There are several possible causes for an inconsistent output when using a scanner.
1. Improper calibration: If the calibration of the scanner is not correct, then it will produce inconsistent results. To calibrate the scanner, one must ensure any light sources near the scanner are turned off and that the scanner glass is clean and free of any dust or dirt. Additionally, if the scanner bed is either too high or too low, this can also affect the scan quality.
2. Low scan resolution: If the scanner is set to a lower resolution than what is necessary for the material being scanned, then the output may appear inconsistent. It is important to choose the proper resolution for the job when setting up a scan.
3. Blurriness or glare from overhead lights: Fluorescent or incandescent lighting can cause a glary, blurry effect on a scan, making it difficult to read. The placement of the light source should be taken into consideration when setting up a scan to avoid this type of situation.
4. Poorly aligned documents: When scanning larger documents or multiple documents at once, the alignment of the documents placed in the scanner bed can have an effect on the output. The documents should be lined up properly in order to get a consistent, readable result.
5. Type of material being scanned: Some types of paper, such as glossy or thin paper, can be difficult to scan accurately. It is important to consider the type of material being scanned and adjust the scanner settings accordingly.
6. Scanner driver issues: Obsolete or incompatible scanner drivers can drastically reduce the accuracy of scans. It is important to make sure the scanner drivers are up-to-date and correctly installed in order to get the best results.