Lesson Videos:
Introduction
The process of image capture is not simply taking a digital picture. Good image capture also includes making sure the image is good, meaning one that represents the historical record as closely as possible.
The Capture screen is where all image capture takes place. It provides the area where you view images but also provides tools to enhance that view both before and after image capture. The following sections appear on the Capture screen:
- Image Viewer toolbar
- Thumbnail images
- X-key buttons
- Capture Images panel
You will get to know each one of these sections as you learn the basic patterns of image capture. Remember that your DCam User Guide offers complete explanations of each of these areas.
Using the Image Viewer Toolbar
Using the Image Viewer Toolbar, you can zoom in to check the quality of captured images, add image information tags, and perform a variety of other functions like refocusing the camera.
When you hover your mouse cursor above each button, you can see a description of it.
As with the different sections of the screen, you will get to know these buttons as you learn the basic patterns of image capture. There are a number of basic image capture patterns:
- Single documents
- Smaller books
- Medium and large books
- Very large books
- Papers that are grouped with book pages
- Papers that are firmly glued or taped to book pages
Each of these image capturing patterns is managed best by selecting one of DCam’s capture modes, which you learned about in the Templates and X-keys lesson.
Selecting a Capture Mode
There are 2 primary capture modes available in DCam:
- Single Page capture mode
- Double Page capture mode
There is an additional capture mode: Left and Right Page Capture Mode. This mode is only used in rare cases when books are extremely large or extremely wide. If a project requires its use, however, contact your supervisor to obtain the password that is required to enable this feature.
The capture mode that is highlighted in the control panel on the left is defined in the template you have currently chosen, and what capture mode you use depends on the type of records you are capturing.
As you learned in the Templates and X-keys learning lesson, Single Page Capture is used to capture loose pages. Double Page Capture is used for capturing both left and right pages of a document, such as in a book.
You can move between capture modes as needed. Single Page capture mode can be used without a template. However, Double Page capture mode must be associated with a Double-Crop template.
An error message displays to remind you if you forget.
You can use either the Single- or Double-Page capture mode to capture attachments. Attachments are pages, or sometimes only small scraps of paper, that are physically associated with a base page. For example, the receipt for a newspaper obituary might be attached to an official record of death. Once captured, the attached image will always be digitally associated with its base-page image; the attached image is identified with a paper clip icon.
Selecting a Template
As you capture images, the normal process is to select a template. If you have already defined one, you can choose it from the Template menu in the control panel on the left, or you can select the X-key you associated with it.
There are also generic templates you can choose like Autosplit and Single Page Autocrop that are predefined and have X-keys associated with them.
To create a new template after you are already in the Capture screen, at the top of the control panel on the left, click the Templates tab, or click the Templates X-key button.
Capture Images Using Single Page Capture Mode
The most basic process is called Single Page capture mode. It is generally for single pages, but you can also use it to capture 2 pages in 1 image, such as with a register or census-style book, which has information shared across 2 pages. You can use it with or without a template.
Place each document down on the copy board 1 at a time. Quickly verify that the image will be good, capture it, and then move to the next document.
Using Single Page capture mode is the most basic pattern to discuss image capture and the different tools you can use to make sure the image is correct.
Step 1: Organize your workflow, as you learned in the lesson “Setting Up.”
Step 2: Remove the pages from the binder, folder, or envelope, and make sure to keep the pages in order.
Step 3: Select a template, or create a new one, as you learned in the “Creating Templates and X-keys” lesson.
- If the documents have page numbers, on the left control panel, click Show Page Number.
- If not, use Show Image Number.
Step 4: For the first image, capture 1 of the following:
- The physical folder empty of contents.
- The folder cover.
- The archival title page.
Note: If the folder’s descriptive information is not located on a surface that can be captured, such as on the side of a box, copy the information onto a 3-by-5 index card, and then capture the card as the first image.
Step 5: Before the camera captures the image, you need to quickly make sure that the image looks good. Parts of the image, or the image as a whole, cannot be out of focus, misaligned, out of the camera’s view, or show a foreign object. Spotting these issues quickly and efficiently can be challenging, but finding them is important because fixing them later costs even more time.
The tools in your Image Viewer Toolbar can be very helpful when addressing each of these problems. Before you go forward, look at what some of these tools can do for you as you set up each shot. Other tools are designed to help evaluate the image, and you will learn about those when you reach that point in the process.
Using Live Preview Mode
To see what the camera sees, click the Preview button. This option is helpful if you need to reposition a document before capturing the image. Otherwise, the image area displays the last of the previously captured images. With preview enabled, you can view an overlay of the selected template by clicking the View Template in Preview Mode button.
Another tool is the Grid. To help align an image on the copy board while previewing or capturing an image, click the View Grid on Top of Image button.
