Hello

I work for a company that specializes in software for school boards.

I had a question about image scanning. We need a way to manage teacher
qualifications. What this software will do is scan diplomas received by
teachers and scan them and put them in a postgresql database as images.
The software will also tag some indexing and other information in the
database to make it easy to retrieve it.

The other requirement is the product be able to run in Linux.

I did a lot of resarch on Google but I'm a little lost and could use
some help.

Thanks
Tarun

From:	t2701
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	4 Jan 2005 07:02:28 -0800

All of clients have servers running a PostGreSQL database. It would be
too much to have to migrate them to any different kind of DB.
I was thinking about modifying a pre-existing open source application.
The hard part seems to be interfacing with the hundereds of scanner
models out there. I could modify a open source scanning program to dump
the images into postgresql but that would probably mean our program
will have to be open source as well due to the GPL.
I don't know of any open source scanning apps that aren't GPL. We are
willing to pay for a library or a sql script or anything like that but
free would be a lot nicer.

From:	rishi at dess.net
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	11 Jan 2005 21:24:41 -0800

t2701 wrote:
> Hello
>
> I work for a company that specializes in software for school boards.
>
> I had a question about image scanning. We need a way to manage
teacher
> qualifications. What this software will do is scan diplomas received
by
> teachers and scan them and put them in a postgresql database as
images.
> The software will also tag some indexing and other information in the
> database to make it easy to retrieve it.
>
> The other requirement is the product be able to run in Linux.
>
>
> I did a lot of resarch on Google but I'm a little lost and could use
> some help.
>
> Thanks
> Tarun

From:	Fadi Shureih
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 14:53:21 -0500

Tarun,

What you are asking for is not difficult. Take a look at our web site, check
Saperion, it runs on Windows, Linux and Unix, needs an ODBC compliant
database and has Imaging, Document Management, Workflow and much more.
www.enarainc.com

I will be happy to answer any questions you might have about it.

Regards,

Fadi

"t2701" wrote in message
news:1104774008.847215.242940@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Hello
>
> I work for a company that specializes in software for school boards.
>
> I had a question about image scanning. We need a way to manage teacher
> qualifications. What this software will do is scan diplomas received by
> teachers and scan them and put them in a postgresql database as images.
> The software will also tag some indexing and other information in the
> database to make it easy to retrieve it.
>
> The other requirement is the product be able to run in Linux.
>
>
> I did a lot of resarch on Google but I'm a little lost and could use
> some help.
>
> Thanks
> Tarun
>

From:	Autumna Software
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 22:35:29 -0000

Our product ScanOut(tm) is an easy to use scanning tool for easy scanning to
tiff or pdf for flatbed scanners.
It currently doesn't support OCR or the creation of indexing fields and
metadata export but such features will be available in the next major
version, as well as a port to Linux/Unix. For now, feel free to evaluate it
and verify if its current more limited features can help you in any way.

http://www.scanout.net

Regards,
Chris
Autumna Software

"t2701" escreveu na mensagem
news:1104774008.847215.242940@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Hello
>
> I work for a company that specializes in software for school boards.
>
> I had a question about image scanning. We need a way to manage teacher
> qualifications. What this software will do is scan diplomas received by
> teachers and scan them and put them in a postgresql database as images.
> The software will also tag some indexing and other information in the
> database to make it easy to retrieve it.
>
> The other requirement is the product be able to run in Linux.
>
>
> I did a lot of resarch on Google but I'm a little lost and could use
> some help.
>
> Thanks
> Tarun
>

From:	t2701
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	4 Jan 2005 07:02:11 -0800

From:	Russell H
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Mon, 3 Jan 2005 10:04:31 -1000

I'd be curious about what you find. The fact you want it to run in Linux
limits what you can do. I don't think the *nix platform has anywhere near
the number of applications available for it as Windows. You might be stuck
having a Windows machine for the scanning operation and then put it up to a
Linux server for Linux clients or whatever.

Something to keep in mind is that diplomas may not be that easy to scan. I
know from experience that transcripts have anti-copying technology that can
make them hard to duplicate and as a result a bit challenging to scan and
still read it.

