AT Team Work

Scanner Research

Introduction

The purpose of this web page it to document possible replacement scanners for Disability Resources (DR). We are seeking to reduce the variables, which the current 3 scanners introduce and the limitations of the older (i.e., florescent) technology.

Background

Mary Kaye Caskey has reported problems with the scanners and Read&Write Gold (RWG) in Disability Resources. Bruce Reeves, ITSS Manager, met with Mary on November 18th regarding the problem and her work-flow. DR currently has 3 different scanners. 2 are HPs, but different models, and the 3rd is an Epson, which increases the variability for issues to occur and hinders trouble shooting. All have all cold cathode fluorescent lamps, which require warm-up times. In addition, the first page not scanning issue seems to be related to the scanners waking from sleep. Given this, Bruce recommends DR gets 3 new scanners.

A Call-for-Consensus was conducted to gather opinions on if the team should investigate options. A supermajority of the team was supportive of the proposal to purchase 3 new scanners.

Therefore, Laura Carlson, Accessible Technology Team Leader, has sought scanner recommendations on the 1) EDUCAUSE IT Accessibility list, 2) Access Technology Higher Education Network list, and 3) Alternate Media list. She has directly contacted our Read&Write Gold vendor as well as Hewlett Packard (HP), Epson, Canon, PlusTek, and Fuji. In addition she has consulted with Jim Kolar, from UMD stores and he has investigated possible candidates via his network.

Identified Requirements

The following are scanner requirements.

As Emily Norenberg has stated, this is a time sensitive issue as final exam week is approaching. During finals DR proctors hundreds of exams and they rely on the scanners working effectively. If an opportunity exists to purchase, install and test these new scanners before final exams (December 14-18, 2015) it would be ideal.

Comparisons

The table in this section complies and compares findings. If you know of other possibilities, please contact Laura with the details.

Scanner Comparisons
Manufacturer Model OCR TWAIN LED Always Awake Ability Energy Star Win 7 Win 10 Interface Price Notes
Epson 510 Yes Yes Yes No ? Yes No USB 2 $279.99 Per Jim K: Can adjust the auto power off and sleep timer settings.
Epson 510 Details
Epson 520 Yes Yes Yes No ? Yes No USB 2 $399.99 Per Jim K: Can adjust the auto power off and sleep timer settings.
Epson 520 Details
Epson 560 Yes Yes Yes No ? Yes No USB 2 $399.99 Per Jim K: Can adjust the auto power off and sleep timer settings.
Epson 560 Details
Plustek OpticBook 4800 Yes Yes Yes ? Yes Yes No USB 2 $749.00 OpticBook 4800 Details
HP ScanJet Pro 3500 f1 Yes Yes Yes Can be configured: see sleep mode & auto off (PDF) Yes Yes Yes USB 3 * $549.00 HP ScanJet Pro 3500 f1 Manual (PDF)

Related Details