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Would it be possible to use one of the cameras to scan buisnesscards ?
And save the info. to the contacts ?
Just a thought...
Superb Idea.
Would need an accurate scanning software and image to text conversion - but I think it's a very good idea.
Dont believe this is possible. Business cards dont have any set layout. How would you be able to tell the persons name apart from their company name, etc?
I did a google, and it has already been done:
Motorola Ming phone.
The two megapixel camera found on MING allowed engineers to incorporate a business card scanner and optical-character recognition software.
The two megapixel camera found on MING allowed engineers to incorporate a business card scanner and optical-character recognition software.
MING incorporates the industry's leading Chinese handwriting recognition software, now upgraded to recognize Pinyin input.
yeah, it can't easily be done automatically - but you can certainly grab the text with some OCR and then manually tell it where to stuff the data. Obviously some distinction can be made... e.g.
[plain strings]
name
company name
job title
['word' with an @ and a . in it in that order]
e-mail
[starting with 'http' or 'www']
website
[bunch of numbers]
phone
fax
btw... for someting not entirely similar but sorta neat, and involving the camera as well, see ShotCodes; http://www.shotcode.com/
Basically they're 'bar codes' that point to some file that you would automatically download after the camera takes a picture of one of those shotcode bits
The SE P990 has a built in business card scanner "out of the box", so it's certainly possible. Not sure exactly how they've implemented it though. I guess I'll have to wait 'til I have one to find out...
read this...
its alread in the Hermes..
http://translate.google.com/transla...http://www.ppcreviews.net/content/view/737/7/
Not really a universal solution but I read somewhere that the next version of OneNote for Microsoft Office 2007 is supposed to have this kind of functionality included with it.
Although there is a mobile version of this being prepared too but I don't know how much of these features it will have.
You might want to check this out:
http://www.scanr.com/bc.aspx
I would love a piece of software like this on my universal. I believe abbyy have an SDK for OCR for just about any ppc platform. Wouldn't have a clue on developing my own one. It can be found here http://www.abbyy.com/sdk/?param=56223
Google have a free OCR engine if anyone's writing an app.
V
Im not sure how good OCR software are now. At times when I was checking it out, they were terrible, consider that I tried the 'world leader' in OCR software (I think it is called Omnipage). And, (the one I've tested) OCR don't just do visual recognition, but it also check the grammer, so it is language dependant. So, it will start giving you rubbish if you have technical terms and equations on it. I'm not sure how good a OCR software can be using the terrible camera (eg my Wizard) on the phone.
However, having said that, those little bar code thinky are pretty impressive. I think I've tested the Japan version of the barcode like scanning thing, QRCode, which is widely popular now in Japan (as I've read). However, the sad thing is that, this 'thing' is not universal. I think US they have their very own code and.. Europe has their very own code. So, business card wise, probably you want to consider putting such codes onto your business card.
rattler said:
read this...
its alread in the Hermes..
http://translate.google.com/transla...http://www.ppcreviews.net/content/view/737/7/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this application integratetd in ROM, or installed via ExtROM? If it is in ExtROM I guess we could rip it out an install it on any WM5 device with camera.
Regards
PK
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned on the board yet but I found a program called "Worldcard Mobile" yesterday and am, very, very impressed.
It 's a program used to automatically enter business card data into contacts using the Tytn's built in camera. The app automates the shooting of pics of business cards, the subsequent OCR recognition and the saving of data as a contact card (see below) in a quick and easy workflow.
The program works unbelievably well. Very cool, really.
One note: Although the web site doesn't explicitly mention it, the "trial" version is not fully functional, you can not save the data you generate to contacts or anywhere else.
Nevertheless, IMHO it's worthwhile to install just to see it work.
A few important points:
1. put your camery into macro mode by using the little switch next to the lens before snapping
2. for best results I've found that using the Tytn's flash while shooting results in near perfect pics/recognition.
