Non-binding-breaking Book scanners (Was: Looking for PDP handbook

Yes, but, . . . I've participated in building a few similar devices. Instead of the two sides MEETING in a V, there should be an open area right at the spine to accomodate the greater thickness of the spine itself. Having the two side panels able to slide up and down, with pegs, a few inches would accomodate that and permit a varying amount of spine clearance. Lighting. Ideally, lighting for copy work should be at a 45 degree (1/4PI) angle. That way specular reflection (glare) from glass cover (still needed occasionally!) or even just glossy paper, is not going towards the camera. If the trough faces north/south, then that can be done with light(s) north and south of the unit. Using two lights makes it much easier to get acceptably even illumination. Some people prefer various forms of diffuse light, or coaxial lighting ("ring" light). Having the camera at a fixed position relative to the work holder is great IFF you are doing consistent size. Different sizes could be dealt with through variable focal length ("zoom") lenses, but that is not always the ideal solution. I like to use FLAT-FIELD lenses, which are generally fixed focal length (sometimes called "primary lenses"). Enlarger lenses are an extremely cheap source for those. Being able to move the camera/work distance closer/farther requires a movable mount to change distance, but keep the camera centered relative to the work. North/south motion can be easily handled by moving the book along the trough, preferably with a fence, or simple bench-dog stops. The other motion generally requires the camera mount to be a pole at a 45 degree (1/4PI radians) angle relative to the work. Since the work is at a 45 degree angle from vertical, that means that the pole can be VERTICAL, with the camera mount aimed at a 45 degree angle. The post should be offset slightly from the north/south center, with the movable camera mounts holding the cameras at 45 degree angle (preferably with the focal node close to that central plane). Positioning of the book would require placing it so that it is centered north/south (calibration marks, as well as fence or bench-dogs, are very helpful!) and moving the camera up and down and focussing for distance. NOTE: use of other than 90 degree (1/2 PI radians) for the book holder would require further changes! -- Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin at xenosoft.com