BookDrive Pro - A Cradle Scanner

The following article is taken from the 30 March 2009 Eastman's EOGN:

"BookDrive Pro - A Cradle Scanner
I want one of these!

This week, ATIZ of Los Angeles introduced a brand-new cradle scanner, called the BookDrive Pro. It is designed to scan books, maps, newspapers, and other documents without inducing any page curl and with minimal handling of the documents. The result is sharper images and little or no damage to delicate documents being scanned.

I haven't had a chance to get my hands on a BookDrive Pro just yet. After all, they were only announced this week. However, I did talk today with Nick Warnock at ATIZ. He patiently answered my questions and offered additional information about his company's new scanner.

If you have ever tried to scan a bound book by using a normal flatbed scanner, you are probably already familiar with page curl. If you turn a book upside down and place it on a normal flatbed scanner, such as any of the scanners for sale at your local computer store, you will note that the outer two-thirds of each page will scan well. However, as you get closer and closer to the bound edge of a page, the image is degraded. The binding prevents the entire page from being placed flat on the scanning surface. The result is referred to as "page curl." The image is not very useful, and using OCR software to decode the words on the page will probably be impossible.

See the images in this article for examples.

A "cradle scanner" is one that places the book or other document(s) to be scanned in a V-shaped cradle. In this case, the cradle is in the bottom of the scanning device. Cameras are mounted overhead and take pictures of the pages to be digitized. The advantage of a cradle scanner is that the pages are flat and always perpendicular to the camera, resulting in a better picture.

The BookDrive Pro includes two pieces of non-glare glass mounted in a V-shape that are placed on top of the pages being scanned to make sure they are held completely flat and perpendicular to the cameras. The combination of V-shaped book cradle and V-shaped glass holds the book open at a non-stressful, 120-degree angle for scanning by high-resolution digital SLR cameras.

I have written before about some high-end and expensive cradle scanners that include automatic page turners. These units typically sell for $120,000 and up. The BookDrive Pro does not use automated page turners; a human must flip each page manually as the images are being made. Nick Warnock reports that the BookDrive Pro does not damage the pages in the manner of some of the automated page turners. If you have a delicate and rare book, would you want an automated robot turning the pages for you, or would you prefer a trained human to do the work? Nick pointed out that this is especially important when the pages are stiff or brittle and may not turn easily when using a robotic device.

In fact, the robotic page turners cannot operate in a truly unattended fashion. A human operator must always be nearby to handle jams or any situations in which the pages do not turn smoothly.
The BookDrive Pro can provide loving care for the book being scanned, assuming the human operator is properly trained. (Training requires only a few minutes' time.)

The BookDrive Pro has much less mechanical complexity than the automated page turning book scanners, so prices are much lower. The BookDrive Pro also uses standard, off-the shelf digital cameras for creating the images. The scanner can be ordered without cameras if you wish to provide your own. However, the more popular option is when ATIZ includes two Canon EOS XTi cameras in the order. Nick pointed out that for very high-resolution work, such as scanning maps, the user might want to substitute higher-resolution cameras. In fact, cameras up to $40,000 are available from Canon and other manufacturers, but it is doubtful if anyone will need cameras at that price range when scanning books and newspapers. Cameras in the $400 to $600 price range will work well for most applications. The scanner does use two cameras at once: one for digitizing the left-hand page and another for digitizing the page to the right.

The BookDrive Pro includes BookDrive Capture software, an application that controls the cameras. It supports a wide range of Canon EOS SLRs cameras and lets you configure camera settings directly within the software. Press one button and the cameras will shoot left and right pages and render them on-screen immediately. You will have a true left page and a true right page, just like the originals.

The scanner also includes BookDrive Editor Pro software for post-scan image processing. It goes hand in hand with BookDrive Capture and can also be used with other scanners. BookDrive Editor Pro helps produce images of the highest quality, ready for distribution. The image enhancement tools and the intuitive user interface are used together to deliver professional results with minimal fuss.

The BookDrive Pro does require TWO computers for Dual PC mode, capturing left and right images simultaneously. These must be Windows systems running either Vista (32 bit system) or Windows XP. Sixty-four bit systems are not supported. Each computer also must have a one-gigahertz or faster processor, at least one gigabyte of memory, at least 10 gigabytes of available disk space, and a monitor with at least 1024 x 768 pixels. In other words, most any Windows computer sold today will suffice. Such computers are available for $500 and up. The scanner and software will also accommodate any of a long list of Canon cameras. Since cameras do not have standard interfaces, the software does not support other brands of cameras.