3. I'm not sure if this is another "trial" limitation (since penpower don't say what they are), but the address area of the business card is not recoginised by default, you must us the "browse" button and put a box arround the area to recognise it (see manual).
4. The install requires about 10MB but works fine installed on my memory card.
Although, I ordered a license from the company's yahoo shop (US$24) yesterday and received a order confirmation, there is no notice of how/when I will receive the Product ID necessary to enable the fully version. I hope to get it when they get back into the office on Monday ???!!
The app download and user manual (worthwhile) can be found here:
http://www.penpower.net/enversion/product/wc_mobile.html
Have fun
M.
This is perfect! I'm going to try this out for sure!
For all those people I meet who still hand me their cards instead of bluethoothing me their contact info. How old fashioned ;-)
In singapore at least, this is bundled with 838pro......
I tried it with my device, this is amazing. about 95% of the data came right, the software is very intuitive. I am really impressed.
Is it part of the Dopod Extended ROM?
goestoeleven said:
Is it part of the Dopod Extended ROM?
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nope its not, the 838pros have this app in a separate cd.
yep, pretty good stuff i say.
RonenB said:
I tried it with my device, this is amazing. about 95% of the data came right, the software is very intuitive. I am really impressed.
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Does not work very well with my TyTN. Among other things, it seems almost incapable of recognizing text in italics. I tried to scan a number of business cards and it only recognized regular typeface text.
/POL
too bad no one hosts the version that comes on the DoPod
works great for me, $25...not so sure about that one.
BTW Got the key on yesterday. The export to contacts works flawlessly. No other features were enabled after registration.
Cheers,
M.
thinksmart said:
BTW Got the key on yesterday. The export to contacts works flawlessly. No other features were enabled after registration.
how did you get the key? per email? the yahoo shop talks about actually sending the product per fedex!!! which costs extra 55 dollar to europe, double the price of the product itself. why don't they only send the key per email?
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Click to collapse
Interesting product - are there any other camera/character recognition programs out there -not necessairily that sync with contacts?
Richard
research12 said:
thinksmart said:
BTW Got the key on yesterday. The export to contacts works flawlessly. No other features were enabled after registration.
how did you get the key? per email? the yahoo shop talks about actually sending the product per fedex!!! which costs extra 55 dollar to europe, double the price of the product itself. why don't they only send the key per email?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it via email. The total cost was USD 24.
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You've sent all credit card info's and your signature in a FAX?
Is the only way I've found in the website, too dangerous for me... or there is some other way?
sergiopi said:
You've sent all credit card info's and your signature in a FAX?
Is the only way I've found in the website, too dangerous for me... or there is some other way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click "Buy" here and you'll be taken to their US yahoo shop: http://www.asiazest.com/mobilestd.html[/url
hy i have a wizard, does anyone know of a similar app
this will not install on the wizard due to memory issues
WorldCard Mobile: Issues with German Business Cards
At least for German business cards, WorldCard Mobile only works to a limited extend:
While the OCR recognition is quite good, it usually doesn´t associate text with the right contents. I tried it with about 20 business cards. It always recognized items like WWW-Address, EMail., Phone numbers etc.. correctly. However, it did not find address and company names.
I presume the reason is that the english version doesn´t understand how to find german style postal codes, street names etc...
Thus, the program is not sufficient for me, because I need to complete the contact data manually. In this case, I type in the whole information on my PC rather than scanning it partially and adding the address manually on my Tytn / T-Mobil Vario II.
anyone have trial version cab file? their ftp is down
Web based Version
go to www.scanr.com.
Does the same thing just web based...no app to install.
Brad
The manual for my Advantage x7501 states on page 224 that I should find the Srite Backup program on my Applications disk. The only disk I received in the box was the Getting Started disk.
Can someone confirm if there should be a second cd with applications on it?
I'll try sending an email to HTC and find out if I'm missing a cd. The Getting Started Guide seems to suggest there should have been 2 cds in the box.
