Automatic Book Scanning: Designing the Linear Book Scanner from Google

by Meghan Musolff Automatic Book Scanning: Designing the Linear Book Scanner from Google
Dany Qumsiyeh, designer of the Linear Book Scanner
Date:  Wednesday, September 11
Time:  1:00-2:30
Location:  Hatcher Graduate Library Gallery, University of Michigan
In 2012, Google announced the development of a prototype linear scanner, a robotic scanner that scans books without removing the spines and without damaging the book. Google has made the plans and patent of the scanner openly available. This Linear Book Scanner is a new type of automatic page-turning book scanner with a simple, low-cost design. The scanner cost has been projected at $1500 each, making it affordable and scalable since it is envisioned that one person can manage multiple scanners simultaneously.
The University of Michigan Library is collaborating with the Mechanical Engineering 450 class to improve and enhance the design. Join Dany Qumsiyeh, the designer of the Linear Book scanner at Google, as he discusses how the idea was formed and how the Linear Book Scanner works.  Dany will also provide details on the design, motor control, and electronics involved, as well as list the technical challenges, limitation, and areas for improvement moving forward. A prototype of the scanner will be on hand for the presentation.

Using Google Calendar to Schedule Office Hours

Did you know you can use Google Calendar to set up appointment slots? I recently did this to set up individual meetings with the first year Graduate Students. Basically all it involves is blocking out a time on your calendar and sending your students an email with a URL so they can sign up. The complete instructions are here:

http://support.google.com/calendar/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=190998

See me and I can help you do this.

Annette Haines
UM Art & Design Field Librarian
ahaines@umich.edu

Ctools meets Google

There are lots of new features integrating Ctools with various Google products. You can read more about them in this article from the Record:

New version of CTools integrates with Google, Box and more

Please contact me if you have questions about these new tools or would like some one-on-one assistance with setting up your Ctools site. 

Annette Haines

Art & Design Field Librarian

ahaines@umich.edu