Imaging Device Types

• Document Scanners
• Production Scanners
• Network Document Scanners
• Flatbed Scanners
• Photocopiers

More information about document scanners at: http://www.formreturn.com/document_scanner.html

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Choosing an Imaging Device for using with FormReturn OMR

The types of imaging devices supported by FormReturn for the best image quality are recent model document scanners and flatbed scanners, any recent model photocopiers or multifunction devices which have a scan setting.

Work with the right equipment. The type of scanner you choose will depend on how many forms you will be processing each day. When scanning large volumes of completed forms, high end document scanners will be faster and are recommended for FormReturn. They have automatic document feeding trays for easy paper handling and produce good quality images.

A TWAIN compatible scanner will allow you to use FormReturn's Scan Forms button when scanning forms.

Faxed images, faxed to email images and digital camera images may work but are not supported as they are not always reliable and time needs to be spent adjusting recognition settings.

1. The image quality produced must clear and sharp (no black spots on white, no white spots on black) and not bowed. You can Test Preview an image to determine if it has all these qualities before you go ahead and process any forms)
2. The images from the scanner must be saved files able to be recognized by FormReturn. Saving images.

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Scan Settings:

Resolution settings:  The recommended resolution of a scanned form image to be uploaded into FormReturn, would usually be between 150 and 200 dpi (dots per inch). Images scanned at a higher resolution will be slow to process in FormReturn. Most scanners will scan at resolutions of up to 1200dpi or more (suitable for photos), so it's important to check your scanners setting before any forms are scanned. Because a high end scanner can have the resolution set at the lower setting and still produce a clear image, it will scan and process form images more quickly. The scanner's settings should always be tested on test preview of your form to make sure the settings are correct and the images are detected successfully before publishing and scanning numerous completed forms for the first time.  If a test preview of a scanned image doesn't produce accurate detection of handmarks, see Recognition settings.

Images scanned in color are recommended for detection by FormReturn, because they are sharper than black and white, 1 bit images.

Black and white scanned images will be faster to process in FormReturn but they won't be as sharp as color images. If you must scan in Black and White,  the Recognition Settings of FormReturn may have to be played around with to get accurate detection of response marks.

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Document Scanners

When choosing a scanner, Make sure it provides drivers for your computer's operating system version, for example Windows XP, or Macintosh OS X.

For scanning large volumes of forms a high speed document scanner with an automatic document feeder (ADF) and good paper handling would be the best type of imaging device to use. They often hold 50 to 500 sheets of paper and can scan at speeds of 10 to 200 pages per minute (ppm).

Some important features to look for when selecting a document scanner for use with FormReturn, are resolution, color, speed and paper-handling. Duplex operation is another feature of some scanners which means it can scan both sides of a double sided document.

If you did upload double sided forms into FormReturn, it would save each side as a single image and process them separately.

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Production Scanners

Production Scanners deliver the automation and dependability needed for mission-critical production scanning applications. They will scan at speeds up to 90ppm/180ipm and have intelligent productivity enhancement features.  A full suite of advanced image processing features including automatic color detection, content-based rotation and intelligent blank page deletion help to reduce document preparation time which saves both time and effort.

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Network Document Scanners

A Network document scanner is a computer device that can be linked to your office’s computer network. Instead of being connected to a single computer, it works by connecting to a network and can be configured to save images to a network file share. 

Some Features of Network Document scanners:

• The scanner can be set to save the images to a file share on your computer.
• Scanned form images can be emailed.
• Convenient onscreen display.

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Flatbed Scanners

A standard Flatbed Document Scanner has a lid under which a single document is placed face down.

A benefit of flatbed scanners as well as scanning documents, is they can be used for scanning photos, pages from books and images that are too large can be scanned in sections.

For use with FormReturn, some flatbed scanners can come with Automatic document feeders which can scan up to 15ppm, which is more efficient and time saving when you have a number of forms to scan.

If your existing Flatbed scanner doesn't have an automatic document feeder, they can be purchased separately as an attachment.

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Photocopiers

A feature of FormReturn is the ability to make multiple copies of an anonymous form containing a Key Field area to collect form identification. The images could be printed using your regular printer or copied using a recent model photocopier that produces quality digital images.

Photocopiers use a light lens to duplicate documents; the original technology is analog, but these days digital copiers are becoming popular. Digital photocopiers enable the user to print color copies by converting the visual data on the original document into computer code. The computer code then programs the printer that creates the final copy.

Another photocopier feature is the ability for it store everything within the copiers system, before it actually needs copying. So once all the pages have been scanned in, the machine can then be left to run while you get on with other tasks that need your attention.

The clarity of the copy depends on the resolution of the photocopier. The resolution of the photocopier determines the quality and sharpness of an image. This is measured in dots per inch (DPI). Photocopiers with 500 DPI have 500 x 500 dots per square inch. Many copiers can offer an extremely high resolution, but these are only useful for people such as designers, who need very detailed prints. The recommended resolution of images to be uploaded into FormReturn is between 150 and 200 dpi. Forms scanned at a higher resolution will be slow to process in FormReturn.

A photocopiers speed is measured in copies per minute (cpm) so consider this to ensure the photocopier you choose will run at the appropriate speed for your requirements. The number of copies you make each day would determine the size of the photocopier you will need. If your photocopier is in constant use each day, then you should consider a copier with a large capacity tray. These larger trays can hold in excess of 1,000 sheets and are useful to avoid constantly refilling the paper tray.