Mr. Malinowski asks about optical roll readers.  He might be interested
to look at our recently formed Yahoo e-group devoted to the construction
of roll scanners based on Contact Image Sensor [CIS] arrays.  The
advantage of this method is that, although optical and highly accurate,
it does not require the use of lenses and long optical paths.  It is
thus ideally suited to the home constructor.

Anyone can join our group simply by logging on to http://groups.yahoo.com/
ask for "rollscanners", then let Yahoo tell you how to join.  It's free!

The site contains details on the construction of a primitive but fully
functional scanner based on this technique.  Several machines are under
construction by various members and their collective wisdom and
experience should lead to great advances in the design.  We can help
with details on sources of supply and are even in the process of
setting up an informal manufacturing service for the construction of
the small amount of electronic hardware required.

Richard Stibbons
Cromer, England