"t2701" wrote in message
news:1104774008.847215.242940@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Hello
>
> I work for a company that specializes in software for school boards.
>
> I had a question about image scanning. We need a way to manage teacher
> qualifications. What this software will do is scan diplomas received by
> teachers and scan them and put them in a postgresql database as images.
> The software will also tag some indexing and other information in the
> database to make it easy to retrieve it.
>
> The other requirement is the product be able to run in Linux.
>
>
> I did a lot of resarch on Google but I'm a little lost and could use
> some help.
>
> Thanks
> Tarun
>

From:	Juhan Leemet
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Mon, 10 Jan 2005 13:34:28 -0300

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 10:04:31 -1000, Russell H wrote:
> I'd be curious about what you find. The fact you want it to run in Linux
> limits what you can do. I don't think the *nix platform has anywhere near
> the number of applications available for it as Windows. You might be stuck
> having a Windows machine for the scanning operation and then put it up to a
> Linux server for Linux clients or whatever.

Well, in *nix, it's a different way of thinking. You don't have many
"applications" like Lotus-1-2-3, or (as I think of them, since Comdex '82)
Office-1-2-3-4-5-6. In *nix, one starts with smaller, general tools, and
connects them together with scripting or programming to do whatever you
want. It is like a mechanic's socket wrench set. You don't have many
specialized tools (like for a specific engine model), but an almost
infinite number of combinations. You spend some time, not money. Not
everyone is a "mechanic". If it is money you want to spend, hire someone
on contract who knows how to assemble the *nix tools.

For example, on the scanning side, I have been happy with xsane (GUI front
end to sane, a general scanning tool) running on Linux. One of the things
I do with my own notes and records is to scan to .tiff; combine into
composite .tiff; then convert into .pdf multi-page documents for reference.

--
Juhan Leemet
Logicognosis, Inc.

From:	t2701
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	4 Jan 2005 06:09:38 -0800

From:	t2701
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	3 Jan 2005 13:34:47 -0800

A little clarifcation on the Linux part. The software does NOT
necessarily need to run on Linux. It can be a Windows application. All
it needs to do is interface with our Postgresql server. Sorry for the
confusion.
Thanks for the heads up about anti-copying technology on
transcripts...it's something we'll have to look into.

What we require is pretty simple: something that grabs
diplomas/transcripts from a scanner and dumps them into our Postgres
database. So far I've had very little luck finding anything of that
nature.

From:	Russell H
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 10:27:09 -1000

Well, this is serious overkill, but it's the tool I know. Kofax Ascent will
scan from a wide variety of scanners. you can set up all kinds of
processes. It comes with a release script that will dump the index data
into a ODBC table and they give you the source code (VB) so you can modify
or write your own release script. Entry price for 5,000 images a month is
$1K.

If you want to spin your own, you might look to Pixtran.com and see what
toolkits they have. They are the folks who do the ISIS drivers so they
interface to darn near everything.

"t2701" wrote in message
news:1104788087.847288.46710@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> A little clarifcation on the Linux part. The software does NOT
> necessarily need to run on Linux. It can be a Windows application. All
> it needs to do is interface with our Postgresql server. Sorry for the
> confusion.
> Thanks for the heads up about anti-copying technology on
> transcripts...it's something we'll have to look into.
>
> What we require is pretty simple: something that grabs
> diplomas/transcripts from a scanner and dumps them into our Postgres
> database. So far I've had very little luck finding anything of that
> nature.
>

From:	edoc
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Tue, 04 Jan 2005 14:21:40 GMT

Do you want the software to index the diploma automatically or will you be
entering a keyword manually when you import the diploma?

I think eDocShare for Windows could be made to work for you and it's free at
www.edocshare.com

Regards,
Lane

"t2701" wrote in message
news:1104788087.847288.46710@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>A little clarifcation on the Linux part. The software does NOT
> necessarily need to run on Linux. It can be a Windows application. All
> it needs to do is interface with our Postgresql server. Sorry for the
> confusion.
> Thanks for the heads up about anti-copying technology on
> transcripts...it's something we'll have to look into.
>
> What we require is pretty simple: something that grabs
> diplomas/transcripts from a scanner and dumps them into our Postgres
> database. So far I've had very little luck finding anything of that
> nature.
>

From:	rwoodson
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 09:41:20 -0800

Lane

What is your connection with eDocShare? Over the last year or so I have
noticed you pushing eDocShare several times.