Setting Capture Screen Image Size
Setting the image size within the Capture Screen and changing it can help the capture process. To see the full screen, in the Toolbar, click the Full Screen icon. Determine if the document fits in the screen the way it should.
Alternately, to set the magnification of the screen to a specific percentage, you can click on the drop-down menu next to the Full Screen icon.
This can give you a better view of the document in other respects, like when you need to make sure that a particular section will be captured appropriately.
To magnify and view 2 separate regions of an image at the same time, click the 2 Zoom Windows icon.
To select the region that the zoom windows are viewing, do 1 of the following:
- Adjust the horizontal and vertical scroll bars in the zoom window.
- On the Capture screen, with the mouse, left-click the blue target, and drag it.
- In the zoom window, left-click the image, and drag it.
To adjust the magnification level in the zoom window, click the drop-down menu. To resume capturing images after using or adjusting any Zoom settings from the Capture screen, at the bottom of the Capture screen, you must click the Capture button for at least 1 image in order to reset the X-keys stick for additional captures.
You will find that the Pan Tool is especially valuable in quickly checking the focus of each document as it is placed. It allows you to view the entire image in a small Pan Window, while at the same time viewing a section of the image in a highly magnified view on the Capture screen behind the Pan Window.
The best practice is to magnify the document to 2,300%, which you learned in the “Calibration” lesson. The magnified view allows you to quickly verify 1 image after another and that you are in focus at the level of individual pixels.
Within the Pan Window, you will see an image of the entire document, so you can navigate to the area you want to see close up but also check its overall placement on the copy board.
The Rotate Image tool allows you to rotate the image clockwise or counterclockwise in 90º increments, changing the orientation of a captured image. If you have a situation where you had to place a document in landscape format to capture it completely, even though its writing is oriented vertically in portrait format, you could capture the image in landscape and then, using this tool, rotate the image so it is more readable.
If you are using an Illunis or a Redlake camera, you can check to see the LSI measurement, as discussed in the lesson titled “Calibrating Illunis and Redlake Cameras.”
To quickly check the LSI score for a captured image, click the LSI Area Tool button. Depending on the LSI score, you may need to recalibrate the camera.
Using the Histogram
Histograms are visual tools used to determine the tonal range from light to dark within an image. They also show the number of pixels for each color or shade of gray.
To determine if the proper tonal range is captured for an image, click the Histogram icon.
An image with good tonal range shows a histogram with a short peak on the left, representing black colors, and a taller peak on the right, representing white colors. When both sides of the 2 peaks are visible, all of the image details are captured. An image with poor tonal range might show a histogram with tall, thin spikes on the left or right sides. The spikes for black or white colors indicate image clipping.
Clipping happens when there is an unusual number of pixels at a given color value or shade of gray, eliminating image detail.
Poor tonal range also happens when an image appears washed out or has bad black and white contrast. In that case, you will see the 2 peaks on the histogram are not clearly defined, and most of the pixels are grouped in the middle where the gray pixels are. Captured images with poor tonal range are missing detail at the lightest or darkest areas.
On some images the lightest areas appear darkest, and the darkest areas appear lightest, such as on photostats or blueprints. Capturing such a negative appearing image with good tonal range shows a histogram with a tall peak on the left representing black colors and a shorter peak on the right representing white colors.
The DCam software will provide a warning that the image is over or underexposed. The range is 5% of pixels falling within a given range. This is a default setting in Preferences.
How to View a Histogram
To view the histogram of a captured image, click the thumbnail of the image. On the Image Viewer toolbar, click the Histogram Window button. To reduce poor tonal range and image clipping, recalibrate the grayscale settings, and make any corrections to your environmental lighting that are needed.
Once you find that the image capture is not as good as you would like, a number of tools can help you respond to the problem.
Using the Focus Tool
You can use the focus tool to quickly refocus the camera lens without going through the entire camera calibration process. Simply click the Focus icon.
This tool is very useful when capturing books, because the depth of field can change often as you turn pages.
Using the Calibrate Tool
The Calibrate tool allows you to quickly calibrate the camera while in capture mode.
Using Image Tags
If there is a problem with the quality of an original document that affects the captured image, you should add an image tag by clicking the Image Tag button.
An image tag allows both the Quality Team and guests to know that there was a problem with the original document and not with the capture process. You place tags on the individual thumbnail images at the time of capture.
If there is a quality issue that applies to all images in a folder, it is best practice to note it on the Folder screen instead of the capture screen.
By selecting all of the thumbnail images in the folder and clicking the Image Tag button, you can apply image tags to all of the images.
Select the image or images you want to tag. Hold down the Shift key, and select the first and last thumbnails if the group is in sequence.
