V Scanner

(Developed by Bibliohack)

The V Scanner owes its name to its form: in this scanner, documents are placed in a “cradle” which preserves their physical integrity, because it does not damage their binding. The scanner is based on two compact digital cameras, which each capture at the same time the opposing pages of the document.  They are controlled from a computer via an open software workflow for image capture and postprocessing.  This is the first scanner of this type in the province of Mendoza. 

More information about the DIY V Scanner developed by Bibliohack:
https://bibliohack.org/posts/Mendoza_Instalaci%C3%B3n_de_estativo/
https://bibliohack.org/#que_hacemos

Overhead Scanner

Since 2022, we have worked on developing an overhead scanner, that is, one in which the focal plane of the camera is placed perpendicular to the document to digitize at a 90 degree angle.  This is the classic photographic angle known as “bird’s eye.” It also offers the possibility of raising the photographic platform, in order to digitize large format documents, such as maps.

To design and format this scanner we undertook tests with a reflex camera at two focal distances (35mm and 50mm), focusing on different objects of variable sizes at different heights in order to determine the optimal set up.

The light design of the scanner with its aluminum arc structure allows us to attach different lighting elements, cameras, or other accessories (supports, articulating arms, etc) to meet the requirements of different objects to scan.  Those accessories, in turn, make it possible to modify the angle of capture if needed.  The crossbar allows us to move the accessories laterally as well.

We are now in the final testing stages with the overhead scanner and starting to begin the workflow to digitize documentary collections of large size.