Plustek OpticLab H850 User manual

 Installation
 Usage & Maintenance
 Troubleshooting

Trademarks
© 2010. All rights are reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced without
permission.
All trademarks and brand names mentioned in this publication are property of their
respective owners.
Liability
While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of all contents in this manual, we
assume no liability for errors or omissions or by statements of any kind in this manual,
whether such errors are omissions or statements resulting from negligence, accidents, or
any other cause. The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
Copyright
The scanning of certain documents, for example checks, bank notes, I.D. cards,
government bonds, or public documents, may be prohibited by law and/or subject to
criminal prosecution. We recommend you to be responsible and respectful of the
copyrights laws when you are scanning books, magazines, journals and other materials.
Environmental Information
The product is designed and produced to achieve sustainable environmental improvement.
We strive to produce products in compliance with global environmental standards. Please
consult your local authorities for proper disposal.
The product packaging is recyclable.
Attention for recycling (For EU country only)
Protect your environment! This product should not be thrown into the household waste
container. Please give it to the free collecting center in your community.
Screen Examples in This Manual
The screen shots in this guide were made with Windows XP. If you are using Windows
2000/ Vista/7, your screen will look somewhat different but functions the same.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................1
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE.....................................................................................................................1
CONVENTIONS OF THIS GUIDE..............................................................................................................2
A NOTE ABOUT ICONS..........................................................................................................................2
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................3
BOX CONTENTS....................................................................................................................................3
PRODUCT INFORMATION.......................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER I. INSTALLING THE SCANNER...................................................................................5
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS..........................................................................................5
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................5
INSTALLING AND SETTING UP THE SCANNER ........................................................................................6
Step 1. Connecting the Scanner to Your Computer ........................................................................6
Step 2. Installing the Software........................................................................................................7
SOFTWARE SETUP TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................8
INSTALLING ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE...................................................................................................9
CHAPTER II. USAGE AND MAINTENANCE ...............................................................................10
OPERATING THE SCANNER..................................................................................................................10
Tissue Slide Holder.......................................................................................................................10
Using Tissue Slide Holder ............................................................................................................10
Insert the Tissue Slide Holder.......................................................................................................11
Using IntelliScan button ...............................................................................................................12
Using QuickScan button ...............................................................................................................13
QuickScan Settings and Preview Window features.......................................................................15
STATUS INDICATOR ............................................................................................................................17
SCANNER CONNECTION......................................................................................................................17
MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX A: TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................20
SCANNING PROBLEMS ........................................................................................................................20
COMMON -HOW-TO- QUESTIONS........................................................................................................23
APPENDIX B: SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................24
APPENDIX C: CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WARRANTY.........................................................25
STATEMENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY.................................................................................................25
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY STATEMENT................................................................................................26
CONTACTING PLUSTEK.................................................................................................................28

Introduction
Welcome to the world of Plustek scanners – the ultimate in computer imaging.
Your new scanner will improve the professionalism of your day-to-day computing tasks
by allowing you to input images into your computer system.
Like all of our products, your new scanner is thoroughly tested and backed by our
reputation for unsurpassed dependability and customer satisfaction.
Please remember to register your scanner. Registration may be completed in one of
three ways:
1) By registering online via Plustek’s Web Site;
2) By printing out and faxing a completed registration card to Plustek’s customer
service center;
3) By printing out and mailing the registration card directly to the Plustek office
nearest you.
See the last page of this user’s guide for a complete list of Plustek offices
worldwide.
As a registered customer, you will receive customer support, new product
information and software upgrades.
Thank you for choosing us as your scanner supplier. We hope you will continue to
turn to us for additional quality products as your computing needs and interests grow.
How to Use This Guide
This User’s Guide provides instructions and illustrations on how to install and
operate your scanner. This guide assumes the user is familiar with Microsoft Windows.
If this is not the case, we suggest you learn more about Microsoft Windows by referring
to your Microsoft Windows manual before using your scanner.
The Introduction section of this manual describes the box contents and minimum
computer requirements to use this scanner. Before you start installing your scanner,
check the box contents to make sure all parts are included. If any items are damaged or
missing, please contact the vendor where you purchased your scanner or our customer
service directly.
Chapter I describes how to install scanner’s software and connect the scanner to
your computer. Note: The scanner connects to your computer through the Universal
Serial Bus (USB). If your computer does not support USB technology, you will
need to purchase a USB interface card to add USB capabilities to your computer,
or buy and install USB connectors if your motherboard has USB capabilities. This
guide assumes that your computer is USB-ready and has a free USB port.
