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Using the ST ViewScan II Microform Scanner

Describes the basics of using the ST ViewScan II microform scanner located on the 4th floor, behind the elevators.

Inverting the Image

  1. When looking at images of your document on the screen, you may notice that it appears as a film negative with a black background and white text.


black background and white text

  1. To flip this image, click on the Positive Negative icon on the left menu bar (near the bottom).

Positive negative icon with green arrows

  1. By clicking this icon, you will switch the image to the more traditional white background with black text.
  • NOTE: You can also use the Positive Negative icon to view regular images as a negative (black background with white text).

 

Flipping/Rotating the Image

Occasionally, the image on the document will appear backwards or flipped. This can happen if the microfilm or fiche was placed into the reader in the wrong direction.  Rather than removing the film and resetting it, the ViewScan program enables you to make adjustments to position the image correctly.

  1. There are a series of controls available on the left menu bar to adjust the direction of the image on the screen. These are the Rotate Left, Rotate Right, Flip Vertical, and Mirror Image Controls.
     
  2. If the image is simply upside down or backwards, the easiest controls to fix this situation are  the Flip Vertical or Mirror Image.
     
  3. If the image is lying on its side, you can use the Rotate Left or Rotate Right controls to fix it.  These controls will rotate the image 90 degrees in the direction indicated.


 Rotate left, rotate right, flip vertical, and mirror icons. All icons are green directional arrows.

Straightening the Image

If the image is a little crooked on the screen, it can be straightened using the Straighten tool.

  1. To use this tool, first click on the Straighten tool image on the left menu bar.
     
  2. On the pull-down menu that appears, select Straighten Image.

Pull-down menu for Straighten tool. Menu lists straighten item and reset options.

  1. Once you select Straighten Image, a crosshair will appear. Use the crosshair to draw a blue line along a straight edge. You draw this line by clicking at one location along the straight edge to start the line. Then, move the crosshair to a different point on the same straight edge and click again, creating the line's end point. You should now have a blue line similar to the one shown below.

Blue, horizontal crosshair drawn with Straighten Imag e tool.

 

  1. After you have finished drawing the line, the ViewScan program will automatically straighten the image according to this line.