Convert documents to mind maps with Mindsystems ThemeReader
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You’ve decided to add MindManager to your software toolkit. You have a drive full of documents that you would like to convert to mind Maps. How do you make that happen?
You use Mindsystems ThemeReader. Powered by Cirilab’s Knowledge Generation Engine, Mindsystems ThemeReader analyses a file or document, using proprietary algorithms, looking for recurring themes. It then takes those themes and builds a MindManager map or a KnowledgeLink Tree.
I downloaded the 21–day trial version an gave it a test. I ran a number of MS Word documents through the engine: from a one-page memo through to a twenty-page white page. ThemeReader did a pretty good of capturing principle themes and mapping them.
You have the option to set the depth at which the document is scanned. If you need a snap shot or a deep analysis, you can adjust the depth and speed of the process.
The mind maps that were generated had the document file name as the main node. The first sub node is a document review with three further sub branches: synopsis, detailed summary and a link to the full document. The last sub node is product information from Mindsystem. I don’t know if that is on the trial version or on all versions. The sub nodes between have the results of the engine’s scan along with document clips in the notes of each branch.
I was fascinated by this product and played with the trial a fair bit. I think it’s the type of product where you have to test it yourself to see if it would have any practical application.
Supported file extensions:
- doc (Word®)
- docx (New Office® 2007)
- ppt (PowerPoint®)
- xls (Excel® Files)
- pdf (Adobe Documents)
- htm (Web pages)
- html (Web pages)
- xml (Dynamic web)
- shtml (Dynamic web)
- php (Dynamic web)
Some of the reasons-to-buy list on the product website:
- Greatly Enhance Efficiency: Can’t see the forest for the trees? Understand complex documents easily and cut down your work load dramatically. Avoid information overload by focusing on the relevant themes, stop wasting energy considering irrelevant information.
- Top results FAST / Business grade output: Advanced business features not available in the ThemeReader Basic version such as: custom style control, multi document processing in batch mode and scan depth control mean you will power through complex business documents in no time!
- Unlock Information: Release information that is ‘trapped’ inside traditional documents, help yourself and others to understand the key points in the correct context or even consider new ideas you may have previously missed.
- No job to big or small: Robust technology delivers a rapid automatic analysis of all significant themes in a document of any size (some max limits may apply based on your system specifications).
- Microsoft Word® & WordPerfect® Integration: A ‘Quick Click’ icon is installed in your Microsoft Word® or WordPerfect® toolbar, allowing you to analyze and convert documents from directly within Word®/WordPerfect® itself! (check system requirements)
- Multi Format Support: Convert information from 20 different file types! Word Docs, WordPerfect Files, Emails, PDF, HTML plus many more [see the system requirements tab for a full list of supported file types].
- Point & Click Conversion: Convert any compatible document that is saved locally on your PC or on a network drive. Right click on any supported document type and instantly convert key information into a meaningful MindManager® Map or KnowledgeLink V5 Tree!
- Synopsis Functionality / Analysis Control: Both a synopsis and a detailed summary are produced, allowing you to focus on the overview and then drill down into the detail as required. In the Business edition you can also control the level of analysis complexity.
- Document Management / Legacy Conversion: Process and handle much larger volumes of information and convert older style document systems. Modernize your record keeping and provide your company with a new visual way to review its procedures. Ideal for ‘document heavy’ organisations.
- Language Neutral: Core scanning for high quality results is supported in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. Scanning of documents in other languages is also performed using algorithms that detect patterns in information, but results may vary. For scanning to work you simply need the appropriate Windows® language pack installed.
Mindsystems: Mindsystems ThemeReader
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Hi- I have used ThemeReader and find it to be a very useful tool when paired with MindManager. Check out my blog at http://assistivetek.blogspot.com for my post on ThemeReader