Robotic/Automatic flip book scanning is an advanced method for digital book conversion. This technique uses specialized machines to optimize the scanning process. Specifically, these machines capture perfect images of book pages without manual page flipping. Therefore, they ensure book preservation without damage. Often, this process is known as Robotic Scanning, and the machines as Robotic Scanners.
Within the industry, only a few companies produce fully automated Robotic scanners. Indeed, we have carefully evaluated three of these companies. In this blog post, we will focus primarily on the DL-mini scanner, which is manufactured by 4DigitalBooks, a respected Swiss company, manufactures this scanner. The DL-mini scanner excels in performance and technology, making it a top choice for precise and efficient book digitization.
How Robotic Scanners Work?
There are few components that are common in all Robotic Scanner, such as:
- Book Cradle: A specially designed book cradle in an automated book scanner holds the book. You place the book in the cradle. It keeps the book open at an optimal angle for scanning. Furthermore, the DL-mini cradle handles books up to 100 mm thick. It accommodates both soft and rigid covers. Moreover, it accepts books from A6 size (105 x 148 mm) to A3 size (297 x 420 mm). Additionally, it allows a maximum scan surface of A2 (600 x 420 mm). The paper weight can range from as low as 20 g/m2 to 200 g/m2.
- Page Turning:The machine automatically turns each book page, capturing all content effectively. Additionally, the 4DigitalBooks DL-mini scanner operates as both an automatic and manual book scanner. Not all robotic scanners have this dual capability. Specifically, the DL-mini handles all types of books, magazines, bound newspapers, and registers in automatic mode. Moreover, it scans unusual documents like photo albums, stamp albums, spiral-bound notebooks, postcards, photos, and manuscripts in manual mode.Furthermore, the 4DigitalBooks DL-mini Robotic scanner prioritizes the safety of the book, its binding, and pages, making it ideal for old and sensitive books. Also, the DL-mini Robotic Scanner can scan up to 2000 pages per hour, equivalent to 33 pages per minute.
- Image Capture: As the pages turn, the scanner captures high-resolution images. It adjusts focus, aligns corners, and ensures distortion-free scanning. Furthermore, the DL-mini Robotic scanner consistently produces high-quality images. It reaches up to 600 x 600 dpi optical resolution on 2xA3 format. Additionally, it avoids glare, stretching, and warping. The bundled Page Improver software with the DL-mini removes page curvature. Thus, it provides full visibility of the gutter and no loss of information on tight bindings.
- File Output: The scanner saves the scanned pages as digital files. Examples include PDFs or image files. These files are stored on a computer. Furthermore, they can be easily accessed, searched, and shared.
Benefits of Automatic Flip Book Scanning
- Efficiency: Automated scanners can digitize books at a much faster rate than manual scanning. One DL-mini has an average productivity 10’000 pages per working shift.
- Quality: The consistent scanning process ensures high-quality images. DL-mini robotic scanner secure a constant image quality up to 600 dpi optical, thanks to its camera technology and LED lights 6000 °K, no variation over time.
- Hands-Free: Once the book is placed in the cradle, minimal user intervention is required. One DL-mini auto-flip book scanner is comparable to 3x manual scanners with 3x operators
- Suitable for Mass Digitization: These scanners are ideal for large-scale digitization projects in libraries, archives, and other institutions. The DL-mini robotic scanner has no consumables and suitable for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week duty cycle with – recommended maintenance once per year.
Can it handle fragile books?
The DL-mini from 4DigitalBooks is designed to handle fragile books with care. Here’s how it ensures gentle treatment for delicate materials:
- Air-Flow Page Turning: The DL-mini uses an air-flow page turning process. Instead of physically turning pages, it creates a gentle airflow that lifts the pages. This minimizes stress on the spine and prevents any tearing or damage.• Air-Cushioned Book Cradle: The book cradle, where you place the book for scanning, is equipped with air cushions. These cushions provide a soft and supportive surface for the book. They adapt to the book’s shape without applying pressure, ensuring safe handling.
- No Pressure on Spine: Unlike traditional flatbed scanners, the DL-mini doesn’t press down on the book’s spine. This is crucial for fragile books, as excessive pressure can cause irreversible damage.
- Intelligent Sensors: The DL-mini’s sensors detect irregularities, such as wavy pages or uneven surfaces. If an issue is detected, the scanner adjusts its settings or retries the scan, maintaining quality while protecting the book.
- High-Quality Scans: Despite its gentle handling, the DL-mini produces high-resolution scans (up to 600 dpi). You’ll get clear images without compromising the book’s condition.
Remember to follow best practices when handling fragile books, such as using clean hands, supporting the spine, and avoiding excessive force. The DL-mini thoughtful design makes it a reliable choice for digitizing delicate materials!
These robotic book scanners combine cutting-edge technology with precision, making them essential tools for preserving our literary heritage. Imagine a robotic scanner delicately turning pages, capturing knowledge for future generations, while you are sipping your coffee!
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