scan

Scanner Control via scan-mcp

THE GOLDEN RULE

Trust the server defaults. When the user requests a scan without specific requirements:

• Call start_scan_job({}) with NO parameters
• Do NOT call list_devices unless the user explicitly asks for a specific scanner
• Do NOT gather device capabilities "just in case"
• Server auto-selects device, resolution (300dpi), color mode (Lineart), source (ADF Duplex → ADF → Flatbed)

Only override parameters when the user's intent clearly requires it.

Decision Tree

User request → Analyze intent:

1. Generic scan ("scan this", "scan document")
   → start_scan_job({}) immediately

2. User asks for specific scanner ("use the Epson")
   → list_devices, then start_scan_job({ device_id })

3. Document type needs special handling ("photo", "duplex")
   → Override only specific params needed

Common Overrides

User Intent	Parameters
Generic scan	{}
Photo scan	{ source: "Flatbed", color_mode: "Color", resolution_dpi: 600 }
Duplex stack	{ duplex: true }
OCR-optimized	{ color_mode: "Gray", resolution_dpi: 300 }

For more mappings, see EXAMPLES.md.

Standard Workflow

1. Call start_scan_job(params) → receive { job_id, run_dir, state }
2. Poll get_job_status({ job_id }) until state: "completed"
3. Results in run_dir:
   • page_*.tiff (captured pages)
   • doc_*.tiff (assembled document)
   • manifest.json (metadata)
   • events.jsonl (event log)

Quick Troubleshooting

If scan fails:

1. get_manifest({ job_id }) — check state and parameters
2. get_events({ job_id }) — find error details in scanner_failed events
3. Common fixes:
   • "No devices" → Ask user to check scanner power/connection
   • "Feeder jam" → Try { source: "Flatbed" }

For detailed troubleshooting, see TROUBLESHOOTING.md.

Reference Materials

• TOOLS.md — Complete tool reference with all parameters
• EXAMPLES.md — User intent → parameter mappings with reasoning
• TROUBLESHOOTING.md — Detailed troubleshooting flows
• CONFIG.md — Environment variables and configuration