In general, the IMS is a successor to the IDW and the IMT. The IMS has many of the same features of it predecessors, as well as many new features. (However, some features are not duplicated in the all-digital IMS.)

No. The image format expected by the Printers 3, 5, or 7 is specific to the IDW output, which differs from the IMS. The Printers 3, 5, and 7 are expecting an image in the format output from the IDW. No other format is accepted. The Printers will only print bi-tonal images (so grayscale images in JPEG could not be accepted either). There is no way to modify the current printers to work with the IMS. Furthermore, the connectivity is based on NetBios, which is an old technology not easily supported.

We are evaluating whether to develop a software module that will allow users to convert the IMS bi-tonal TIFF G4 to the IDW format. (This is not approved at this time.)

You can pick from many printer suppliers to meet your specific needs. Some minimum requirements include: Windows compatibility; a minimum print resolution of 600dpi; and 4MB of memory. You can then select other options, such as paper supply size, multiple paper supply bins, pages per minute, sorter bins, and network. All printer options will be determined by the print driver software you select, and controlled by the Printer Setup dialog box available under Windows OS.

Yes, with IMS+ Node Software.

Yes. Carreker-Antinori has two versions of a product for printing and faxing that are compatible with the IMS. Please contact them for availability and cost. At Kodak, we're working closely with Carreker-Antinori and all others who have previously integrated the IDW with their softwrae products.

They have all upgraded their systems to work with the IMS and the IMS+ Node Software.

With the IMS, all the image processing is done in software. To maximize the throughput we need to be sure there is enough space to hold the original scan at 256 levels of gray, as well as process it to the output desired. We also want to assure that changes in upcoming Windows OS releases are addressed.

There are image-processing algorithms in MMX (or equivalent) technology that speed up the processing considerably. The Celeron processor does not allocate as much cache to image processing, so it will perform slower, all other factors being the same.

We have tested PCs with these processors and have not found any compatibility or productivity differences.

No. The current architecture does not support that implementation.

The FAX utility must have a print driver front end. It must be compatible with the chosen PC.

Yes.

Yes. The IMS CAR Module will let you use the IMS with IAS for CICS software. It will also require using the CAR 278 Interface to translate the 327X signal to ASCII for the CAR module to interpret correctly. If you're upgrading an IDW or IMT that is connected to IAS for CICS, there is already a CAR 278 interface in place to be switched over to the IMS.

Yes, when the utility is turned on under the Application Setup function.

The IMS ignores Agfa Image Management Code.

The large monitor size will make your work more efficient. In fact, we recommend a 21-inch monitor if you have it. This allows the images to be of sufficient size for you to quickly read what is on the image, and to decide if the image is the correct one. Easy readability makes the system more effective to use.

In order to get the best possible image quality output, we provide two scanning densities. Recommendation: use the Enhanced scan for films with reduction ratios greater than 40:1; and use the Normal for reduction ratios under 40:1. You can use Enhanced scan for images filmed at any reduction if the image size is not too large for the user.

Some images on film that have faint characters, or are high reductions or contain colored inks will likely be more readable with a grayscale image output. When an image is presented in grayscale it may show more details and be more readable. This is particularly important for check images at 50:1 and legal documents with stamps or handwriting.

Grayscale images must be saved with JPEG compression. This creates larger files than TIFF Group 4 compression.

The IMS outputs single-page TIFF.

The IMS is interfaced to a PC. If the PC is linked to the Internet, you can export Web images. You cannot drive the IMS directly from a remote PC. The PC it is attached to must drive the IMS.

Yes, the user may customize keyboard shortcuts.

When you scan an image and it's presented on the monitor, there is likely to be extra area scanned around the image. This is part of the image file, and contributes to the file size (line width and line length). Typically this appears black on the monitor.

When you crop an image, all the area outside of the crop is deleted from the file. This reduces the file's size considerably.

When you apply "Border Removal", the area outside of the image is made white. This will not reduce the line width or line length, although the file size may be reduced slightly.

Basic Software Training covers launching the user interface application, and setting up one application with demonstration of Menu Bar, Control Panel, Tool Bar and Image Display Pane.

Advanced Software Training covers everything in the Basic Software Training, and also demonstrates the General tab, Image Marks tab, Film tab, Image Processing tab, and Mode Migration Service.

The training should be sold with an initial sale of the IMS at a site, if the reseller is not going to provide training to the customer.

The IMS software uses an Application in place of a Mode. An Application can be considered similar to a Mode. The Application defines all the attributes and the parameters needed to effectively retrieve the images from the library of film associated with that Application. There are several new attributes that do not exist in the Mode setup process.

If the CAR Module is installed, the CAR software Mode A, Mode B, and Mode D can each be linked to a separate Application.

For convenience. Customers told us that the Mode number convention often made it difficult to remember which one to use. The name of the Application can be more meaningful than Mode 1, Mode 2, etc. Using Application names will make it easier to learn how to use the IMS in your operation, and reduce the incidence of using the wrong Mode. This also lets you easily migrate from one film type to another without having to remember all the special settings for that film library.

The customer needs to be trained on Application setup. This can be achieved in several ways: (1) a reseller capable of offering this service can provide it, or (2) KODAK Service can provide this training as part of the Advanced Software Training, or (3) customers can use the CD and the manual provided to learn on their own.

There is no limit, other than disk space. The Application is saved under the IMS software and available at any time the IMS is in use.

M-type cartridges often do not allow the film to move in and out of the cartridge as freely as do ANSI C cartridges. We chose to move the film more slowly to assure the film does not get damaged in search and refile operations.

There are many annotation capabilities available; among the most commonly used are: White Out, Redact, Highlight, and Text. See the User's Manual for further details.

You can easily define the scanning area relative to the blip position on the film. This is done with a special image scan that lets you draw the scan window and save it in the Application. The scanner will then use this window for all subsequent scans done when that Application is active. Different Applications can have different scan windows.

This functionality is specifically targeted at the check image retrieval application; it should not be use with letter sized documents.

The IMS software will scan the film and extract two user-defined designated areas (front and back of check), and then present these areas on the monitor with the front on top and the back right below it. This will allow the user to have printing functionality similar to the Mode 2 printing capability of the IDW.

Furthermore, the front of the check can be imaged processed with different settings than the back, allowing for optimized image quality. (Both must be output in the same format (bi-tonal or gray).)

There are two levels of training, and two additional services offered:

Basic Software Training: The trainer will establish one application based on your film library, and train two students on the functionality of IMS (except Application Setup and CAR Setup).

Advanced Software Training: All of Basic Software Training, plus how to use Application Setup, CAR Setup, and extensive use of image processing.

Mode Migration: Conversion of a Mode on IDW or IMT to align with IMS software. (Multiple conversions available for additional fees.)

Network Services: Statement of Work contract specific to your needs, to assist in installation involving networks.