How to Get the Best Scanning Results from Your Dempower WisePen AI Reader

The Dempower WisePen AI Reader brings together a wide range of tools for reading, learning, translation, communication, and everyday use. But if you're new to the WisePen, one of the first things you'll want to become familiar with is how to scan printed text accurately and comfortably.

Scanning with the WisePen is relatively straightforward, but it can take a little practice at first. How you position the pen, the speed at which you move it across the page, and how closely you follow the line of text can all affect the scanning result. The type and layout of the printed material can also make a difference.

Once you've become comfortable with the scanning motion, you can start exploring more of what the WisePen has to offer beyond simply capturing and reading text. From dictionaries and translation tools to AI-powered assistance and other built-in features, knowing how and when to use each function can help you get much more from the device.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to get the best results from your Dempower WisePen AI Reader, including practical scanning tips, common mistakes to avoid, troubleshooting unsuccessful scans, and ways to make better use of its different features.

Understand how your WisePen reads text

Before getting into scanning techniques, it helps to understand what happens when you move the Dempower WisePen AI Reader across a line of printed text.

The WisePen uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to capture printed characters and convert them into digital text that the device can recognise and process. Depending on the feature you're using, that captured text can then be read aloud using text-to-speech (TTS), translated, looked up in the dictionary, or used with other reading and learning tools available on the device.

In simple terms, the process looks like this:

Scan the printed text → OCR recognises the characters → Text is converted into digital information → WisePen processes it using the selected feature

Because the WisePen first needs to clearly capture the characters on the page, your scanning technique can influence how accurately the text is recognised. Moving too quickly, drifting between lines, lifting the pen during a scan, or scanning text that is difficult to read can result in missing or incorrectly recognised words.

That's why getting comfortable with the physical scanning motion is an important first step. A smooth, steady movement along the line of text gives the WisePen a clearer opportunity to capture what is printed before it processes the information for you.

Practical techniques that can help you achieve more consistent scans 

1. Hold the WisePen at the correct angle

Holding the Dempower WisePen AI Reader at the correct angle and position is important for achieving a clear and accurate scan. If the pen is tilted too far away from the page, the scanning port may not capture the printed text properly.

For the best scanning position:

• Hold the WisePen at approximately a 75°–90° angle to the page.
• Keep the scanning tip lightly in contact with the paper throughout the scan.
• Position the scanning port so that it sits properly over the line of text.
• Keep the pen steady and maintain a consistent angle as you move across the page.
• Avoid tilting the pen too far away from the page, as this may reduce scanning accuracy.
• Try not to lift the scanning tip while moving across the text, as this can interrupt text recognition.

You don't need to press the WisePen firmly against the page. Light contact and a steady position are enough to allow the scanner to capture the text as you move.

Once you have the positioning right, the next step is getting comfortable with the movement itself—particularly maintaining a smooth and consistent scanning speed.

2. Scan in a smooth, steady motion

Once you're holding the Dempower WisePen AI Reader at the correct angle, the next step is getting the scanning movement right. A smooth and steady motion helps the WisePen capture each character clearly as it moves along the line of text.

Start by positioning the scanning tip just before the first character you want to capture. Then move the WisePen steadily across the text, keeping the scanning port aligned with the same line from beginning to end.

For more consistent scanning results:

• Move at a steady pace rather than suddenly speeding up or slowing down.
• Follow the line of text as straight as possible and avoid drifting into the lines above or below.
• Keep the scanning tip in contact with the page throughout the movement.
• Avoid lifting, twisting, or changing the angle of the WisePen midway through a scan.
• Start slightly before the first character and continue slightly past the final character to help capture the complete word or sentence.
• If a scan isn't recognised correctly, simply return to the beginning and try again with a smoother motion.

You don't necessarily need to scan extremely slowly. The goal is to find a comfortable and consistent speed that allows you to maintain control of the WisePen while keeping it properly aligned with the text.

3. Start with individual words and short sentences

If you're using the Dempower WisePen AI Reader for the first time, it's worth practising with smaller sections of text before moving on to longer passages. This gives you a chance to become familiar with the scanning motion without having to maintain your positioning across an entire paragraph.

Start by scanning a single word or a short phrase. Once you're consistently getting accurate results, try scanning a complete sentence and gradually work your way up to longer lines of text.

A simple way to practise is:

Single word → Short phrase → Full sentence → Longer line of text

As you practise, pay attention to the angle of the WisePen, your scanning speed, and how closely you're following the line. If the device misses part of a word or recognises something incorrectly, try the same text again while adjusting your movement slightly.

There's no need to rush through this process. Taking a little time to practise can help you find the scanning speed and hand movement that work comfortably for you, making it easier to use the WisePen when reading books, worksheets, documents, and other printed materials.

Once the scanning movement starts to feel more natural, you can focus less on how you're moving the pen and more on the information you're reading or working with.

4. Keep the page flat and stable where possible

The surface you're scanning can also affect how easily the Dempower WisePen AI Reader recognises text. For the most consistent results, try to keep the page flat, stable, and still while moving the WisePen across it.

Loose sheets of paper are usually straightforward to scan when placed on a desk or another flat surface. Books can be a little trickier, particularly when the text sits close to the spine and the page naturally curves inwards. This curve can change the position of the scanning tip or make it harder to maintain the recommended angle as you move along the line.

