Note: I use Photoshop 6.0.1, so the instructions below need to be modified accordingly to the scanner and image software you are using.
I'm not sure about the equivelant compressions on the likes of Paint Shop Pro and others, so we need to establish this.

1. Scan inlay at 300 dpi, use descreen if the scan appears blotchy or dotty or you get moire.
2. Rotate image so it's more or less straight. I scan from the shortest edge and space the inlay out so I can scan the complete inlay. Usually 90degrees clockwise or anticlock wise.
3. Crop around the edge of the inlay so you only have the required inlay parts, in Photoshop 6 you can rotate the crop area and it will straighten out the pitcure if it's not level.
4. Apply Auto Contrast or Auto Levels (Which ever looks best), I use Auto Contrast mostly
5. Image->Adjust->Brightness/Contrast. Increments of 5 for Brightness if required, don't go over board
6. Reduce Inlay using the following rule:

a. Small Cassette; reduce to 388 pixels high (proportionately)
b. Double Cassette; reduce to 502 pixels high (proportionately)
c. Medium Cassette; reduce to 502 pixels high (Proportinately)
d. Custom size; reduce to 96 dpi

7. Apply sharpen filter, unless it makes the scan look really bad.
8. Save as JPG, Quality 6 (Medium), Baseline Optimized, as shown below:

The inlays scan below, was made using the above method, it's taken from a Small Cassette inlay hence the size of 388 pixels high

If you have any questions or modifications then please e-mail me to discuss them:
andrew.barker@sunderland.ac.uk