UMAX Introduces Large Format (A3-Size) Dual Lens Scanner

Mirage D16-L Offers Larger Scanning Area and Multiple Image Scanning

New York, NY -- June 20, 1995 -- UMAX Technologies, Inc., a leader in the
development of graphics related technologies, today introduced the Mirage
D-16L, a new large format (A3 size) scanner based on a dual lens design.
Intended for professional graphics, prepress and publishing professionals,
the Mirage is a single-pass, 30-bit scanner that accommodates a maximum
scanning area of 12" x 17". This large scanning area makes the scanner
ideal for users in reproduction houses and service bureaus who want to
scan large artwork, newspapers, magazines, or even medical x-ray film.
Additional features of the Mirage D-16L include:

* Dual Lens Design Delivering High Resolutions -- the Mirage features
  hardware resolutions of 400 x 800 dpi and 800 x 1600 for outstanding
  image clarity.
* High Dynamic Range -- greater than 3.2, allows the scanner to
  produce brilliant images that display even the very subtle
  differences in color levels across the gamut from light to dark.
* Multiple Image Scanning -- proprietary software and frame holders
  allow users to scan up to thirty-two 35 mm slides or eight 4" x 6"
  pictures at once.
* High Speed Capabilities -- featuring a 2MB buffer and proprietary,
  bus-caching design, Mirage is capable of scanning a 12" x 17" image
  at 400 dpi in 66.7 seconds.
* Intuitive Software Interface -- MagicScan
* "On-the-Fly" Color Calibration -- MagicMatch calibration software
  incorporates Kodak's Color Management Software.
* Direct scanning to CMYK -- eliminating the need to convert files
  from the RGB mode to print.

According to Bobby Chao, senior vice president of marketing for UMAX, "With
the introduction of the Mirage, UMAX furthers its commitment to bringing
high level, high performance scanning in easy-to-use, affordable
solutions. The Mirage is well-suited for graphics professionals who
require a high-performance scanner for large image scanning and mass
production. This is the fastest and most affordable large format (A3-size)
flatbed scanner on the market today." The Mirage-D-16L is the only large
format scanner that is available with a list price under $ 10,000.

Dual Lens Design and Highest Resolutions in a Flatbed

Based on a unique dual lens design first offered with UMAX's Gemini D-16,
the Mirage D-16L performs at resolutions of 400 x 800 dpi and 800 x 1600
dpi. Dual lens technology overcomes the limitations of current charged
coupled device (CCD) technology, offering a breakthrough method for
increasing optical resolution. Prior to the introduction of dual lens
design, true optical resolution for flatbed scanners was limited by the
number of optic detectors contained in a CCD. This limitation makes
development of high, true optical resolution in flatbed scanners difficult
and expensive. By using two sets of optics that have two different
magnification factors, UMAX overcomes the CCD limitation. When selecting a
higher resolution, with a maximum scanning area of 6" x 17," the optical
resolution doubles to an incredible 800 x 800 dpi. In effect, dual lens
technology provides a cost-effective method for increasing optical
resolution simply, easily, and accurately.

Large Format-- 12"x 17" Scans

The maximum scanning area of the Mirage is 12" x 17" for the standard lens
and 6" x 17" using the highest lens. This increased scanning area makes
the Mirage an effective solution for users working with large artwork,
newspapers, and any tabloid-sized image. Until now, users working with
flatbed scanners have been required to scan large images in pieces,
stitching them together with software. With the Mirage, users can take
advantage of its increased scanning area for fast scanning of large-sized
documents, or for scanning multiple images simultaneously.

Multiple Image Scanning MagicScan Software

By combining the Mirage D-16L with MagicScan, UMAX's proprietary scanning
software interface, UMAX adds new levels of productivity for their users.
MagicScan allows users to take full advantage of the increased scanning
area by offering multiple image scanning capabilities. With this
cost-effective solution, users can place multiple images on the scanning
area and scan all of them in a single pass. MagicScan will automatically
detect the size of the image and separate each image into its own file.
UMAX ships the Mirage with specially designed frame holders to facilitate
automatic scanning. The frame holders will hold the images in place for
automatic scans. When scanning, users can scan up to thirty-two 35 mm
slides or eight 4" x 6" pictures.

Basic features of MagicScan software include batch-scanning, descreening
functions to eliminate moire patterns, and auto-exposure controls.
MagicScan also provides three levels of unsharp masking and controls for
negative-to-positive inversion of images, auto-scaling, sharpen and blur
filters, and color balancing. Added functions that promote the most
accurate scans include an auto-density control and interactive preview.
The package includes a simplified histogram and tone curve for easy and
accurate correction of images. MagicScan also includes features for
selectable output range and network capability.

Color Calibration Software

UMAX's MagicMatch software now incorporating Kodak's Color Management
Software, provides "on-the-fly" color calibration which delivers accurate
colors and prevents color shifts. MagicMatch calibrates the Mirage to an
industry standard calibration target and adopts a color space mapping
algorithm to the scanned file. The algorithm is then applied to each scan
and users produce images with high color fidelity. Through integration of
the Kodak CMS, MagicMatch v.2.0 also provides color simulation on the
display device and color correction for the output device. As a result,
users can achieve true color WYSIWYG" (what you see is what you get) from
scan, to display, to print, saving time and effort spent matching scanned
images to the originals. MagicMatch also gives users the ability to scan
directly to the CMYK mode, thus eliminating the extra step required to
convert the file from RGB format for printing. Without this function,
users must scan into RGB and then use their image editing program to
convert the file to CMYK for an accurate print.

Pricing and Availability

The Mirage is scheduled to ship in September and will be available for a
suggested list price of $6,995. The product ships bundled with MagicScan,
MagicMatch and frame holders for multiple scanning. The product is
available for both the Macintosh and PC platforms.

UMAX Technologies, Inc. (UTI) is located at 3353 Gateway Boulevard,
Fremont, CA 94538. For additional information about the company and its
products, contact 510-651 -8883 or 800-562-0311.

 ============================================================
 From the  'New Product News'  Electronic News Service on....
 AOL (Keyword = New Products) & Delphi (GO COMPUTING PRODUCT)
 ============================================================
 This information was processed from data provided by the 
 company or author mentioned. For additional details, please 
 contact them directly at the address/phone number indicated.
 All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
 ============================================================
 All submissions for this service should be addressed to:
 BAKER ENTERPRISES,  20 Ferro Dr,  Sewell, NJ  08080  U.S.A.
 Email: RBakerPC (AOL/Delphi), rbakerpc@delphi.com (Internet)
 ============================================================
