For reference, here is a camera-based DIY automatic book scanner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PE1Z4wl9fk&feature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PE1

For reference, here is a camera-based DIY automatic book scanner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PE1Z4wl9fk&feature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PE1Z4wl9fk&feature=relmf... As far as I can tell, the main advantage of the google device over this one is the ability to keep the book open to less than 90 degrees. Though I think his (close to) 45% damage rate is worse for the books in the aggregate. I'm sure that it could be refined to get the error rate down, but I think that mechanically handling the pages right near the spine (as the google scanner does) may never be that safe.