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2. TWAIN
2.1 TWAIN
TWAIN is the specification that defines the standard software protocol and application
programming interface (API) for data exchange between a software application program and an
image input device such as the image scanner.
[TWAIN development background]
In the past, development of a new scanner inevitably required the development of a compatible
driver and a sample (demonstration) program exclusively designed for the new scanner. As the
scanner is upgraded, the driver may need to be upgraded as well to maintain its compatibility
with the upgraded scanner. Therefore, the use is most likely to be restricted to one specific
scanner model to avoid the complication of learning new operation methods and replacing the
peripheral driver, etc., involved in scanner replacement.
In view of the incompatibility among different scanners and peripheral equipment and the
accompanying inconvenience, there was a demand for standardization of the related hardware
and software, and TWAIN was established as a result.
The user may now choose among all the input devices and software (driver or application
programs) conforming to the TWAIN standard, and configure a most suitable system for himself,
without being restricted to the products of a certain series or a certain manufacturer.
2.2 TWAIN Application
TWAIN mainly applies to the following three software components:
• Application software
‚ Source manager
ƒ Source
The components are related to each other as shown below.