If you work for Precursor Solutions (eDocShare) you should reveal it.

It is completely OK if you do!!! In fact, if you work for a
document management software company, you automatically get expert points,
we just need to know why and where the bias.

While I have not downloaded or tested eDocShare, I have however checked
it out on their web site. It appears to be an adequate tool for a smaller
shop. I assume you can add attribute fields, but how many, and how easily? I
do not see any routing or workflow so this product would fall into a
(primarily) repository class. The freeware classification for the windows
version certainly gives it value, but the industry direction is toward the
web version of the product.

"edoc" wrote in message
news:UDxCd.693619$nl.553364@pd7tw3no...
> Do you want the software to index the diploma automatically or will you be
> entering a keyword manually when you import the diploma?
>
> I think eDocShare for Windows could be made to work for you and it's free
at
> www.edocshare.com
>
> Regards,
> Lane
>
>
> "t2701" wrote in message
> news:1104788087.847288.46710@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> >A little clarifcation on the Linux part. The software does NOT
> > necessarily need to run on Linux. It can be a Windows application. All
> > it needs to do is interface with our Postgresql server. Sorry for the
> > confusion.
> > Thanks for the heads up about anti-copying technology on
> > transcripts...it's something we'll have to look into.
> >
> > What we require is pretty simple: something that grabs
> > diplomas/transcripts from a scanner and dumps them into our Postgres
> > database. So far I've had very little luck finding anything of that
> > nature.
> >
>
>

From:	edoc
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Wed, 05 Jan 2005 08:41:23 GMT

Hi there,

Oh... I am not hiding my association at all. In fact, you are correct. I am
a programmer/analyst with Precursor Solutions and have developed most of the
Windows version. I am assigned to the customization/development of the
Windows version and I also answer support inquiries... I am the "go between
guy" I guess.

My development efforts are focused on the paying customers of course, but
when I am not busy, I work on the Windows version.

Yes, we did drop mySQL unfortunately because there was absolutely "no"
demand/request for the compatibility over a one-year period and the efforts
required to maintain the compatibility were too time consuming. We actually
prefer mySQL because it is much faster and a lighter footprint; cost less
too:) But, you have to go with the flow in the marketplace I guess.

I frequently monitor the newsgroups hoping to find potential customers/users
and once in a while I do "plug" the newsgroup as well (no shame). I'm
always hoping eDocShare can help someone out. I actually, personally, prefer
to push the Windows version for free because it's a very good app, scalable,
lots of potential, free and fun to develop.

Your comment about eDocShare being more for a smaller shop is not nec.
correct. We believe there are a lot of businesses out there in the market,
big and small that have an absolute requirement for some sort of management
application, windows or web-based but do not want/need all the features and
functionality that BLOT most applications out there on the market now.

We deal with a lot of inquiries from companies who are not interested in
those applications that are packed full of functionality that you WILL
require consulting services to set it up, train your employees and maintain
the system for you because they are so complex. We have several large
companies using our product, a few are using the web-edition with over 500
employees in four locations across the US and Canada.

What we like to do is market eDocShare as sort of a "starter DMS", and we'll
customize it for your needs. Yes, this does scare a lot of companies but
really, the purchase of eDocShare and then some customized processes is
still a fraction of what you pay for the "larger" packages out there. I
don't think you can classify a software product in relation to the size of
the company.

Well, that is my story and I'm stickin' with it. Hope I have not bored
anyone too much :)