To select each thumbnail individually, use the Control key (Ctrl), and click each desired thumbnail until they are all highlighted.
On the Image Viewer toolbar, click the Quality Tag button. Choose the quality tags that you want assigned to the image. When you tag an image, the system adds a blue quality tag symbol to the image thumbnail.
Note: The Glued or Covered Information tag is automatically added to all attachment thumbnail images.
At times you need to be aware of Publishing Restrictions. Sometimes handwritten information is included in the margin of a record. If there is a handwritten date that is later than or outside the date range indicated for the folder or listing, it could affect whether FamilySearch can or cannot publish the record.
Example: A handwritten date may make the record too recent or make it outside the dates that are included in the contract that FamilySearch holds with the archive.
To include a handwritten date as an image tag, use the Image Tags dialog to check the Image May Have Publishing Restrictions check box, and enter the date in the Year of the latest date, if present field.
Capture Images Using Double Page Capture Mode
Using the Double Page capture mode, you can capture both pages at once. DCam automatically separates and saves each page as its own individual image. Place the book on the copy board so the left and the right pages can be viewed together. Select or create a template for the bulk of the book as discussed in the “Templates and X-keys” lesson.
To capture the book’s cover, click the Single Page autocrop template, and capture the book cover with a Single Page template, making sure that the spine and all of the writing on the cover is visible. If the record custodian does not want the book spread out upside down, write the information onto a 3x5 index card, and place it on top of the closed book.
Capture the card and cover as the first image. Place the book open using wedges, if needed. Choose the correct double page capture template, and click Capture to capture both the left and right pages at the same time. As with Single Page capture mode, use 1 of the following controls to capture the image:
- X-key Capture button
- Template-assigned X-key
- Foot or touch switch
- F2, Enter key, or the Spacebar on your keyboard
- Your mouse (which is not recommended because it slows down the capture process)
Note: In Double Page capture mode, do not use the Blank button to mark a page as blank unless both pages are blank.
Turn the page and capture the next 2 pages. Use clamps or other tools as needed to keep the pages within the depth of field.
As with Single Page capture mode, use the tools to help you see better what you are capturing. Also, use Insert, Retake, or Delete X-keys to fix any problems.
To retake both the left and right pages, click Retake.
To mark either the left or right page for deletion, use Delete. When one is selected for deletion, the other is also marked for deletion.
To insert both a left and right page, click Insert. Once the book is captured, evaluate the images, making sure they meet all of the quality standards.
Be aware of shadows, focus problems, and blurs. If issues are identified, flag the images, and return to the Capture screen to fix them. When finished, return the book to the archive.
Capture Attachments
An attachment is a document that is somehow attached, whether through glue, staples, or tape, and associated by content with an original or base record.
When you capture an attachment, it is automatically inserted after the thumbnail base record with which it is associated. It includes a paper clip attachment symbol, a Glued or Covered Information Image Quality Tag, and a subnumber (or letter) if you are using page numbers.
If you are capturing documents that are lightly attached, do the following:
If the attachment is not fully attached to the original or base document, without causing a crease, fold the attachment back. With the attachment folded away from the document, capture as much of the original document as possible.
Allow the attachment to fall freely upon the original document and use Ctrl+L or Ctrl+R to capture the image. If capturing books with attachments, after highlighting the correct thumbnail image, use Ctrl+L to capture attachments on the left pages, and use Ctrl+R to capture attachments on the right pages.
If either the original or the attached image is not oriented correctly (for right reading) manually rotate either image until it is correct.
If you are capturing documents that are thoroughly attached, do the following:
Capture the original document as it appears (you will not take a second image to mark it with a paperclip attachment icon).
If needed, rotate the image so that the writing on the original document is right reading.
The image is marked with a quality tag (blue image tag) for glued and covered information.
How to Insert an Image
If you find a missing image or a page that was misfiled, insert it where it belongs in a folder. Place the missing page on the copy board. If you are using more than 1 template, select the appropriate template from the Template drop-down list.
Click the thumbnail image to the right of where the image is to be inserted, and click the Insert X-key button.
The image is added before the selected thumbnail image, and the image or page numbering increases automatically.
Note: You cannot use the insert function for attachments. When you indicate that a page is an attachment, it is automatically inserted after the highlighted page.
Note: If you are using Double Page capture mode, the insert function adds both the left and right page.
How to Move Images within a Folder
On the Capture and Evaluate screens, you can select 1 or more images and drag and drop them to a new location within the folder. When you select an image, hold down the right mouse button and begin to drag the image. A red insert indicator appears, showing where the image will be moved to when you release the mouse button. You can move the mouse along the image thumbnails to the location where you would like the image moved.
Note: If you select one half of a double capture image, both halves of the image set are moved to the new location.
- If an image has attachments, both the parent image and all attachments are moved together.
