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Dynamic Web TWAIN v18.2 added WIA support
Dynamic Web TWAIN v18.2 Preview
Scanning is an essential part of many businesses and organizations, and there are several protocols available to facilitate image acquisition. Two popular protocols for scanning are WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) and TWAIN (Technology Without An Interesting Name). With the recent release of Dynamic Web TWAIN v18.2, WIA support has been added.
WIA vs. WIA’s TWAIN Compatibility Layer
In short, there is no need to use TWAIN Compatibility Layer starting from Dynamic Web TWAIN v18.2.
WIA is a protocol developed by Microsoft that is built into Windows operating systems. It provides a simple interface for image acquisition from scanners and cameras, making it easy to use for basic scanning needs.
WIA’s TWAIN compatibility layer allows communication between TWAIN-aware applications (for example, Dynamic Web TWAIN previous versions) and WIA devices.
Issues with TWAIN Compatibility Layer
- The functionality of WIA is not fully accessible to the TWAIN compatibility layer. For example, the user interface cannot be suppressed through this compatibility layer.
- With the added support of WIA in Dynamic Web TWAIN v18.2, it recognizes both WIA and TWAIN. This means WIA devices are detected twice - once via normal WIA communication and once via the TWAIN compatibility layer. This causes the issue of listing the same WIA device twice.
For these reasons, Dynamic Web TWAIN filters out the TWAIN compatibility layer by default.
Comparing WIA and TWAIN
When choosing between WIA and TWAIN, several factors need to be considered.
Should I choose WIA or TWAIN if my scanner supports both?
The choice between WIA and TWAIN depends on your specific needs.
Interface and flexibility
WIA is generally easier to use and provides a simpler interface for basic scanning needs. TWAIN, on the other hand, offers more flexibility and control over the scanning process, making it a better choice for advanced users or those with specific requirements for image acquisition.
Built-in Driver
WIA does have a unique advantage on Windows systems. Windows includes a built-in WIA driver for many WIA scanners. When you connect a WIA scanner to your computer for the first time, Windows will automatically detect and install the appropriate driver.
Speed
When scanning a single page, WIA generally performs faster than TWAIN. However, for batch scanning, for example, 50 pages, TWAIN outperforms WIA in terms of speed for both 200 DPI and 600 DPI Gray.
| TWAIN | WIA | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 DPI Gray | 1 Page | 8.8s | 5.42s |
| 600 DPI Gray | 1 Page | 14s | 10.1s |
| 200 DPI Gray | 50 Pages | 49s | 58s |
Note: The test was done on a Panasonic KVN1058X scanner.
About Dynamic Web TWAIN
If you’re a developer looking to integrate document scanning and management capabilities into your web application, consider trying out Dynamic Web TWAIN. With its easy-to-use interface, cross-platform compatibility, and advanced features, it’s the perfect solution for businesses and organizations of all sizes.