What are the files in the /Library/Image Capture/TWAIN Data Sources/ and can they be removed?

In preparation for macOS 10.15, I'm reviewing my list of installed applications and removing those that are 32-bit. On the list of apps identified by System Report, I see two things that are 32-bit:

• Canon MP530.ds
• Canon MP600.ds

Both of them reside in /Library/Image Capture/TWAIN Data Sources/, and they are the only contents of the folder.

These look like printers, but I have no idea if I ever installed those models. The "Last Modified" dates are nearly a decade ago. What are these files for, and is it safe to remove them?

Solution 1:

The MP500 and MP600 are Canon all-in-one printer/scanners.

TWAIN is a driver protocol for exchanging information with scanners.

MPXXX.ds files are Canon drivers for the scanner component of these AIO printers. Canon documentation indicates they can be removed by opening "Library, Image Capture, and TWAIN Data Sources, and move Canon MPXXX.ds to the trash", "if the MP Navigator or the MP drivers are no longer required."

Given the age of the MP600, unless you're still actively using one of these printers, the drivers should be safe to remove.