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Chapter II describes how to test, maintain and clean your scanner. It also describes
how to use the scanner utility program which helps you troubleshoot and fix connection
problems which may have occurred during the scanner installation.
Appendix A contains technical support information that can help you solve simple
problems. Before calling for help, please read through Appendix A: Troubleshooting.
Appendix B contains the Specifications of the scanner you purchased.
Appendix C contains our limited warranty agreement and FCC statement
concerning the product.
Conventions of This Guide
Bold — Important note or first use of an important term in a chapter.
[XXX] — Represents commands or contents on your computer screen.
A Note about Icons
This guide uses the following icons to point out information that deserves special
attention.
Danger
Danger: A procedure that must be followed carefully to prevent
injury, or accidents.
Caution
Caution: Information that, if not followed, may result in data
loss or damage to the product.
Attention
Pay Special Attention: Instructions that are important to
remember and may prevent mistakes.
2

System Requirements1
 Windows/Intel Compatible Personal Computer
 Pentium ⅢCPU or above
 CD-ROM Drive
 512 MB RAM
 Minimum 500 MB Free Hard Disk Space
 USB Port
 Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional/ XP/ Vista/ 7 compatible
NOTE: Windows NT 4.0 does not support Universal Serial Bus (USB)
connectivity.
 Video card that supports 16-bit color or greater
Box Contents2
1. Histology Slide Scanner
2. Padded carrying bag
3. Tissue Slide Holder
4. USB Cable
5. Power Adapter
1Higher requirements might be needed when you scan or edit a large quantity of image data. The
system requirements here are only a guideline, as in general the better the computer (motherboard,
processor, hard disk, RAM, video graphic card), the better the results.
2Save the box and packing materials in case you need to transport this scanner in the future.
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6. Quick Guide
7. Setup / Application CD-ROM
8. LaserSoft SilverFast CD-ROM
Product Information
Please fill in the following information for your own records. You will need it
when you contact your dealer or our service center in the future.
Serial Number: 
(Located at the rear of the scanner)
Date of Purchase:  -  - 
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Chapter I. Installing the Scanner
Before installing your scanner, please verify that you have all of the proper
components. A list of the package contents is provided in the Box Contents section of
this guide.
Software Installation Requirements
Your scanner comes with the image-editing software (Presto! ImageFolio),
document management software (Presto! PageManager), the scanner’s driver,
QuickScan Setting and LaserSoft SilverFast software. All of these software
applications use approximately 160 megabytes of hard disk space after they are
installed into your computer. To ensure ample room for the installation, as well as for
scanning and saving images, a minimum of 260 megabytes of hard disk space is
recommended.
The USB scanner can only operate under the Microsoft Windows 2000
Professional, XP, Vista or 7 operating system.
Hardware Requirements
This scanner connects to your computer through the Universal Serial Bus (USB)
which supports hot Plug and Play. To determine whether your computer is USB-
capable, you must check the rear of your PC to locate a USB jack that looks the same
as the one pictured below. Note that on some computers, the USB port at the rear of
the computer may be occupied and additional ports may be found on the monitor or
keyboard. If you are having trouble in locating the USB port on your computer, please
refer to the hardware manual that came with your computer.
Upon examination, you should find one or two rectangular USB ports, which
usually appear as shown below.
USB Connector(s)
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If you don’t find such USB ports on your computer, then you need to purchase a
certified USB interface card to add USB capabilities to your computer.
Installing and Setting up the Scanner
Please follow the step-by-step procedures described below to install the USB
scanner.
S
St te ep p 1 1. . C Co on nn ne ec ct ti in ng g t th he e S Sc ca an nn ne er r t to o Y Yo ou ur r C Co om mp pu ut te er r
1. Plug the power adapter into the scanner’s power receptor.
2. Plug the other end of the power adapter into a standard AC power outlet.
3. Plug the square end of the included USB cable to the USB port at the rear of the
scanner.
4. Plug the rectangular end of the USB cable to the USB port on the back of your
computer.
Note: If there is another USB device connected to the computer; connect the
scanner to an available USB port.
5. If you plan to connect your scanner to a USB hub3, make sure that the hub is
connected to the USB port in your computer. Next, connect the scanner to the
USB hub.
Note: If you do not have a USB port available, you might need to buy a USB
port.
3The USB hub is not included with the scanner.
