The ScanJig, a stand for holding documents for scanning, was reviewed in the September 2013 issue of AccessWorld. That earlier version of the ScanJig had many pieces and was not easy to assemble without sighted assistance. According to the developers, the new ScanJig Pro is easier for those with visual impairments to use.
The manufacturer states that the ScanJig Pro is a simple stand that holds a document in the correct place for a focused scan that can improve text recognition. In addition, the makers of the ScanJig Pro tout the tactile positioning of the device.
Optimal Set-Up of the ScanJig Pro
When in use, the ScanJig should face a light source (ambient light is usually sufficient).
For optimal scanning, a camera with a minimum of 5-megapixel resolution is recommended for use with the ScanJig Pro The following devices are suitable for use with the ScanJig Pro:
Apple Devices
- iPhone 4S or later
- iPod 5th Generation
- iPad Air 1 or 2
- iPad 3 or 4
- iPad Mini 1, 2, or 3
Android Devices
- Galaxy Note 2, 3, or 4
- Google Nexus 4 through 7 or 9
- Galaxy S 2 through 5
- Galaxy Core
- LG Optimus
Windows Devices
- Nokia Lumia 900, 928, 1520, or 2520
Using The ScanJig Pro
Instructions
Though there are many references to users with visual impairments on the ScanJig website, the device instructions provided only in print and so are not accessible. Considering how much was said online about helping the visually impaired, I was quite disappointed to find a printed sheet with no suggestion for, or provision of, accessible instructions.
Physical Description
The ScanJig Pro is a rectangular hard plastic box. On the back edge, the lid hinges up and back to become the document holder. The lid measures roughly 8.5 inches by 13 inches and hinges back approximately 20 degrees past vertical. The document holder has a raised right edge to help position the document. The bottom of the document holder is approximately .5 inch deep and therefore does not accommodate most books or large documents.
Inside the box is a separate additional flat plastic piece, the device holder, roughly 8 inches by 9 inches, with a wire stand on the back that fits into slots toward the front of the box so that the device holder is parallel to the document holder. Several slots are provided for positioning of the small plastic ledge that supports the camera or device. The plastic ledge is inserted into the device holder via two pegs. The ledge is approximately 8.5 inches wide and 1 inch deep. Choose the set of holes that work best for your device. In a small plastic bag are four thick peel-and-stick pieces that, if necessary, can raise the device for better aim. Two thin peel-and-stick pieces are used to mark where the device should be positioned so you can easily return to the same position. Two clips are provided for the document holder to hold a document in place if necessary. The final item in the box is the previously mentioned inaccessible printed instruction sheet.
It is necessary to test with your device in order to find the best height on the device holder. When transporting the ScanJig Pro, the device holder is removed from its slot and stored flat in the box. Therefore, when it is used again, you need to be sure to put the device holder back in the correct slot.
It was easiest to use sighted assistance to set up the ScanJig Pro correctly the first time. Thereafter, properly positioning the camera was simple.
When folded, the ScanJig Pro measures about 9 inches by 13.5 inches by 1.75 inches and weighs approximately two pounds. Although its portability is mentioned on the website, the ScanJig may be too bulky and/or heavy to move on a regular basis. When assembled, it is very stable.
Scanning Items
Three iOS OCR apps—Prizmo, KNFB Reader, and Abbyy TextGrabber—were used to scan three documents. Links for information about these apps are presented at the end of this article. Prizmo and Abbyy TextGrabber are mainstream apps, while the KNFB Reader is specifically designed for people who are blind or have a visual impairment. Scans were done with and without the ScanJig Pro.
The first item scanned was the ScanJig Pro instruction sheet. When the KNFB Reader was used with and without the ScanJig, results were essentially identical. The same was true with Abbyy TextGrabber. With Prizmo, the ScanJig Pro helped significantly.
The next item scanned was page four of a five-page stapled report. With the KNFB Reader, results were very similar with and without the ScanJig Pro. With Prizmo, the scan was significantly better with the ScanJig Pro. With Abbyy TextGrabber, the ScanJig Pro scans were more accurate but the scans without it were still good.
The next scan was of a glossy page from a magazine. The entire magazine was placed on the ScanJig Pro. When the KNFB reader was used, once again results were very similar both with and without the ScanJig Pro. Both scans were good with Abbyy TextGrabber, but the scan with the ScanJig Pro was better. Prizmo did not give a good scan with or without the ScanJig Pro. When used with the ScanJig Pro, Prizmo kept focusing on the photo that was on the page rather than the text. Without the ScanJig Pro focus was improved, but the other two apps were significantly better.
Suggested Improvements
In order to improve the ScanJig and make it accessible to people with visual impairments, the instructions must be provided in an accessible format. For example, the Giraffe Reader has a video with description about assembly. The ScanJig Pro instructions would need to include detailed accessible descriptions—simply providing the printed sheet in braille or providing an audio file of someone reading the printed sheet would not be sufficient. Another improvement would be to reduce the weight and size of the ScanJig.
Conclusion
The ScanJig Pro is improved from its previous version. It is more stable and easier to assemble. Unfortunately the instructions are only available in print so I did require sighted assistance to initially assemble the unit.
Consider whether you truly need a ScanJig or other type of stand. Results from the KNFB Reader or Abbyy TextGrabber may be good without a stand. Prizmo did work better with the stand for two of the tests. Both Prizmo and Abbyy TextGrabber are relatively inexpensive so you might want to try them before investing money in a stand.
The weight and size of the ScanJig Pro should be considered if you'll want to transport it on a regular basis. Since the document is held in a vertical orientation instead of horizontal one, it may be difficult to scan a large document, even with the included clips. Books are nearly impossible to scan using the ScanJig Pro.
Product Information
ScanJig Pro
Cost: $39.95 plus shipping.
133 East 45th Street, Suite 3F
New York, NY 10017
info@scanjig.com
800-390-1125
Fax: 800-390-1125
Related articles:
- The Giraffe Reader Scanner Stand and the Prizmo Scanning App for iOS by Janet Ingber
- TextGrabber + Translator from ABBYY and the StandScan Pro: A Review of Two Products by Janet Ingber
- KNFB Reader for iOS: Does This App Live Up to All the Hype? by Bill Holton
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