I only got the "Getting Started" disc with mine. I have not even opened it so I cannot vouch for what's on it.
If that's the case, then something is not matching up with the documents versus what we received.
Page 3 of the Getting Started Guide indicates that there are "Getting Started and Application Discs".
Page 224 of the User Manual indicated I will find Sprite Backup on the Application Disc.
It may appear that either a packaging error occurred with these units and the Application Disc was not put in, or somebody forgot to update the manuals to make no mention of this disc.
ARGH! HTC gives conflicting info!
OK. Sent an email off to HTC support. The oh-so-helpful response was to tell me to phone up the HTC Advantage support line.
Fine. Called it. One good thing, 1 ring and I got to talk to a real live person.
Explained to him how the manuals state I should have received an applications disc. His response was that all the manuals are the same for the European (x7500) and North American (x7501) machines and that the Europeans get the Application disc which includes the Sprite Backup and also the Tom Tom software.
Got nowhere with him after that, but did explain my displeasure at the conflicting information.
It was after I hung up that I also realized I was not totally convinced with his answer. Reason for that is I know the x7500 has a front mounted camera, and nowhere in the manual or illustrations is it shown. So the manuals I have are for the x7501.
Sigh. But HTC will of course hold their ground with the differing machines with the same manual explanation.
I would have thought it more likeley that in some markets in the US/Canada it was offered as a sales incentive but not others, the manual probably has some small print somewhere to that effect. I must admit I've never even looked at my manual!
If you want Sprite backup though it's worth heading over to Modaco as it's a free benefit when you pay to become a 'Plus' member, just one of many benefits which easily outweigh the cost of membership and you get a lot more info than can be found in any manual!
Just a thought....
When writing my review of the X7501 I too noticed that some value-added software mentioned in the manual was not on device nor on CD. I asked HTC's PR firm and they said the same thing- editing omission for the X7501 version's manual.
Awesome! A Shift section of its own. Now if we can just get our hands on some working models.
I'm hopeful someone can crack the stupid dumbed down version of WM that HTC is installing and figure out how to get WM6 on this beauty. The two dumbest things I've read so far are that a.) the PDA side can't access the SD card slot (that's even more idiotic than not being able to access the hard drive IMO), and the SnapVue program itself. I understand their desire to save licensing costs, but the whole decision to isolate the PDA side sounds like a deal they made with the telecoms - forcing the PDA side to only interact with the laptop side only through the telecom's system (where they can charge you with a data plan) is idiotic. Personally, I expect to use this device as a stand-alone laptop and not even use the 3G/HSPDA - I've already got that on my Trinity and paying for two full data plans makes zero sense. If anything, I'd like to do a BT modem lash-up through my phone.
If anyone's looking for some ideas to hack this thing, my personal wish list is:
1.) Get WM6 installed instead of SnapVue (may be a problem given the screen resolution tho)
2.) Unlock the SD card for the PDA side
3.) Unlock the hard drive for the PDA side (this would be HUGE)
Just imagine - you're on a flight, you watch a full movie on the PDA side off an SD card, using low battery consumption, then in the airport you tap into the WiFi and log into your work network to get work done, then later at the hotel you plug in and do some real work on the laptop side. Add in checking your push email on the cab ride to your hotel (PDA side, full keyboard) if you choose the HSPDA activation. That's my dream machine! now if I only knew enough code to make it happen! <grin>
Mike
Having been in the postion of carrying around (for several years)
a good data PDA (this means a Psion)
and a phone
and a Windows Mobile PDA (often an XDA so that makes for 2 devices total)
I have been waiting for Mr Shift to arrive since its first showing in early 2007.
In November the PDF manuals were available from FCC ... what a total disappointment. Did somebody from Apple join HTC? Did they close the architecure at every possible moment ... We need at least:
a) Ability to run full WM6
b) Ability to install any WM6 application
c) Ability to use it as a (very large) telephone
d) Ability to let the PDA part of the Shift be able to access the local Vista and a remote Windows machine
Many people (like me) use their Windows mobile PDA to act as a bridge from their work outlook (probably server) and their home Outlook standalone.
