Mobile Uploading

This guide covers the complete mobile uploading workflow, from capturing documents with your camera to syncing them to your desktop workspace. Learn best practices for optimal results.

Upload Methods#

RateScan mobile supports two methods for getting documents into your workspace:

Camera Capture

Take photos directly with your phone's camera - ideal for capturing documents on-the-go:

1. Open RateScan on your mobile device
2. Navigate to the Mobile section
3. Tap the Camera button
4. Position your phone over the document
5. Wait for the camera to focus (tap to focus if needed)
6. Tap the capture button when ready
7. Review the preview
8. Tap Use Photo to confirm or Retake to try again
9. Document is automatically uploaded and synced to desktop

Photo Library Import

Import documents from your device's photo library - useful for documents you've already photographed:

1. Open RateScan on your mobile device
2. Navigate to the Mobile section
3. Tap the Photo Library or Gallery button
4. Browse and select the photo(s) you want to upload
5. You can select multiple photos at once
6. Review selected photos
7. Tap Upload to send to desktop
8. Documents are automatically synced to your desktop workspace

Camera Capture Best Practices#

Positioning and Setup

Document Placement

• Flat Surface - Place document on a completely flat surface
• Clean Surface - Use a clean, uncluttered background
• Remove Obstructions - Remove staples, paper clips, or tape
• Single Page - Capture one page at a time for best results

Phone Positioning

• Parallel to Document - Hold phone parallel to the document (not at an angle)
• Fill the Frame - Get close enough so document fills 80-90% of the frame
• Centered - Center the document in the frame
• Steady - Hold phone steady or rest it on a surface
• Right-Side Up - Ensure document is oriented correctly

Lighting

Optimal Lighting Conditions

• Natural Light - Use natural daylight when possible (best option)
• Even Lighting - Ensure even lighting across the entire document
• Bright but Not Harsh - Bright enough to read, but not causing glare
• No Shadows - Avoid shadows falling across the document
• No Glare - Avoid reflections or glare on glossy documents

Lighting Tips

• Position yourself so your shadow doesn't fall on the document
• Use multiple light sources if indoors to eliminate shadows
• Avoid overhead lights directly above (they create shadows)
• For glossy documents, angle the document slightly to avoid glare
• Use a white or light-colored surface to reflect light evenly

Focus and Capture

Getting Sharp Focus

• Tap to Focus - Tap on the document in the viewfinder to focus
• Wait for Focus - Wait for focus indicator to confirm sharp focus
• Check Text Clarity - Ensure text appears sharp before capturing
• Hold Steady - Keep phone steady while focusing and capturing

Capture Timing

• Wait for camera to fully focus before capturing
• Capture when phone is completely still
• Use burst mode if your camera supports it (then select best shot)
• Take multiple shots if unsure - you can choose the best one

Reviewing and Confirming#

Preview Screen

After capturing or selecting a photo, you'll see a preview screen:

• Image Preview - See exactly what will be uploaded
• Quality Check - Verify the image is clear and readable
• Orientation Check - Ensure document is right-side up
• Completeness Check - Verify entire document is visible

Actions Available

• Use Photo - Confirm and upload this image
• Retake - Discard and take a new photo (camera only)
• Cancel - Cancel the upload process
• Crop/Adjust - Some devices allow cropping before upload

What to Check Before Confirming

• Text is sharp and readable
• Entire document is visible in frame
• No important information is cut off
• Document is properly oriented
• No shadows obscuring text
• Good contrast between text and background
• No glare or reflections

Upload Process#

What Happens During Upload

1. Image Optimization - Image is automatically optimized for OCR
2. Upload Progress - Progress indicator shows upload status
3. Sync to Desktop - Document appears in your desktop workspace
4. Processing - Extraction begins automatically on desktop
5. Completion - Document is ready for review

Upload Status Indicators

• Uploading - Image is being uploaded to server
• Syncing - Document is syncing to desktop workspace
• Complete - Upload and sync completed successfully
• Error - An error occurred (see error message for details)

Processing Time

• Upload Time - Typically 2-5 seconds depending on image size and connection
• Sync Time - Usually instant, may take a few seconds
• Total Time - Usually under 10 seconds from capture to desktop sync
• Extraction - Happens automatically on desktop (5-20 seconds)

Batch Uploading#

Multiple Document Capture

You can capture or import multiple documents in one session:

1. Capture or import your first document
2. After confirming, you'll return to the capture screen
3. Capture or import additional documents
4. All documents are queued for upload
5. Upload all at once or individually

Managing Multiple Documents

• Queue View - See all captured documents before uploading
• Selective Upload - Choose which documents to upload
• Remove from Queue - Remove documents you don't want to upload
• Reorder - Some interfaces allow reordering before upload

Troubleshooting Mobile Upload Issues#

Camera Issues

Camera Won't Open

• Check Permissions - Ensure camera permission is granted
• HTTPS Required - Camera requires secure (HTTPS) connection
• Try Different Browser - Some browsers handle camera differently
• Restart Browser - Close and reopen browser
• Check Device Settings - Verify camera isn't disabled in device settings

Poor Image Quality

• Improve Lighting - Move to better lighting
• Clean Camera Lens - Wipe lens with soft cloth
• Get Closer - Fill more of the frame
• Hold Steadier - Use surface or tripod
• Wait for Focus - Ensure camera has focused

Upload Issues

Upload Fails

• Check Internet - Ensure stable internet connection
• Check Signal - Ensure good cellular or Wi-Fi signal
• Retry - Try uploading again
• Reduce Image Size - If consistently failing, try lower resolution
• Check Storage - Ensure device has sufficient storage

Slow Upload

• Check Connection Speed - Use Wi-Fi if cellular is slow
• Wait Patiently - Large images take time to upload
• Check Signal Strength - Move to area with better signal
• Close Other Apps - Free up bandwidth by closing other apps

Sync Issues

Documents Don't Appear on Desktop

• Check Pairing - Verify devices are still paired (re-scan QR if needed)
• Check Desktop - Ensure desktop RateScan is open
• Wait a Moment - Syncing may take a few seconds
• Refresh Desktop - Refresh the desktop page
• Check Internet - Ensure both devices have internet

Mobile-Specific Tips#

Workflow Optimization

• Capture First, Process Later - Capture documents when convenient, process on desktop
• Batch Capture - Capture multiple documents in one session
• Review on Desktop - Use mobile for capture, desktop for review and editing
• Use Photo Library - Import from library if you've already photographed documents

Data Usage Considerations

• Wi-Fi Preferred - Use Wi-Fi when available to save mobile data
• Image Optimization - Images are automatically optimized to reduce data usage
• Batch Uploads - Upload multiple documents when on Wi-Fi
• Monitor Usage - Be aware of data usage if on limited plan

Battery Optimization

• Camera Usage - Camera use drains battery quickly
• Close When Done - Close camera when not in use
• Charge Device - Ensure device is charged before long capture sessions
• Power Saving Mode - Consider disabling power saving mode during capture

Related Documentation#

• Mobile → Getting Started - Mobile setup and initial configuration
• Core → Uploading - General upload best practices and file requirements
• Core → Extraction - Understanding extraction and improving accuracy
• Getting Started → Welcome - General RateScan overview