner has been idle for a period of time, and needs to warm up, OpenBook will lose focus. Users will need to manually set focus back to OpenBook (view the Support Notice on this).
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to handle the stress of continuous scanning. 
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  This scanner's average scan time with OpenBook's default settings was about 20 seconds.  
  Notes:
  • The HP ScanJet 7490c offers a SCSI and USB interface, and supports Windows 95 (SCSI only), Windows NT (SCSI only), Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP  operating systems. 
  • If OpenBook has just started, initializing a scan using OpenBook will cause the 7490c to pause for initialization.  The LED on the scanner will read “initializing”.  Soon thereafter, the LED status will change to “ready”, and scanning will begin.  The whole process takes only a few seconds, but OpenBook loses focus.  Speech is still present, but the focus needs to be reset in order to access OpenBook after the first scan.  This can affect background scanning.
  • As stated above, scanning contrast cannot be changed through OpenBook. It has been found that this scanner works best when contrast is set to "automatic".  This is the default setting.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on this scanner at HP's ScanJet website.
  

HP ScanJet 7400C, 7450C
  Driver information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the HP PrecisionScan Pro v3.0 installation program that shipped with this scanner.  Windows XP users will want to download the XP update from HP's ScanJet website.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  Yes and no.  If a screen reader is running, then it will virtually detect the HP interface, even though it is not visible on the screen.  Click here  to view the Support Notice on this.  If no screen reader is in use, then there are no external dialogs that interfere with scanning.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  Yes.  The scanning area is 14 inches long.  An optional ADF is also available.  
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  No.  Contrast cannot be changed for this scanner within OpenBook.  Test results also show that this scanner works best when contrast is set to automatic.  See the 'Notes' section for more details.  
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled easily through OpenBook.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can 'scan in the background'.  However, when this scanner has been idle for a while, and needs to warm up, OpenBook will lose focus.  Users will need to manually set focus back to OpenBook.   
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to handle the stress of continuous scanning. 
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  This scanner's average scan time with OpenBook's default settings was about 20 seconds.  
  Notes:
  • The HP ScanJet 7400c offers a SCSI and USB interface, and supports Windows 95 (SCSI only), Windows NT (SCSI only), Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP  operating systems.  Windows XP users will want to download the XP update from HP's ScanJet website.
  • If OpenBook has just started, initializing a scan through OpenBook will cause the 7400c to pause for initialization.  The LED on the scanner itself will read “initializing”.  Soon thereafter, the LED status will change to “ready”, and scanning will begin.  The whole process takes only a few seconds, but OpenBook loses focus.  Speech is still present, but focus will need to be reset in order to access OpenBook after the first scan.  This can affect background scanning.
  • If the scanner has been idle for a while, the scanner’s LED will read “Power Saver On”, which is obviously for power efficiency.  The next scan attempted may result in the HP 7400c hanging up for a long period of time, with “Initializing” being displayed on the scanner’s LED.  The scanner will eventually finish initializing and begin scanning, but there have been times when this scanner seemed to be stuck in the process.  Resetting the scanner's power is a quick alternative to avoid this problem.  This will immediately toggle the scanner’s LED from “Power Saver On” to “Ready”.  Scanning can now begin again, but OpenBook may need its focus reset after the next immediate scan.
  • As stated above, scanning contrast cannot be changed through OpenBook.  In fact, it has been found that this scanner works best when contrast is set to "automatic".  This is the default setting.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on this scanner at HP's ScanJet website.
  

HP ScanJet 5550C
  Driver information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the HP Photo & Imaging software version 1.0.  This installation program shipped with this scanner.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  No.  Using the TWAIN drivers, an HP dialog will display when the scanner drivers are initialized.  Once initialized, the dialog will no longer display.  Also, if a screen reader is running, then it will detect the HP interface, even though no dialogs are visible on the screen (view the Support Notice on this). Also, in Windows ME, using the WIA drivers will cause a “transfer status” dialog to display during all scanning.  However, this driver will cause OpenBook to fail to recognize any text successfully.  Most other scanners usually do not recognize text properly when scanning with WIA in Windows ME.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  Yes.  The scanning area is 14 inches long.  An optional automatic document feeder (ADF) is also available.  
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  No. The contrast cannot be changed for this scanner within OpenBook.  Test results also show that this scanner works best when the contrast is set to automatic.  See the Notes section for more details.  
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled easily through OpenBook.  However, the scanner must complete the entire scanning process.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can scan in the background.  However, when this scanner has been idle for a period of time, and needs to warm up, an HP dialog will display and OpenBook will lose focus.  Users will need to manually return the focus to OpenBook.  Also, in Windows XP, using WIA drivers will cause OpenBook to perform background scanning continuously until the user cancels the process.  Freedom Scientific recommends that users perform background scanning using the TWAIN drivers.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to handle the stress of continuous scanning. 
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  This scanner's average scan time with OpenBook's default settings was about 20 seconds.  
  Notes:
  • The HP ScanJet 5550c offers a USB interface, and supports Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP operating systems. 
  • Under Windows XP and Windows ME, OpenBook's scanner setting will be set to No Scanner.  Users must manually set this to use the desired drivers.
  • If OpenBook has just started, initializing a scan through OpenBook will cause the 5550C to pause for initialization.  The whole process takes only a few seconds, but an external HP dialog will display and OpenBook loses focus.  Focus will need to be reset in order to access OpenBook after the first scan.  This can affect background scanning.
  • When using the TWAIN drivers, once a flatbed scan takes place, this scanner will not use the ADF until re-initializing the TWAIN drivers (restart OpenBook or toggle the scanning drivers from Twain to 'No Scanner' back to Twain.  Subsequently, if a Large Batch takes place, once the ADF is empty and the user selects Turn Pages Over before placing the pages back into the ADF, then the scanner begins scanning the flatbed.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on this scanner at HP's ScanJet website.
  

