Re: Ways to scan and OCR notes taken in books (digital dump of "highlights") ?

"C_K" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Hello,
>
> I'm guessing this question has come up before, but I couldn't find
> anything definitieve in terms of a yes or no on it --
>
> I'm interested in getting text files of just parts of textbooks that
> I'm interested in -- instead of just highlighting the textbook,
> getting a digital dump of the text I'm interested in highlighting.
>
> I've tried a pen scanner (Quicklink) thinking it might be just the
> thing, but I found it too slow (scan one line, wait for the OCR, scan
> another line, wait, etc.) and awkward (each time the scanner turns on,
> it seems to default to the cursor being at the beginning of the file,
> so I'd have to scroll through the whole thing before I could start
> scanning new text).
>
> So I'm wondering, are there other ways that people have accomplished
> this sort of thing?  Is there any desktop software that will work with
> a flatbed scanner to do OCR _just_ on text that's somehow tagged
> (highlighted, for instance!)?  Or better pen scanners?  (Linux
> preferrably as dekstop OS, but I know I'm pushing it....)
>
>
> This would be such a Holy Grail for students, or at least me as a
> student -- to be able to have digital, searchable files of my
> "highlights" from a book.  Worst case scenerio I'm thinking I'll
> markup the physical text with good old pen while reading (can't be
> beat for speed) and then go over the sections with the Quicklink
> during some horribly boring times of my life.  But I sure am hoping
> for better ideas....
>
>
> Thanks very much,
>
> C K
>
>
> mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]

The searchable part is the hard thing to do. If you just wanted something
that you read, a picture scan would work. Humans can read text in a picture.

There is OCR software for Windows that is quite good and you can make
selections of the parts that you want to OCR. There is a learning curve, but
when you get the hang of it, it is pretty easy. The big bad, is OCR is only
about 99% accurate and only works on typed or printed text. OCR will not
convert handwriting. You will have to edit the converted text..

Omnipage Pro 12 is one such software. Omnipage Pro 12 for Windows or Mac.
TextBridge Pro 11 is another. Windows only.

The best price for OCR software is at:
http://www.scantips.com/scansoft.html

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CSM1
http://www.carlmcmillan.com
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