Currently my XDA's or equivalent forms that important link from my Work calendar, tasks and contacts, and my home calendar, tasks and contacts.
Any PDA replacement needs to be able to at least do that!
e) If using a 3G SIM and appropriate data plan then access via this to the Interweb from both PDA and PC sides.
The Shift would seem to make a pretty decent UMPC and it includes a keyboard, but as-is it seems the PDA function and the phone function are an insult to ones intelligence.
Sorry about the grumpy post!
we all
Hi,
No need to appologise.
I think we all feel the same about is.
The choises HTC made make no sence at all and make the PDA side of the shift nothing more than some kind of side-show.
Like everyone else I´d like a FULL pda side. With all normal apps (including office). Doing without phone capabilities might not keep me form buying the shift but if it has not got full pda functionality then it is totaly uninteresting. I would buy a small notebook with longer battery life. (and with XP for that matter).
So it´s time for the guys at HTC to wake up!
Maybe they could make different versions? I would be willing to pay a bit more for a version with full WM6...
Greetz,
Pfeffa-rah
Pfeffa-rah said:
Hi,
Maybe they could make different versions? I would be willing to pay a bit more for a version with full WM6...
Greetz,
Pfeffa-rah
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How I agree!
Huib
I agree with everyone that the droned down version of this device sucks, but don't blame HTC. Blame vaporware maker Dualcor for their once great idea and not can't be found Dualcor PPC. It was suppose to run windows, and windows mobile and be a phone. After some time, they realized they couldn't do the phone thing and eventually the product, to my knowledge, was never fully released. HTC can't put the full version of windows mobile to due copyright infringment. Dualcor even stated it.
http://www.dualcor.com/
The link will take you to their website and if you read through, it was innovative and great and never really came about.
Can you truly blame HTC for doing the right thing and infringing? I would love for HTC to take Dualcor to court.
In an old saying that applies to dualcor, "either sh*t or get off the pot!"
Just my two cents. Flame away!
dont worry
hey we have a forum here (the best darn forum in the world) n boy we will get this device to perform as we want to. it may take time and help from the gurus out there but it WILL be done so lets just get our wallets / purses at the ready and hope htc release the shift this decade??
landshark said:
1.) Get WM6 installed instead of SnapVue (may be a problem given the screen resolution tho)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhm... SnapVue is just a name HTC came up with... what it *actually* is, is just a little DLL they wrote that overlays the WM6 taskbars so that you can't tap on them... I know because I've already gotten my hands on the relevant material and ported SnapVue to the Athena... what's more, I've also patched the DLL so that it doesn't disable the taskbars any more... assuming we can use Activesync to do our dirty business for us in terms of getting new certificates on the damn thing (failing that it'll be SPL hacking time) then it won't be a problem.
the proper Vista OS is interesting too... it's actually deployed in a bastardised sort of Symantec Ghost image type thing, but it weighs in at 8GB so there's not a bloody chance in hell you'll be seeing updates to this in their entirety.
Hey guys I'm new to this forum and everything that you guys do here(so if you could use a little patients with me i would appreciate it), but this forum has helped me to do some cool things with my htc titan, and for that i thank you. Now i ask you what kind of mods do you think will come out for the shift? There are some great developers here that can do some cool things, and from reading this topic do i correctly gather that it is possible to put wm6 on the shift, and it is impossible to put xp on the shift? sorry for the long post, but one last thing. What service provider and plan would be offered for the shift or what would be best for the shift?
Hi all,
I am looking at purchasing either a netbook, or this Acer Iconia Tablet. One reason I am buying either of these is for viewing and editing/creating word documents. Obviously this can be done on a netbook, but can this similarly be done using this/any android tablet?
