How do I know which settings to use for the type of scanning I am doing?

See our Scanning Hints below. This should answer your questions and help you get the best possible results from your NeuraScanner.

I moved my NeuraScanner to new machine. What do I need to do to get it working?

• Install NeuraScanner SW
• Install USB drivers
• Enter License Code: Get license code from software on old machine (Help->About Scanner->License Code) or contact Neuralog.

Troubleshooting NeuraScanner Common Problems

See Common Scanning Problems & Solutions below. 

What do I need to do to send in my scanner for service?

NeuraScanners must be returned in their original scanner box with original packing materials.  Do not ship cables, CDROM or manuals.  You must contact Neuralog before you ship to obtain an RMA. Ship to the following address.

Neuralog, Inc.
4800 Sugar Grove Blvd., Suite 410
Stafford, TX 77477
Attn:  Neuralog Support
RMA: xxxx

Why won’t my scanner work through the USB port on my NT machine?

NT does not support USB. We suggest you upgrade your Windows operating system to 2000 or XP. If you cannot do this, you must scan using the NeuraScanner serial port.

Do I need any special drivers to make my scanner work with USB?

Yes, you will need to load the NeuraScanner USB drivers. Available on your CDROM or download from www.neuralog.com SUPPORT section, NeuraScanner Support->Drivers and Utilities–>USBDrivers.zip.

How do I set up scanning through my serial port? (NeuraScanner I only)

Plug in the scanner to a serial port. Shut down the NeuraScanner Software. Run ScannerLocator.exe from your nds/bin directory to determine which port the scanner is plugged in to, e.g., COM2. Start NeuraScanner software. Select Edit->Scanner Devices… Move the scanner port (e.g., COM2) to the top of the list using the arrow keys. Click OK. Restart the NeuraScanner software. The Software should automatically connect to the NeuraScanner through the serial port.

Where do I enter my scanner code in the NeuraScanner software?

Select Help->About Scanner->License Code. Check the Enter box and enter the code.

Is the NeuraScanner TWAIN compliant?

The NeuraScanner was NOT designed to be TWAIN compliant but was designed for industry specific image acquisition.

How do a make a copy of a well log? Can the printer be plugged directly into the scanner?

You cannot copy a well log directly by plugging in a printer, however it is easy to make a copy of your well log. Scan the image with the NeuraScanner to make a TIFF file. Then print with the NeuraView software that came with the scanner to your log printer. Neuralog recommends and sells the Printrex log printer.

How fast (in/sec) does a NeuraScanner scan?

NeuraScanner II Turbo scans at up to 10″/sec. A NeuraScanner II without the Turbo option scans at up to 5″/sec.

NeuraScanner I Turbo scans at up to 4″/sec. A NeuraScanner I without the Turbo option scans at up to 2″/sec.

Can the NeuraScanner scan unlimited length documents?

Absolutely. The NeuraScanner is designed to scan even the longest well lots.

How do I use Color Mapping on my NeuraScanner?

Color mapping will map all scanned colors to a subset of defined colors.  For larger sets of colors, you may use the 256 color setting in the scanner software and enter up to 256 colors in the rgb.txt file.  For smaller sets, you may use the 32 color setting in the scanner software and enter up to 32 colors in the rgb32.txt or rgb.txt file.  (Use both files if you wish to save and switch between 2 sets of mappings; otherwise just use rgb.txt and enter however many colors you need.  All Neuralog software ships with a default rgb.txt color mapping file.

Before changing the color map, be sure to save a copy of the default rgb.txt.  To change the color map, once you have entered the colors into the rgb.txt, save the new file. The scanner software looks for the file in:

• first the current scan directory
• next the site directory you have defined
• finally the nds/res directory

In this way it is possible to define multiple color mappings for different sets of files.

The rgb.txt file is a set of triplet rgb values with an optional color name.  Below is an example.  Note that in this example only 15 colors have been defined.  This means that when the file is present, whether 32 or 256 colors are chosen in the scanner software, the files produced will have only these 15 colors.

****************SAMPLE RGB.TXT ****************
106 90 205        slate blue
135 206 235      sky blue
60 179 113        medium sea green
0 255 127          spring green
255 255 0          yellow1
205 133 63        tan3
255 165 0          orange1
238 0 0             red2
238 18 137        DeepPink2
255 174 185      LightPink1
205 0 205          magenta3
139 71 137        orchid4
166 166 166      gray65
255 255 255      grey100
0 0 0                 gray0
*****************************************************

IMPORTANT:  Color mapping tables and algorithm maps the 16-bit scanned color image to the defined color set.  Natural “noise” in the image may result in a scanned image that is not mapped as expected.  In other words, because of the nature of colors, it is likely the mapping of 65,000 colors (16-bit) onto 256 or 32 or fewer colors will not always have the desired results.

