I am running xsane 0.998 on ubuntu 14.04. When I start xsane, it correctly identifies my USB scanner as a Canon Pixma MP540 - but when I click the scan button - xsane freezes.
However scanimage >image.pnm and Simple Scan both work fine
$ scanimage -L
device `pixma:04A91730_114002' is a CANON Canon PIXMA MP540 multi-function peripheral
$ lsusb
...
Bus 001 Device 012: ID 04a9:1730 Canon, Inc.
...
$ sudo sane-find-scanner
...
# No USB scanners found.
...
any clues?