Large-format Scanning and Copying

Contex Scanning Technology is a manufacturer of wide-format colour and monochrome scanners and a developer of scanning and copying software. Because it can provide high levels of accuracy on difficult-to-scan originals and the fine detail found in maps and photos its scanners are well suited for use by GIS professionals.

The company was originally founded in 1923 and was for many years involved in the design and manufacture of business machines such as printing machines, mechanical and electronic calculators, and electrostatic copiers. These machines were distributed and sold worldwide under the Rex-Rotary and Gestetner brand names. In the early 1980s the then existing business was wound up and foundations laid for the establishment of Contex Scanning Technology. The company now has its own manufacturing facilities in Svendborg, Denmark, and there is worldwide distribution of scanning and copying solutions for companies and public agencies in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, graphics art, CAD GIS, among others.
The development of modular scanning technology began in 1986 and in 1988 the company introduced its first B/W (monochrome) large-format scanner, in 1990 presenting a complete line of B/W scanners. The first wide-format colour scanners were introduced in 1996. Recently introduced are the COPYmate 18 Flatbed Colour scanner and the PUMA HS36 Colour Scanner, the first two scanners to connect directly to a printer for scan-to-print, without the need for a PC connection. Current areas of company expertise include digital scanning, microprocessor-controlled products, paper-handling mechanics and imaging software.

Scanning and Copying
Contex scanners digitally capture documents, drawings and other input in order to view, edit, archive, convert, file or print the output data for various applications and jobs. The scanners can also be used as wide-format digital copiers by linking them to a large-format printer. This solution makes copying, particularly of medium and small series, more versatile and cost-efficient than traditional printing methods. Companies requiring in-house copying of aerial photographs, detailed maps and drawings may benefit from copy solutions using the technology of CCD cameras to accurately capture colour images and fine details.
Next to hardware Contex produces software: WIDEimage scanning software and JETimage copy software. WIDEimage is an integrated scanning, viewing, converting and printing system for our colour and monochrome scanners. JETimage is a colour and B/W copying software package designed specially for wide-format copying from our scanners to large-format printers. Also developed are other utilities such as scan-to-email and scan plug-in software.

GIS Environment
The company’s Accurate Lens Enhancement (ALE) is a technology development that relates to the GIS market, ensuring the highest level of data capture on fine details found in maps. For the GIS community we deliver precision GIS scanners for clean and crisp scans of large-format maps, photos and drawings. Small type, small details and colour changes in maps are captured clearly and reliably. Contex scanners are compatible with a wide variety of third-party software applications in CAD, GIS, Archive and RIP. Providing support for the range of wide-format Contex scanners includes applications in document management, scanning, indexing, archiving, viewing, raster editing and raster-to-vector conversion, image enhancement, drawing revision and printing-and-copying.

Future of L-F Scanning
Current scanner technology is very stable across both monochrome and colour environments. Contex will continue improving speeds and features through additional technology. The real challenge for the company will be to develop new technologies for scanning that build on all current strengths while keeping costs down, so that we can expand into other markets currently cost-prohibitive for us. We design products with a global economy in mind, as we are an international organisation with a worldwide distributor and dealer network. This year the world economy for scanners is very healthy and we will continue to build on this by trying to come up with innovative new products that open up new opportunities.
Regionally, the monochrome and 36-inch colour/ monochrome scanner market is still very strong in North America. The company’s line of colour-
enabled monochrome scanners has perhaps helped here, offering colour capability at a monochrome price. Whilst colour quality is superior to that of competitors, these scanners are still aimed primarily at the monochrome market. Because they provide for limited colour requirements, scan speed is in effect the only limiting factor. Contex also predicts a continuing growth in the North American market for 30 x 42 inch scanners; this is a very popular size in the construction-engineering marketplace and such scanners fit neatly into the AEC market, as well as the GIS market for similar sized maps.