When scanning an older “yellowed” log, there is severe shadowing at the folds.

Set the threshold to a lower number to brighten the image. Also turn on Auto-thresholding to automatically fine tune the image as you scan.

The lettering is showing up fuzzy when scanning Mylar logs.

This may be because the ink is on the back side of the mylar. Scan the log upside down (mirror image) for a crisper image. Use NeuraView to mirror the image back. You might also try scanning the log in greyscale.

There is a streak in the scanned image.

Most likely one image sensor is out of alignment. This is usually corrected by calibrating the scanner. If calibration does not align the sensor and remove the streak it is possible that the sensor has gone bad. If this is the case you will need to send in your scanner for service.

Paper is jamming and not feeding all the way through.

Check to see that the paper has been properly placed. You may need to place a light weight on the paper to control the feed into the scanner.

Paper is skewing to one side in the NeuraScanner.

Make sure lid is closed properly.

Green Start button was working, but now does not work.

Check paper sensor by pressing paper forward button on scanner. Make sure you did not turn the scanner on/off while the NeuraScanner software was running, causing the communication session to be broken.

Scanner only scans about 2 inches and then stops.

Make sure paper is loaded all the way to the left (not right) and is over the paper sensor.

Clicking the Scan button in the NeuraScanner software causes the Waiting for Scanner…Lamp may be warming up…message to stay up forever. (Should take 30 seconds.)

Problem occurs due to a mismatch of NeuraScanner software and firmware versions. Upgrade NeuraScanner firmware and software by downloading from www.neuralog.com.

All images acquired with the NeuraScanner are in the TIFF format. A variety of settings are available for custom scanning. The text below discusses optimizations for your personal scanning requirements.

Getting the Best Quality Image

Use File -> PreScan to see a preview of how the image will look when scanned.
Use gray or color, if needed to capture more detail.
Even when black and white (BW) images are desired, scanning in grayscale and then converting to BW using NeuraView image processing is likely to deliver the highest BW quality.
o Adjust the brightness for gray or color images. Adjusting brightness can improve color quality.
o Adjust the threshold/detail for B&W images to achieve image enhancements.
o Make sure the paper is loaded properly into the scanner and the offset bar has been set to hold the paper in place and not allow it to wander.
o Use the appropriate DPI. For most well logs and maps, 200 or 300 DPI is sufficient. Keep in mind that higher DPIs increase file size.
o Make sure your scanner and scanning area are dust-free. Dust and smudges on your media will be captured in the scan.
o Scan speed does not affect image quality.

Recommended Workflow for B&W Image Scanning

Scan in grayscale, then load into NeuraView for Virtual Rescan and precise B&W conversion. This reduces file size and helps control quality.
For capturing fine detail, 2DAdaptive is often the best scan mode. It uses a pixel interpolation to smooth fine details, such as text.
For logs that wash in and out (e.g. where dark bands at folds intermittently obscure log details), use the Auto scan setting. This automatically adjusts image brightness/darkness as the image changes.
For logs that are consistently washed out or dark in appearance, use Auto or Manual mode and adjust the threshold to an appropriate level.

Scanning at Best Length Accuracy

Make sure the paper has smooth flow path and that the drag on the paper is minimized.
o Do not place a scanning weight on the paper. Placing a weight on the scanner (even the Neuralog weight) can increase drag and cause the image to stretch. (Exception: A scanning weight is sometimes need for extremely light-weight paper that can lift from the scanner body, causing the “paper-end switch” to activate prematurely. Use no more than a 2 ounce weight, such as a CD case.)
o Do not place the paper on the floor, significantly below the scanner. Placing the paper on the floor can increase drag (from the weight of the paper) and cause the image to stretch.
Higher resolution scans are usually slightly more accurate than lower resolution scans because of reduced local error.
Scan speed does not significantly affect length. However scanning at a slower speed will slightly reduce error. Scanning at FAST rather than TURBO or scanning at DELICATE rather than FAST is slightly more accurate.

Controlling the File Size

BW images are by far the smallest.
If grayscale or color images are desired, use the smallest satisfactory number of colors.
Make sure the scan width and margin offsets are set appropriately to avoid scanning white space.
Use the smallest satisfactory resolution (DPI); however the greater the DPI, the better image quality.
Choose Group 4 or LZW Compression for a smaller compressed file.
Scan speed does not affect file size.
Inverting or mirroring the image does not affect the file size.

Using Color Mapping

Color mapping will map all scanned colors to a subset of defined colors. For larger sets of colors, you may use the 256 color setting in the scanner software and enter up to 256 colors in the rgb.txt file. For smaller sets, you may use the 32 color setting in the scanner software and enter up to 32 colors in the rgb32.txt or rgb.txt file. (Use both files if you wish to save and switch between 2 sets of mappings; otherwise just use rgb.txt and enter however many colors you need. All Neuralog software ships with a default rgb.txt color mapping file.
Before changing the color map, be sure to save a copy of the default rgb.txt. The rgb.txt file is a set of triplet rgb values with an optional color name. To change the color map, once you have entered the colors into the rgb.txt, save the new file. The scanner software looks for the file in:
– first the current scan directory
– next the site directory you have defined
– finally the nds/res directory
In this way it is possible to define multiple color mappings for different sets of files.