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S
St te ep p 2 2. . I In ns st ta al ll li in ng g t th he e S So of ft tw wa ar re e
1. If the USB components on your computer are functioning correctly, they will
automatically detect the scanner causing the “Add New Hardware Wizard” or
“Found New Hardware Wizard” to be launched. Note: If your computer was off
when you connected the scanner, the “Add New Hardware Wizard” message will
be displayed when you turn the computer on and when Windows starts.
2. For Windows 2000
a. Click on the [Next] button when the “Add New Hardware Wizard” window
is displayed.
b. Select “SEARCH FOR THE BEST DRIVER FOR YOUR DEVICE
[RECOMMENDED]” and click on the [Next] button.
c. The next window will ask you where to search to find the drive. Select [CD-
ROM drive], and deselect [Floppy disk drives] if it is checked.
d. Insert the Setup/Application CD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your
CD-ROM drive and then click on the [Next] button.
e. Click on the [Next] button in the window that appears.
f. During the process of the installation, a message “Digital Signature required”
might be prompted. Please ignore it, and click on [Yes] to continue the
installation without any misgiving at your scanner functioning. Afterwards,
please skip to Step 6.
3. For Windows XP
a. Insert the Setup/Application CD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your
CD-ROM drive.
b. Select “INSTALL THE SOFTWARE AUTOMATICALLY
[RECOMMENDED]” and click on the [Next] button.
c. Click on the [Next] button in the window that appears. Afterwards, please
skip to Step 6.
4. For Windows Vista
a. Select “Locate and install driver software (recommended)” when the “Found
New Hardware” window is displayed.
b. Click on the [Continue] button when the “User Account Control” dialog pops
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up.
c. Insert the Setup/Application CD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your
CD-ROM drive when the system prompts you “Insert the disc that came with
your USB scanner”, and click on the [Next] button.
d. During the process of the installation, a message “Windows can’t verify the
publisher of this driver software” might be prompted. Please ignore it, and
click on [Install this driver software anyway] to continue the installation
without any misgiving at your scanner functioning. Afterwards, please skip
to Step 6.
5. For Windows 7
a. Insert the Setup/Application CD-ROM, included with your scanner, into your
CD-ROM drive. Close the AutoPlay window that appears.
b. From the Windows Start menu, right click on the Computer and select
Properties from the pop-up menu. Click Device Manager on the following
screen.
c. In the Device Manager window, right click on this scanner under Other
devices item and select Update Driver Software from the pop-up menu.
Click Browse my computer for driver software in the window that appears,
and click the Browse button.
d. In the Browse For Folder window, select the folder that contains this scanner
driver and click the OK button to return to the previous screen. Click the Next
button and click Install this driver software anyway in the Windows
Security window.
6. When the system completes the installation, click on the [Finish] button.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to install all software that your new USB
scanner requires.
8. After the software is installed, close all open applications and click on the [Finish]
button to restart your computer.
Attention
If the scanner installation is not started and displayed automatically
on the screen, click [Start], select [Run] and type in [d:\install]
(where d: is the drive letter assigned to the CD-ROM drive of your
computer.)
Software Setup Troubleshooting
8

Carefully review the steps outlined in this guide and the Quick Installation Guide
that accompanied your scanner.
If you are still having problems, please check that:
• You have 500MB of free space on your hard disk drive.
• The scanner is plugged in and has power.
• You are using the USB cable supplied with the scanner.
• The square end of the USB cable is plugged into the rear of the scanner.
• The rectangular end of the USB cable is plugged into the back of your
computer.
If you deviated from the installation procedures defined in this manual, please
unplug the USB cable from the scanner and reinstall the software from the CD-ROM.
To reinstall your scanner’s software, click [Start], [Run], then type [D:\Install] (where
D represents the letter of your CD-ROM drive). Carefully follow all the installation
instructions presented in the Setup Wizard. Reboot your computer when prompted,
and plug the USB cable back into the scanner while your computer is still turned on.
Installing Additional Software
Your scanner is TWAIN compliant and functions with virtually all available
TWAIN compatible software. If you purchase additional software to be used with
your scanner, please make sure that it conforms to the TWAIN standard.
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Chapter II. Usage and Maintenance
Operating the Scanner
Your scanner accepts to work with U.S. standard glass slides, 1.1mm thick 1 x 3
inches in length and No. 1 coverslips. However, some software programs have
limitations as to the information they can handle. The capacity of the computer’s
memory and free space on your hard drive can also limit the physical size of the
document that you scan.
