WIA

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) is a Microsoft API and runtime that provides a standardized interface for image capture devices, including scanners and digital cameras, to acquire images. WIA aims to simplify software development by offering a single programming model for image acquisition and management across supported hardware.

Architecture and use: WIA is a Component Object Model (COM) based API that exposes interfaces for device discovery, image acquisition, and property management. A WIA service coordinates communication with imaging devices and WIA drivers, while applications use the API to scan, import, or transfer images and to set device properties such as resolution, color format, and file type. WIA supports various image formats and can import from devices using USB, network, or legacy connections. Common Windows applications, such as Windows Fax and Scan and various image importers, use WIA under the hood.

History and status: WIA was introduced in the Windows operating system era to provide a modern imaging interface and to coexist with legacy TWAIN drivers. It remains part of Windows in current releases, though many devices ship TWAIN drivers as well, and some manufacturers offer their own software. WIA is typically sufficient for basic scanning and photo import, but it may lack some advanced features available through TWAIN or vendor-specific solutions.

Compatibility and alternatives: While WIA provides native support on Windows, not all devices implement it equally, and some workflows rely on TWAIN or vendor software for full feature sets.

See also: TWAIN, DirectShow.