I have read about Documents to Go app however not fully aware of the functionalities etc (are you able to create new documents?). If yes, is the editing and viewing of the documents on the app/tablet good, i.e. easy? (with a USB keyboard)?
I'm not interested in the full editing found in desktop PC's or anything, just the basic write, read, edit, create.
Thanks for your time, appreciate all input.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
I use Documents to Go on my Iconia, very pleased with it. Thus far, I haven't found anything of substance that I can't do. I have a Bluetooth keyboard, but rarely use it.
I got docs to go and it has been able to do everything I need so far. I have only edited my resume on it, but it has worked perfectly. I also set up my printer to use with my tablet.
Ok thank you very much for your fast responses! Are you able to create a new document? or are you only able to edit other documents already on the device?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
i use quick office hd version, it's customized for the honeycomb and works well
beaver2233 said:
Hi all,
I am looking at purchasing either a netbook, or this Acer Iconia Tablet. One reason I am buying either of these is for viewing and editing/creating word documents. Obviously this can be done on a netbook, but can this similarly be done using this/any android tablet?
I have read about Documents to Go app however not fully aware of the functionalities etc (are you able to create new documents?). If yes, is the editing and viewing of the documents on the app/tablet good, i.e. easy? (with a USB keyboard)?
I'm not interested in the full editing found in desktop PC's or anything, just the basic write, read, edit, create.
Thanks for your time, appreciate all input.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use docs to go. I love it. You can create new docs...but it should be noted you need paid version to edit/create. You prob already knew that
gmpdmd said:
I also use docs to go. I love it. You can create new docs...but it should be noted you need paid version to edit/create. You prob already knew that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe yeah sure did. Thanks heaps everyone for your replies gah now decision time, Toshiba nb550d netbook or the iconia... :/
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
What about google docs, I think its pretty nice having my documents in the cloud.
I can't read maths equation on my tab no matter what apps I use. Any suggestion?
dhruvmp said:
What about google docs, I think its pretty nice having my documents in the cloud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Docs to go will work with your google docs, but the google docs app is pretty craptastic itself.
How about a decent software keyboard? One that has 5 rows for a change for those damn numbers.
All keyboards I've seen are simply mobile ones scaled up. They just won't do.
Bec07 said:
How about a decent software keyboard? One that has 5 rows for a change for those damn numbers.
All keyboards I've seen are simply mobile ones scaled up. They just won't do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using Tswipe-Pro. It's free (with a minor nag once in blue moon) customizable (size, type, color) with T9 up top along with number keys and cursor keys as well.
I also concur on the Google Docs app. For viewing, everything else is better. But you can do edits in GDocs, I suppose. I think I missed the big 50% off sale for Docs to Go too--the free app included is good enough for referrence checks for me.
Bec07 said:
How about a decent software keyboard? One that has 5 rows for a change for those damn numbers.
All keyboards I've seen are simply mobile ones scaled up. They just won't do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hackers Keyboard, available in the Market.
gtriever said:
Hackers Keyboard, available in the Market.
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Click to collapse
1+ Been using this for about a week!
Both look awesome!
Nothing compares to MS Word or even OpenOffice.
All the Android office apps have major features missing and problems displaying certain things correctly.
For casual use it's ok, but if this is a major part of your work then I'm afraid an Android tablet wont do it for you.
I have used Docs to go and Quick Office HD. Quick Office HD works better and is the only one I have found that show headers and footers in word docs. Also it works with Dropbox so I sync my work docs and can see and edit them if need be.
Maddmatt said:
Nothing compares to MS Word or even OpenOffice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to differ.
Open office, office 2010 and 2007 just don't display right on earlier versions and unfortunately many institutions don't bother updating since a plug-in is enough for docx or pptx.
I've found open office to misalign lines in pptx over and over again.
Since things don't shine on PCs either and you always have to worry a little about the target device, I thing a tablet is perfect for content creation.
You can always set the paragraphs straight and change styles at home in 2 minutes.