There are three different ways to operate the scanner:
1. From within an image-editing program that can acquire images from the
scanner.
2. Using QuickScan feature by pressing QuickScan button. The QuickScan
Setting program is automatically installed as your scanner software.
3. Using SilverFast Launcher by pressing IntelliScan button. This stand-alone
program allows you to perform advanced scanning features. For further
information, please refer to SilverFast User's Manual.
An image-editing program has been bundled with your scanner on the included
Setup/Application CD-ROM. It will allow you to alter and correct any scanned
images by using a variety of filters, tools and effects.
QuickScan is a program that allows you to conveniently scan images without the
need to work directly within any image-editing application (i.e. Presto! ImageFolio).
Please refer to the QuickScan Setting on-line Help (accessible by clicking on the
QuickScan icon located near the clock icon on the Windows system tray, and
choosing Help) for more information about these functions.
T
Ti is ss su ue e S Sl li id de e H Ho ol ld de er r
Works with U.S. standard glass slides, 1.1 mm thick 1 x 3 inches in length and
No. 1 coverslips
U
Us si in ng g T Ti is ss su ue e S Sl li id de e H Ho ol ld de er r
Insert the tissue slide glass into slots with emulsion (non-glossy) side down.
10

There are arrows and illustrations on the frame of each slot. Please follow
illustrations to insert the tissue slide glass.
Attention
 For correct scan results, always turn the slide with the top of the
image facing towards the back of the scanner (where power cord
and USB cord located) and keep emulsion (non-glossy) side
down.
 There is text to show the “top” and “bottom” of the Tissue Slide
Holder. With the slide oriented correctly as described above, this
text should be read clearly (i.e., not backwards or up-side-down
the slide).
I
In ns se er rt t t th he e T Ti is ss su ue e S Sl li id de e H Ho ol ld de er r
Insert the tissue slide holder into the scanner through dust cover. The tissue slide
holder can be inserted from either side. The tissue slide holder will index at each
frame using the notches on its side rails.
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Please allow about 40 cm of space on both sides of the scanner to insert and
remove the tissue slide holder.
Attention
 You can feel the tissue slide holder stop in its index position.
However, before performing scan, please gently push and pull
the tissue slide holder to make sure the tissue slide holder is in
correct position.
 On up side of the tissue slide holder you can see ‘Tissue Slide
Holder’. Always keep this side up for correct scan results.
 The tissue slide holder should be able to be inserted in to the
scanner smoothly. Do not push the tissue slide holder hard.
U
Us si in ng g I In nt te el ll li iS Sc ca an n b bu ut tt to on n
The IntelliScan button enables you to activate bundled SilverFast 6.5, which
performs advanced scan features, such as Dust and Scratch Removal, Grain and Noise
Elimination, Negative Optimization, etc.
Attention
For detailed settings and features about SilverFast 6.5, please refer to
SilverFast 6.5 User’s Manual.
12

U
Us si in ng g Q Qu ui ic ck kS Sc ca an n b bu ut tt to on n
The QuickScan button enables you to conveniently scan images and save them
automatically to the album, and send them to the NewSoft Presto! PageManager
program to perform other image editing tasks.
QuickScan setting
1. Double click on the QuickScan icon located on the Windows system tray, or
right click on the QuickScan icon , and from the menu that pops up, point to
[Properties].
2. Preference settings
 Select Source (the material to be scanned), Purpose (the post-processing
software to be saved or be processed), File Format (the format to be saved
in), Destination Folder (the file saving path) and File name prefix (the film
name, followed by 4-digits starting from 0000 for sequential scans).
 Check Preview window options to enable and/or confirm procedure.
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 Select Auto Processing options.
Please notice that Color Enhancement feature is available in Negative mode
only. Color Matching feature is available in Transparency mode only. Auto
Density feature is available in both Transparency and Negative Film modes.
However, due to different color processing method, Auto Density feature and
Color Matching feature can not be applied simultaneously.
Auto Crop feature will apply automatically if Auto Density feature is
checked.
 Select Scanning Attributes options:
You can alter scanning Mode, Resolution, Filter, Brightness, Contrast and
Gamma settings.
 Click the Default button if you desire to return to the default settings.
 Click the Close button to save the final settings and exit the QuickScan
Setting window.
3. Preview window
This window is only operational if ‘Enable’ and ‘Confirm’ are both checked in
Preview section.