The price of the BookDrive Pro is too high for most private individuals: $12,595 without cameras. ATIZ also sells a bundle consisting of the BookDrive Pro scanner and two Canon EOS XTi cameras and two matching lenses for $14,995. I cannot imagine a genealogist purchasing one of these for use at home, but I am sure it will be very popular for libraries, archives, public records offices, and perhaps even genealogy societies that have significant libraries.

The BookDrive Pro certainly is much cheaper than a $120,000+ automated page-turning scanner. In fact, anyone can purchase eight BookDrive Pro scanners for the price of one robotic scanner.

I'd love to use one of these for a few weeks in any major genealogy library. Can you image scanning all the out-of-copyright books in the place?

For more information about the BookDrive Pro, look at http://www.atiz.com.

To see a short video showing the BookDrive Pro in operation, visit http://vimeo.com/2916589 "

Update on GIMP

Readers will recall that a few days ago we offered our opnion on GIMP. I am still using GIMP, and I believe its applications for my clients work will be invaluable!

However, I reported on a video from RootsWeb that showed the viewer how to use GIMP, and at first glance, their manor for adding text at the bottom of the photo seemed to work flawlessly. But after using GIMP for several days, I'd like to report that the RootsWeb video is a bit confusing, and has the viewer take steps that aren't necessary in saving photograph.

So....

I will walk you step by step through using GIMP.

From the FILE button in the left hand corner of the program, click on OPEN. From here you will be able to peruse your own files and obtain the photo you would like to add text to.

After your photograph has opened onto the screen, you will need to resize the file in order to add text at the bottom. So, you will now click on IMAGE. When that window opens, click on CANVAS SIZE.

A new window will open: SET IMAGE CANVAS SIZE. In order to change the canvas size to add text, you must first unlock the ratio. In order to do this, click on the image of the chain links. [A broken chain will appear, which allow the ratio to be disproportinate.] I leave the image on pixels [the default setting] as it easiest for me, however, you can change the setting to inches if you prefer. Now we want to change the HEIGHTH of the canvas. So click on the Increase button for the Height of the canvas until you see enough space beneath the photo appear to add the appropriate amount of text you wish to add. Once you have that, click on RESIZE at the bottom of that window. The window will now close and your resized canvas appears with a gray area at the bottom.

You will now want to add text. In the Toolbox window, click on the big bold letter "A" [for text]. [The Toolbox works similar to Word or Publisher and is easy if you are even fairly familiar with those programs.] At the bottom of the Toolbox you will now see a variety of settings you can change for your text. For the Font, I generally am satisfied with the Sans Bold for my client work. You might want to choose another setting, there are several to choose from. The size will depend upon the photo you are working with, and can be increased or decreased simply by clicking on the up or down buttons.

Once you have set your font and size, you now need to bring your cursor to the canvas and click in the upper left corner of the gray space. The GIMP Text Editor will appear. In this area you will type the text you want to appear at the bottom of your photograph. Once you are finished writing the text, you need to click on CLOSE. The GIMP Text Editor window will close. You may now need to adjust the size of your Font within the Toolbox to get the print to fit your text area.

Once you have your print the way you want it, you must now Crop your photo. From the Toolbox choose the rectangular button just as you would from most photo programs. Bring your cursor to the photo and bring your cropping area within the boundaries you choose [you can see this really well on the RootsWeb video]. Once your field of cropping has been determined, right click on your mouse, then click on Image. Now click on Crop To Selection. Simply hit your + or - key on your keyboard, and your crop is complete.

Now you need to merge the two fields you have created [photo and text]. Simply right click on your mouse once more. Click on Image, then click on Merge Visible Layers. Another window will open, Merge Layers. Make sure the setting is on Expand as Necessary [the default setting], then click on MERGE. [You will not see a visible change.]

Now you must flatten the image for saving. Once more, right click on your mouse. Click on Image, and then click on Flatten Image. The text at the bottom will lose it's gray background and the background will turn white.

All that's left now is to save your image! Simply click on FILE in the upper left hand corner of your screen. Then click on Save As. Choose the location and title for your file, and click on Save. Another window will open up, giving you the opportunity to change the size of the file. [Default setting, and the only setting for saving is a JPEG file, however, you can change the size of the file for saving space. Be forewarned, I haven't tried yet to change the size of the file, as I'm not sure if that will cause degradation of the photo yet or not.] Click on SAVE.

Once your photo is saved, you will then click on FILE in the upper left corner again, and then click on CLOSE. The photo will then leave the larger window and is now safely stored in your files.

Since this program saves files only in JPEG format, I would suggest that you use an external source for saving your files. Either save to data CD, a USB stick, or to an external hard drive. This will help save space on your computers hard drive. [I personally keep all clients work on an external hard drive.]

I hope this helps you to better understand how to utilize the GIMP program.

An example of using this program with a photo, and another using it with a document, is above.