To make scanning easier:

• Place worksheets, letters, and other loose documents on a flat, stable surface.
• When using a book, gently hold the page flat where possible.
• If you're scanning close to the spine, reposition the book or page so the WisePen can move comfortably across the text.
• Smooth out folded or creased pages before scanning.
• Keep the reading material still rather than moving the page and WisePen at the same time.
• Make sure you have enough space to complete the scanning movement without your hand or the pen being obstructed.

You don't need every page to be perfectly flat. The aim is simply to give the WisePen a clear and consistent path across the text while helping you maintain the correct angle and steady movement.

5. Pay attention to the text you’re scanning

Your scanning technique isn’t the only factor that can affect the results. The size, style, contrast, and condition of the printed text can also influence how easily the Dempower WisePen AI Reader recognises what’s on the page.

Clear, well-spaced printed text on a plain background will generally be easier to capture than text that is very small, faded, highly stylised, or positioned over a busy background. This is because the WisePen needs to distinguish individual characters clearly when using OCR to convert the scan into digital text.

You may find scanning more challenging with:

• Very small or tightly spaced text
• Decorative or highly stylised fonts
• Faded, blurry, or poorly printed characters
• Low-contrast text, such as light lettering on a similar-coloured background
• Text printed over images, patterns, or textured backgrounds
• Creased, damaged, or distorted print
• Handwritten text rather than standard printed characters

If the WisePen doesn’t recognise a word or sentence correctly, try scanning the section again before assuming there’s an issue with the device. Reposition the page, check that the scanning tip is properly aligned, and try moving across the text again with a smooth, steady motion.

For particularly difficult layouts, it may also help to scan a shorter section at a time rather than attempting to capture a long line in one movement.

The quality and layout of printed materials can vary considerably, so you may notice that some pages scan more easily than others. Becoming familiar with the types of text the WisePen captures most consistently can help you adapt your technique when you encounter more challenging material.

6. Check your scanning direction and language settings

Before scanning, it’s also worth checking that your Dempower WisePen AI Reader is set up for the text you’re working with. Using the correct scanning direction and language settings helps the device interpret the text as intended.

If you’re scanning English text, for example, make sure the appropriate language is selected for the function you’re using. When working with translation features, pay particular attention to the source language—the language you’re scanning—and the target language you want the text translated into.

Before you begin, check:

• Scanning direction – Make sure the WisePen is set for the direction you naturally scan and that you’re moving the pen accordingly.
• Source language – Select the language of the printed text you’re scanning.
• Translation language – When translating, check that the correct target language has been selected.
• Current function or mode – Confirm that you’re using the appropriate WisePen feature for what you want to do, such as scanning text, looking up a word, or translating.

If the text appears to scan clearly but the result isn’t what you expected, checking your settings is a useful troubleshooting step before rescanning multiple times.

It can also be helpful to set up your most frequently used languages and preferences when you first start using the WisePen. That way, you can spend less time adjusting settings and move more easily between everyday reading, dictionary, and translation tasks.

View the Dempower User Guide for more details.

Know when to scan and when to use other WisePen features

Scanning printed text is one of the core functions of the Dempower WisePen AI Reader, but it isn't always the best feature for every task. The WisePen includes a range of tools designed for different reading, translation, learning, and communication needs, so knowing which feature to use and when can make the device much more useful in everyday situations.

For example, you might use:

• Scan Text when you want to capture printed words or sentences and have the text read aloud using text-to-speech.
• Dictionary tools when you come across an unfamiliar word and want to check its meaning or pronunciation.
• Photo Translation when you want to capture text using the camera and translate it into another supported language.
• Voice Translation when working with spoken language rather than printed text.
• AI-powered tools when you want additional help understanding information, asking questions, or exploring a topic further.
• AI Lens when you want to use the camera to identify an object and learn more about it.
• Note-taking and voice recording features when you want to capture information for later rather than simply read it.

Spend some time exploring the different WisePen functions and what each one is designed to do. Once you become familiar with them, it becomes easier to choose the right tool for the task instead of relying on scanning alone. 

Read related article: Reading Support for Older Adults: How Assistive Technology Can Help Maintain Independence

Consider whether a scanning pen is comfortable for you to use 

The Dempower WisePen AI Reader is a handheld device, so using its scanning functions requires you to physically guide the pen across a line of text. Before purchasing—or when you're first getting familiar with the device—it's worth considering whether this type of movement feels comfortable and manageable for you.

For accurate scanning, you'll generally need to be able to hold the WisePen steadily, maintain the recommended angle, and guide the scanning tip smoothly along the line of text. This involves a degree of hand control and coordination, particularly when scanning longer sentences or smaller text.

Consider whether you or the person using the WisePen is comfortable with:

• Holding and controlling a handheld device.
• Maintaining a steady scanning motion across printed text.
• Following a line of text without frequently moving above or below it.
• Keeping the scanning tip in contact with the page while maintaining the correct angle.
• Using the touchscreen and navigating between different WisePen functions.

This doesn't mean you need a perfectly steady hand to use the WisePen. Like any new device, scanning can take some practice, and starting with individual words and shorter sentences can help you become accustomed to the movement.

However, if maintaining a controlled hand movement is particularly difficult, it's worth considering this before purchasing a scanning pen. The physical scanning action is an important part of how the device captures printed text, so comfort and ease of use can vary from person to person.

If you're considering the Dempower WisePen AI Reader for yourself, a family member, student, or someone you support and aren't sure whether it will be suitable, you can contact the Aussie Pharma Direct team before purchasing to help you understand what to expect when using the device.

Read related article: How to Access Assistive Technology Through the NDIS

Explore Smarter Reading with the WisePen