There are several potential causes of poor quality images produced by a scanner. It is important to identify the exact cause in order to be able to make an informed decision about how to improve the quality of the scans.
1. Low resolution settings: Scanners generate digital images from physical documents. The resolution is the number of pixels in each image, and it affects the final scan quality. If the resolution setting on the scanner is too low, the scanned image will be blurry and of poor quality.
2. Poor lighting: Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a successful scan. If the document is placed under inadequate lighting, or if the lights used for the scan are not evenly distributed, the resulting image will be of poor quality.
3. Dust and scratches: If the surface of the document is contaminated with dust, small particles, and scratches, these imperfections will be magnified in the scanned image, making it appear distorted and blurry. Scanning with a higher resolution setting can help to reduce the impact of scratches and dust.
4. Faulty scanner head or roller: The scanner head (or roller) transfers the document’s image from the scanning bed to the computer. If this component is faulty, the result may be an unclear, distorted image.
5. Toner smudges: Toner smudges can occur when documents have been printed using a laser printer. These streaks can distort the scanned image and make it difficult to read and interpret.
6. Poor calibration: Many scanners come with calibration tools that allow users to adjust and fine-tune the scanning process. If the scanner has not been calibrated properly, the resulting image may be of poor quality.
7. Wrong type of paper: The type of paper used in a scan can affect the scan quality. Using the wrong type of paper (such as glossy paper or thin tissue paper) can cause the scanned image to appear distorted or discolored.
8. Poor scanning technique: The way the document is placed on the scanner can affect the scan. If the document is not centered correctly, or if it is not placed flat on the scanner bed, the final image will be of poor quality.
In order to produce high quality images from a scanner, it is necessary to address any of the above issues. A technician may be required to adjust the scanner’s resolution settings, calibrate the scanner, and/or clean the scanner bed. Additionally, the correct type of paper should be used and the document should be placed properly on the scanner bed. Taking the time to ensure that all of these elements are in place will drastically improve the quality of the scanned images.