Answer Sheet Scanning System
MapleScan
MapleScan is a high-speed answer booklet scanning system that uses overhead cameras instead of flatbed scanners. It automatically detects the booklet spine, splits left and right pages, validates QR codes and barcodes, and uploads to dual storage in real-time — enabling a single operator to scan up to 500 booklets per day.
Simple Hardware Setup
MapleScan requires no expensive proprietary scanner hardware. Each station uses commodity components that can be sourced and replaced locally.
Overhead Camera
Standard high-resolution camera mounted above the scanning surface. No proprietary hardware or expensive flatbed scanners required.
Dark Mat Surface
Contrast mat beneath the camera for accurate page-edge detection and consistent image quality across lighting conditions.
Computer Station
Standard Windows PC running MapleScan desktop application. Connects to central server over LAN or internet.
Scanning Workflow
Place Booklet
Open the answer booklet on the dark mat surface under the overhead camera.
Capture Pages
Press Space or let auto-capture detect page turns. MapleScan splits the spine and saves left/right pages separately.
QR Validation
First-page QR codes identify the booklet. Subsequent barcodes confirm page order and detect missing pages.
Review & Complete
Review all pages in grid view. Press Enter to complete the booklet and move to the next one.
Scanning Features
Spine-Based Splitting
Automatically detects the booklet spine and splits the captured image into left and right pages with perspective correction. No manual cropping needed.
QR & Barcode Validation
Dual QR codes on the first page for booklet identification. Code128 barcodes on pages 3 through 32 for automatic page ordering and integrity checks.
Auto-Capture Mode
Motion detection triggers automatic capture when the operator turns a page. Hands-free scanning at maximum speed — just flip and go.
Keyboard-First Workflow
Space bar to capture, Enter to complete a booklet. Operators work entirely from the keyboard without reaching for a mouse.
Quality Review Grid
Switch between 2, 4, or 8-column grid views to review all captured pages at a glance. Spot missing or skewed pages before completing a booklet.
Manual Crop Tool
For edge cases where auto-detection struggles — manually select page boundaries with a crop tool. Override and correct any capture instantly.
Dual Storage
Every captured page is saved locally on the station and uploaded to Cloudflare R2 cloud storage in real-time. Two independent copies from the moment of capture.
Offline Resilience
If the internet connection drops, scanning continues uninterrupted. Local storage queues uploads and syncs automatically when connectivity returns.
Why Overhead Camera Scanning
- No expensive flatbed scanners — uses standard cameras that cost a fraction of the price
- Non-destructive scanning — answer booklets remain intact, no need to unbind or cut pages
- Faster throughput — page-turn-and-capture is faster than feed-through scanning for bound booklets
- Easy maintenance — commodity hardware means local repair and replacement
- Parallel scaling — add stations independently without central bottlenecks
Set up a scanning centre
See MapleScan in action — from hardware setup to first booklet scan in under 30 minutes.