Keeping Up Waith Data Rot

From the 28 Mar 2009 EOGN comes the following:

" Computer formats come and go leaving some users with data no longer compatible with software or hardware. As David Pogue reports, this is called data rot.

This CBS News video gives a great overview of the problems associated with preserving audio, video, and computer data. The story also describes briefly how to preserve electronic data with data migration.

You can watch the video at http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4836762n%3fsource=search_video.

My thanks to newsletter reader Milo Wright for telling me about this video. "

Library of Congress Embraces YouTube and iTunes

The following blog is taken from the 28 Mar 2009 EOGN:

" The U.S. Library of Congress has begun uploading its audio archives to iTunes, and it will soon begin to post videos on YouTube, in an effort to make its materials easier for the public to access.

The library already offers the materials at its own Web site, LOC.gov, and through interactive exhibitions on its new, personalized Web site at myLOC.gov, but the expansion to YouTube and Apple's iTunes is part of the library's efforts to make its 15.3 million digital items more accessible, said Matt Raymond, the library's director of communications.

"Our broad strategy is to 'fish where the fish are,' and to use the sites that give our content added value -- in the case of iTunes, ubiquity, portability, etc.," Raymond said in an e-mail.
You can read more at http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/032709-library-of-congress-embraces-youtube.html. "

The New Gold Rush!

Also from EOGN for 26 March 2009:

" Now you have a chance to follow the steps of your ancestors, assuming they went to California in 1849 to find gold. Geologists estimate that during the gold rush of 1849 in California, about 80 percent of the gold was never found. Today, with the price of gold soaring and the economy falling, the idea of panning, digging or diving for precious metal has become serious business. In fact, significant amounts of gold can be found within an hour's drive of downtown Los Angeles.

NBC News has an interesting story about modern-day prospectors at http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/NEW-CALIFORNIA-GOLD-RUSH.html. "

400 Years of London History Launches Online!

The following announcement was found in the 26 Mar 2009 EOGN. It is lengthy, but well worth the read! - cbh

"
The following announcement was written by The Generations Network, parent company of ancestry.co.uk:

1 in 2 Brits with ancestors in collection, including J.K. Rowling, David Beckham and Patsy Kensit

77 million records when complete, including workhouse, parish, school

Famous names include Oliver Cromwell, Samuel Pepys and William Blake, as well as ancestors of contemporary celebrities JK Rowling, David Beckham, Patsy Kensit and Britney Spears

An estimated 165 million people around the world has an ancestor in the collection, including more than half of the British population

The definitive collection of records detailing the rich history of London and its inhabitants over 400 years is available online for the first time today at leading social and family history website Ancestry.co.uk, in partnership with London Metropolitan Archives and Guildhall Library Manuscripts following a competitive tender by the City of London to digitise and exclusively host their collection online.

Starting with records from London’s infamous Victorian workhouses memorably depicted by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist, the London Historical Records, 1500s-1900s will include more than 77 million records, providing an unprecedented insight into the colourful history of one of the world’s greatest cities.

Key record types include parish and workhouse records, electoral rolls, wills, land tax records and school reports. According to a recent family history survey, more than half of the current British population will have an ancestor in the London Historical Records, 1500s-1900s.

Furthermore, it is estimated that approximately 135 million people from the U.S., Canada and Australia will also be able to trace ancestors in the collection due to London’s status as the city at the centre of the British Empire for centuries.

Assembled over time direct from various London institutions, the collection includes the names of millions of ordinary Londoners alongside famous and infamous figures from the city’s past. Notable examples include Oliver Cromwell’s marriage record, the baptism record for poet Samuel Pepys and the burial register listing for writer and statesman John Milton.

A number of modern day celebrities can also find ancestors within the collection. JK Rowling’s 3x great-grandfather, William Richard Rowling, appears in the Mile End marriage registers for 1872, while Patsy Kensit’s ancestor Thomas Kensit can be found in Shoreditch Baptism records from 1815. David Beckham’s London roots are also well documented; with his 3x great- grandparent’s marriage listed in the collection. Even international pop star Britney Spears can find her great-grandfather, George Portell, listed in the Tottenham marriage records for 1923.

The workhouse or ‘Board of Guardians’ records now online contain the names of anyone who was born, baptised or died in a London workhouse in the 19th and early 20th century. During this time, men, women and children who couldn’t support themselves were forced to live in these institutions, working long hours in tedious jobs in exchange for minimal food and board.

The conditions were kept intentionally poor to deter others and unofficial beatings or starving of inmates were not unheard of. Overcrowding was also a major problem, compounded by the influx of Irish immigrants after the potato famine of the mid 19th century. While conditions improved slightly in the early 20th century, the workhouses were still a feared ‘last resort’ by most until their abolition in 1930.

