I need to legibly scan/digitize whole newspapers. The sheets are roughly 34 x 24 inches (86 x 60 cm). The scanner on my printer is way too small. I’ve tried several (Android) phone apps, but they only operate on single photos, making small text illegible.
It feels like there should be an app for this. A document scanner that stitches images together like a panoramic photo. But I haven’t found anything quite suitable.
I would greatly prefer a free (or cheap) solution. This is hopefully a one-time thing. I don’t want to buy a flatbed scanner or send the documents away to some company.
I’d appreciate your thoughts.
I don’t have the dedication to set up a vacuum table, but the note about the black fabric is incredibly useful! Never would’ve thought of that.
I started out adjusting brightness levels on a histogram during or after scanning, but then realized a dark backing would make the printing invisible and save me the effort. I use black cardboard when scanning newspaper or magazine clippings in a flatbed scanner, but I figured cloth would let vacuum through. I think there are vacuum tables made for engraving and woodworking applications, or an air hockey game table might work with the blower reversed.