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If your bubble sheets scan with lots of "anomalies" (unscanned bubbles) or won't scan at all, some small adjustments will probably make all the difference.
See this video for tips on getting the best scans possible:
Qualities of an Ideal Scan
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Note:
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Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Skew |
Problems: The bubble sheet not straight on and perpendicular to the camera. The rectangle around the bubbles looks like a trapezoid. Some areas are in focus while others are not because the distances to the camera are different. Solutions: Move the camera so that it is directly over the sheet looking straight at it, or if you are holding the sheet up to the camera, be sure it is straight-on and perpendicular with the camera. |
Curves or Shadows |
Problems: Curves in the page make the lines of the rectangle appear bowed rather than straight.
Some areas are in focus while others are not because the distances to the camera are different.
In this example, light is uneven, with bright spots and shadows. Shadows are sometimes caused by objects around the sheet, like the camera stand. Built-in lights on cameras can also cause bright spots. Solutions: Place the bubble sheets on a flat surface to scan. If you are holding the sheets up, don't curve them - try using a book or clipboard to hold them up straight and flat. Eliminate shadows or bright spots. Turn off any camera light that creates bright spots. |
Pencil Marks Reflective or Too Light |
The pencil marks for questions 1-15 are reflecting overhead lights and it's hard to tell they are filled in. Solution Turn off direct-overhead lights, or change scanning location to avoid the reflection.
Change angles between your scanning setup and any light sources to eliminate reflections. Pencils work well, but the marks need to be nice and dark. Have your students go back over their bubbles or try markers or pens.
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Reflecting Ink or Lamination |
Problems: Reusing sheets with lamination (or sheet protectors) and wet erase markers is a great way to cut costs and add convenience, but the chances for reflections and glare increase. Some printer inks are also reflective, and this can cause problems during scanning. Solutions: Turn off direct-overhead lights, or change scanning location to avoid reflections.
Change angles between your scanning setup and any light sources to eliminate reflections. |
Rectangle Cut Off or Obscured |
Problems: The rectangle surrounding the bubbles is not fully in frame. Solutions: The rectangle is critical to scanning, so back your camera away from the sheet so that the rectangle is fully in frame with a little space around the edges. Avoid any obscuring of the black rectangle, QR code, or bubbles by any object or dark shadow. |
Markings On or Within Rectangle |
Problems: There are markings and writing too close to the black rectangle around the bubble area.
There are marks on the QR code.
There are extraneous markings in the bubble area and around question numbers.
Solutions: The rectangle, QR code, question numbers, and bubbles need to be free from obstructions or markings other than bubbles being filled in.
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If this guide didn't help and you are still encountering problems scanning, please contact technical support!
If you were looking for help with other scanning issues, click here for help.
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