Best Regards,
Lane
aka eDoc

"rwoodson" wrote in message
news:crekg4$43g$1@nntp1.jpl.nasa.gov...
> Lane
>
> What is your connection with eDocShare? Over the last year or so I have
> noticed you pushing eDocShare several times.
>
> If you work for Precursor Solutions (eDocShare) you should reveal it.
>
> It is completely OK if you do!!! In fact, if you work for a
> document management software company, you automatically get expert points,
> we just need to know why and where the bias.
>
> While I have not downloaded or tested eDocShare, I have however checked
> it out on their web site. It appears to be an adequate tool for a smaller
> shop. I assume you can add attribute fields, but how many, and how easily?
> I
> do not see any routing or workflow so this product would fall into a
> (primarily) repository class. The freeware classification for the windows
> version certainly gives it value, but the industry direction is toward the
> web version of the product.
>
>
> "edoc" wrote in message
> news:UDxCd.693619$nl.553364@pd7tw3no...
>> Do you want the software to index the diploma automatically or will you
>> be
>> entering a keyword manually when you import the diploma?
>>
>> I think eDocShare for Windows could be made to work for you and it's free
> at
>> www.edocshare.com
>>
>> Regards,
>> Lane
>>
>>
>> "t2701" wrote in message
>> news:1104788087.847288.46710@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>> >A little clarifcation on the Linux part. The software does NOT
>> > necessarily need to run on Linux. It can be a Windows application. All
>> > it needs to do is interface with our Postgresql server. Sorry for the
>> > confusion.
>> > Thanks for the heads up about anti-copying technology on
>> > transcripts...it's something we'll have to look into.
>> >
>> > What we require is pretty simple: something that grabs
>> > diplomas/transcripts from a scanner and dumps them into our Postgres
>> > database. So far I've had very little luck finding anything of that
>> > nature.
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

From:	rwoodson
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Tue, 4 Jan 2005 10:00:51 -0800

Tarun

Lane brings up an interesting point. How do you want to do indexing? Do
you want it automatic? or are you willing to enter the information as
metadata on the document / image.

I suspect that anything automatic will take a fair amount of
programming. How many times a day will you have to do this, and is it worth
the cost of automating that part of the process?

While I have not downloaded or tested eDocShare, I have however checked
it out on their web site. It appears to be an adequate tool for a smaller
shop. I assume you can add attribute fields, but how many, and how easily? I
do not see any routing or workflow so this product would fall into a
(primarily) repository class of tools. The freeware classification for the
windows version certainly gives it value, but the industry direction is
toward the web version of the product. This might serve as an interim
solution because the price is right. This product runs on SQLServer, so you
will have to verify that the database can be converted to PostgreSQL. There
was a note in their news section that they were dropping support for MySQL.
You might want to question WHY it has to be PostgreSQL compatible.

My suggestion is to do a requirements list. What are all the things you
want the solution to do, then post it on this board.

"edoc" wrote in message
news:UDxCd.693619$nl.553364@pd7tw3no...
> Do you want the software to index the diploma automatically or will you be
> entering a keyword manually when you import the diploma?
>
> I think eDocShare for Windows could be made to work for you and it's free
at
> www.edocshare.com
>
> Regards,
> Lane
>
>
> "t2701" wrote in message
> news:1104788087.847288.46710@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> >A little clarifcation on the Linux part. The software does NOT
> > necessarily need to run on Linux. It can be a Windows application. All
> > it needs to do is interface with our Postgresql server. Sorry for the
> > confusion.
> > Thanks for the heads up about anti-copying technology on
> > transcripts...it's something we'll have to look into.
> >
> > What we require is pretty simple: something that grabs
> > diplomas/transcripts from a scanner and dumps them into our Postgres
> > database. So far I've had very little luck finding anything of that
> > nature.
> >
>
>

From:	rwoodson
Subject:	Re: Image Scanning
Date:	Mon, 3 Jan 2005 14:37:06 -0800

I think you are looking for two different software products. Both
products may be from the same company, but they do two different things.

The first product is the scanning software, and usually comes packaged with
the software. The second software is the document / image management
software with it's metadata fields that hold the data you want.

Why do you have a PostgreSQL requirement? Is it because you already have a
document / image management software that resides in PostgreSQL? Or is it
because of the cost? If you do not already have the Docman software but
still want to use PostgreSQL, you must get software that is ODBC compliant,
as you can then point to the PostgreSQL database.

You might want to consider some OCR software as a third software to
allow some automation of the scanning process.

"t2701" wrote in message
news:1104788087.847288.46710@c13g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> A little clarifcation on the Linux part. The software does NOT
> necessarily need to run on Linux. It can be a Windows application. All
> it needs to do is interface with our Postgresql server. Sorry for the
> confusion.
> Thanks for the heads up about anti-copying technology on
> transcripts...it's something we'll have to look into.
>
> What we require is pretty simple: something that grabs
> diplomas/transcripts from a scanner and dumps them into our Postgres
> database. So far I've had very little luck finding anything of that
> nature.
>