Archive Scanning Solution

Purpose: Document possible steps towards developing a temporary scanning solution for the digitization of text and books. This project was tentatively though to serve as a potential solution in the event that Reports to the governor of Alaska were unable to be located

Problem: The Stonecorp project foresaw potentially digitizing a number of volumes pertinent to its research scope. UAA’s current solution, while adequate in quality, lacked efficient scanning speed. Fastest scans were limited by having to adjusting the document each page as it could be nudged or otherwise moved, and the solution relied on software -based correction of the binding’s curvature within the picture which warped scanned text and facilitated errors in OCR software.

Solution: Given recent budget restraints, research into possible solutions assumed that little, if any funds could be budgeted for such a project. A bare-bone approach was used with the goal to use technology and hardware on hand of your average citizen.[1] Upon completion of this document it is found that this solution is not ideal. UAF and the state archive have systems for digitization. Both entities allow the use of their archiving equipment for a fee.

Alternatively, an undergraduate can develop an overly complicated but relatively cheap solution which meets the minimum NARA archiving standards. It could be used in rural applications where technology is scarce or budget cannot allow for larger technology expenditures; additionally, the provided solution can be disassembled for compact storage and transportation to third part sites; however this solution requires moderate technology knowledge and assumes the user’s understanding of basic networking and system technologies such as remoting into embedded systems.

Alternative Solution: Find the requested documents already digitized in a third-party archive

Advisory: This proposed solution requires the construction of a adjustable book cradle. David Landin’s PVC pipe design is of adequate build; its construction is included. It is advised to add a black fabric to act as a shroud, draped atop the structure to reduce glare and improve.  Lastly, steps are only included for Windows and Ubuntu Linux systems.

Required Hardware:

Required Software:

Configuration

Enable Android device’s ‘Developer Mode’

Device’s ‘Settings`’ > ‘About phone’ > ‘Build number’

Tap ‘Build Number’ seven times in quick succession

Acquire ADB

Ubuntu

"sudo apt update && sudo apt install android-tools-adb"

Windows

  • Attach Android device by USB cables to computer
  • List Connected Devices
adb devices –l
  • A serial number should appear if the preceding steps have been done and you are using a data USB cable
  • View device’s IP from the device’s menu: settings > About Phone > Status
  • Open the port for network connection 
adb tcpip 5555
  • If you are using more than one device, repeat the command and increase the port number by one.
  • Disconnect the device
  • Connect to the devices over network
"sudo adb connect <device-ip-address>:5555
  • If you are using more than one device, repeat the command and increase the port number by one.

Capture a photo

start the adb server

adb start-server

Instruct Android device to enter image capture and take snapshot

adb -s <device serial> shell "am start -a android.media.action.IMAGE_CAPTURE" && sleep 1 && adb shell "input keyevent 27"

once completed, move stored photos to local computer to be edited by ScanTailor

adb -s <device-serial> pull sdcard/DCIM/Camera C:\<device-serial>

Terminology:

What is a Raspberry Pi?
Raspberry Pi is a low cost, credit-card sized computer. It has the capabilities of a desktop computer including network capabilities. It may be used in a wide array of digital application projects, including servers and weather stations.

What is ADB?
ADB, Android Debug Bridge, is a command-line utility included with Google’s Android SDK. ADB can control an android device over USB or network through a computer, transfer files, manage applications, and run shell commands.

Additional Information

[1] Quality requirements are set by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) – https://www.archives.gov/files/preservation/technical/guidelines.pdf.