It just occurred to me that it should be possible to write OCR software
to read punchcards on your scanner. Not that I have any punchcards
mind you, more of an intellectual exercise, but has anyone written
such a thing?
Also, if you're desperate for a punchcard reader I suspect you could
make an acceptable one with Lego Mindstorms. You'd have to use
one of the popular input multiplexing schemes, and probably program it
in nqc or legos, but it should be possible. Using the RCX's motor
controllers and a couple motors and tires you should even be able to make it
automatic feed. In fact, come to think of it, you SHOULD be able to
build the thing with... lessee. two motors, a couple tires, and the
light sensor. 'course your software on the RCX would have to translate
awhat amounts to the scan of a card into data, but if the sensor is
precise enough to tell holes from chads, I can think of a couple ways to
do this.
--
Jim Strickland
jim_at_DIESPAMMERSCUMcalico.litterbox.com
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Received on Fri Jun 22 2001 - 11:57:11 BST