The workhouse records cover 12 key London regions[iii]. Also included today are a variety of workhouse creed registers, admissions, discharges, apprenticeship papers and lists of ‘lunatics’.

Workhouse records are just one of the record types which comprise the London Historical Records, 1500s-1900s. Others include:

* Parish Registers - from 1538, priests had to keep records of all baptisms, marriages and burials in their parish. These records are taken from over 10,000 Greater London parishes, and as they pre-date both civil registration and censuses, they are the essential ‘next step back’ for people wishing to trace their family history beyond the 19th century

* School Admissions and Discharges - contain records taken from 800+ London schools dating from the early Victorian times through to 1911. They provide admission details and information about millions of London students

* Non-Conformist Registers - details the birth, baptism, death and burial of religious dissenters who did not worship at the established church in England from 1694 to 1921. The majority of the records are for Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed churches, although there are smaller collections of other denominations such as Quakers and Seventh Day Adventists

* Diocesan Divorce Exhibita - one of a number of interesting records from the London diocesan courts, when applying for divorce, a husband or wife would submit evidence for their partner’s marital failings, including love letters, witness accounts and sworn testimony, which were then kept on record.

Josh Hanna, Senior Vice President of Ancestry, comments: “We estimate that half of Brits will be able to find an ancestor in this collection, which pre-dates civil registration and censuses, and documents the history of a great city and its people, their birth, poverty, fortunes, faith, education, marriage and death.

“No city in modern history other than London can claim to have been the capital of such a far reaching empire, which really is why this collection is of such significance not only to Brits, but also to many others around the world with ancestral ties back to England.”

Dr Deborah Jenkins, Assistant Director of the City of London’s Department of Libraries, Archives and Guildhall Art Library, comments: “We were delighted to work with Ancestry.co.uk to digitise this impressive collection of documents.

“Not only will this mean that millions of people will be able to access this resource from the comfort of their own homes all over the world – it also ensures that we will be able to support the long term preservation of the documents and provide fast, free access to researchers who visit our sites.” "

Gems in the Rough: A Success Story

The following was taken from the 26 Mar 2009 Eastman's EOGN:

"
Michael Pollock is publishing the Methodist Episcopal Church records for Gloucester County, Virginia (a severely burned and very old county). He contacted me recently to describe a recent success and suggested that his experience be published in this newsletter as an example to others. I agreed and asked him to write the article as only he could. He kindly agreed.

The following was written by Michael Pollock:

I have always been of the mind that one should NEVER publish something one knows to be false – not just because once it is published it can never be fully retracted, but more significantly, the longer it remains around and the wider its circulation, the greater the chances of a false statement coming to be regarded as truth, no matter the evidence to the contrary.

However, I am also of the mind that so long as it is presented as speculation rather than fact, one should not withhold something from publication simply because it cannot be proven, for it often results in someone coming forward with information that either refutes or proves the speculation.

Over my publishing career, beginning with a collection of marriage records for Henrico County, Virginia, issued by Genealogical Publishing Company in 1982 and most recently with Gloucester County, Virginia, Methodist Church Records issued by New Papyrus Publishing Company in 2007, I have had the correctness of my position reaffirmed numerous times, though never coming close to the near epiphany I felt when approached by a rare book and manuscript dealer who discovered I had published the book on Gloucester while doing some "leg work" on the internet as a prelude to selling a manuscript on Gloucester he had acquired. Where he had described it to me as a collection of Disciples of Christ records, I knew immediately on seeing the manuscript that it was not just Methodist Episcopal records, but an EARLIER companion volume to the collection on which my book was based. Though it covers such a brief period of time, 1835-37, the manuscript contains nearly 1000 names, both white and black, many with notations of a nature that probably would not be found in the civil records for the same period even had they existed, AND THEY DO NOT – deaths (generally only the year, but sometimes an exact date), marriages (generally only the surname of newly married woman, but when her husband also was a member of the church, his identity can be established by the fact both had their marital status altered from "s" to "m"), removals (sometimes giving the specific place to which the person moved), and expulsions for reasons ranging from failing to attend to services on a regular basis to being an habitual drunk, adultery and gambling.

There is virtually no way to place a dollar value on this book. Further, it is far from clear that, had the previous owner not contacted me and as a result sold it to someone else, it would have been bought by a person or institution who not just recognized its value, but also would make an effort to share the same with the genealogical and historical communities with interest in Gloucester County.

I would like to think there will be a further benefit in this particular instance of this article encouraging people across the country to keep their eyes and ears open for other "gems in the rough" waiting to be found, whether it be a trunk in an attic or basement or a "store," and to act upon them in much the same manner I have when they are found. "

****Well done Michael! - cbh