Re: [APML]: [OT] Software that handles 30bit images??

[handy@primenet.com (Howard C. Anderson)]

I have written Visual C++ Multiple Document Interface
software to operate the scanner, capture images,
and display the results.  I'm not ready to release anything at the
moment though.  The format of the scanner data is described in
HP's SCL Command Reference, Page 6.  I have done several experiments
to see whether using all the low-order bits for astrophotographs and
using the high order bits to simply signal "highest intensity" would
allow extra sensitivity in the dim areas of the photo.  So far,
no results that I am particularly proud of.  Have been considering
how I might use the raw data in the Scanner Test I have volunteered
for.  It would be in addition to using the standard stuff supplied
by HP of course.  I noticed so far that the SCL commands to set
intensity and contrast appear to be ignored by the scanner.  Is
that what you are seeing?  The scanner appears to simply scan
the image the same time each time.  The fancy stuff appears
to all be done by HP in their software.  I talked with HP
and asked for more data on the HP scanner but I doubt if anything
more will be provided.  It is an accident that SCL works with
the PhotoSmart scanner.  It is not "supported" by SCL.  Fortunately,
it follows the pattern so it can be driven by SCL.  Problem here
is time.  Not much time to work on this...  It *is* fun though...


>Does anyone know of any freeware/demo software that can handle
>30bit images??  I can get 30bits out of the Photosmart scanner, but the
>bit ordering seems odd and PhotoShop doesn't seem to know what to do
>with the extra two bits.  BTW, the program on my website passes along
>this "odd" bit ordering, in case anyone's gotten some strange looking colors.
>I'm pretty sure I've got the correct ordering now but would like to test
it.  Any 
>ideas??
>
>Regards,
>Matt Considine
>

Thanks,

Howard     (in Tempe, Arizona)
http://www.primenet.com/~handy