Factors Influencing the Design of Original-Document Scanners for Input to Computers

摘要

The report considers some of the factors involved in the design and implementation of scanners capable of reading data from documents in their original form rather than from microfilm. The scanner is assumed to be part of a transcribing information processor such as the FOSDIC (Film Optical Scanning for Direct Input to Computers) type of machine. Advantages and disadvantages of microfilm as against original document scanning are discussed. Factors considered include the types of forms that are to be handled, paper handling problems, available electronic and mechanical scanning techniques, problems of resolution and image defects, precision limitations, and overall system limitations. A set of general specifications for scanners for direct data input to computers is developed in qualitative terms. (Author)