Book Scanner: What Is A Planetary Scanner For Digitizing Books In A Library? Where Else Is It Used? Pros And Cons

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Most public and government agencies prefer to store documents in electronic format. For this purpose, a planetary scanner is used. Before purchasing such equipment, you should familiarize yourself with its characteristics and functionality.

What is it?

The book scanner is classified as a professional equipment. It is used to automatically digitize books in libraries and other government agencies. With the help of such equipment, they perform a specific task: they scan paper documents in a contactless way .… One of the main advantages of using this technique is the ability to digitize old documents.

Planetary variety of scanning devices allows you to work with A2 paper … Scanning is provided by a special head. It is located above the scanned object. This arrangement makes it possible to cover the desired area. The design of the scanning head is identical to the scanning ruler.

There are models equipped with a sensor similar to that used in digital cameras. Equipment in this series scans documents from one edge to the other. One shutter is enough to get the job done - this saves time.

Planetary models are equipped with a book cradle. It allows you to shape and align the height of the pages. There are modifications of the book cradle equipped with a pressure glass. This element provides paper alignment, reduces distortion during scanning. When digitizing books, a special type of book cradle is used, which has a V-shaped configuration .… It is the optimal solution for scanning bound documents. The overwhelming majority of such models are equipped with 2 heads, located symmetrically, which allows you to quickly scan turns. These scanners are perfect for digitizing books that have a limited opening angle.

In many ways, planetary models are similar to flatbed scanning devices. The difference is that flatbed models scan a full spread, while planetary models perform page-by-page digitization. In this case, one of the edges of the scanned area will be narrow. This will make it possible to digitize at a minimum distance from the spine. With this scanning technology, the text in the binding area is not distorted as happens when using tablet devices.

Advantages and disadvantages

Units from this series have both pluses and minuses. The positive and negative aspects need to be analyzed in order to know what will be faced in the process of using a book scanner.

The advantages of this technique are:

• high quality final result;
• the absence of the likelihood of damage to the paper;
• the ability to align lines and edges;
• the ability to digitize books with a limited opening angle;
• ease of use;
• high speed of digitizing;
• saving working time.

With the help of planetary scanners, it is possible to digitize not only books, but also bound documentation, papers that need to be handled delicately.

There are few disadvantages of such units. They are mainly due to the fact that book scanners are difficult to find on sale, and such models are quite expensive. They are used not only in libraries, but also in archives and museums. Planetary scanners have a higher overall quality of work.

Large functionality makes it possible to perform operations of varying complexity, while obtaining excellent results. This type of scanners is in great demand, but it is used mainly in government agencies.

How to choose?

The choice of scanning technology should be approached with all responsibility, because it is purchased with the expectation of long-term use.

• When selecting equipment should be guided by the type of documents scanned .
• For many buyers one of the main selection criteria is the price .
• Be sure to check the characteristics of the models on sale , learn about the pros and cons they have. Thoroughly analyze all the parameters and only then make the final decision.
• Give preference to equipment from trusted manufacturers … Well-known brands value their reputation and produce scanners characterized by durability and wide functionality. Scanning devices of the Plustek and Avision brands are in the greatest demand.
• SCEYE scanners are mainly used for digitizing A4 paper … But there are models on sale that can also scan A3 format.
• The most reliable units are considered to be equipped with a self-diagnostic function .… If these scanners fail, you can quickly determine the cause of the malfunction.

Recommendations for use

To avoid problems with scanning equipment, you should follow the recommendations for its use. Gentle digitizing technology is used in planetary models. This allows you to scan originals accurately and accurately.

• You need to use the technique according to the instruction .
• Scanning is recommended under dim lighting … A large amount of light, especially if it is uneven, is fraught with glare.
• If necessary you can digitize several small documents at once , the main thing is that they do not cross the boundaries of the designated area. Using the software supplied with the scanning device, you can adjust the required page rotation angle.

Digitization of paper documentation greatly simplifies its further use and storage. Planetary printers have many advantages that make them in demand.

The use of this technique allows you to quickly scan paper and get a high quality result. It is extremely easy to use; if you wish, you can always find a printer with optimal characteristics and purchase it at an affordable price.