IRIScan (specifically the IRIScan Desk series, such as the Desk 6 and 7) is considered special because it redefines traditional scanning by using overhead camera technology combined with advanced AI, rather than traditional flatbed or sheet-fed rollers. It is designed to digitize thick books, 3D objects, and large documents (up to A3) without requiring them to be unbound or torn.
Here is what is special about IRIScan:
1. Advanced AI-Powered Scanning
- Book Curve Flattening: The AI automatically flattens curved pages of thick books or magazines, making the text straight and readable.
- Finger Removal: The scanner detects and removes fingers holding down pages, resulting in clean, professional scans.
- Auto Page-Turn Detection: It can detect when a page is turned and automatically starts scanning, allowing for rapid digitization of entire books.
- Multi-Cropping: You can place multiple items (receipts, business cards, photos) on the mat simultaneously, and the scanner will crop them into separate, individual files.
2. High-Performance Hardware and Speed
- Lightning-Fast Speed: It can scan an A3 (or two A4) page in roughly 1 second.
- High Resolution: Models like the IRIScan Desk 7 Pro feature up to an 18MP sensor (with up to 85MP interpolated), while the 7 Business offers 24MP, ensuring crisp, high-quality images.
- No Warm-up Time: Because it uses camera technology, it scans instantly, unlike traditional scanners that require warming up.
3. Versatility and Features
- Document Camera & Video Recording: It doubles as a live, full-HD document camera (up to 30 FPS) for video demos, remote teaching, or YouTube tutorials.
- Text-to-Speech (TTS): It includes software that can read documents aloud (word by word) in multiple languages, making it a valuable tool for users with dyslexia.
- Barcode Scanning: It can scan and export 1D or 2D barcodes to Excel or text files.
- Portable Design: Despite its power, the "Desk" series is foldable and portable, designed to fit into small spaces.
4. Software Suite
- Powerful OCR: The included Readiris software converts scans into editable formats like Word, Excel, or Searchable PDF.
- Lifetime Software: The IRIScan Desk software is often included with a lifetime license.
In summary, IRIScan is unique for being a high-speed, overhead, AI-driven, multi-purpose, A3 scanning solution that replaces the need for flatbed scanners for books and thick documents.
