I have worked with the new Jaws 16 Document OCR and found it to be quite effective. There are some observations I can make in hopes that this might help some of the list members whom are having trouble with that feature.
I have attached a typical .pdf document. I hope that Mailman won't strip it out. 1. The new Document OCR works on the type of .pdf document which cannot be read normally by Jaws. This document is what is sometimes referred to as an "imaged .pdf document". Rather than an actual copy of the document in its original form, a photocopy is made which is then transmitted. For the sighted user, this does not present a problem since the document is visible when opened. That kind of document can be exported to an exterior program such as Open Book which then scans the document and is able to read it. Microsoft Word has a feature which can also convert the imaged material but it can be difficult to use. 2. When a document like this is opened, the only thing a Jaws user will hear is "Alert! Empty document" At that point, the new Document OCR can be very helpful. 1. Press Insert+Spacebar. Wait for the spoken confirmation, then press the letter D. A spoken confirmation will be heard: "Document OCR Started." Please note. This process is very slow. Once it has started, there is no way to tell whether the process is working unless the user tries to Alt Tab away from that screen. In that event, a message is spoken: "Document OCR In Progress. Gathering elements." If anyone would like a copy of it sent to them personally, I will be happy to do that. I believe what might be causing the concern expressed by some of the list members is the silence once the command is engaged and the length of time it takes to process a document. This is a five page document describing the condition of a house and detailing issues that the new owner might encounter. The results aren't perfect by any means but they are much better than anything OCR has been able to accomplish up till now. For the record, processing a five page imaged .pdf takes about two to three minutes. Once the operation is completed, Jaws begins reading immediately. MY most sincere compliments to the designers at Freedom Scientific for their efforts in perfecting this valuable tool. JOHN AND LINDA JUSTICE WITH GUIDE DOGS JAKE AND CALYPSO PERSONAL E-MAIL: <mailto:john_just...@verizon.net> john_just...@verizon.net For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit: http://www.jaws-users.com/help/