- If you select an attachment, all associated images (parent and attachments) are moved together.
- When an image is moved to a new location, all capture numbers are reset. For example, if image number 7 is moved between images 3 and 4, the original image 7 now has a capture number of 4, and succeeding images are renumbered.
How to Mark a Blank Image
When there is a blank page in a book, mark it as a blank image rather than capturing it as a blank page. In Double Page capture mode, do not use the Blank button unless both pages are blank.
- If you need to mark the first image in the folder as blank, click Blank, select Insert before current, and then click OK.
- If you want to indicate that the next image to capture will be blank, click Blank, select Add at end, and then click OK.
- If you skipped a blank page and need it to keep the page numbering consistent, click the thumbnail image to the left of where you need to insert the blank page, and click Blank. You can then select Insert after current and click OK. A blank thumbnail is inserted, and the page numbering is automatically adjusted.
Note: Blank pages at the end of a book do not need to be marked. Also, large groups of blank pages should not be captured or marked. Instead, they should be noted in the comments field on the Folder screen. For example, pages 50–107 are blank and not captured.
How to Retake an Image
If you notice a problem with an image, such as a hand in the image, a shadow on the image, or a blur or focus issue, you can retake the image.
Step 1: Make sure the record you need to retake is on the copy board and that the image thumbnail you need to replace is highlighted by clicking the thumbnail.
Step 2: At the bottom of the Capture screen or on the X-key bar, click the Retake button. The document will be captured, and the previous image will be removed and replaced.
Note: If the retake needs to be captured with a different template:
- Click Retake.
- Click the down arrow.
- Three options for retaking the image display. Click the desired option, and a new copy of the image replaces the original.
Note: When using Double Page capture mode, the Retake button retakes both the left and right page.
Deleting an Image
To delete images, simply click the thumbnail image you want to delete, and in the Delete field, click Mark, and then click Remove Marked Images. Or use the Delete button on the keyboard.
Note: Images can be marked for deletion and then removed all at once by clicking Remove Marked Images once the archival unit capture is complete.
How to Continue Capturing Images after Stopping
If you stopped capturing images to a folder before it was closed, you can continue to capture images to the folder.
On the home screen, the last folder worked on (the Active Folder) is listed next to the option Continue Imaging Folder. Click it to continue working on this folder.
You can also click on the Active Folder. A drop-down list displays showing all of the Open folders. Select any of the other folders listed, and then click Continue Imaging Folder.
Continue capturing images from where you last stopped.
Image Capture Tips
Capturing images can be tricky. It requires you to learn a lot. When you do not capture good images, the Quality Team will likely ask you to recapture the images as rework. Keep the following tips in mind as you consider what you have already learned.
Remember that the object of good image capture is not to simply produce a readable copy, even something perfect in appearance. The object is to produce the best likeness of the original document that is possible since information comes to us in other ways besides the written word.
For example, the fingerprint of an ancestor may look like a smudge in terms of readability but may constitute a real treasure to a great granddaughter.
Watch out for problems that can throw off calibration. For example, if you wear white clothing, you can cause enough added light reflection in the calibration that an operator who follows you on the same workstation will need to recalibrate.
Also, pay strict attention to the equipment. For example, if you touch the surface of the grayscale card, over time the oil from your fingers will yellow the card to the point that the calibration process can be thrown off.
Always keep your lights as bright as they can be. That means waiting a full 15 minutes each time you turn them on. If the position of the sun changes and your room has windows to the outside or to skylights, you either need to recalibrate often or might consider building a light-blocking tent around your workstation.
To match the quality team, go to Device Settings and the Quality Check tab. Make sure that the setting for Clipping is set at 5%. This sets the tolerance behind the warning dialog that appears, letting you know that clipping has occurred. This prevents the need to constantly monitor the histogram as closely, allowing you to focus on other processes.
Always keep good ergonomics in mind. That means that you need to stand or sit comfortably. You need to take frequent breaks to stretch. Additionally, you can trade roles with your companion to keep your mind fresh.
For comfort and efficiency, you can wear rubber tips on your fingers to help you turn pages. If you need to use a finger to hold down the page of a book, however, only use black gloves and only use one finger. (Clamps work best if you can use them.)
Remember when you are creating templates or calibrating to put down tape so that you can locate where to place each document while you are capturing images.
When placing the documents, try to get close to the tape, but do not spend too much time trying to be exact in your placement. The software will zero in on the document and create the right border if you place it evenly relative to the tape.
Learning Experiences
Activity 1: Check Your Understanding
- What should you do when there is a blank page in a book?
- True or False: An image does not need to be retaken if a hand is visible in the image.
- What are the 2 primary capture modes available in DCam?
- Identify 3 image capture tips that you will find useful.