Scanning at Maximum Speed

Make sure no other USB devices are connected to your computer. NeuraScanner II uses USB 2.0. Other USB devices can add to the data transfer bus and slow down the scan.
Scan in BW or grayscale, rather than color when possible. Grayscale scanning is as fast as BW scanning.
Scan at a lower resolution when possible.
If the scanner becomes sluggish/slower, turn it OFF/ON before the next scan. It is possible that the USB bus connecting the scanner to your computer has degraded. Cycling the power corrects this problem.
Make sure the paper has a clear path both in and out of the scanner, before you begin the scan.
The scan width setting does not affect scan speed.

Working with Delicate Documents

If the document is fragile, scan in DELICATE mode (if necessary with the document in a transparent sleeve). This slower mode has a lower current and was designed for more delicate documents.
If the document is fragile, scan in DELICATE mode (if necessary with the document in a transparent sleeve). This slower mode has a lower current and was designed for more delicate documents.
If you need to scan in high-resolution and high-color, the TURBO and FAST modes will scan slower because of USB data transfer. For this special case DELICATE mode may not be necessary.
If the paper slips or binds, use the fine tuning motor current control found under Edit->Preferences to increase/decrease motor current.

Dealing with Static Electricity

Static electricity has been found to be a problem with many types of electronic equipment in very dry climates. Severe static build ups may cause your scanner to temporarily stop working or to loose its factory calibration. Several anti-static components have been added to the scanner such as anti-static rollers and the paper roller bar to reduce static electricity. If static electricity is a problem in your area, this information applies to you.
To minimize static electricity as you scan, decrease the distance of the paper stack from the scanner. A greater build up will occur if the paper travels a greater distance to get to the scanner.
o Don’t let the paper fall to the floor; let it collect in front of the scanner.
o Minimize how far the paper is stacked away from the back of the scanner.
For very dry climates, consider adding a humidifier to your office. This may be helpful for all your office equipment that processes paper, not just the scanner.
Make sure the USB cable is pulled to the left side and possibly shield it from the paper with something light such as a CD case.
Don’t use the anodized Neuralog paper weight or other anodized weight.

Other Interesting or Unusual Scans

Scanning grayscale of a color original requires all three image sensor colors to be used. To capture all colors, verify the Gun to use in Preferences is set to ALL, its default setting.
Color Elimination can be accomplished by scanning with only the Red, Green or Blue Gun (lights), eliminating the respective color of choice.
Scanning Gray or BW originals to grayscale, ALL guns is recommended; however any setting will work.
Mirroring of an image is accomplished on-the-fly by selecting the Mirror Image checkbox. Turn on Activate Advanced Options under Edit Preferences to see this option.
Inversion of an image is accomplished on-the-fly by selecting the Mirror Image checkbox. Turn on Activate Advanced Options under Edit Preferences to see this option. Inversion is usually used for film logs that have dark backgrounds and white curves.

Calibrating the Scanner

Your NeuraScanner is calibrated before it is shipped to you. The calibration accounts for variations in the image sensor device. This “Factory Calibration” is stored in the firmware and can be restored if needed.
o If you see vertical lines or vertical blotches in your image, occurring at the same location, your scanner may need calibration.
o If your gray scans appear to have a colored hue, your scanner may need calibration.
o If your scanner should need calibration, select the Restore Factory Calibration button found on the Calibration panel. Cycle the power on your scanner before you continue scanning.
To calibrate you own scanner (usually not recommended), insert a sheet of clean 12″ wide paper into the scanner and select Start Calibration Scan. You must cycle the power on your scanner for the calibration to be saved.

Batch Scanning

Batch scanning is available to expedite the naming of scanning images. A text batch file with document names can be created and accessed through the scanner SW.

Moving the Scanner to Another Computer

It is possible to move your scanner to a different Windows computer using your existing licensing. To move the scanner to another computer.
Get your NeuraScanner license key in any of the following ways.
o If possible, before you move the scanner…Help->About Scanner->Key Code
o Check your email – you may have been sent the license key
o From the front of your Neuralog product CD
Install the NeuraScanner and NeuraView SW on the new PC:
o From your Neuralog product CD.
o Downloaded from NeuraScanner section of www.neuralog.com/support/Utilities.html
Install the USB drivers
o From your Neuralog product CD
Plug in your scanner and attach to the PC.
Run the software on the new PC and enter the license key.
Exit and restart software. You should now be able to use the scanner with the new PC.