HP ScanJet 5500C
  Driver information:
  • This scanner was tested using drivers from the HP Photo & Imaging software version 1.1.  This installation program shipped with this scanner.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  No.  Using the TWAIN drivers, an HP dialog will display when the scanner drivers are initialized.  Once the drivers are initialized, the dialog will no longer display.  Also, in Windows ME, using the WIA drivers will cause a Transfer Status dialog to display during all scanning.  However, this driver will cause OpenBook to fail to recognize any text successfully.  Most other scanners usually recognize text poorly when scanning with WIA drivers in Windows ME.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  No.  The scanning area is only 11.7 inches long.  No ADF (automatic document feeder) is available.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  No.  The contrast cannot be changed for this scanner within OpenBook.  Test results also show that this scanner works best when the contrast is set to Automatic.  See the Notes section for more details.  
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled easily within OpenBook.  However, the scanner must complete the entire process before additional scanning can take place.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can scan in the background.  However, when this scanner initializes using TWAIN drivers, an HP dialog will display and OpenBook will lose focus.  Users must manually return the focus to OpenBook.  Also, in Windows XP, using WIA drivers causes OpenBook to perform background scanning continuously until the user cancels the process.  It is recommended that users perform background scanning using the TWAIN drivers.
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to handle the stress of continuous scanning. 
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  This scanner's average scan time with OpenBook's default settings was about 20 seconds.  
  Notes:
  • The HP ScanJet 5550c offers a USB interface and supports Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP operating systems. 
  • In Windows XP and Windows ME, OpenBook's scanner setting will be set to No Scanner.  Users must manually set this to use the desired drivers.
  • If OpenBook has just started, initializing a scan in OpenBook causes the 5550C to pause for initialization.  The whole process takes only a few seconds, but an external HP dialog will display and OpenBook loses focus.  The focus must be reset in order to access OpenBook after the first scan.  This can affect background scanning.
  • When using the TWAIN drivers, once a flatbed scan takes place, this scanner will not use the ADF until the TWAIN drivers are re-initialized (to do this, restart OpenBook or toggle the scanning drivers from Twain to No Scanner and then back to Twain.  Subsequently, if a large batch is scanned, the scanner begins scanning the flatbed once the ADF is empty and the user selects Turn Pages Over before placing the pages back into the ADF.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of twainscn.ini and save it to OpenBook's installation directory.  This will update OpenBook's list of known scanners, which includes this scanner.
  • More information can be found on this scanner at HP's ScanJet website.
  

HP ScanJet 5490C
  Driver information:
  • This scanner was tested using Precision Scan Pro v3.13 drivers.
  Test Results:
  • Is scanning free of any external dialogs?  Yes and no.  If a screen reader is running, then it will virtually detect the HP interface, even though it is not visible on the screen.  Click here  to view the Support Notice on this.  If no screen reader is in use, then there are no external dialogs that interfere with scanning.
  • Can this scanner scan a legal-sized document?  Yes.  This scanner has an ADF which allows for legal sized scanning.
  • Using this scanner, can a user change the scanning contrast from within OpenBook?  No.  Contrast cannot be changed through OpenBook.
  • Using this scanner, can a user cancel scanning from within OpenBook?  Yes.  Scanning can be canceled through OpenBook.  However, these scanners will physically complete the scanning process before the scanning dialog is actually closed.  No pages will be recognized, but this will take a few extra seconds.
  • Can this scanner scan in the background?  Yes.  This scanner can 'scan in the background', but, focus loss is frequent.  If attempting to read a document while scanning in the background, users will have to set focus back to OpenBook and reinitiate the reading process.  OpenBook will pick up where it left off when reading was interrupted by focus loss.  Also, reading a document while this scanner is 'scanning in the background' may result in stuttered speech. This behavior was sporadic, and may not happen all the time.  Also, if using the WIA drivers, then this scanner may get caught in a scanning loop.  Users may want to avoid using the WIA drivers when background scanning. 
  • Did this scanner pass the 500 page stress test?  Yes.  This scanner was able to handle the stress of continuous scanning. 
  • How long does this scanner take to scan a page using OpenBook’s default settings?  About 20 seconds. 
  Notes:
  • The ScanJet 5490C offers a Parallel and USB interface.  It can support Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, and will also support Windows 95 and NT if using the Parallel interface.  HP does not supply a Parallel cable, but does supply a USB cable.
  • Focus loss is frequent, which causes the user to have to manually set focus back to OpenBook.
  • It is recommended that users download the latest version of