1. Scanning source
2. Scanning mode
3. Resolution
4. Filter
5. Brightness
6. Contrast
7. Scan and save to album
8. Preview
9. Exit
10. On-line help
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Q
Qu ui ic ck kS Sc ca an n S Se et tt ti in ng gs s a an nd d P Pr re ev vi ie ew w W Wi in nd do ow w f fe ea at tu ur re es s
Source - Tells the scanner the method you will use to scan images.
• Tissue Slide - Use this mode for scanning the tissue slide glass.
Scan Mode - Tells the scanner the type of document you are scanning. There
are three settings to choose from:
• 8-bit grayscale - scans in 256 shades of gray, giving black and white
images.
• 16-bit grayscale – scans in more than 65,000 shades of gray, improving
the realism of b/w images.
• 24-bit Color - scans in millions of colors for slide realism. Choose this
mode when scanning color slide. This is the best setting to select for
scanning the tissue slide glass.
• 48-bit Color – scans in billions of colors for professional imaging
requiring precise uniformity of color.
Resolution - Resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi). The higher the
resolution, the more detailed the image, and the more memory and drive space
the image will use.
Filter - Filters help you improve your scans by allowing you to sharpen images
as well as remove excessive dots and distortion.
None
Average: Determines the medium depth of an image and averages
adjacent pixels to make images appear softer.
Blur: Lets you dull the edges within an image, and decreases the
contrast by making dark edges lighter and light edges darker.
Blur More: Adds additional blurring.
Sharpen: Allows you to sharpen the edges within an image by making
the edges in an image more distinct. The Sharpen filter also
increases contrast by making dark edges darker and
surrounding light edges lighter.
Sharpen More: Adds additional sharpening.
Unsharpen: Sharpens the edges in an image to remove the blurriness. This
is the best setting to select for scanning the tissue slide glass.
15

Brightness - This is the amount of light that is concentrated onto a document
while it is being scanned.
Contrast - Contrast adjusts the tonal range of an image by lowering mid-tone
values and increasing values for high and low tones.
Image Gamma is used to adjust the colors in the image that will be scanned into the
computer. By adjusting the gamma, you can change the tonal range of the selected
color channel. Gamma values are primarily a measure of the brightness of a color.
The larger the gamma value, the brighter the color becomes. The best setting to select
for scanning the tissue slide glass is an Image gamma of 1.35.
Note: By changing the gamma values you affect the image data, and
influence how the image displays on your computer’s monitor, and printer.
Purpose
This menu include File, Page Manager, Photoshop, Image Folio functions, which
allows you to determine which software you would like to use for the post-processing
of the scanned the tissue slide(s).
Auto Density
Checking this box automatically adjusts the Histogram to make the scanned
image clearer. It does this by increasing the difference between color tones.
This feature is available in Tissue Slide mode.
Color Matching
This feature provides a particular color matching technique to maintain colors
consistency between your output and the original image.
This feature is available in Tissue Slide mode only.
Attention
Due to different color processing method, Auto Density feature and
Color Matching feature cannot be applied simultaneously. If Auto
Density is checked, then Color Matching feature will be in gray-out
status and unavailable. Likewise, if Color Matching is checked, then
Auto Density feature will be in gray-out status and unavailable.
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Color Enhancement
This feature is to compensate negative’s underexposed Green and Blue channels.
If this feature is checked, pre-scan and scan time will noticeably increase.
Auto Crop
When this box is checked, the QuickScan program will identify the dimensions
of the image you scanned and crop around the edges. The crop shape will be a square
or rectangle and it will not trace the edges of oddly-shaped images.
Default
Clicking this button resets the values of all settings to their default values.
Status Indicator
The green LED indicator (above the SilverFast button) indicates the status of the
scanner, as described below:
Light Status
On The scanner is connected with the computer, ready to scan images.
Off The scanner is off, either because of disconnection with the
computer, or because the computer has been turned off.
Scanner Connection
The first step to take when troubleshooting connection problems with your
scanner is to check all physical connections. The QuickScan icon , located on the
Windows system tray, indicates if the scanner software is properly launched and the
scanner and computer are communicating with each other.
Appearance Status
The QuickScan program has been successfully launched and the
scanner is connected with the computer, ready to scan mages.
The scanner is not connected with the computer.
No Display You have chosen to terminate the QuickScan program, no matter
the scanner is connected or disconnected with the computer.
If the Windows system starts and detects the scanner unconnected, the following
message will appear to remind you:
17